Falling helplessly episode 22

🔥 FALLING

HELPLESSLY 👠

( For his brother’s friend …. 😇 )

Written by:- Williams Kendall____✍🏽

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🏈 CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

The weeks leading up to Christmas break whirled past me like a tornado. I had tried so hærd to grasp onto small moments but time just kept spinning on. Life was a blur of writing papers, taking exams, and trying to remember to eat. If my mom hadn’t sent me home from Thanksgiving with frozen dishes, I would probably have lived off of instant noodles.

I had barely seen Archer since the day we went for breakfast and watched movies with his teammates. The Trojans were on pace to win their Conference Championsh¡ps, so they had gone back to two-a-day training to make sure they were ready. Archer had been so busy with those plus his own final exams that we barely ever met up.

That would hopefully all change today though. Classes had ended a few days ago so I drove home to Bellmere as soon as I packed up my dorm. Archer had to stay and travel with his team to the championsh¡p game. But tonight, they would play and I had no doubt in my mind they’d win. Once he got back home, hopefully, we’d finally get to spend time together.

I was anxious about how we would do that with our families around. I had never been good at lying or keeping secrets but I was so desperate to see Archer, I was determined to make it work. I was sick of only connecting through texts and quick phone calls—it felt like we’d barely even began before we had to be put on pause.

I tried not to worry about whether or not this time apart could fizzle out our spark. The thought had crossed my mind, of course. But Archer texted me often that he missed me and couldn’t wait for Christmas break, so I had to trust that.

“So, what kind of dress are you looking for this year?” My mom asked as she drove us to the mall.

“Something a little more… mature? I’m tired of the princess dresses,” I sighed.

Every year on New Year’s Eve my dad’s company threw a banquet for charity. It was a major event in our small town, always bringing in a large crowd. When I was a child I had thought it was magical to get dolled up in poofy dresses and dance in a ballroom all night. But now, I really hoped to present myself as an adult.

Our shoes clicked on the glossy marble floors as we strolled past each store. I loved this time of year. Red bows and green garland adorned the walls as Christmas carols jingled out of the speakers. I smiled at the Santa Claus that was perched on a gold throne with a line up of children waiting for him.

Ten minutes later I stripped my clothes off in a dressing room while Mom and a sales lady passed me options over the door. The first dress I tried on was clearly my mom’s pick. It was light purple, covered in rhinestones and had a tulle poof. Freakin’ princess dresses.

“Oh, Lotty you look beautiful!” Mom cooed as I walked out. I grimaced in the mirror as I gave them a half-hearted twirl.

“Mom, I said I wanted something more grown-up. This is the exact same dress I wore when I was ten.”

“Well baby you know your dad doesn’t like it too much when the young girls dress too risqué,” Mom tried to appease me.

I turned to the sales lady hoping she could help me out a little. An understanding smile touched her l-ips as she tapped her chin. “I’m sure we could find something a little more mature but still appropriate.” She grabbed a few more options for me to try before giving me a wink and sending me back in the change room.

One dress, in particular, caught my eye immediately. It was slinky but not skin-tight. The deep forest-green lace was cut modestly across my chest but then had a completely exposed back. It felt like the perfect bridge between my parent’s expectations and my own.

My mom’s face was still when I walked out of the dressing room in it. A breath caught in my throat as I watched her apprehensively. Her l-ips pursed slightly as her eyes flicked all over the dress. I was about to turn around in defeat and go change when my mom finally made eye contact with me. Tears glazed her eyes.

“You look beautiful,” she sighed, her voice thick with emotion.

“Do you think Dad will like it?” I asked worriedly.

Mom stepped up to me, patting my face affectionately. “He will love it. It might take him a bit of time to adjust to his baby girl looking like such a young woman—but you look beautiful.” She watched me with a twinkle in her eye as I scanned over the dress. This was definitely it.

“I think Archer would probably like it too,” Mom mused with a cheeky grin.

I stared at her through the mirror trying to figure out if I’d heard her correctly. “W-what do you mean?” I stuttered.

“Oh baby, if you’re trying to keep something a secret maybe don’t make out on the front porch,” my mom laughed.

My mouth dropped open in mortification. “You saw?” I whispered.

“Well, it’s not like I watched,” Mom chided. I walked back into the change room in a haze of confusion. “So, are you two dating?” My mom called over the door.

“I’m not really sure… We haven’t gotten a chance to talk about it,” I replied as I pulled the dress off carefully. “What would you think if I did?”

“Archer is a good boy,” Mom said assuredly. “Troubled sometimes I think—but good. You know your father wasn’t the best guy ever when we first met.”

“Really?” I asked as I walked out.

Mom smiled at me coyly, “Oh yes, when we were in high school I hated him. He fought all the time and was always in detention. He probably would have punched anyone who told him he’d end up working in an office every day and living in the suburbs.”

We walked to the till with my dress, laughing at my parent’s past. “But eventually,” Mom sighed, “your dad shaped up and became the man I love to this day.”

“So you would approve… if Archer and I did date?” I asked as we drove home. I kept my eyes on the trees whizzing by outside the window, nervous for her answer.

“I would never tell you not to,” she said carefully. “I would tell you to be careful though. Archer reminds me a lot of your father actually. trust me, it’s amazing to be loved by a protective man—but you have to make sure you are strong too. Otherwise, they can get carried away.”

“Well, I think it’s a little early to talk about love, Mom.” I laughed trying to lighten the mood.

She flicked her eyes away from the road to smile at me. “Right,” is all she said.

Later that night, I was laying on my bed staring daggers at my phone. Archer would have played his game at 4 this afternoon, but it was now midnight and I hadn’t heard from him. A pang of disappointment stung my heart. I thought he would at least call me to tell me if he won or not.

My eyelids felt heavy and I was about to give up on Archer when my phone buzzed on my th-gh. I sat up quickly grabbing my phone frantically to read the text.

A: Look out your window.

My heart raced as I ran to my window and pushed it open. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the darkness surrounding me, but when they did my l-ips spread into a wide smile.

Archer was standing on our front lawn smirking up at me. My cheeks flushed at how handsome he looked—it had really been a long time since I’d seen him. He was wearing a heavy jean jacket over his usual red plaid button-down with dark p-nts and brown Timberland boots. It was all topped off with a backwards black ball-cap that accentuated his square jaw.

“You’re like my very own Flynn Ryder!” I whispered with a giggle.

Archer screwed up his face. “Who?”

“We wouldn’t have this problem if you let us watch Tangled.” I rolled my eyes playfully—though my smile was still permanent.

“Whatever,” Archer laughed. “I was going for that Rapunzel shit anyways.”

“It hurts. It really does,” I sighed as I rested the palm of my hand on my forehead.

“So are you coming down?” Archer called up, keeping his voice low as he flicked his eyes into the other windows.

Archer chuckled lightly as he rubbed his jaw. “Come on Sweetheart, live a little.”

“What? No way! I would have to sneak out.”

I stared down at him for a moment, deliberating. I had missed him so much and the promise of alone time squeezed my heart with yearning. But I knew my parents would not approve of me going out this late. I felt like a child for caring, but I didn’t like disrespecting them—especially in their house.

Finally, the overwhelming need to be held by Archer won. I threw a crew neck sweater over my leggings before tiptoeing downstairs. I could hear the pew of video game guns coming from behind Oliver’s door, but my parent’s room was silent. I let out a sigh of relief when I made it to the front door without making any noise.

The cold December air prickled my skin as I walked out onto the front porch. The grass was still dry and green of course, but there was a crispness in the air that I loved.

Archer was still standing under my window when I caught sight of him. He spread his arms widely for me as I ran and jumped into his arms. Warmth spread through my chest as his muscular arms squeezed me tightly lifting me so our faces were level.

“We won,” he said simply as he pressed his face into my neck. The slight scratch of his stubble against my sensitive skin momentarily distracted me before I registered that he’d spoken.

“Oh my gosh! I knew you would!” I pulled to slap him on the shoulder.

Archer’s eyes flicked to my l-ips as he tightened his arms around my wa-ist. “Sorry I didn’t call, but the second we won I got in my truck and started driving home. I wanted to celebrate with you in person.” He captured my l-ips for a quick hærd k-ss that left me needy for more. I pouted as he pulled away making him laugh. “Come on, I want to take you somewhere.”

Ten minutes later Archer’s truck rumbled up a dirt road. I bopped around in the passenger seat as the tires hit rocks and poth0les. I had a sneaky suspicion I knew exactly where we were going but I kept quiet. Sure enough, Archer stopped the truck in a familiar grassy clearing with the headlights aimed at the soft glow of our town shining up to us.

“Alright, you have to promise you’ll never tell Ollie I brought you here,” Archer said pointing a serious finger at me.

Everything was clicking into place but I needed a bit more information. “Why’s that?” I prompted.

“We found this place together when we were kids, but we—uh—promised that we’d never bring anyone else here,” Archer said sheepishly.

“That Jerk!” I laughed. “Oliver and I found this place together too… we used to come here all the time. We made the same promise.”

“I’m gonna kill him,” Archer chuckled. “Do you know how guilty I felt about wanting to bring you here?”

“Clearly not bad enough to keep the promise,” I sassed making him poke me in the ribs.

We walked through the clearing hand-in-hand to the lookout. I smiled down at Bellmere as the streetlights made a grid of yellow glowing balls. Archer stepped behind me, tucking me against his chest and dropping his chin onto my head. We stayed like that for a while—silently watching cars drive slowly around the streets below.

Archer’s hands travelled to my stomach, making my pulse quicken. He slowly traced his fingers up until he almost touched my b-ra before brushing down below my belly button. My mouth went dry as tingles fuzzed my brain. Every time his hand skated close to my bre-st, my breath hitched in my throat. I dropped my head back against his bicep, surrendering to his slow exploration.

I didn’t know how to ask for more, but Archer had me wound up so tight—I needed him to keep going. He lifted one hand to gently grasp my chin, turning it up to him. I smiled softly as he dropped his l-ips to mine. The hand still splayed across my stomach held me close to him, while he devoured my mouth.

“I missed you,” he said quietly as he pulled away. I turned around in his arms, wrapping his stomach in a tight hug as I pressed my face into his chest.

“I missed you too,” I whispered. A wave of emotion hit me as I listened to his heart beat consistently in my ear. My arms tightened around him as it hit me how important Archer was to me. It was like listening to the proof of him being here with me—alive and well—made me realize how much I needed it to stay that way.

.

.

.

“Come on Archer, smile!” my mom laughed from behind her phone’s camera. Oliver chuckled from his place next to me, loving every bit of Archer’s discomfort.

It was an Avery family tradition to wear our matching Rudolph sweaters on Christmas day. They were obnoxiously wonderful with the 3D reindeer face popping off the red knit with green specks. My mom had surprised the Johnson family with their own set this year when they came over—much to the chagrin of Archer and his father.

Mr. Johnson had completely refused to put his on—resulting in a few awkward seconds when we all realized how serious he was. Archer had tried to say no as well, but he was much easier to convince. Annie and I had pouted for about two minutes, refusing to talk to him and he folded like a lawn chair.

Now all four of us kids were lined up in front of the tree, while our moms snapped pictures of us. I was tucked under Oliver’s arm, with Archer holding Annie on my other side. His large hand was innocently pressed to my spine, but it still brought a rosiness to my cheeks.

“Arch, my man, the sooner you smile the sooner it’s over,” Oliver laughed as he punched him in the arm.

I looked up at Archer to see him grimace as he pulled at the collar of his sweater. I caught his eye and stuck my tongue out. He rolled his eyes but a tiny smile tugged at his l-ips.

“Get it! Get it!” Annie yelled, jumping excitedly in Archer’s arms as we all laughed at her.

Christmas always made my heart happy and full, but this year really was special. My grandparents were in Arizona all winter so it was just our family and the Johnsons. It was surprisingly easy to be around Archer and my family without spilling the beans. I guess because we would never usually be physical in front of them anyway, so besides not touching—we acted natural. I had to deal with teasing from my mom and Mrs. Johnson the wh0le time, but they promised they’d keep it a secret.

Archer and his dad seemed to have some kind of unspoken agreement to not discuss what happened at Thanksgiving. In fact, they didn’t intEr×¢t at all. I kept forgetting that Mr. Johnson was even in our house. He was like a ghost, skulking around in the background. But other than that, this was the best holiday to date; filled with laughing, eating, and love.

Before I knew it, it was New Year’s Eve and time for the banquet. The Johnson’s would be at our house soon, so we could all leave together. My foot tapped obsessively on the bathroom tile as I tried to do something with my hair. I really wasn’t good at going outside the box with it, but my usual style didn’t fit my dress.

I grabbed my jar of bobby pins with a big huff. I just needed to start something. I twisted random strands of hair then pinned it to the back. By the time I was done my curls were all piled on top of my head. wispy pieces fell out around my face and a few around the curve of my neck.

Once I was dressed I was pretty impressed with myself. The deep green of my dress paired with dramatic lashes made the brown in my eyes seem brighter. This is so flipping elegant, I smiled as I spritzed myself with perfume.

Voices drifted up to me as I left my bedroom. Everyone must already be gathering downstairs. As I came into view my gaze was immediately drawn to Archer. My eyes greedily scoured over him before anyone else noticed. He somehow managed to make even a stiff tuxedo seem cool and relaxed. The perfectly tailored suit accentuated his broad muscles and lean wa-ist. I laughed lightly when I noticed that his unruly waves had gone untouched.

The sound drew attention to me at the top of the stairs. I made my way down to where my mom and dad were waiting for me. I returned their smiles as my dad pulled me into a tight hug. His l-ips were pulled into a tight line as he blinked several times and cleared his throat.

“You look beautiful, Lotty,” he said as though there was a frog in his throat. “If everyone could gather around we’ll have a toast before we go,” Dad added as my mom passed out champagne glasses. I waited for the apple juice that Annie and I were both usually given but was surprised when I got the alcohol. My dad cleared his throat again before putting his arm around me and leading the cheers.

As we walked outside I shuffled myself so I’d end up next to Archer. I stood in front of him at the end of the line to climb into the stretch-limo. My eyes fluttered closed for a moment as I felt his calloused knuckle brush against my shoulder blade. I stretched my neck to release some tension as the slight scratch of his rough skin dragged down the edge of my dress along my rib cage. The tiny hairs on my body stood at attention as heat pooled in my stomach. A whimper almost escaped my l-ips when the line started moving and I had to step away from Archer’s touch.

The party was in full swing when we arrived at the ritzy hotel. The elegant ballroom was crowded with people in formal dresses and tuxes, eating finger-food and bidding on the silent auction. A large banner hung in the doorway stating that this year, my dad’s company was raising money for underprivileged kids to play sports.

We separated from the Johnson’s as Dad paraded our family around the large room for introductions. I stood mostly quiet on Oliver’s arm as pleasantries were exchanged until I felt someone bump into my shoulder.

“Ah, Manny! Good to see you, son,” Dad smiled as we all turned to see the new arrival to our group.

“Good to see you too, sir,” Manny smiled, “I was actually just coming to ask if I could take Charlotte out to dance.”

Embarrassment flushed my cheeks at the attention of the group. Dad’s business partners nodded approvingly at Manny’s show of respect while Mom and Oliver tried to hold back their laughter.

My dad cleared his throat before nodding. “Just leave room for Jesus,” he raised a strict eyebrow at us while Manny pulled me away.

“Real smooth,” I whispered as Manny stopped us in the middle of the swirling couples. He settled his hand high on the curve of my spine then lead us into a waltz.

Having attended this event since I was a child, I’d become used to this. Usually, it was my dad or Oliver who would be spinning me around as we boxed-stepped but Manny was an easy partner to follow.

“Not bad,” he praised as I stepped in unison with him.

I laughed lightly. “You do the same thing with your fingers that my dad does,” I explained, having felt him press on my back softly every time he wanted me to step forward.

“So how’s it going with the All-American?” Manny smirked. “Still friend-zoning him?” A blush warmed my cheeks as I thought about Archer. “Well, that answers that,” he laughed.

“We’re… something,” I laughed weakly.

“Ahhh the classic millennial relationsh¡p I see,” Manny mused, taking a moment to flourish me in a circle.

“What does that mean?” I asked hesitantly.

“You know, the relationsh¡p without labels. No labels mean no real rules, which means no real commitment.”

“That’s not it,” I defended. “It’s all just still new.”

Manny looked over my shoulder then smiled confidently down at me. “Maybe you’re right. He does currently look like he wants to murder me.”

I twisted my neck, straining to see around the other dancers to the crowd surrounding us. My eyes found Archer almost immediately. He stood right at the edge of the dance floor alone, his feet were planted wide as he crossed his arms and glared directly at Manny and I. The second our gazes connected I wanted to go to him. Archer must have felt a similar pull because he str-de out onto the dance floor.

“Are you really gonna ask to cut in, man?” Manny laughed as Archer stopped in front of us.

“Nope,” Archer deadpanned. He reached out and gently pulled me to his side.

“Ahhh I see,” Manny chuckled, “so, you’re more of a ‘me man. She my woman’ kind of guy.” Manny’s caveman voice and hunched eyebrows made me laugh.

“Bye Manny,” I said pointedly. He shot me a wink then saluted Archer and walked away.

I turned to Archer and placed my hand on his shoulder as he rested his hand low on my back. “Real subtle you butthead,” I chastised as we began to sway.

“I really don’t like that guy,” Archer muttered as he pulled me close to his chest. Sorry, Jesus, no room for you.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you dance before,” I smiled as we fell into step together. Archer wasn’t as grandiose with his moves as Manny had been, but he led well. This also felt much more intimate than any of the other dancing I’d done. I resisted the urge to rest my head on his chest, knowing we already looked a little too close.

“And you’ll probably never see me do it again,” Archer grumbled but a small smile played on his l-ips as he looked down at me. “I just needed to make a point.”

Archer stared heavily into my eyes, the heat in his pupils made my skin prickle. “That you’re mine.”

My breath caught in my throat as my pulse sped up. Archer’s possessiveness made me feel hot all over but a small voice at the back of my mind reminded me of my mother’s words.

“Actually,” I mused, trying to keep my voice light. “I don’t believe we ever discussed that.”

The hand on my back brushed dangerously close to my bottom before running back up my spine. “Hmmm,” Archer’s voice was deep and slow. “I thought it was a given. You’re mine Sweetheart.”

“Not until you ask nicely,” I smiled up at him teasingly.

A twinkle lightened Archer’s dark features as he raised his eyes to the ceiling and pushed his tongue into his cheek. “Do I really need to ask? That’s so lame.”

“Yes, sir you do need to ask. Otherwise, we’re just buddies,” I laughed.

“Fine,” Archer sighed, dropping his head close to my ear. I shivered with anticipation as I waited for him to continue. “Charlotte Avery, will you be my girlfriend?”

I don’t know what came over me, but the only response I found myself able to say was, “Hmmm I’ll think about it, Bud.”

“Don’t call me that,” he pouted, as I fell into a giggling fit. My laughs subsided as Archer pulled me flush against his body. The skin across my collarbone burned as I felt every inch of him pressed against me. We were swarmed by other couples dancing but suddenly, no one else existed.

“Charlotte…” Archer warned.

“Yes,” I sighed against my own accord. I was lost in the intensity behind his eyes as I whispered, “Of course I’ll be your girlfriend.”

We danced for a few more minutes before the music stopped for the MC to start talking. Archer pulled me back to our families’ table to sit down. Everyone smiled easily with rosy cheeks from the constant flow of champagne this evening. Relief rushed through me that no one seemed to notice anything.

We all laughed at the MC as he told jokes and took some jabs at the businessmen in attendance. He then began announcing the winners of the silent auctions and how much money would be going to the charity.

“Now, for the trip to Whistler! This package is for a five-night stay at a luxurious mountaintop villa in one of Canada’s most beautiful cities! And the highest bidder is… Tim Avery!”

Everyone at our table froze before turning to my dad. He had a smug smile on his face as he waved at his coworkers who were clapping for his donation. “Surprise!” He laughed at all of us. “It lined up perfectly with USC’s spring break. I figured it was fate.”

Oliver, Mom, and I all jumped up to hug Dad and thank him profusely. “Actually,” my dad said over my head. “The villa has six bedrooms, so I was hoping you guys would come too.” I turned to see the Johnson family all looking shocked. It was only then that I realized Mr. Johnson wasn’t with us.

“Are you sure?” Mrs. Johnson asked sounding flustered, making my dad laugh and nod his head yes. “I mean, I’ll run it by Bryan but yes! How exciting!”

The MC interrupted our moment by letting everyone know that the countdown to midnight was about to start. Hoards of people rose from their seats to walk over to the large wall of windows or out on the balcony. Every year the banquet ended with the most beautiful fireworks show to ring in the new year.

The crowd became thick as we all jostled to get a good s₱0t. A large hand landed on my shoulder and I turned to see Archer giving me a mischievous smile. He tugged me back through the crowd towards the entrance to the ballroom. The lobby was empty and quiet as he led us to a small hallway before spinning around and catching my wa-ist. He lifted me easily onto an extra table that must have been stored back here.

“This dress,” he almost growled, “is not playing fair, Sweetheart.” He lifted it slightly around my knees so he had room to position himself between my legs. He bent his face to the top of my shoulder, dropping k-sses along my bare skin.

“Archer,” I breathed trying to steady my brain.

“hmmm?” He hummed as he ran the tip of his nose up my neck.

“I w-want to tell our families,” I stammered.

Archer’s movement stopped as he lifted his face to be level with mine. “You really have amazing timing,” he grimaced.

“It’s just if we are really doing this, I don’t want it to be a secret,” I said softly.

Archer k-ssed my forehead and I could feel his small smile. “I don’t want it to be a secret either. But you have to protect me from your dad.”

I laughed at the image that was conjured by his comment. “It’ll be good.” I hope, I added in my head. “Alright, now put the moves on me,” I shuffled slightly exposing my neck for him again.

Archer chuckled but dipped his head back down. It was torturous as he took his time k-ssing up my neck. I gasped when his tongue flicked out against my earlobe. I squeezed my thighs against him as a tightness began to stir between my legs. Archer dragged his l-ips along my jaw, taking an agonizingly long time.

I could hear the countdown begin as everyone in the hall started chanting together. Archer k-ssed the tip of my nose, before pressing his l-ips to the very edge of my mouth. I tightened my hands on his suit jacket, trying to pull him closer to me but he was too strong.

Archer pulled back just as the crowd got to one. He smiled softly at me as the pop and crackle of fireworks blended with the shouts of celebration.

“Happy New Year, Sweetheart,” he whispered huskily. Finally, he pressed his l-ips to mine, fulfilling the deep need that had settled in my stomach. I tangled my fingers in Archer’s hair, determined to keep him close to me. A mo-n slipped from my mouth as I felt Archer’s tongue swipe between my l-ips.

The sound made Archer’s movements more frenzied. His hands dropped to my bum as he squeezed me close to his h¡ps. I gasped into the k-ss as I felt his arousal pushed against me. The pressure between my legs tightened even more as I locked my ankles behind his legs.

An uncontrollable need to have Archer as close to me as possible overtook my body. I grabbed at him clumsily, desperate for him in a way I didn’t even understand. It didn’t seem to matter how close I got to him, it wasn’t what my body was craving. Archer’s hands shot to my wa-ist as he pulled away, breathing heavily.

“f-ck we have to stop,” he p-nted. A whine of disagreement left my mouth as I tried to pull him back to me. “Seriously Sweetheart,” Archer’s voice was thick with restraint. “I don’t think you want me to take you right here so we need to stop.”

I didn’t tell Archer that his words sent a wave of desire through me. Instead, I weakly nodded and tried to catch my breath. Never before had I felt such an intense need for something. I truly wasn’t sure that I was ready for s-x. But for the first time in my life, I wanted it.

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TBC

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