A Recollection of Ideas: A Series of One Shots

“Sophie! It’s time to go!” My mother called to me. I rolled over in bed, sighing. She yelled a few more times before I finally stood up and threw on a fresh shirt and skinny jeans. The shirt just barely revealed a couple of my tattoos on my shoulders. I had a few music related tats, but I didn’t want to show them. I was new to my school and I had to make a good first impression.

People think you’re a freak when you’re a senior in high school, already eighteen, but have tattoos, piercings, and are new. It would be rough, but I had to try to smile through the day, although it felt like the entire continent of Asia had been dropped onto my shoulders.

“SOPHIE!” My mother yelled again.

“Coming!” I called as I hopped into my car. She kissed my cheek, whispering encouraging things to me as I left. It was the first day in my new school, and I had a feeling I would hate it as much as my old school.

My mom and I moved around a lot, following my father and his job. He was a criminal investigator, or something like that. He was a detective for this job, I believe. We recently moved down to Australia, home of kangaroos and dirt.

Lots of red, red dirt.

I sighed as I pulled up into the school’s parking lot. Kids were streaming through the front doors. I really didn’t want to go out there. Instead of jumping out and locking my car, I took a look through my schedule.

I had math, science, band, P.E., a free period, art, and finally, English. At least I could end the day on a good note. I loved English and we were supposed to start reading Catcher in the Rye today. It was a good book, although a lot of people hated it. I hoped my English teacher was cool. His name was Mr. Stringer. I gulped nervously as I folded the paper and put it into my backpack.

I walked through the halls, feeling a little out of place. I barely got it through the first and second periods. People gave me odd looks. Looking down, I saw that one of my tattoos had become exposed. I gulped and rolled my sleeve down. Don’t get me wrong, I love my tats, but I also hate it when people give me odd looks.

“Hey, freak.” Someone body slammed me into a locker. Oh look, I already got a nickname. I sighed and kept on walking, keeping my head down. I should’ve brought a jacket, although it was like a hundred degrees outside.

In my music class, it wasn’t too bad. I enjoyed it and the teacher even complimented me on my tattoo. She was really nice and I made it through her class. I was still looking for someone to be my friend. Maybe if I looked up and smiled?

After the third body slam, I decided that I wasn’t meant to have friends this year.

Just one more year, one more year. I thought to myself.

By the time I rushed into my English class, I was just ready for the day to be over. I was sick and tired of school and wanted to plug in my headphones and tune out the world.

“Welcome to English. I’m Mr. Stringer, your teacher.” The man came up to the front. He looked no more than thirty, probably twenty eight. I took a good look at this man and hot damn he was gorgeous! And…he had tattoos. I didn’t feel so bad now that I had mine showing a little. I took out my Catcher in the Rye book as he started talking.

Mr. Stringer caught my eye, winking. Class passed by quicker than I thought. We were instructed to read the first three chapters, but I had already read the book on the plane ride over to this country.

The bell rang and everyone booked it to the hallway. I was pushed around as I tried to stand up, nearly tripping. Once everyone cleared out, I went over to my teacher’s desk. He smiled.

“You’re the new kid here, right? Your name is Sophie.” He smiled, slowly saying my name. I loved how it just seemed to roll of his tongue. I nodded, blushing already.

“Yes, I just moved here. I had some questions about Catcher, actually.” I smiled, sitting on a desk across from him. He grinned at me. I got lost in those beautiful eyes of his.

Wait, was I already developing a crush on my teacher!?

No, no, I had to calm down.

“Oh really, fire away.”

“Well, I wanted to ask about the symbolism of the ducks and the pond because I thought about reflection on life, but I wanted your opinion.” I rushed. He raised an eyebrow.

“Oh really? We’re not even there yet. You’re a fast reader.” He winked at me and I nearly fainted. We continued to talk and get lost in conversation until it was nearly an hour after school ended.

“So what’s your favorite band?” He asked. The question took me by surprise. By this time, we were in rolling chairs, just spinning around the room like two little kids. I’m beginning to really enjoy this teacher.

“What?” I sputtered out. He pointed to my tattoos.

“Well, you’re an obvious music lover, so I want to know.” He shrugged happily. I spun around a couple of times before answering.

“Of Mice and Men, All Time Low, Pierce the Veil, Motionless in White, stuff like that.” I said, watching the reaction on his face.

“No, really? I love those as well! I had a feeling you and I had more in common than first thought.” He grinned that same sideways smile that made my heart melt. Butterflies fluttered in my chest and my heart was racing.

Together, we talked a while more, just getting to know each other. I talked about my parents and he talked about his students. He was very friendly and always caring. He wanted to know if I was adjusting okay. I shrugged, lying to say I was fine.

When we departed, he said that he’d see me later. I was left with those mysterious words as I blasted my car radio and drove back home, hopefully not getting lost.


A week later….

The first day of school, I thought it was going to be okay. Sure, I had gotten pushed around in the hall, but the conversation with Mr. Stringer, which I was now supposed to call Ahren according to his urging, made me feel better.

That Tuesday, I thought that I would actually make it through the day. Well, I made it in mostly one piece. That was until fourth period, when I got shoved into a locker, had to avoid a group of jocks that chased me down the hall, and people calling me scribble girl, for the tattoos on my arms.

There was only one bright side to my week: Ahren.

I had come in every day after school. Every day, I would find the stupidest reasons to ask a question and just talk with him. It would be as serious as asking about the meaning behind the name Holden and how it added to the story, to being seriously stupid questions, like why he had all his tattoos. It didn’t have anything to do with English, but I was curious about his inked arms.

Ahren also seemed to be the only one that supported my tats, that and my music teacher. But Ahren always asked where I had gotten them, why, and so on. His talks made me blush when he gave me compliments, and when he “accidentally” brushed up against my arm.

But today, I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t go see him. Every day at school, I had been pushed into walls, into lockers, teased and called names, but today was the worst.

It had just become too much for me. I needed to get home, now. I needed to go and sleep on this and maybe, just maybe, find relief somehow. I wasn’t proud of it, but I had a very…sharp…way of relieve the pains.

It was late after school. I hid out in the library for twenty minutes to make sure that I was all alone. Peeking out of the window, I saw that the hallways were clear. Picking up my backpack, I quickly walked into the hall, slowing my steps and trying to calm down.

Before I knew it, there were loud voices coming from behind me. They taunted me, yelling my name and catcalling. I turned around to find the same group of jocks that had bullied me this week to come charging in my direction.

In my frenzied panic, I sprinted towards the exit.

But I forgot one thing.

They were the athletic kings of the school.

I was just a clumsy nobody.

I barely made it to the side exit when they caught me. I screamed and yelled for help, but it was abruptly cut off as some put their hand over their mouth. I felt every blow relentlessly pound at my body. One smelled like they had booze tainting their mouth. Seriously, drinking on campus!?

“Come on, pretty thing, why don’t you show us some skin.” One growled. I felt my clothes leave my body, getting torn up. I screamed louder and tried to bite at them. I curled in on myself, attempting to cover up. I closed my eyes, feeling tears pour out of my squeezed shut eyelids. I sobbed until they left me alone. They ran away, cheering as if it was a personal accomplishment.

Great. I was stripped bare, bruised all over, and embarrassed. How was I going to get home with no clothes on!?

I barely opened my eyes to see they had thrown me by some bushes. My clothes were all ripped and scattered all over the place. Good thing was I had my panties on. I think I had landed a kick to a few of them, discouraging them from doing anything further.

I lay there, feeling helpless and weak, for many minutes. I lost track of time. My brain was going fuzzy, like I was about to pass out. Sophie! Sophie! Sophie! My brain called to me. Wait, no, that wasn’t in my mind.

“Sophie! Sophie, where are you?” A familiar called out. I sobbed harder as I heard footsteps rush to my side. I hugged my arms around my chest.

“Oh no, Soph, what happened?” Ahren murmured as he knelt at my side. I shivered away from his touch. Without another word, I heard him run off, just like those group of asshole boys.

He was probably leaving me here, just like the rest.

I started to sob harder, crying into my own skin. I felt like dying right now. What did I do wrong to them!? What did I do to deserve this!? I just wanted to be home!

The footsteps were back and before I knew it, Ahren draped a jacket over my bare shoulders, handing me some clothes as I turned around. I looked at him with tear stained cheeks.

“I’ll let you change.” He said and walked over to the building door. He disappeared inside for a moment. I turned around and quickly zipped up a black hoodie he had given me, sliding on some boxer shorts as well. A moment later, Ahren came back with his bag and other jacket. I slung my backpack over my shoulder. Ahren came over, wrapping me in a great big hug. I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him back, finally feeling somewhat safe again.

“Come on, you’re coming over to my place.” He whispered. I nodded, sending a quick text to my mom that I was staying at a “friend’s” place. She would be happy that I was at least making friends, although they weren’t exactly my age…

Ahren wrapped an arm around my shoulders as we went towards his car. I leaned into his side the entire way there. I felt his kind eyes careful observe me, making sure I was alright. When we got into his truck, he started it up and turned on the radio. I leaned back into the seat, wiping my eyes from the stray tears.

We turned onto his street and he quietly led me into his house, closing the door behind me. Ahren let me kick off my shoes by the door and set my backpack next to them. I started full on sobbing again as the question of why me came flooding back to me. I bit on my sleeve, holding my hands to my face to disguise that I was crying.

“A pretty girl like you shouldn’t cry.” He whispered to me, engulfing me into his chest. I turned and cried into his sweatshirts, holding onto him like he was my anchor to this world. After I stopped crying and started hiccupping from sadness, he took my hand and led me to his bathroom next to his bedroom. The master bath was beautifully decorated.

“Sit here.” He said, pointing to the counter. I nodded and hopped onto it. I looked to my feet as I heard Ahren rummage through some boxes of medic kits. He came back, setting them down next to me. Then he brought out towels and laid them down. He took one and gently wet it with cold water.

“Look at me, pretty girl.” He whispered. I blushed and looked at him. He carefully wiped away all smudges of dirt and blood. His tender hands gently wiped at my face, while his open hand cupped my cheek gently. I felt the heat rush to the tips of my ears. He was so tender and sweet. I didn’t deserve this.

“Ahren?” I asked softly. He looked at me with a question written on his face.

“Why are you helping me?” I asked him softly. I got lost in those deep, intelligent eyes of his. Before I knew it, he had bent forward, closing the gap between us, and pressed a tender kiss to my lips. A final tears streaked my jaw.

“Because I hate seeing you hurt.” He whispered after he pulled away. I whimpered, begging for more. He smirked.

“You’re so beautiful when you beg.” He pressed a short kiss to my forehead, just above my eyebrow. It felt like little zaps of electricity passing between us. I widened my eyes, pouting.

“Thank you.” I eventually relented. He took my hand, pulling me off the table and leading me to the living room, where he let me lay down for a little while as he looked over student’s papers and hummed some songs softly to himself.

I must’ve drifted off because eventually, he was shaking me awake. I grumbled as he leaned down and kissed the tip of my nose, cheeks flushing even harder. I swatted at his arms.

“Let me sleep.” I grumbled. He shook his head.

“You need to get to sleep, Sophie.” He picked me up, carrying me to his room. I grumbled into his shoulder.

“But I was sleeping!”

“I meant on a bed, silly.” He kissed my jaw affectionately as he set me down on top of the covers. I grumbled and crawled under the sheets, still in his jacket and boxer shorts. They were extremely comfortable.

“Did you want me to leave? I can sleep on the couch.” Ahren suggested. I pulled on his arm, making him lay down next to me.

“I don’t care.” I murmured sleepily. Ahren tossed his shirt off, getting more comfortable. He chuckled and snuggled under the covers with me.

“You’re going to keep me from grading many student’s papers. I usually stay up late to read them.”

“They can wait.” I yawned. He wrapped his arms around me, his hand trailing down to my lower back. His lips pressed against the hollow behind my ear. I hummed happily, squirming in his arms.

“Ahren! Stop.” I groaned. He must’ve taken that as a signal for go on right ahead, because his lips trailed from my jaw down to my lips again. I grumbled under his kisses.

“Ahren, I just wanted to sleep.” I moaned in frustration. He chuckled, a sound that vibrated against my chest. I opened one eye to scowl at him.

“If you’re going to make me stay here with you and shirk my duties, I’m going to keep you up.” He growled playfully. Our feet intertwined beneath the covers. He held me closer, a hand running through my brown hair.

“Fine. You win.” I grumbled. With that, he pressed his lips tightly against mine, passionately increasing the heat between us. He sat up, dragging me with him, grasping my head in his two hands, gently holding me to him. I let my hands run over his shoulders. His hands wrapped around my hair, keeping me stilled against him. I hummed happily against the kiss. He smiled. We went back to kissing as his tongue ran across my bottom lip, wanting access. I gladly gave him it. Our tongues danced together, his dominating mine. I didn’t mind it a bit. I bit at his lower lip gently, and he growled. When I released, he scowled.

“I think I should really get to sleep.” I whispered to him. He let go and flopped down onto the pillows, laying down next to me, but keeping my body close to his. I ran my hands down his smooth chest as he planted more little kisses on my jaw. I fell asleep to him whispering sweet nothings in my ears, our legs intertwined together like two strings.

When I finally disappeared into dreams, all I could see was Ahren.

Notes

So this is for my babe Say All You Hav to Say. I hope you love it! One passionate make out session included!!!

Don't forget to keep on requesting one shots! I can't wait to do more!