The last 3 regulars at the table were Solomon and his friends Peter and Michael, sometimes other boys from their year or their football team would join them but they were the only three who sat with us every day. Michael liked to joke all the time, to the point where, whenever he was serious, people would ask if something was wrong—I soon got used to the peals of laughter that would always accompany him. He and Solomon were best friends, also having known each other since nursery and the two of them could sometimes talk very intensely for a long time. He had a way about him which I did consider quite arrogant and rude, but according to Solomon, he was actually a very good natured person when it mattered, who just didn't seem to know how far to take a joke, I was yet to see the good natured side of him.
I didn’t really learn much about Peter, he would normally be completely engrossed in some kind of games console during the lunch break and if I was honest I wasn’t even sure what his voice did sound like when he spoke as I'd so rarely heard him say more than a word.
It wasn’t long before I actually started to enjoy school, and lunch break became my favourite part of the day. It had been a long time since I'd been able to sit down with people my age, and life was starting to seem a lot more relaxed and real. Even though I would never admit it, I'd grown quite fond of my new friends and would also meet up with them regularly after school. It was normally a local juice bar that we would meet at and we would do pretty much the same thing we did at lunch time; eat, talk and laugh.
“I have an hour long detention with Mrs Truman tomorrow.” I said one Sunday evening sitting in the juice bar with Emily, Stacy and Susanne.
“Don't worry too much, she gives everyone detention.” Emily said.
“Well, she gives me a detention almost every time I see her.”
“I'm not very surprised about that.” Susanne chuckled.
“What's that supposed to mean?” I asked.
“Mrs Truman's just very particular, old school if you like. She doesn't like any kind of disrespect and although I'm sure you don't intend it, I can see how you would rub her up the wrong way.” she answered stirring her straw around in her glass.
“I'm not rude to her, I actually quite liked her when I first met her. I really enjoy maths.” I said sullenly.
“So what do you get in trouble for?” Stacy asked.
“I don't know. She just doesn't like it when I express myself. Like the other day, all I did was ask for my homework.” I said to which Stacy raised her eyebrows in disbelief. “Look, she knows I can handle a different level of work to what she normally gives out and she's been promising me some new assignments, but every week she forgets. So I just reminded her.” I said shrugging my shoulders in a matter of fact way.
“I wish I was in your maths class.” Emily laughed along with the other two girls. “You must really give Mrs Truman palpitations.”
“I don't understand what's so funny.” I said becoming slightly irritated.
“Don't worry; I don't think the other teachers even take Mrs Truman seriously anymore.” Susanne said.
“But if you do want to stay in her good books, you could perhaps try addressing her a little differently.” Stacy added.
“Yes. Maybe rather than saying, 'your homework was way too easy and you forgot to give me a new assignment'.” Emily said in a serious voice attempting to mock me, “You could say, 'Darn it, I was really looking forward to that new assignment you promised me but I must have forgotten to collect it.' It will sound less like an accusation and she might not react so negatively.”
“Hmm,” I said, “Firstly, I don't sound like that and secondly, I am never going to say 'darn it'. But apart from that, I suppose it's worth a try.”
“Oh Claudia, you're way too serious, sometimes it's hard to believe you're really my age.” Emily said rolling her eyes.
“On the contrary Emily, sometimes it's hard for me to believe that you're really my age.”
“All 16 years old act like us Claudia.” she replied, Stacy nodding in agreement.
“I beg to differ Emily,” Susanne said “I was 16 not too long ago and I never acted like you or Stacy.”
“She's right,” Stacy whispered across the table, “She's never been fun.” Susanne nudged Stacy who started laughing and playfully nudged her back.
While they were laughing Solomon and his friends came in, “Looks like you guys are having a lot more fun than we were.” Michael said as he sat down next to Susanne and leaned across the table as if he were feeling sick.
“I'm quite sure he's joking, because if he isn't, he'll be looking for a new chauffeur.” Solomon said.
“You passed.” Emily shrieked jumping up from her chair and running over to hug Solomon.
“You took your driving test?” Susanne asked.
“Yes and Yes.” Solomon said. He had spoken a lot about wanting to pass his driving test, so I could understand the sweet look of satisfaction he held on his face, the left side of his cheek curled up as he smiled revealing his dimple and giving him a cute boyish appearance. Susanne stood up and gave Solomon a sisterly hug and then ruffled his hair.
“I'm really proud of you.” She said.
“Thanks.” he said brushing his fingers through his hair to smooth it back down.
“She's just happy because you can be the new chaperone for me and Stacy now.” Emily said.
Deciding the appropriate thing to do would be give him a congratulatory hug, since the other two girls had, I slowly got up from my seat.
“Congratulations,” I said, loosely placing my arms around his neck “I'm really happy for you.” I had been expecting him to pat me on the back like he'd done to the others but instead he put his arms around my waist and pulled me in closer, embracing me firmly.
“Thanks.” he said softly into my ear. The coolness of his breath brushed against my ear and neck causing a gentle shiver which crescendoed as it raced through me. It wasn't that he felt cold, but something that resembled the cold emanated from him; every nerve in my body reacting to his touch causing sparks of heat to shoot through me. My eyes, suddenly heavy, closed for a few seconds as I drowned in an eruption of sensations I had never felt before; I buried my head into him wanting to hold him closer so I could experience it longer.
Ok, that’s enough. I told myself, inhaling deeply to help compose myself and instead was filled with a cool, clean yet elevating smell of pine wood mixed with fabric conditioner. My mind suddenly lost in the pine wood near Mrs Maple's house where Becky and I would play, the same wood where I first practiced running. How safe I felt in those days, I thought, my arms slowly wrapping themselves firmly around his neck.
A surge of heat rushed through me igniting every nerve in its path, I clenched my teeth hoping the heat would subside but the consequences of allowing myself to wind out of control ran through my mind so, with great hesitance, I gently pulled away.
“I'm just getting some water.” I said trying to keep my voice as stable as I could. I could feel the heat in my cheeks and knew my face would look flustered, so without looking back at Solomon I walked over to the counter and looked up at the menu board; not actually focussing on anything that was on it.
Okay calm down. It was just a hug, I told myself trying to focus on my breathing and regulate my temperature. I had only ever been hugged by Mrs Maple, Veronica and Charles before, but they all felt significantly different to what I had just experienced.
I ordered a bottle of water and then emptied the coins from my pocket, counting through them slowly. My hands were shaking slightly but it didn't take long to count up to the price of the water, so when I finished I picked up the bottle and glanced back at the table where everyone was sitting. Michael was now back on his feet and it looked as if he was urging the other boys to leave so I leaned against the counter hoping that the boys would get up and go before I went back to sit down, but deep inside I knew Solomon wouldn't leave without saying goodbye. I glanced over again quickly through the corner of my eye, and just
as I thought, he was coming over to me.
There was a small rack of public information leaflets on the counter, without moving too abruptly I grabbed one and pretended to be reading.
“You Ok?” Solomon said, leaning against the counter next to me.
“Yeh." I said focussing hard on the leaflet.
"Are you sure?" He said tilting his head to get a better look at my face.
"Yeh, I just noticed these leaflets about the benefits of smoothies. They're really interesting.” I said handing it to him, hoping to refocus his gaze.
“Hmm, okay.” he chuckled, folding the leaflet and putting it into his pocket. “Well, I have to go now.”
“Okay” I said finally looking up at him.
“I was really hoping I could drive you home, but apparently I promised these guys we'd go out.” Solomon looked deeply into my eyes as he spoke.
“That's fine. I'll get a lift with Susanne.” I said shaking my head and looking back down at the leaflet. I was starting to get used to the way Solomon stared at me but now his eyes, which were almost an indigo colour today, seemed a lot more intense.
“Maybe I can collect you for school tomorrow?” he asked.
“It's okay. That will be out of your way.”
“I don't mind ... I'd like to.” he said slowly.
I looked back up at him, if I was honest I would like that also “Okay sure. That will be nice.”
“Great” he smiled “Can I come around 7.30?”
“Won't we get to school way too early if we leave at that time?”
“Probably.” he nodded. I raised my eyebrows expecting him to explain why he would want to leave so early but instead he just made a slightly embarrassed face and said, “I can come later if you want.”
“No, 7.30's fine.” I answered quickly. It wasn't exactly fine, but I really didn't like the fact that I'd embarrassed him. He sighed, probably from relief, then quickly looked back over at Michael and Peter.
“I'd better go. I'll see you tomorrow?” he said.
“Yep sure. See you then.” Then he turned and walked back towards the boys who waved and left the juice bar with him.
I went back over to the table and sat down. “What's up with them two?” I asked Susanne pointing over to Stacy and Emily who were arguing over film titles.
“Well, we're all going to the movies next Saturday for Emily’s birthday. So they're trying to decide what film we should watch.”
“Oh Ok, that sounds interesting.”
“It's a cinema Claudia, not a science fair.” Susanne said sceptically, “You have been to the cinemas before, haven't you?”
“No actually, I haven't.”
“Oh wow. Well we'd better make sure you have a great time.” she said smiling sympathetically.
After about an hour or so we all left and Susanne drove me home. I didn't feel too hungry when I got in, so instead of eating I sat with my family for a little time and then went up to my room. I lay in bed going over the day in my mind, it hadn't been the most eventful day, but the thought of driving to school with Solomon after what had happened in the juice bar did make me quite anxious. Hopefully the fact that Emily would be with us would ease any tension that I might feel.
***
Early the next morning I sat by my bedroom window twiddling my thumbs and glancing occasionally at the clock. I had already told my family I would be getting a lift with Solomon, but I thought it would be better to stay out of their way to avoid any further questions. When I saw Solomon's car pulling up outside I grabbed my bag and ran downstairs.
“Solomon's here.” I called to the back of the house as I slipped on my shoes, but without waiting for a reply I opened the door and left.
Solomon was already walking up to the house when I got outside, “Hey.” I said when I reached him.
“You okay?” he asked with the usual Solomon grin on his face.
I nodded. “Where's Emily?” I said after noticing there wasn't anyone else in the car.
“She didn't want to leave so early.” he said opening the passenger door for me. I got into the car and strapped myself in, watching Solomon as he walked around the car to his side.
He got in and put on his seatbelt, then he began checking over the mirrors and adjusting things. I was sure he would have done all of this before he'd even arrived, but I guessed it was due to nerves.
"It’s a nice car" I said about his dark blue Ford Fiesta. I wasn't really into car names, but Emily had given us all the back story of how her parents had bought it as an 18th Birthday present. He wouldn't be 18 for a few months yet, but they thought it would be a good incentive for him to pass his test.
"Thanks," he said, looking at me from the corner of his eye. The interior was dark blue also, and the same scent I had experienced when I hugged Solomon the day before lingered softly in the air. My body warmed instantly at the memory of the day before and I wished more than ever that Emily had chosen to come. I'd never been alone with Solomon before, especially not in such close quarters, and definitely not with the memory of him holding me still weaving through me.
“Is everything okay?” he asked as he started the engine.
“Yeh.”
“Why do you look so worried then?” he said.
Biting my lip I laughed nervously. I knew my cheeks were probably red and I was breathing heavier than usual, hoping to calm myself down. “I just thought Emily would be coming, maybe even Martin too.” I answered, which wasn't entirely a lie.
Solomon frowned slightly, obviously confused by my answer. Why would Emily not being there worry me? But instead of delving further into my behaviour he just smiled. “Well, they both think we're crazy to want to go in so early.” he said.
“Yeh. Why do you want to go in so early?”
“It's just something I do, especially since my aunt had the baby. The mornings at my house are a bit hectic, so sometimes I go in early so I can finish off any homework I have, practice football or just have some peace. You know?” I just smiled and nodded. I didn't really know what it was like to have little siblings in the house, even though I had lived in an orphanage. It was normally quite orderly and even if you did want peace, it wasn't a luxury you could have.
“To be honest, I'm quite glad Emily didn't come.” he continued “I've been wanting to spend some time with you. You know, so we could get to know each other better.”
Oh! He's glad we're alone? My gaze drifted to his face, hoping to understand his intention. Why was it better to be alone just to get to know each other? And what was that tone he just used? He almost sounded nervous!
His eyes were already firmly fixed on mine searching for a response. “Okay” I said smiling softly “That would be nice.”
He smiled and then fixed his eyes on the road, I could tell he was trying to concentrate hard and as he had only just passed his test I thought it was best not to distract him too much while he drove. So instead I looked out of the window trying to make small talk by commenting on things I saw. When we pulled into the school grounds I noticed that it was almost completely empty apart from a small group of people who sat on the steps outside the entrance of the school and one couple who sat on one of the picnic benches that lined the perimeter of the front yard. “Looks like it really is just the two of us.” I laughed as we got out of the car.
We made our way over to one of the benches and sat down, with Solomon taking a few books out of his bag and putting them on the table. “Now I really do have some homework that I need to finish, but you're my main priority so feel free to talk about whatever you want to.”
“Wow, your main priority? You make it sound as if I'm the subject of some kind of investigation.” I laughed.
Solomon laughed quietly then he clicked his tongue in the side of his mouth, which was something he did sometimes. “So,” he said after a few seconds “What were you doing before you came to Westpoint?”
“Nothing much, I lived in an orphanage.”
“I know, bu
t what was your life like there? I mean, if you don't mind talking about it.”
“I don't mind, I just don't know how it's relevant.” I said flatly.
“It's not.” he said making an apologetic face, “I just want to know more about you.”
Sure! I thought, rolling my eyes in self admonition.
“I'm sorry.” I said, “I guess I'm not very good at all this getting to know you stuff.”
“It's fine, I don't think there's a particular skill to it. Let's just talk.”
I smiled and nodded in agreement.
Solomon spoke first about his family. He spoke mostly about his auntie Janet, Emily's mother, who he'd lived with since he was fairly young. He didn't mention anything about his mother. I knew the fact that he hadn't brought her up probably meant it was a sore subject which he would prefer not to discuss. So instead I asked questions about Emily and her baby brother. He and Emily had more of a brother/sister relationship than one of cousins and from the way he spoke about her I could see that he was quite protective over her, which gave me more of an understanding to why he would spend his lunchtimes sitting with her and Stacy.
After he'd told a few stories of his life at home he looked back up to me. “So, what do you do when you’re at home?” he asked.
I let out a nervous laugh, I didn't really know what to say.
Solomon leaned forward and rested his chin on his hand, gazing intently into my eyes he raised his eyebrows. "I'm not saying another word until you tell me something about yourself." He said.
“I doubt you'd find it interesting.” I said.
“I don't know. I find you very interesting Claudia.” he said still staring into my eyes.
I swallowed hard as my heart skipped one, two, maybe even three beats. It wasn't just the fact that he found me interesting that was disturbing my composure, it was the way he had said it. His voice seemed different, thick and deep and seemed to have more meaning to his words than simply suggesting that he was interested in my home life. He broke my gaze shortly as his eyes drifting slowly over the rest of my face, lingering slightly on my cheeks and lips before returning to my eyes. I inhaled deeply, trying to calm the surge of emotions that were now running though me.
Heat Page 10