by Olivia Snow
“I have some stuff to do. I’ll see you after school.” She replied walking away.
“Damn, she’s going to drive me crazy.” Talon said biting his clenched fist he turned to go after her.
“Whoa, um I feel like…like I should apologize or something.” I said to Gabriel shaking my head in disbelief. This was an Ava I wasn’t used to. Hearing it over the phone was one thing but actually seeing it in person was something else entirely.
“What? Is she not normally like this?” He asked guiding me to sit down. Gabriel’s palm barely grazed my lower back. His touch wasn’t meant as anything but a well-mannered gesture but it still sent my skin into a heated fury. My scalp prickled. I prayed to God my face didn’t match my middle name. One fleeting brush of his hand and I had already forgotten what we were talking about.
What was it that he said?
“Vanessa?”
“I’m sorry what was your question?” I’m such an idiot. Sitting down, Gabriel repeated himself smiling wide, fully aware of how he affected me.
“Is she not normally like that?”
“Oh, no, she’s always had the mouth of a sailor. But her crudeness, how forward she was just then, I’ve never seen it in person before.” This was not okay. I was starting to see why Mother wanted me to stay away from Ava all these years.
“You don’t have to apologize. It doesn’t bother me.” Gabriel said making light of the situation. Maybe I was being a tiny bit judgmental. I’m an inexperienced seventeen-year-old girl with the sexual appetite of a comatose nun, what the hell did I know. Maybe this was the norm, maybe that was the way girls were expected to act in front of boys. I instantly felt crummy. Mother’s judgmental-ness had a way of creeping in at times, it wasn't a conscious effort which made me feel even worse because deep down I was truly feeling this way about Ava. That was not how I wanted to feel about my favorite person. Gabriel tapped my shoulder.
“Did I lose you there for a second?” He smiled, immediately my crummy-ness vanished along with Mother’s or should I say my judgment. My mind switched from one emotion to another in a matter of seconds. I think I may be bipolar, or some sort of equivalent.
For the remainder of lunch Gabriel and I talked about the most random things while eating our food.
“So, you're telling me all the clocks in that movie are set at 4:20?” Gabriel asked.
“Yeah, the next time you watch Pulp Fiction pause the screen every time you see a clock.”
“You mean when I watch it for the first time.”
Waa? “What? You've never seen Pulp Fiction?” I’m completely shocked. What guy hasn’t seen Quentin Tarantino’s most popular film?
“How have you not seen Pulp Fiction?”
“How have you? It came out in the 90’s right?” Eh, he had a point. What seventeen-year-old kid is voluntarily watching movies that came out before they could even walk? A kid with father’s obsessed with crime films, that’s who.
“My dad’s a big fan of those types of movies.” Daddy and I would watch them behind mother’s back it was my favorite thing to do with him.
Gabriel smiled sweetly. “How do you know about the clocks?” He asked.
“Oh, I’m filled with random useless information.” I replied taking a bite of my celery stick.
“All right, oh wise one let me hear another.” He was having too much fun with this.
“Okay. Did you know hummingbirds are the only animals that can fly backwards, or that Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts? Or that ’60 Minutes’ is the only television show without a theme song?” Don’t know quotes by Hemingway, but I got my useless facts down packed!
“Wow, how do you know all this stuff?” He asked taking a grape from my tray popping it in his mouth. My eyes zeroed in to his lips as they move in a chewing motion. The juice from the grape coated his lower lip my body leaned forward on its own accord. Was I trying to do kiss him? Good God I was trying to kiss him! My brain had no idea what my body was up to it had a mind of its own. Thankfully, he hadn’t noticed my lean because if he had, he would have smiled at me with that knowing smile of his. Gabriel continued to gnaw at the grape taking another one to his mouth as he looked down at my tray. Oh, my damn. I wanted to steal everyone’s grapes, give them to Gabriel so I could keep on watching him chew.
That’s not weird. No, it’s not weird at all.
During swim class Gabriel and I exchanged a couple of looks but he was mainly paying attention to his duties as TA. After, he walked me to my final class asking for more meaningless information. When school ended Ava waited for me outside near the student parking lot. She was holding a handful of uniforms hung on hangers wrapped in plastic covers.
“Ready to go?” She asked. Before I could offer my help, I was interrupted.
“Let me help you with those.” We turned around as Gabriel came towards us.
“No, thanks Romeo, I got this. I’ll wait for you in the car.” She said facing me walking away.
“I’m sorry. I don’t think she’s having a good day.”
“It’s alright, it’s a new school, new people. I can imagine what she’s going through. I get it.” I tried my best not to swoon over this guy but it was becoming harder and harder not to. There had to be a flaw. He can’t be this perfect.
“Listen, I’d ask you out for pizza again but I have plans with my mom.”
Awe, how cute was he? I wanted to squeeze his cheeks.
“Oh. Don’t worry about it, I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Yes, of course, can I have a hug before you go?” He asked shyly almost like waiting to be turned down.
“Um, sure.” I replied, he didn’t waste any time as he wrapped his arms around my waist picking me up off the ground. His warmth enveloped me into a Gabriel blanket, making me feel like I never wanted to let go. He chuckled as I inhaled his scent not realizing I was being so obvious. Dear God, Kill. Me. Now. As a way to level out our embarrassment he breathed in my scent, nudging his head in between the crook of my neck. Only, he was not embarrassed he was actually enjoying being this close to me. His lips whispered a kiss on my neck just as he lowered me to the ground. My skin instantly tightened in goose bumps. It was the best hug ever.
“I’ll call you later, okay?” His voice was a bit hoarse.
“Okay, bye.” I glided to the car feeling like I was on cloud nine. Inside, it was pretty obvious what I was feeling through my dorky toothy smile.
“That good, huh?” She asked.
“And that was just a hug. I bet he’s a fantastic kisser.” What? What was I saying, I wasn't ready to kiss him I hardly knew him. Ava mumbled some curse words and something else I couldn’t make out.
“Pardon?” I asked.
“I have to go to the bathroom.”
“Oh, can’t you wait until we get home or…?”
“I’ll be right back.” She rushed out the car jogging back into the building taking her satchel with her. Just as I buckled my seatbelt, my phone rang the screen flashed MOTHER.
Total buzz kill.
Hello?
Vanessa? What’s this I hear about you and Gabriel Mason?
How in the hell—?
I don’t know exactly what you're hearing, Mother.
Don’t get fresh with me young lady. You know the rules about dating.
Yes, Mother, I know.
Well, then. Are you dating Gabriel Mason?
No, Mother, Gabriel and I are only friends.
He’s a good-looking boy, Vanessa.
Yes, Mother, that he is.
You know, your father and I wouldn’t pose a problem if he came over for dinner.
Huh? I was barely permitted to speak to the opposite sex now all of a sudden a boy is welcome into our home…for dinner? This doesn't seem right, something’s up.
Would you like me to invite him over, Mother?
We’ll talk when I come home, all right?
If you didn't want to talk about it now, then why did you call? Oh,
I know it was just one of mother’s many ways to remind me that she controlled my life and everything was on her say so.
Yes, Mother, whatever you say.
I’ll talk to you soon, good-bye.
Good-bye, Mother.
No, I love you or how was your day it was always straight to the point with my mother.
Chapter Thirteen
Ava
I managed to get through the day with half a pint of vodka. Okay maybe it was a little more than half but still I didn't completely finish it off until Vanessa got in the car all high off of Gabriel. I was fine until she mentioned kissing him. The image of their lips joining made the dark carousel in my mind turn ever so slightly making me crave some liquid courage. I rushed out the car back into the school to drink the last of it, like a dirty black rat taking its food to the back of a dingy alley. Fortunately for me the night called for some drunken debauchery and enough sexually explicit behavior meant to erase a certain someone from my mind. After getting back into the car, I drove home in a comfortable silence with Vanessa. I parked facing the front door Vanessa opened her car door waiting for me to open mine.
“Aren’t you coming?”
“No, I’ll be back later. I already let Billy know I was meeting some friends from Aurora.”
“All right, I’ll see you later tonight.” She said disappointed. I felt bad but I needed this, I was feeling suffocated and my liquid relief wasn’t enough.
I drove two hours to Aurora eager to get more alcohol in me along with some male anatomy.
Once I arrived I parked the Mercedes right in front of the bar. Spade’s was one of the bars Christian promoted. This bar was pretty popular amongst the twenty-something’s in the neighborhood. I walked in door and headed directly to the bar.
“Jailbait! Long time no see, baby.” Jason, the bartender leaned over to give me a kiss on the cheek.
“Hey, Jason, how’s it hanging?”
He laughed. “You wouldn’t know, would you sweetheart, you’ve never let me hit it.”
“Believe it or not Jason, I have standards.” I said scanning the room. “Give me the usual would ya?”
“Oh, yeah? Since when?” He asked pouring three shots of tequila.
Once he finished I took all three shots back to back, the clear liquid went down smooth. Yes, exactly what I needed. I tapped the wooden bar gesturing for more.
“Since I heard you don’t quite fall under my measurement requirements.” I said watching my three new shots being filled.
“Damn, it’s like that?” He whined placing his hand over his heart like he was heartbroken.
I chuckled shaking my head drinking the three shots before walking away to see who else was here tonight. I was already feeling the wonderful effects of the tequila pumping through my heart. At this point, my mind was saying Gabriel who? I recognized a couple of guy’s I had sex with both gave me the come hither look but I wasn't interested in something I’d had before. I wanted something new, something that would shake whatever it was that I felt for Gabriel lose. Passing several pool tables I was suddenly pulled back by my wrist. I turned around to find Reggie leaning against the wall with his leg propped against it. How did I not even notice he was here? It surprised me because you couldn’t possibly look past Reggie even if you tried. He was that damn gorgeous.
“I heard you broke up with Christian.” He pulled me to him whispering in my ear.
“We were never an item.” I replied moving closer to his mouth.
“Why did he come up here telling everyone you were his then?”
“Don’t know. Why did any of you motherfuckers listen to him?” I placed my hands over his chest feeling his toned muscles under his tight blue tee, he smelled good too, like fresh cologne. Reggie was about 5’8, buzz cut and covered in tattoos. I’ve always been a sucker for tattoos. His brown eyes matched his milky chocolate skin. It looked yummy enough to eat.
“You got a mouth on you, girl.” He replied licking his lips as he looked at mine.
“So I’ve been told. Want to know what else I can do with it?” I pressed myself against him already feeling the effect I had on him on my upper thigh.
“Sshit.” He said sliding his hands down my ass squeezing each side. “Let’s get out of here.”
“I have a car out back.” I replied.
Reaching the Mercedes Reggie and I jumped in the back seat. I straddled him before taking off my jacket his hands squeezed my ass as he buried his face in between my breasts. I rocked back on this lap until I felt his hard cock pressed against my leather leggings. Once he pulled my shirt off I unclasp my bra giving him better access to my tits.
“Damn, girl you get right to the point, don’t you?”
“Reggie, shut up and fuck me.” I demanded not wanting to hear him talk.
“Yes, ma’am.”
I got back pretty late, Billy wasn’t home yet and Vanessa was already asleep. I quietly turned on the shower making the water as hot as possible before getting in. I tried my best not to cry. I felt so dirty, having sex in the back of my aunt’s car would have been a thrill before but now it wasn’t the same. I closed my eyes trying to push down myself pity. This was so messed up and twisted. I didn’t know what to do with myself. The feelings I had for Gabriel were becoming overwhelming. Self-medicating with sex wasn’t going to cut it any longer. Something needed to give.
Wednesday and Thursday came and went. It was pretty much the same. I would drive us to school and try to avoid Vanessa and Gabriel as much as possible. I could see the way he looked at her and it made my stomach churn. After school, I dropped Vanessa off at the house then head back to see Reggie. It was a disgusting ritual that I had to break, fast. Friday was the same until after school, Billy came to pick up Vanessa they were driving to Denver to see Declan. She begged me to go, but I wasn't in the mood to be the fourth wheel. Once I was home I ran upstairs to change out of my uniform and get ready for a house party in Aurora Christian had invited me to. I changed into a black mini skirt, and a long sleeve black crop top. I slipped on some red heels keeping the makeup to a minimum. I was actually excited to see Christian; it had only been a week since I’d seen him but for some reason I missed him. Going downstairs to grab a quick snack the doorbell rang. Dolores had taken the day off so I went to open it. Gabriel was standing with his back to me. His jeans hung low covering the well-defined V that dug into his sides the hem of his white tee barely grazed the top of his jeans. His blonde hair shined in the sunlight. My blue eyed angel.
I cleared my throat in an attempt to get his attention. Gabriel turned, his eyes widened and mouth fell open. I internally giggled like a damn moron.
“Close your mouth, Blue, you look like a trout.” I said, he slowly closed his mouth, but his eyes move slowly up and down my body like he was trying to burn the image of me in his mind. It took all of my strength and willpower not to jump his bones, right then and there.
“Vanessa isn’t here, she won’t be here till late.” I snapped not sure why I was suddenly so mad at him. Gabriel cleared his throat, becoming aware that he had been staring at my body.
“Yeah, sorry, I know. I’m here to speak to you actually.” He replied rubbing his chin.
“I’m on my way out, can it wait?” I put my hand on my hip cocking it to the side. His eyes followed the movement of my hip then lowering to my legs.
“Ahem.” I said, attempting to gain his attention back to my eyes. Even though I loved the way he was looking at me.
He completely ignored me. “You’re going out? Dressed like that?” He said moving his hands up and down making sure I hadn’t forgotten what I’m wearing.
“Yeah.” And before I could stop myself I said. “You want to come along?”
Shit. Shit, shit, shit! Without even asking me where I was going or any form of hesitation he replied. “Yes.”
We drove the long two hours to Aurora in silence. Once we arrived, I parked the Mercedes some ways away from the house, just to ensure that i
t would be safe. In this neighborhood the car screamed drug dealer, there was no way someone would mess with it. Still, I tried to be extra careful.
“Let’s go, Blue.” I said stepping out of the car.
“A party. You dressed this way for a house party?” He stopped dead in his tracks.
“What? Did you think I’m a stripper or something?” When he didn't answer I figured he expected something like that. I wasn’t surprised I mean I didn’t give the most respectful first impression. We walked to the party already packed with bodies. Alcohol and the hazy smoke from weed filled the house. Before entering, I grabbed Gabriel’s hand.
“Don’t let go. The bitches will maul you.” He laughed squeezing my hand tightly. His touch was so foreign yet so familiar, like we were meant to hold hands in this way. My body tingled with this new sort of high. I hesitated before taking him inside not liking the idea of sharing him with anyone else. Still, I went.
Famous last words.
Immediately after stepping inside a large arm wrapped around my waist pulling me away from the front door, Gabriel’s hand was still holding mine.
“I hear you’re fucking Reggie.” Christian’s voice was low in my ear, it instantly presented a different type of feeling deep down in my belly. Lust. Pushing him away with my free hand I looked into his angry eyes.
“Yeah, what of it?” The party mood around us changed into tension as I felt Gabriel’s chest rise against my back. Christian noticed too, causing him to puff out his chest sizing Gabriel up.
“Who’s this clown?” I wasn’t interested in a ‘my dick’s bigger than yours’ contest that’s not why I drove two hours to get here.
“Didn’t you invite me to party?” I asked hopefully diffusing the unnecessary tension.