Butterfly Kisses

by Robin Falcon

  “Oh, so is that why you have been here every day this week? Hoping to catch a glimpse of her arrival?” My mom teased.

  I rolled my eyes. “No, I doubt she wants to see me, she has made that very clear. So, I gave up a long time ago.”

  “I see. I wasn’t aware I raised a quitter.”

  “Seriously?” I asked in an annoyed tone as I finished another dish and set it in the dishwasher.

  “Stop, you don’t need to do those.”

  “Let me help you, gees, mom.”

  “Stubborn man, just like your father.”

  I laughed. “Where is dad?”

  “I sent him to the store for some groceries.”

  “I was wondering why I didn’t see his car out front. I guess I better move mine before he gets back, I parked in his spot.”

  “You better do it now; he should be back any minute.”

  I turned the water off to the sink and dried my hands, tossing the hand towel on the counter. Then I turned towards the living room and headed outside to where I’d parked my car.

  When I got out there, I pulled my keys from my pocket and walked towards my parent’s driveway. Once I reached my driver side door, a set of headlights coming down the road caught my attention. Then an unfamiliar BMW pulled into Ryder’s parents’ driveway next to my car.

  When it parked, a guy stepped out of it and we both acknowledged each other with a head nod.

  The guy didn’t seem familiar, other than the fact he reminded me a lot of that actor, Liam Hemsworth. Otherwise, I couldn't recall seeing him around before.

  The passenger door opened up and stole my attention from the stranger. I saw a set of converses hit the pavement and my heart stopped. Then two small hands grabbed the side of the car door and Ryder pulled herself out of the vehicle.

  She moved to shut the car door behind her before she finally looked up and acknowledged me, stopping in her tracks.

  “Ry?” I asked, as if I needed confirmation that it wasn’t just my imagination.

  “Oh, Hi Tyler.”

  The fact that she used my full name actually hurt more then I had expected. It was like she was attempting to void all the history that remained between us in one simple gesture.

  Sure, I hadn’t seen her for the last five years five but for me that didn’t change anything. As I looked her over now, I smiled at the sight of her converse sneakers. She was still the same old Ryder, and that knowledge pleased me.

  However, my smile faded quickly when my gaze traveled up her slender legs and over her narrow hips. I wouldn't have thought it possible, but she’d only become more beautiful in her absence.

  I’d always found Ryder beautiful, from the very beginning. However, as I got older, she only became a harder temptation to ignore. I wasn’t proud of the fact I took notice of the way her body was changing back then, but I did my best to pretend I didn’t.

  She cleared her throat.

  I quickly averted my eyes from her ass and let them finish their path up along her waist. My eyes now focused in on the T-shirt she had on. Wait, I knew that t-shirt. It was my t-shirt.

  “Nice shirt.” I stated, trying to distract myself from the visual that suddenly planted itself in my thoughts. Ryder laying on her bed, beneath me, topless. That shirt discarded to the ground next to us, on the floor of her bedroom.

  I swallowed.

  She glanced down and I saw a light blush touch her cheek.

  Oh, so she did remember our history.

  “Thanks, I’ve had it so long. I don’t even remember where I got it.”

  Liar.

  I offered a knowing smile. “Oh yeah? I had one just like it.”

  “Oh, what a coincidence.” She offered, obviously irritated by my all-knowing grin.

  She looked over at the guy who had drove her here, but I couldn’t see the look she was giving him. All I knew was he was eyeing me now, as if he knew exactly who I was.

  “Hey, I’m Kirk.” He introduced himself. “I’m the boyfriend.”

  Yeah, I get. No need to lay claim, buddy.

  It made sense she had a boyfriend. I mean, for years I had to ward off the losers who wanted to date her in high school. They all had the same intentions though, and Ryder deserved more then that.

  The real question that was bothering me was, why did I still feel just as protective now as I did when we were kids? She definitely wasn't a kid anymore.

  “Nice to meet you.” I lied. “I’m Tyler, the…”

  “…neighbor.” She finished.

  I shot her a glare. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

  She glared back now. “What, Ty? Watch your mouth. You're always so obnoxious.”

  Ty? Finally, some acknowledgement.

  “What, me? Seriously?” I asked in disbelief. “You literally drove me insane on a daily basis!”

  We sat there glaring at each other for a moment before I gave in and broke the silence. “I’m just your childhood neighbor then, huh?” I asked, giving up my glare and replacing it with a wounded expression.

  “Ugh!” She screamed at me before stomping off towards Kirk. “Let’s go in, my mom is waiting.”

  Kirk offered me a shrug before he followed after her, and I suddenly hated everything about him.

  Veto, Ryder. Veto.

  I followed after them, anyway, knowing I'd just piss her off more. At least it was something. Anything was better then five years of silence.

  “Ty, leave!” She yelled when she turned and noticed I was still following them.

  “Why? I haven’t seen your mom in a few weeks, I should say hi.”

  “Oh my god, you’re such an asshole!”

  I grinned. “Oh sure. Who has the potty mouth now?”

  I thought I’d caught her smiling back at me before she looked away, but I couldn't be sure. Instead, she opened the door to her parent's place and the familiar voice of her mom instantly filled the living room.

  “Ryder’s here!” She announced to the house, which I’m sure was for her husband's benefit. Then she wrapped Ryder in a tight hug. “Oh hunny, we've missed you.”

  I remained by the front door with a smile on my face as I watched her. Ryder's dad finally came in from around the corner and walked over to shake Kirk's hand, then turned to hug Ryder.

  “Mom, dad, this is Kirk.” She gestured to her boyfriend and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Something didn’t feel right about them.

  “Oh Kirk, hi! I’ve heard so much about you.” Ryder's mom smiled politely before she turned and spotted me standing by the front door.

  I grinned. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Tyler, sweetie! Did you come with them?” She asked, sounding hopeful.

  “No.” Ryder stated, annoyed.

  “No, I saw Ry pull in with Liam and thought I’d follow them in to say hi. I mean after all we were childhood neighbors.”

  “Liam?” I saw Ryder mouth to Kirk in confusion and he only shrugged. His aloof nature annoyed me already.

  “Neighbors?” Her mom questioned. “You guys were best friends!” She beamed. “I swear his mother and I even planned a wedding at some point.” She laughed and Ryder threw her hands up in irritation.

  “Really, Mom? Stop.”

  I grinned. “Yeah, she will always be my runaway bride.” I teased and it instantly infuriated Ryder.

  “Get out!” She yelled and the room went silent.

  “Ryder!” Her dad warned. “Tyler is only giving you a hard time. He has always been a good young man and, as I recall, a good friend. So, hold your tongue.”

  Kirk whispered something in Ryder's ear then turned to her parents. “Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Summers. We will be right back.”

  Ryder huffed before leading Kirk off upstairs, to her old bedroom I was sure. Every ounce of me wanted to follow them.

  “Sorry to cause such a scene. I have to head out anyway. I hope I see more of you both this weekend though.”

  “Don’t let her scare you off. As you know, her bark is worse
than her bite. You're always welcome here.” Mr. Summers reminded me. “I have to get back to work, it was good to see you, son.” He smiled at me before heading back down the hall to his office.

  It felt good to know they never changed their opinion of me. Even after she left, they always welcomed me into their home with open arms.

  Mrs. Summers offered me a knowing smile once her husband was gone. “Always pushing her boyfriends away. Yet, you never asked her out yourself. You’re a confusing boy, Tyler Watson.”

  I walked over and gave her a hug. “They just never deserved her, that's all.” I said before letting her go, turning to leave.

  “Mmmhmm, I see. Well, maybe it's time you let her decide that for herself?” Mrs. Summers advised, as I reached the door.

  I glanced back at her and she was still smiling.

  “I can't. She needs someone who truly loves her. He doesn't look at her like he should. Like…”

  “Like, you?”

  I rolled my eyes and grinned. “Goodnight, Mom.”

  Then I headed outside to move my car, like I had first intended.

  Chapter 9

  Ryder

  When I reached my room, I slammed the door shut behind Kirk.

  “That jerk!” I yelled.

  “You are losing it. Stop letting him get under your skin.”

  “I can’t help it; he always acts like nothing happened. Like we’re still friends. That's what he's always done, and I hate it.”

  “I know that but stop showing him that he has any effect on you.”

  “He doesn’t!”

  “Really? The second you saw him you started being overly dramatic. I've never seen you that wound up and childish.”

  “Well, he thinks just because I'm wearing his shirt that it means something. He had that smug, know it all, look on his face!”

  Kirk laughed. “That's his shirt?” He asked, gesturing to it.

  I bit gently at my bottom lip. “Yeah, maybe.”

  “You are still obsessed, aren't you?” He laughed again.

  “I am not obsessed!” She glared.

  “I mean I won't argue that the man is hot, but you haven't seen him in five years! You need to move on! Plus, I thought you told Sadie, and I, that you got rid of all things Tyler.”

  “I did! I mean, I only kept the shirt.” I argued.

  “That’s a heap of bull.” He muttered with another chuckle at my expense.

  “Whatever. The point is, I am over, Ty!”

  “Ty, huh?”

  “Tyler! I'm over Tyler.”

  “Well the crazy part is you told me that he was never into you.”

  “He isn't.” I confirmed, with a glare. Then I heard the front door shut downstairs. “Sounds like it's safe to go back down.”

  “First of all, that guy is into you. I saw the way he looked at me, and at you. Secondly, I'm not sure anywhere is safe now that I am getting the full picture here.”

  I opened the door and glared at him again. “Trust me he's not, and what is that supposed to mean?”

  He pushed passed me to head downstairs. “Well I’m staying at the hotel. So, we will see where you end up when I’m not around to babysit.”

  It wasn’t uncommon for people to assume Tyler and I liked each other. We’d dealt with that our whole lives. So, I knew arguing about it with Kirk was pointless.

  “Whatever.” I mumbled before following him down.

  We had told my mom that Kirk would be staying at a hotel to be respectful. Of course, in reality he probably wouldn't be there alone. I had no doubt Micah would make the four-hour drive to stay with him.

  “Just remember that any guy who could do what he did to you that night, isn’t right for you. A real friend wouldn't have hooked up with his ex less then an hour after taking his best friends virginity.”

  I knew he was right, but that didn’t make seeing Tyler any easier. All I was reminded of was the amazing memories we had together.

  When we finally reached the living room and I saw Tyler was really gone, I was disappointed. Even though I was infuriated by the very sight of him, it was still a better feeling then what I felt in his absence.

  Five years later, and I still felt empty when I wasn’t around him.

  My mom and Kirk chit chatted for a bit as I stole glances at the front door. I found myself waiting for him to come bursting back in, in Tyler fashion. Though, he never did.

  After about fifteen or twenty minutes of being politely grilled by my mom, she finally let Kirk leave for the night.

  “I'll be right back mom.” I reassured her as I walked Kirk out, shutting the door behind us.

  As I followed Kirk towards his car, I saw Tyler had moved his own to the front of his parent’s house. He was standing by it still, as if he hadn't even gone back inside yet.

  “Looks like he is waiting for me to leave.” Kirk whispered under his breath.

  I eyed Tyler and he grinned as we made eye contact. Somehow, I just knew he was calling my bluff, just as he always did.

  “You have to kiss me.” I whispered to Kirk.

  “What?!” Kirk asked, in hushed disbelief.

  “He knows this isn't real. I don’t have time to explain, just trust me.”

  Kirk sighed in irritation. “You owe me.”

  He leaned down and kissed me. A kiss that would seem as if this was just another routine goodbye for us. It wasn’t slow, nor sweet. It was orchestrated, and quick.

  His lips touched mine and parted instantly. Then his tongue reached out to find mine in a rushed pace. The technique was clearly meant only for the illusion of a kiss.

  I wrapped my arms around him to sell it and, as any good friend would, he responded by pulling me up against him.

  He was a good kisser, by all means. It just lacked everything a real kiss was meant to have. No passion, no intensity, and definitely no connection.

  Kirk pulled away from me and smiled. “Love you babe, miss you already.”

  He winked playfully, keeping up our charade as he got into his car, and I smiled.

  “Was it that bad?” I whispered, before I leaned into his open window and chuckled.

  Even though I knew Kirk was gay, his annoyance at having to kiss me hurt a bit. It was no fault of his own, it made sense that he wouldn’t want to kiss me. I was not only a female, and a friend, but most importantly he loved Micah.

  However, that was the thing about deep seeded insecurities. They didn't require rationalized thinking to grow, they thrived well enough on their own.

  “It was pretty good, all things considered.” He offered me a teasing grin, then shrugged.

  I laughed, instantly feeling better. I knew I wouldn’t have made it the last few years without the friendship I had built with Sadie and Kirk. Tyler knew me well though, so I was worried to look back at him and see if he had bought our performance.

  I’d done this same stunt in the past, with Tyler’s help. I pretended to date Zack Miller my junior year, to escape my mom’s mingling even back then. Apparently, I had a knack for this.

  I glanced passed Kirk, to eye Tyler, as I recalled the memory from our past. He had a glare planted on his face now. Perhaps the kiss was believable enough after all.

  “Night.” I said to Kirk as I stood and stepped back from the car so he could back out.

  “Night.” He smiled back at me before he pulled out.

  I looked back up at Tyler again, he was still staring at me.

  Chapter 10

  Tyler

  “What?” She asked in that snotty tone of hers. The one she always used whenever she was trying to get under my skin, which she usually was successful at.

  “Liam, seems nice.” I bit out, still trying to swallow the visual of some guy having his tongue down her throat.

  Suddenly, I could remember the way she tasted when I kissed her, and it bothered me. I didn’t want to think about her like that. That's what got us here in the first place.

  “His name is Kirk.” She cor
rected, before crossing her arms over her chest.

  I didn’t want to fight with her, but I wasn’t ready to let her walk away yet. Every time she left; I wasn't sure if I'd see her again.

  “Oh, sorry. Kirk, I mean.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Why do you have to be such a jerk, Ty?”

  Hearing her call me Ty was like a mini victory, every single time.

  “Why did you have to leave in the middle of the night without even telling me goodbye?” I spat back at her.

  The words flew out of me as if I’d been waiting to ask her that question all night or maybe even for the last five years. The truth was, I had been.

  Suddenly I was angry again, like it’d just happened. I felt my adrenaline coursing through me, and I wanted answers.

  She stood about ten feet away from me in silence, her eyes moving to her feet and she was twisting her sneakers against the pavement.

  She always did that when she got nervous.

  I pushed off my car and started walking towards her, causing her to look up at me finally.

  “Ty, you know why.” She said as she took a step back when I stopped a foot or two away from her.

  "Really? You threw away our friendship all because I was late to the treehouse because Crystal came by?” I asked defensively.

  I knew she was pissed that Crystal was there when she showed up looking for me that night. I explained several times in voicemails and text messages, that I hadn’t invited her over. I even left her there and went looking for Ryder that night, only an hour after she left. I just needed time to think first, but apparently I took too long.

  I watched her facial expressions switch from hesitant to angry.

  “Fuck you.” She stated angrily, without explanation.

  I found it ironic that growing up she was always telling me to watch my mouth. Yet, tonight she was the one with the mouth.

  “Wow, do you really hate me that much?” I asked. “I mean damn, Ry. I'm just trying to understand.”

  “You really want to know why I cut you out of my life?” She asked, and I could tell that whatever she was about to unleash on me she had been holding in for a long time.

  "Yes! That's all I've ever wanted to know.” I reminded her.