Tension

**Jimmy's POV**

I am beyond happy and relieved that Brian stood up to Lexi's tormentors like that, but not thrilled that she foolishly decided to kiss him in front of her parents...they are going to flip!

I lead them away from the make out session that their teenage daughter is having with my best friend and hope to defuse the situation as best as I can.

"Jimmy...what's going on?!" my Aunt asks with the concern evident in her voice and I sigh...ugh, why couldn't they have waited one more week and nobody except the three of us would have been the wiser!

I angle my body to face them both, "I'm sorry but I think that Brian and Alexis have real feelings for each other" I reply and watch my Uncle's eyebrows shoot upwards.

"She meant about the bullying Alexis never bothered to tell us about but you seemed to be aware of...but come to think of it, I guess you can explain the frequent kisses that are being exchanged between the two of them while you're at it." he says and before letting out a deep sigh, "I thought you said it was just an accident?!" he states and I immediately regret not asking her to clarify before sticking my foot in my mouth.

I take a deep breath, "Look, Alexis never told anyone about the bullying...she would bottle it all up until it got to the point where she would secretly hurt herself in attempt to feel a different kind of pain besides the kind brought on by the non-stop emotional torment. She never told me....I just knew...and Brian recently told me that he could see it too and I think that's why he fought so hard with me to come today is to let her know he will support her and be there for her. I'm not going to lie to you, he likes her...and she told me that she likes him too...she has for quite a while" I pause and look into their horrified faces.

Shit....I said too much!

**Alexis's POV**

When I first saw that Brian has showed up here today with roses for me, my heart skipped a beat in my chest. Unfortunately, my joy was short lived when I saw the girls, who made it their mission in life to make me feel beyond pathetic, practically eye-fucking him while he just smiled back at them. I knew Brian had no idea that they were the one who had caused me so much pain....but they knew that I liked him, and it felt like one last stab to the heart for old times sake.

Alex told me that I should do the world a favor and just die for the 200th time this year and I was shocked that Brian stood up for me and punched him square in the gut...nobody has ever done that for me inside these walls and I was completely overwhelmed with emotions.

I smashed my lips down on top of his, in front of my family and the entire student body, and didn't care one bit....I love him....I'm no longer just infatuated or crushing on him. I'm head over heels in love with my cousin's best friend and I refuse to apologize for it!

Brian kisses me back and I feel like everything is finally falling into place....that I could possibly have a future full of joy, happiness and love. I pull back and thank him before catching a glimpse of my parents heading my way wearing less than thrilled expressions....and just like that, my happiness bubble is popped.

"We been to speak with you" my Dad to me and I check the clock on the wall...graduation starts in less than 10 minutes and I still haven't found my seat yet...hmmm, maybe I can stall the parental scolding for a bit longer.

I sigh, "Can it wait until after graduation? I only have 10.." I say before my mom interjects.

"It will only take a minute" she says and I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes. Brian kisses my temple and nudges me in the direction of my parents. Ugh, so much for having my back.

I shuffle towards them and prepare my self for the ass chewing and banishment for going on the tour, but it never comes. "Alexis baby, we don't understand why you felt the need to hide what was happening to you from us. We love and support you no matter what...we need you to trust us" my Dad say sadly and tears begin to roll down my cheeks...this was not what I was expecting.

I sniffle back the tears and stare up at them, "I honestly thought you were going to scream at me for kissing Brian and forbid me from going on tour with them now" I mumble out and watch them exchange unreadable looks.

My Mom places her hands Ion my shoulders, "We aren't exactly thrilled that you guys seem to have a romantic connection....but....he just proved that he cares about protecting you and that's all that really matters to us" she admits and I think my heart literally just bursted from joy.

"So, you're saying I can still go?!" I squeak in a hopeful manner and they nod their heads yes. I bounce up and down with excitement, "I love you both so much and I'm sorry for never telling you! I didn't want to admit it to anyone else because I was afraid it would make it even more real, or that they would want to constantly talk about it...I couldn't handle that" I sob and toss my arms around their necks.

Jimmy walks up behind me and whispers that the graduation is starting and I spin around and hug him tightly before turning to face Brian...God, he is so perfect! He strolls over to me and envelops me in his arms before leaning down and tenderly kissing my lips. "Good luck beautiful" he whispers and a shiver of excitement course through me.

Brian holds onto my hand as we make our way inside the auditorium and he politely walks me to the row where my empty seat awaits me. I can't help but smile because this is the perfect ending to a chapter of my life that I wasn't sure I would want to live to see... and the begin of something I have only ever dreamed about.

For the first time in a long time, I'm genuinely happy!!

Notes

Yay for parental approval!!!!

up next it's tour time :)