Elementary
Page 20
“So have you ever?” he asked. “You know … with a boy?”
“No,” she said. “Second base is as far as I let them go. If I touch them when we kiss, it’s always on the outside of their pants, if at all.” She looked over at him and then at the clock. “So never?”
“No,” Matthew said. “I never tried entirely, so I don’t know if I could have or not. I never went in prepared, you know, carrying a condom or anything, so I don’t know.”
“Third base?” she asked.
Matthew turned up the corner of his mouth slightly, and Melissa asked nothing further.
“So, I know we’re past our time and all, but why does my interest with Liz bother you?” He started the van and turned around to face forward. “At some level, it’s always bothered you. You’re the one with the steady boyfriends since ninth grade; why the big deal with who I’m infatuated with?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged and sat forward. “Maybe because I know it’s an infatuation and risky that I don’t want your feelings hurt. Maybe I think you’re this awesome person that deserves someone who can appreciate all of you and what you offer to them.”
“She doesn’t?” He dropped the van into drive.
“Hell no,” she answered loudly. “I suppose there’s someone for everyone, but she doesn’t deserve you.”
“And you do?” He looked at her.
Melissa turned red and said, “I never said I did. And I’m seeing someone.”
“You never said you didn’t either,” Matthew said. He waited for her to follow up more, but she stayed quiet the remaining two blocks to her house.
Once there, Matthew turned off the van and hopped out. He grabbed the leftover pizza for her to take in, and she grabbed her things. The two of them walked toward the door of her mother’s apartment. At the house, the curtains moved and came to rest. Matthew turned to Melissa.
She opened the front door and dropped her things inside. Matthew stepped inside to set the carryout pizza box down.
“So, tomorrow then?” he said.
“Yep,” she said with a smile and a too-bright look in her eyes.
Matthew stood at the door and gazed down into her eyes. He took half a step forward. Then immediately stepped back.
“Okay.” He said and leaned toward the outside. “I’ll see you then.”
“Matthew.” Melissa reached for his arm.
He turned around, looked right into her eyes, and stared.
Melissa took a breath. “When we were talking just before, and I said how we girls thought of you, you said ‘two things dawned on me.’ You only told me one. I’d like to know what the other thing was.”
Matthew breathed in deeply. “Do you remember when we first met, in fifth grade?”
“Yes,” she said.
“The kind things you said about me, about what you and the girls thought.
… Well, it only mattered to me what you thought.”
“Yes, you told me that,” she said softly. “What was the other thing?”
“I though how nice and warm it made me feel that you thought those good things of me. Like in fifth grade when you used to tell me I was the nicest boy you’d ever met. All at once, I realized that somewhere along the way, in middle school I think, you stopped saying it. I realized I missed it, and I hoped I still was that ‘boy’ to you.”
“You remember that?” A flood of emotion poured over Melissa, and she struggled to keep herself in check. “I still feel exactly that way about you.”
“It’s nice to know that.” Matthew smiled, took two steps backward, and called out, “See you tomorrow.”
Then he hustled around the van and got in. Melissa closed the front door, pressed her right hand on it, left it there, and just stared at it.
Once she couldn’t hear the sound of the engine anymore, she burst into tears.
THE STORY CONTINUES - As Life Goes: The End of the
Innocence
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017TBSD42/
A SPECIAL SIX CHAPTER PREVIEW OF As Life Goes: The
End of the Innocence IS AVAILABLE BEYOND THE ADS
FOR MY OTHER TITLES
ABOUT JASON ZANDRI
Jason has been working in the information technology field in one form or the other since 1996. He is currently employed full time at Bloomberg LP as a Systems Engineer in the R&D group. Jason lives in Wallingford Connecticut, with his wife Renata. He is the father to four children, three boys and one girl
—11 years (Andrew), 9 years (Angela), 7 years (Adam), and 6 years old (Alex).
Social Media links
Twitter – @GUNDERSTONE https://twitter.com/gunderstone/
Facebook Author page – https://www.facebook.com/jzandri
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonzandri
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/+JasonZandri/
Author blog – The GUNDERSTONE Review https://gunderstone.wordpress.com/
Books and links
Before Another Sunset (The Sunset Series Book 1)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T11GKYE
Another Sunset (The Sunset Series Book 2)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QD2FQU8/
I Hero: The Beginning
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y3LA41M/
I Hero: Nathan Returns
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011AOPE64
I Hero: Phases (Expected first half 2016)
I Hero: The Storm (Expected second half 2016)
I Hero: Untitled Book 5 (Expected first half 2017)
As Life Goes: Elementary
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZXVB7SK/
As Life Goes: The End of the Innocence
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017TBSD42/
As Life Goes: The Reunion – (expected April 2016) As Life Goes: The Wedding (expected July 2016)
As Life Goes: The Funeral (expected October 2016)
Another Sunset
David Stephenson is a kind drifter who comes to settle in the small Texas town of Westville. His sense, empathy, and awareness are well received by the residents of the failing town as they welcome and befriend him. During his stay he helps a small local girl try to realize her dream and while doing so excites and energizes the whole town to help out. Lives change as fate takes a critical turn. The local would-be reporter, tasked by David’s longtime friend, takes off on a mission to unravel the mystery of his travels, where he came from, and discovers why he is on his journey.
Another Sunset Reviews – (see all on Amazon.com)
- http://amzn.to/1RHrdES
“The author has a nice way of weaving together a touching story that definitely tugged at those heartstrings”
http://www.amazon.com/review/RE23H0HC4YBXY/
“Endearing characters, well-paced dialogue, and valuable lessons...all the components of fantastic book”
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3KETK9GVPLVIV
“Instead of the fast pace of stories that tell too much, too soon, Another Sunset moved its pace along with detail that helped really form its characters.
It gave plenty of time to delve into the story and not be able to fully discern where the story was going (which I like - I don't like to be able to script out what's going to happen! Surprise me!)”
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3DJBKJG5DVFM1/
I, Hero – The Beginning
The story that started it all
An everyday man, living less than ordinary life in New York City, simply makes his way about his work life and one at home. A kind heart and an empathetic soul, who tended to think of others before he thought of himself.
With his childhood totally left behind and gone with the final resting of his father, Nathan has come to terms with his past as he forges his life in the present, unaware of what lies ahead.
An unlikely friendship, a random act of violence, a budding romance, all part of a life changed.
“When it’s your time, there’s nothing you can do to change that outcome. The only t
hing you can do is meet it head on. You have to hope that the life you had with others, while you were here, has made a positive impact.” – Brian Devron
“Where there is darkness, you are light. Where others know fear, you will be brave. When there are setbacks, you will persevere. Where others find weakness, you bring strength. Where there is despair, you are hope. Where cowardice falls, you rise courageously. Where others do not have the ability to believe, you have faith. You will suffer, so that others will endure. You will triumph where others would fall." - Cici Johnson
“This is it; it all changes tonight. Anything I do tonight, at a minimum, is going to at least expose all of this to the world." - Nathan Devron.
I, Hero: The Beginning – Order on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y3LA41M/
“I, Hero – The Beginning” – Excerpt I
http://bit.ly/1MKrwsF
“I, Hero – The Beginning” – Excerpt II
http://bit.ly/1CCp4Sl
“I, Hero – The Beginning” – Excerpt III
http://bit.ly/1HlZEYo
“I, Hero – The Beginning” – Excerpt IV
http://bit.ly/1CwNg3l
All my free excerpts from my books can be found on my blog via
https://gunderstone.wordpress.com/category/excerpt/
About I, Hero – Nathan Returns
Nathan is back in New York City; the place where it all started, nearly one year later. While he has been away, he has been establishing a base of operations and trying to follow the direction his life has taken – making a difference and answering the call for help where and when he is needed.
He has returned to this birthplace of his powers with more questions of why he is on the path he is on and what is expected of him.
During a dangerous rescue, his powers dissipate, and leave him critically vulnerable.
He connects back with old friends who help him rediscover the man he used to be to in order to help him be the man he has become and the man who he must be.
Magical forces come into play, pulling on nature itself, which introduces an unexpected challenge to Nathan while he is at this perilous juncture.
The pendulum swings even farther out of alignment; it is up to Nathan to respond before forces are set into motion that cannot be countered.
I, Hero: Nathan Returns – Order on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011AOPE64/
I, Hero: Nathan Returns – Excerpt I
http://bit.ly/1PKdbiD
I, Hero: Nathan Returns – Excerpt II
http://bit.ly/1j3gXqy
All my free excerpts from my books can be found on my blog via
https://gunderstone.wordpress.com/category/excerpt/
As Life Goes: Elementary
“Every new beginning starts from nothing. Understanding that you can have everything in the love of one person, isn’t that worth the risk of personal capital? Isn’t that kind of love worth it?” – Diane Wakeford
“Have I ever told you, you’re the nicest boy I’ve ever met?” – Melissa Bancroft
“I will have the friends I want. I don’t care what boy likes me or what boy I like. You’re an awesome friend. I am not giving you up because we’re going to different schools or for any one person either.” –
Elizabeth Wellsworth
Mark Sanford returns to his hometown with his son Matthew in tow to rebuild their lives. Recently divorced, and with the mother totally abandoning her parental responsibilities, both father and son are beginning their fresh start together.
Matthew begins to make new friends in the neighborhood and at school while he tries to find his place among people that have been friends with one another for years at elementary school.
Mark takes over the reins of the former family corner store with the help of a young woman looking for work. The ability to love and trust that woman entering his life is difficult for him because of all he has lost. For Matthew, that “first love” is difficult to understand without a motherly influence and with a father that has been deeply hurt.
As Life Goes: Elementary
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZXVB7SK/
(BOOK ONE of the As Life Goes series) – Links to Excerpts
As Life Goes: Elementary – Excerpt I
https://gunderstone.wordpress.com/2015/07/07/as-life-goes-elementary-excerpt-i/
As Life Goes: Elementary – Excerpt II
https://gunderstone.wordpress.com/2015/07/09/as-life-goes-elementary-excerpt-ii/
As Life Goes: Elementary – Excerpt III
https://gunderstone.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/as-life-goes-elementary-excerpt-iii-author-jason-
zandri/
All my free excerpts from my books can be found on my blog via
https://gunderstone.wordpress.com/category/excerpt/
As Life Goes: Elementary – Links to Reviews
FIVE STARS - A refreshing read – touching and very inspiring!
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2585J9HGG45TQ/
FIVE STARS - Touching and very relevant
http://www.amazon.com/review/R30MV63ZF0VILI/
As Life Goes: The End of the Innocence
“You have to let things happen and be there for the ones you care about.
When they slip, you try to catch them to break their fall. You can’t always be there for everyone; when you’re not and if they should fall, you help them back up.” – Matthew Sanford.
“Now and for the rest of my life, I want to spend the time trying to make you as happy as you’ve made me.”
“There’s no way to know all things with absolute certainty. If you want to love that much, if you want the chance to be Matthew’s entire world, and have him be yours, you’re going to have to risk everything.” – Diane Wakeford.
The one constant in the universe is change.
Matthew, Tim, Melissa, Liz and the gang come to the end of their youth as they turn eighteen and prepare to leave high school.
Old friends and new come together as their lives shift from the moment they are in to the future that is coming at them.
One love is discovered and then lost. Another is never fully revealed. Others are put forward to stand against the tests of life, time, and circumstance.
At a time of letting go, they do their best to hang on, realizing that yesterday is gone and what they have to look forward to is everything that tomorrow offers.
As Life Goes: The End of the Innocence
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017TBSD42/
(BOOK TWO of the As Life Goes series) – Links to Excerpts
As Life Goes: The End of the Innocence – Excerpt I
http://bit.ly/1knbsVe
As Life Goes: The End of the Innocence – Excerpt II
http://bit.ly/1MycCaG
As Life Goes: The End of the Innocence – Excerpt III
http://bit.ly/1M4duT0
AS LIFE GOES: THE END OF THE
INNOCENCE
SIX CHAPTER EXCERPT
CHAPTER ONE
Matthew Sanford pulled his red Chevrolet conversion van along the curb in front of the three-family house where Melissa lived with her mother. He looked at the time on the dash; it read 6:15 a.m. He glanced back over at her sister’s apartment next door when Diane stepped out.
Matthew got out of the van and walked around behind it.
“Good morning, Matthew,” Diane Wakeford said to him while she pulled the door closed and locked the deadbolt with her key. “Are you taking Melissa and the gang to the beach again?”
“Hi Di; yes, we decided to go since none of us had to work today,”
Matthew said dragging his fingers through his slightly long brown hair.
“Well, Tim had to work, but then he got someone to cover for him.”
“I hope Missy is chipping in for gas,” Diane said stepping out to the sidewalk. “Having a car is expensive with the service, fuel, and the insurance.
She works too; she can pitch in.”
M
atthew looked at Diane’s features and the outline of her face. Every time he did, he could see Melissa and he always graced the feeling with a warm smile. This conversation was no different. “She offers. Almost every time. I always tell her no. I get a few bucks from the guys. I just feel better about it like that.”
Diane noted the consideration the young man paid to her little sister, who was no longer as little as when they all first met seven years ago. “You know Matthew,” she said smiling at him and turning a little to keep the sun out of her eyes, “you’ve turned into quite an impressive young man in so many different ways, but least of all how you treat people.” Diane’s tone turned somewhat somber for a moment. “Don’t ever let the travails of life take any of that wind out of your sails.”
Matthew just looked at her for a moment. He wasn’t sure how to take the comment. “Is everything okay, Diane?”
“Oh sorry,” she said recovering her normal, happy tone, “I didn’t mean to be a wet blanket on your beach day. Just some things on my mind. So who are you picking up today?”
Matthew didn’t dismiss Diane’s demeanor but he let it go for the time being. “After I get your sister here, I’m going to swing around to get Tim and his girlfriend Patti. Then I am going to get Mike and Lesley,” he said dragging his foot a bit on the sidewalk. “I think Missy said Alecia and Carrie wanted to go, so I’ll get them too. It’s why I start so early. By the time we
fetch everyone and get out of town it’s after eight.”
“And you go all the way to Misquamicut?” Diane asked.
“Yep,” Matthew said. “It’s a nicer beach. It’s a fun ride in the van. We listen to the music and then we spend the day there.”
“Are you still stopping on the way home in Old Saybrook for Pizza?”
Diane asked taking a slight step backwards and glancing down at her watch.
“It’s the ritual,” Matthew replied with a grin. “I figure we have a couple more weeks or so of opportunity then it’s back to Sheehan for senior year.
We might not get the chance next summer depending on who’s going where and doing what for college, work, and other things.”
The popping sound of the neighboring door pulled Matthew’s attention and he turned to see Melissa coming out in her yellow two-piece, covered only by a flimsy pullover. She waved quickly to the two of them and came down the stairs. “I was waiting for you to come inside and get me,” she said smiling with the early morning summer breeze blowing her long black hair behind her. “But I see I am no competition for the engaging conversation of the illustrious Miss Wakeford,” Melissa said playfully as she bounded over to Matthew’s side and pulled her fingers through her long brown hair.