The Game Changer

by Trio, L. M.

  I’m talking with my Aunt Kathy in the foyer when Luke and Mikey arrive. Luke stops to talk to Timmy, who is standing by the family room.

  “Hey JJ, Merry Christmas,” Mikey says, bending down to kiss me hello. “This is Megan.”

  “Hi, nice to meet you,” I reply. She is an attractive girl with shoulder length, straight brown hair and beautiful blue eyes. She seems more conservative than the girls I usually see him with. I’ve never seen her before.

  “This is my Aunt Kathy,” I introduce them as Luke walks up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, giving me a squeeze as he flips my hair out of the way and gives me a huge animated kiss on the cheek. “Merry Christmas!” he says in his cute, playful voice.

  “Merry Christmas!” I grin as the goose bumps cover my body. We stare at each other probably longer than we should have when I realize my Aunt is standing beside me, taking it all in. “Luke, this is my Aunt Kathy.”

  “Nice to meet you,” she says as she reaches over to shake his hand, while glancing at me.

  “Nice to meet you too. JJ, where’s David?” he asks, twisting my hair in his fingers.

  “In the kitchen,” I reply as I watch him walk to the kitchen to talk to my dad.

  “Okay, girl, spill. Who are they? And what’s the story with you and that Luke kid?” she asks, chuckling. She grabs a drink and hands me one, pulling me into the other room. “I can’t believe I’m having a drink with my niece as I get the dirt on her love life. Funny, but this reminds me of your mom and me when I was your age. Only, I’m in your mom’s role this time.” We both laugh. I know it’s true because I’ve heard the stories growing up. Aunt Kathy was a teenager when my mom and dad were first married. My mom and dad were young and had a lot of parties back then. Aunt Kathy would always stay with them for the weekend.

  “There really isn’t much of a love life. Luke’s my friend and De’s brother. They live across the street. You met their mom and dad earlier.”

  “You look like more than friends to me,” she says.

  “Well, there may have been a couple of times when we crossed the friend’s line.” I smile, excited to finally confide in someone. “But, Luke has a lot going on; we’re just friends. He’s a year older than me. He and Mikey play baseball, they’re really good. He’ll be gone once the school year is over.” I sigh.

  “Oh… So, they’re the baseball stars. Your dad mentioned something about that. David likes him.” She glances towards the kitchen at my dad, Mikey and Luke laughing.

  “He does. They’re always here talking sports with Daddy, especially Luke. He and De are my best friends and I don’t want to complicate things.”

  “Jesse, being best friends with someone is a great thing in a relationship. That’s what most relationships lack,” she argues.

  “Yeah, but he’s leaving. I don’t want to start anything. Things are good between us the way they are.”

  “Wow, he is handsome. I don’t know if I could restrain myself at your age and let me tell you, he hasn’t taken his eyes off you since he’s walked in.”

  We laugh as we walk back in to the other room. I go to talk with my friends for a while. Mikey and Megan join us in the family room, while Luke remains in the kitchen. Deanna seems surprised when she meets Megan, she is probably thinking the same thing as me, that she doesn’t seem like his type. I catch her eyeing Megan up when she doesn’t think anyone notices. Poor Timmy, always seems on edge when Mikey is around. It’s probably due to Mikey and De’s constant bickering. I’m used to it at this point. One second they love each other, the next second they’re ready to kill each other.

  Luke enters the room and sits himself on the arm of the couch next to me. As he converses with Mikey about their upcoming trip, he unconsciously twirls the back of my hair once again through his fingers. He’ll do that sometimes, even during Study Hall. I don’t know if he’s even aware that he does it. I’ve never acknowledged it, because I don’t want him to stop. I love the feeling I get any time he touches me, even in the most innocent, simplest way. Only problem is, it’s hard concentrating on anything else and, right now, Lori is in the middle of telling a story that I’m trying to focus on.

  Sometime later, the house begins to clear out. All of our friends are gone. De and Timmy go to her house to exchange gifts before he heads home to attend midnight mass with his family; she says she’ll be back once he leaves. Mikey leaves to drop Megan at home and says he’ll be back as well. Luke and I decide to get something to eat. He grabs us each a drink, while I fix our plates. His mom and dad are sitting at the table with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Billy. We sit with them.

  “Where’s Mikey?” Maria asks.

  “He’s dropping Meagan off,” Luke says as he takes a piece of pepperoni bread off my plate.

  “He’s wasn’t drinking, was he?” she asks.

  “No,” we answer simultaneously.

  “That’s why he’s dropping her off. He’ll be back,” Luke adds. “Just JJ and I are getting loaded.” He holds up his glass, saluting them. Maria and my dad both shoot him a look. “I’m kidding,” he quickly adds, laughing at their expressions; which, of course, makes me laugh, too. I know my dad won’t mind as long as we aren’t going anywhere and keep it under control.

  They shake their heads, well aware of his sense of humor. As they go back to their conversation, Luke fills me in on Megan, telling me how Mikey had met her while we finished up our plates. Actually, his plate is empty and he is now finishing up what is left on mine.

  “So, who’s the blonde that’s eyein’ up your dad?” Luke whispers to me.

  “What... What are you talking about?” I swing my head around to look. I hadn’t noticed any blonde looking at my dad.

  “Don’t make it obvious. The one standin’ in front of the fridge. Every time he says somethin’, she’s all giggly-like.”

  “What? Shut up! I didn’t notice. She works with him,” I answer, trying to take notice without making it obvious. He laughs and I hit his arm.

  We grab another drink and head into the other room just as Mikey is walking in. I hand him my drink, since I’m already feeling tipsy from the first two. He’s staying at Luke’s tonight, as he does most nights. After De returns, Luke fills them in on the blonde in the kitchen, then, of course, we each have to take turns going in to the kitchen to check it out.

  “Uh, she’s attractive, but, then again, so is David. How old do you think she is?” Deanna asks.

  “Oh, yeah. She wants him bad!” Mikey adds.

  “See, that’s what I thought!” Luke gets excited.

  “Alright guys, enough. That’s my dad you’re talking about, besides, look at him, he’s oblivious,” I tease, knowing they are messing with me.

  Mikey and Luke continue to talk about how he’s still a guy and all that stuff. I just tune them out. It’s not something I care to picture in my mind. Mikey and De head to the kitchen to eat and watch, which leaves Luke and I alone in the family room. Luke is on the couch and I’m on the chair across from him. He motions for me to come closer and I do. He pulls me onto his lap and starts kissing me.

  I’m sure it is because we both are feeling tipsy and a little brazen. I finally come to my senses and pull away, but I don’t get up. “Luke, are you crazy? Everybody is in the other room right now. De can walk in any second.”

  “I know, but you’re driving me crazy. I’ve been dying to do that all night, sorry,” he whispers in my ear, kissing just below it, not sorry even a little bit.

  Well, at least we’re still thinking the same thing. I kiss him again. “You’re not sorry... but, I don’t want to get caught.”

  “I know, but I’ve been so good lately, haven’t I?” he teases.

  “Yes, but...” I’m still sitting on his lap when I hear my Aunt Kathy call me from the front of the family room. I jump out of his lap.

  “Sorry, Honey, I didn’t mean to interrupt, but Uncle Billy and I are leaving. I just wanted to say good bye.”

  I walk
over to give them a kiss goodbye. Luke follows, also giving Aunt Kathy a kiss goodbye, and shakes Uncle Billy’s hand. I walk them to the door.

  “Oh JJ, you’re so beautiful, it makes me happy to see you happy. Have fun, Sweetie. Enjoy the rest of your night. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll want details,” she demands. “I like him, he’s such a cutie and he’s sweet and funny.”

  I smile shyly. “I know… I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Maria and Lucca are saying their goodbyes, while Deanna shows off the bracelet Timmy got her. It’s really pretty and she is so happy. Mikey, not so much. Besides the four of us, my dad’s friends from work remain. I’m happy for him. My dad does have friends and they seem like they are enjoying each other’s company.

  The four of us retreat to the family room where Mikey and Luke teach De and I a drinking game. My dad doesn’t notice; he is too busy entertaining his guests in the kitchen. Besides, I don’t think he will mind as long as we don’t get out of hand, it is Christmas and they only have to walk across the street.

  I always have the most fun when the four of us are together. I don’t think I ever have laughed so hard as when I’m with them. I would have loved to go away with them this week. After seeing my dad tonight, I think he would have been okay, but it’s too late now to change my mind.

  After my dad walks his friends out, Luke and Mikey rush over to the window to see if they can see anything going on with my dad and the blonde. At first, they lie to me, but then tell me they are only kidding. It is all very friend-like, they say. Of course, when he walks back in, we laugh at him.

  “What are you laughing at?” he asks.

  “Nothing,” we answer at the same time.

  De and I offer to clean up in the kitchen, but he says his friends have helped and everything is done.

  “I’m exhausted. I’m gonna head up. If you’re hungry, there’s a ton of food in the fridge,” he says as he heads for the steps. “And… no more drinking,” he adds sternly.

  “We’re not,” Luke lies, laughing.

  “You think I was born yesterday? I was your age once... and not that long ago, either,” my dad jokes.

  Of course, the boys are starving again, so De and I reheat some food and we all eat again. It is after three in the morning when the three of them decide to leave. I walk them to the door.

  “What are your plans for tomorrow?” Luke asks.

  “We’re going to the cemetery and then over to my Aunt Kathy’s for dinner,” I answer.

  “I didn’t give you your present, yet,” he sounds disappointed.

  “I’ll stop by tomorrow night when I get home. I want to see you guys before you leave anyway.”

  “No, I want to give it to you tonight. I’ll be right back,” he says as the three of them walk down the driveway. He doesn’t give me a chance to answer. I won’t tell him no anyway. I’ll admit, it’s getting harder for me to hide my feelings for him.

  He’s back within minutes, carrying a neatly wrapped package. My stomach flutters more so than usual. I’m excited to have a few minutes alone with him. As soon as he walks in the door, he starts kissing me while pushing me back into the family room. He falls back onto the couch, pulling me down with him, his mouth never leaving mine. Finally, he stops himself. “Oh, God, you’re killing me. Do you know that?” he asks.

  “What?” I smile innocently. I know the feeling.

  “Don’t give me that innocent crap. You know what I mean.” He hugs me tighter and kisses my neck.

  “Can I open my gift? It’s wrapped so pretty,” I say, admiring the pretty red ribbon wrapped around the package.

  “De wrapped it for me.”

  I open it slowly, revealing various tins of charcoals, pastels and a sketch pad. “Luke, I love it! It’s perfect. How did you know what to get?”

  “I watch you when you’re sketching. I described what you use to the lady at the supply store and she helped me pick it out,” he says proudly. “I told her you were a professional, so I didn’t want any amateur shit.” He laughs.

  “This is really nice stuff. I love it.” I kiss him again. “Let me get your present.”

  He’s smiling when I bring it in. I sit back down on his lap and hand it to him. He tears the paper off, not slowly like me. “Wow! I can’t believe you gave me this. This is awesome. You know I love this picture. You had it framed and everything. It’s great, thank you. I can’t wait to hang it in my room.”

  “And, when you leave, you can bring it with you. It will remind you of home… and hopefully me.”

  “I love it, but I don’t need a picture to remind me of you,” he says as he places our gifts on the table and lies back on the couch, pulling me down on him. I kiss him passionately as I press my body to his. His hands roam my body as his mouth hungrily tastes mine. The feelings I have inside when I am with Luke are so overwhelming that it scares the hell out of me, but excites me, all at the same time. I think I would be willing to do anything he asks of me. He rolls me onto my back, his body covering mine as he presses himself against me. I wrap my legs around him, giving him better access as he grinds his lower body against mine. His mouth moves to my neck. His breathing is erratic, as is mine. My hands press against his lower back, encouraging him to keep going. I’m loving the way he feels against my body and want to feel more. His strong hand slides under my sweater as he caresses my bare skin. A soft moan escapes my lips. Suddenly, he stops and pulls back.

  ***

  (Luke)

  “Holy shit, JJ! What are you doin’?” I ask, trying to control my breathing as I abruptly sit up.

  “Huh, what?” she asks innocently.

  “You can’t do that. You’ve got to stop me.”

  “I didn’t want to... I’m sorry,” she says shyly.

  She answers so honestly it kills me. “Shit,” I curse under my breath, “Me, neither,” I agree as I give her a smile and lift her back onto my lap.

  “Did I do something wrong?”

  “No... I did something wrong.” I laugh. “You do know... you can’t act like that with random guys?”

  “You’re not a random guy.”

  “I know, but I’m an asshole. You shouldn’t act that way with me, either.”

  “Are you mad?”

  “No way, but, I’m the one who is sorry. Ask around, JJ, I’m sure you’ve heard the stories. I don’t have the best reputation when it comes to girls.”

  “That’s not true, Luke. You’re known as the nice pig and Mikey is known as the jerk pig.”

  That sends me into hysterics. “Is that right?” I shake my head at how adorable she is. “A pig is still a pig.”

  “Besides, you’d never do anything to hurt me. I trust you,” she says, planting a kiss on my cheek.

  “You make me want to be a nice guy,” I admit as I softly kiss her still swollen lips.

  “I already think you are.”

  “I better go before you change your mind, besides, I need a cold shower.”

  “Huh?”

  “Nothing… walk me out.” I laugh, picking my gift up off the table, taking her by the hand, and leading her to the door.

  Now that I’m at the door, I’m finding it hard to pull myself away from her. I sit my present down against the wall and cup her face in my hands as I kiss her once more. “Merry Christmas,” I whisper.

  “It was a very Merry Christmas, thank you,” she says with a huge smile across her beautiful face.

  “Are you going to be okay tomorrow? I know you’re goin’ to the cemetery in the morning.”

  “Yeah, I’m fine with it. I want to go.”

  “Don’t forget to bring your gift.”

  “I know. Thank you.”

  She told me awhile ago that she bought a gift for her mom. She asked if I thought it was a stupid idea. I told her I thought it was a great idea. I take her in my arms and hold her tightly.

  “If you need me, you’ll call, right?”

  “Yes, Luke. I’ll call. Go, before I end up sle
eping through Christmas.”

  “I know. I know. I just don’t want to leave you yet. I’m gonna miss you this week,” I tell her, unable to let go.

  ***

  (Jesse)

  While in bed, I think about how this is my favorite Christmas ever. Instantly, I feel guilty. Is it wrong since my mom isn’t here? I say a little prayer and talk to my mom about the night, well, most of the night. I know she would want me to be happy. Sometimes it seems as if she’s been gone for so much longer.

  Chapter 23(Jesse)

  Cathy says she’ll be here by nine to pick me up. Last time I had heard from De was a little after five, hopefully they’ll be landing soon. We’ve spent the last few days texting pictures back and forth. The three of them in sunny Florida and me stuck here, in a snowstorm Jersey. I like my new Christmas gift from my dad, a cell phone. Up until now, I really didn’t see the need for one, but I have to admit, now that I have one, I’m not sure how I went without it for so long.

  As a result of the snowstorm, their flight is delayed. The last text I received, they were boarding and taking off by six. De says she’ll text the second she lands. She is freaking out because it is New Year’s Eve and she has plans with Timmy. We are all going to the party at the beach house. Well, not all of us, Luke and Mikey are meeting their friends at CJ’s. CJ’s is an eighteen and up club, but you have to be twenty one to drink. Neither one of them are eighteen, but the guy that works the door likes them, and lets them slide. I’m hoping I will have a chance to see Luke before I leave tonight, but it looks like that isn’t going to happen. A group of us chips in and rents a block of rooms at a hotel, down the street from the party. This will avoid drinking and driving. I have just finished getting dressed and throwing some comfortable clothes in a bag for later when my phone beeps. Finally, it is De. Just landed. Still on runway.

  I offer to wait, but she says she will meet me at the party. They had a good time in Florida, but she’s looking forward to coming home. She says she misses Timmy and is looking forward to seeing him. They’ve been stuck in the airport since seven this morning. Cathy pulls up a few minutes after nine. We’re meeting up with the rest of our friends at the party. I grab my bag and head out to her car. “Hey, did you hear from De?” she asks.