Labeled

by Jenni Linn

  Subconsciously, we both slow our movements--the kisses turning soft and slow--until it ends in a sweet peck. Our foreheads rest together as we allow our breathing to return to a normal pace. I open my eyes. Her eyes remain closed, but the smile on her lips tells me she enjoyed our make-out session.

  I squeeze her waist. "You better go inside," I advise. Her eyes flutter open, staring into mine. She slowly moves away and widens the space between us.

  "Yeah, I better," she agrees. Her hand blindly fumbles for the door handle until she finds it and pulls. I grab her chin. She visibly shivers before I kiss her inviting lips once more. "Good night," I whisper. She smiles and removes herself from my car. I watch her until she disappears safely behind the door and allow myself to calm down before pulling away from the house.

  Driving home, my phone dings. The thought of it being from her, even though we just separated, has me smiling. Once I'm parked and inside the house, I check my phone, and kick off my shoes. My smile drops as I read the text--it’s not from Veronica.

  Shannon: So. You and the little Russo sister?

  I type out my message as I head up the stairs and into my room. I sit on the end of my bed.

  Me: What do you mean?

  Shannon: You guys seemed quite cozy.

  Me: We're friends, Shannon.

  Shannon: Fuck buddies then?

  Me: No. Not that it's any of your business.

  Shannon: Then why do you keep blowing me off?

  I pinch the bridge of my nose. I do not need Shannon running her mouth and telling Veronica's brothers before we can. I know I need to squash this quickly.

  Me: I'm sorry, I met someone else. I should have just told you. But no, it's not V.

  I really hate lying about Veronica.

  Shannon: So you take all your friend’s sisters out?

  Me: We were at the track. She doesn't have her car and she wanted to leave. She asked me for advice, so we stopped for some food, and I gave her advice. I really don't even need to be explaining this to you.

  Shannon: So if I happen to just run into Vance, he would be okay with you and Veronica going to diners late at night?

  This chick just doesn't quit.

  Me: I’m no longer entertaining this conversation. Have a nice life, Shannon.

  Shannon: Whatever. You're an asshole with a tiny dick.

  I burst out laughing. The girl’s got jokes. I toss my phone aside, turn on the TV, and get ready for bed. In nothing but my briefs, I make sure my alarm is set before plugging in my phone and climbing under the sheets. Thoughts of Veronica--along with the sounds of the TV in the background--lull me to sleep within seconds.

  It's nearly two when I'm leaving the--military provided--shrink's office. It was just a standard “how are you adjusting to civilian life” appointment, and I'm fucking starving. No lunch was supplied today. I pull out my phone to call Vance.

  "What’s up, bud?” he greets.

  "I’m just leaving now. Where are you guys at?”

  "Garage.” Seconds later, I hear some power tools confirming his answer.

  "Alright man, I’m gonna grab some food and head over. Anyone want anything?" I ask.

  Vance yells around the garage before answering, "Nah. We're good."

  "V?"

  "I don't know. She's in the office."

  I laugh. "Alright, see ya in a bit."

  "Later."

  Ending the call, I pull up the garage's number. It rings twice before I hear Veronica's melodic voice, "Victor's Auto."

  "You hungry?" I ask.

  "Wh-Chase?"

  "Yeah, you hungry?"

  "Hmm, a little. Are you coming to visit?" The hope in her voice is obvious, and I like it.

  "Yeah, just talked to your brother. Gonna stop for some food, you want anything?"

  "Yes!" She rattles off her order and adds, "Don't forget the barbecue sauce!"

  "I won't."

  "Vance always does."

  "Well, I'm not Vance."

  "Thank goodness for that."

  "Uh yeah, that'd be a bit weird." I laugh. "I'll see you in a few."

  "Can't wait!" she squeaks.

  "Awe. Does someone miss me?"

  "Yeah, right! I just want the food."

  "I'm feeling a little used right now."

  I pull into the parking lot of the fast-food joint.

  "I'm joking," she says.

  "I know, I'm about to pull up to the order window. I'll see you in a bit, babe."

  "Okay," her voice has softened.

  "Bye."

  We hang up and I rattle off the decently long order. You'd think I was buying for the whole garage. As soon as they hand me the bag I pull out a burger, quickly unwrap it and take a large bite. It couldn’t wait. I groan. So good.

  The drive to the garage doesn't take long, but I've already demolished my second burger and fries. After parking in front of the office, I make my way inside. Veronica jumps from the desk eagerly. Her long brown hair is pulled up neatly, it swings behind her as she walks to me. "Thank you so much!" She takes the bag from my hand. "I'd kiss you if I could."

  "You can make it up to me another time," I wink.

  "You bet," she says with a wicked smile. She saunters back to her desk, and I take a moment to check out her ass and long legs. The jeans she's wearing enhance her behind. She moves behind her desk, effectively cutting off my view. "I can't eat all this!"

  "The nuggets and fries are yours. The rest is mine."

  Her eyes widen. "Piggy!"

  "I spent all morning at the base. No food. I'm starving." I rub my stomach.

  She pulls all the food from the bag and lays it on top of the desk. I swipe the second box of nuggets, opening it, and biting into the breaded meat.

  "How's your morning been?" I ask.

  "Not bad. It’s been pretty busy.” She pauses, “Oh! My parts shipped!"

  "Already?" I ask, a little saddened by the news, "That's great!"

  "It could take a little bit until the radiator is in though. So you're still stuck with me for a minute." She flashes her teeth at me.

  "Good."

  Vance comes bursting through the door. "Dude, your parts came in. You know what we're doing tonight!"

  "Nice!" I respond.

  Vance moves behind Veronica and steals a nugget from her open box. She slaps his hand away. "Get your own!" she yells.

  "Come out when you’re done," Vance says then walks out of the office.

  Veronica shoves a couple of fries into her mouth. "I love their fries," she says with a mouth full.

  It makes me laugh. "I can tell."

  "Looks like you're going to have a busy night."

  "It might be here for a week or so. I doubt it'll be finished tonight. May have to come over after work to get it finished." I throw her a wink.

  "So then we can't hang out for a little." Her lips turn down.

  I shake my head. "No, probably not. I can talk to him tonight?" I offer.

  "No, no." She's adamant. "Let's enjoy the lake. We'll spend next weekend with Victor and talk to him first, then we'll work on the rest of them."

  "Alright." I sigh, finishing off the last of my nuggets. "I better get out there." After cleaning up my mess and throwing it into the trash bin near the desk, I lean over and bring my face close to Veronica, who is intently focusing on the computer. "You look nice today." Her head turns, and she's staring at me. "Thank you," she whispers. Her breath fans my face.

  I move away--I revel in the effect that I have on her--and wish so badly that I could kiss her. I knock on the top of the desk. "Well, have a good night with Taylor." I leave her and walk into the garage towards Vance. At the other end I see Vin, and greet him as he’s working on a Jeep.

  "Yooo," Vance says, stretching out the word when I near him, "I am so stoked!" he exclaims, bouncing on the balls of his feet. I notice the stack of boxes off to the side--boxes of all shapes and sizes.

  "That's all mine?"

  "Sure is. Go
get your car and bring her in so we can get started."

  My engine bay is ripped apart. The old stock pieces are laying in a pile while the shiny new, smaller pieces lay on top of a flattened box. We've only been tinkering for an hour, but we've managed to do a lot in that time. I guess with the two of us, things move along at a faster pace. We may be able to get more finished tonight than I previously thought.

  The click of a door has me moving away from under the hood, stretching out my back. Vance does the same. I hear her voice before I see her, "Wow. You guys made some massive progress." She comes into view when she steps over the flattened box of parts. She’s looking down and around at the parts, "I am so jealous."

  Vance grabs a towel from the counter behind us, and wipes his greasy hands on it. "No worries V, your car is next."

  She smiles wide, "You need a hand?"

  I want her to stay, but I have a feeling that Vance is going to dismiss her. It surprises me when he doesn't.

  "Actually yeah, we could probably use your small hands to get in the tight areas. You all done in the office?"

  "Yep," she says, popping the last letter. "My tiny hands are all yours for a couple of hours."

  "A couple of hours, then what?"

  "Taylor's going to get me, and then we're totally going college rager," her voice rising with excitement. I can't help but chuckle.

  "What? Not without me, you’re sure as shit not! " Vance barks. He watches intently as she tries to control her lips from moving upwards, "Veronica Marie Russo, you better be joking." She's now smiling so hard, her eyes are squished. "Yeahhhh, maybe."

  "V, so help me, get your ass over here and help me get this bolt out."

  She stands up, amused, and with a roll of her eyes replies, "Yes, Dad."

  Vance sighs long and hard, "I pity the guy who ends up with you."

  "You'd have to allow that to happen first," She deadpans.

  "Yeah, that's true,” He pretends to think, “You're gonna be single forever."

  His words change my whole demeanor--carefree to tense. I feel incredibly guilty. Not only that, but his words of never letting her date have me worried.

  "I'm off to college next year, Vance. Lots of parties, and lots of boys."

  "I'm going to kick your ass so hard V, you won't be able to walk."

  "Uh-huh. I'll tell Mom."

  They continue to bicker while my mind wanders. I know I need to talk to him soon. Maybe Veronica and I should back off a bit. But I’ve already tried that, not to mention that would be way too hard. My eyes have found their way to Veronica's rear end. I can’t help it, she’s bending over the front of my car. What a sight.

  "Chase!" My name is called, instantly snapping me out of my thoughts. I look up at Vance, who is staring me down. "Dude, you alright?"

  "Yeah. Just zoned out."

  "Let's get back to work."

  The three of us work together, but Veronica and Vance are in a constant state of bickering. I remain quiet; lost in my thoughts. By the time Taylor and Wes arrive we're close to being finished. I'm surprised.

  Veronica washes her hands at the sink, then announces their departure. "Thank you for your help, V," I say to her before she walks out of the garage. She waves and throws me a sexy smile. To Vance it probably just looked like nothing out of the ordinary, but to me...everything about her is sexy. Wes joins in and I’m now feeling like this baby will be running tomorrow night after some final tuning. This has me elated!

  "I don't know what I'm gonna do when she does find someone who wants to date her," Vance confesses, watching her walk out of the garage to Taylor's Jeep. Even though I want to speak up, I don't.

  "Well, while she hasn't found that someone yet," Wes articulates, "you may want to back off a bit. She needs to learn. She may get desperate and end up jumping the first guy at college who shows her an ounce of interest. That will be even worse." I blanch at the thought. "You think I'm too tough on her?" Vance's question is to me this time. I shrug. "Wes has a point." I hate that point, but it’s valid. I hope she's not just desperately wanting to date me because I’ve shown an interest in her. I want her to like me for me.

  "So you think I should let her date?" I'm about to say something--not even sure what--but Wes beats me to it. "Honestly, dude? Yeah. She's home, where you're around if she needs you. Who knows when she's off at college? You won't be around, and I doubt she'll tell you anything."

  "When the fuck did you become Dr. Phil?"

  "It's just common-sense man. Plus, Taylor talks and sometimes I listen."

  "And what does Taylor say when she talks?" Vance asks.

  "Mostly, that you're holding her back from normal teenage experiences. Funny coming from you, because you're the most experienced of anyone."

  "Exactly. I'm a guy!" he says annoyed. "I know what they want! It’s all they want."

  Wes looks at him. "I get what you're saying, I do. But dude, you just haven't met the right girl."

  "And Taylor is your ‘right’ girl?" Vance says, quoting Wes.

  Wes shrugs. "I love Taylor, and I have no desire to look at another girl. Am I going to marry her? I don't have a clue, but as of now, I'm happy."

  Vance stares at something across from the garage. He’s obviously in thought. "I don't like that."

  "Like it or not, she'll meet someone eventually...and he may think she's worth the risk."

  "You're awfully quiet over there," Vance says to me.

  "I don't have sisters. I’m not sure what to say," I lie. I like everything Wes is saying, and if Vance is more open to Veronica dating, this may help me.

  "But V’s like a sister to you so what would you do?"

  I cringe. I try to hide it by looking down. “I have no idea, honestly,” I shrug my shoulders, “I care about V, but she’s not my sister.” Vance doesn’t say anything so I continue, “Wes, man, you’re the next Dr. Phil. Soon you’ll have your own talk show.” I joke, trying to lighten the mood. Vance doesn’t laugh, but Wes cracks a smile. Vance turns around and starts working on the car. He remains quiet for a long time.

  Together

  The light breeze causes me to shiver, then I'm suddenly being shifted. The feeling is frightening. I grab onto the closest thing next to me, it's fluffy and soft like a blanket. What?

  "Wake up!" I hear the words, but don't see anyone as I try to remain upright. Don’t fall--the last thing I think before I'm unexpectedly thrown into the air.

  My eyes snap open to find the familiar surroundings of my bedroom. I have an iron-clad grasp on my comforter. You'd think I was hanging on for dear life, and I guess in my dream state I was. My body is airborne again causing me to yell out in surprise.

  "Wake up! Wake up!" Vance and Vaughn chant in unison while jumping around my bed, causing my body to bounce. But it isn't until they both bounce at the same time that my body goes completely airborne again.

  "You guys! You're going to send us through the floor!"

  Bounce.

  Bounce.

  Vance hops off while Vaughn continues to jump.

  "You're going to make me throw up." Those words cause Vaughn to stop immediately, then step down off my bed.

  "Let's go, you sleeping troll," Vance says.

  "It's sleeping beauty," I correct him before sitting up. I can feel my hair sticking out all over.

  "Not you." He laughs.

  I glare at Vance.

  "Definitely not you," Vaughn says, and I turn my glare towards him. He's sitting in my desk chair spinning around in circles. I grab a small pillow next to me, throwing it across the room. It nails him right in the head, catching him by surprise. He falters a bit.

  "That wasn't very nice!" He throws it back at me, but I duck, and it sails over me landing on the floor.

  "Since when am I nice?"

  "You used to be. What happened to you?" Vaughn questions.

  "PMS." I smile wide.

  "Gah! I don't want to hear this shit." Vance covers his ears. "Let's go, get out of bed yo
u lard!"

  "Jeez, you’re being mean now!" I look over at the clock on my nightstand. It's seven-thirty. “Hello! I thought we weren't leaving until nine."

  "Change of plans, we're going out for breakfast."

  I make an unpleasant noise. "You're an asshole," I mumble.

  "Yeah, yeah. Nothing I haven't been called before. Hurry up." Vance turns and leaves my room, Vaughn does the same.

  "Close my door!" I yell, but it's no use because they're already running down the stairs. I get up and slam the door. "Bunch of animals." After getting dressed and do my bathroom routine, I go downstairs to the whole family waiting for me in the living room, including Mom and Dad.

  "Finally!" Vance stands up. "Let's get going. I told Chase to meet us there at eight."

  "Oh, the whole family's coming?"

  "We are." Mom smiles as she walks by me. I slip on my flip flops and follow everyone out the door. The early morning air nipping at my skin. We all settle in my parent’s Yukon. "Are Victor and Melissa coming?" I ask.

  "Yeah, they're gonna meet us there," Vance answers.

  Once my father turns onto the familiar street, I know we're going to Chrissy's, and I smile at the newly acquired memories.

  The parking lot is pretty full, but that's not unusual for a Sunday morning. Chase's silver truck is already parked, alongside Victor's Volvo, but the cars are empty so I presume they’re already inside. Dad parks in the nearest open spot, and we all unload. It's kind of like one of those clown cars, other than the fact that our SUV is pretty large, you just never think so many people can come out of it.

  As suspected, Victor, Chase, and Melissa are inside waiting for us. They already informed them of our arrival, so while the staff gets our table together, we all greet each other with hellos. Shortly after, the hostess informs us our table is ready and leads us back. Without being too obvious, I try to snag a seat next to Chase, but my brothers end up on either side of him. I'm forced to sit across from Vance.

  Breakfast goes smoothly. We discuss an array of things but I don’t have much to contribute to the conversation. Our bellies are full, the bill is taken care of, and now we sit in relaxing and easy flowing conversations. The smile on my mother's face is one of true joy and I make a mental note to do this more often with her.