Andy turned and nudged Oliver, who nudged Ashton, who shook his head and tapped me on the arm. “Mason, your pet’s talking to you." he remarked. I turned to look for her. I smiled a little, spotting her as she walked over. She had her rolled-up sleeping bag in her arms and wearing probably the least feminine outfit she could put together from my sister’s clothes. “Ain't his pet Ashton. So I suggest ya stop calling me that." Adder glared at Ashton walking up to me. “At least your pet cleans up." Ashton teased. I elbowed Ashton a little. “You look nice. I know my sister’s clothes aren’t really your style. But you look nice. You can throw your clothes in the wash. It’s off the garage." I said, pointing in the direction. Adder stuck her forked snake tongue at Ashton and carried her things to the garage to wash her things. I’m sure she’ll fe

As host, I had to try and evenly spend my time greeting people and catching up. But even while I was talking to various guests, or in the case of my ex Vanessa cornered, I still kept track of Adder. I didn’t want her to feel out of place or unwelcome, especially after Jason and his rude remarks. When I noticed a group of girls approaching, I was skeptically optimistic. I wanted to think they would be polite and be nice to Adder. But I’ve also known these women for some time and know that while they try not to show me their more cruel and vindictive sides. So I was looking to find a good moment to excuse myself to rescue Adder from them as she seemed annoyed. But then Tiffany interceded instead. Even if Ashton doesn’t realize that Tiffany is in love with him this week, I’ll be glad she came so that Adder can make a true friend. I knew those two would get along

“Yes, well…" I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. It was embarrassing that those girls all thought I invited them because I was interested in them. “I don’t know how they got that impression. Yes, I’ve dated Vanessa and Barbara in the past, but I’ve never really shown interest in the others. I invited them because we all went to school together. And well, I know some of my mates have crushes on a couple of them." I explained. Adder just laughed, shaking her head at me.“Ya don’t get it, mate. And maybe I don’t fully either." she sighed. Cocking my head, I looked at her questioningly. “And what, praytell, is it that I don’t get?" I asked. “Ya really gonna make me say it. Good thing ya don’t got an inflated ego." Adder grumbled. “Ya a good man, Mason. Ya kind even when ya got no reason to be. And based on how those birds l

Being back at the campus after autumn break meant going back to being busy. I wished I had more free time to look for Adder and make sure she was okay. To help prove to our fathers, we could be responsible, we took on part-time jobs. Ashton had picked up a job working at a warehouse while I took a job at a local pub. Neither of us was using our given last names. Pretty sure my boss would have shit himself if he knew he hired a Templeton. So I was using my mother’s maiden name, Steed. Though I’m busy, that doesn't mean I wasn’t keeping tabs on her. I managed to get someone from the fights to keep an eye on her. Never interfere unless her life was in danger. I think she’d be pissed if I paid someone to be her bodyguard. But I know she can handle herself. I worry about her. And now that winter’s come, I’m even more worried about her. I’ve been told she’s h

I’d worried that I left Ashton and Adder a little too long. I know they don’t always get along. I just hoped I would return and not find bloodshed. It was late when I finally got back. I tried being as quiet as I could when I walked in, setting the five bags down. Looking over the room, it seemed things were peaceful. Ashton was still in his bed with the tv on, and I would assume the lump on my bed was Adder. “Where have you been, mate? Your pet fell asleep waiting for you.” Ashton whispered, nodding in the direction of Adder as he looked up from his phone, noticing me. I looked back to her sleeping form and shrugged. “So? I told her to get some sleep. And I went to the store. One to get food since we barely had any. And two to get her some clothes. You saw the layers she was wearing, and each layer had holes, and none of them were meant for winter wear.” I explain