Her Strength, His Weakness

• Chapter Seventeen •

Caitlyn, Erin and Alice decided that our Saturday afternoon would be well spent going to the mall. They all thought that it would be a good idea to have a break from the school mentality and the guys.

With our finals coming up in a few weeks, we're all stressed out to high heavens. We've been studying and cramming in as much work as we can.

Caitlyn said that we've been spending too much time with the group, aka 'the guys', which meant that we needed a girl's day.

We've been wondering around the mall for a solid two hours, window shopping, actual shopping and talking about life's current events.

"Okay one last store, then I think we need to eat." Erin said.

"Fully agree." I'm starving, so I'm not opposed to the idea of getting some food into my stomach.

We walked into our last shop, which happens to be my personal favorite. The place is huge, always has trending items and there is often a sale. I'm thankful for the sales, because sometimes hostly their clothes are so overpriced.

We started at the front of the shop and made our way down towards the back.

"Guys, it's Jake and my six month anniversary next week!" Erin squealed. "I can't believe it's already been half a year." It does feel like it's been shorter. Erin isn't really the type of person to have 'long term' relationships, so this was a big step for her.

"It's already six months?" Alice asked, "Wow. Go Erin!"

"What you planning on doing?" I asked.

"Jake said that it was going to be a surprise. I'm so excited." She explained.

"Sounds fun." Caitlyn said.

We walked around a bit more, in silence as we browsed.

"So... I'm not going to pretend that I don't know what's happening with you and Archer anymore. Tell us what's happening." Erin said.

I looked over at Caitlyn, who already knows most of the stuff that there was to be known. I do feel guilty about not sharing everything I do with the others - sometimes, but Caitlyn has been my best friend since I arrived at the school as 'the new girl'.

"Um, Okay. To be honest I'm not sure what you would classify Archer and I as." I said truthfully. "But here's probably most of what you want to know: we have shared a few kisses here and there, we spend time together most of the days of the week and we're constantly growing closer." I admitted.

"Oh. My. YES!" Alice cheered. "We all shipped you guys from the start."

"It's true." Erin seconded Alice's comment.

"So tell us... is he a good kisser?" I turned a new shade of red, suddenly shy at the idea of him kissing me.

"Ooooh! He is!" Alice squealed.

"I never doubted it." Erin added.

"I'm so jealous right now." Alice admitted. "I love you Ar, but I want." We all laughed at her comment.

"Well, were happy for you." Erin said.

"You deserve so much." Alice seconded.

"And if he breaks your heart, we'll break him." Caitlyn warned.

As sweet as what Caitlyn said was, there's no way that she would be able to 'break' Archer. He's basically a professional fighter.

"Thanks. I love you guys." I said to my friends. we all shared a brief moment.