by Anne Violet
His soft, low, laughter stayed with me for the rest of the class. Mrs. Di’stefano eventually gave up calling on me, since every time she did she had to remind me what we were working on. I could feel the heated glances from that horrible Jenny Slater but I realized it didn’t bother me at all now. I was going to have a lot of homework to do on Sunday though, since I wasn’t getting anything accomplished at school.
Which reminded me, I was staying at Tina’s tonight. Lord, I hope she wasn’t going to spend all night trying to convince me to fight fire with fire or something like that. Only seniors were involved in the drama and they were going to be gone soon. If I could just hold out a little longer, it would all be over. Even if I tried to tell them the truth, they didn’t owe me any loyalty. I had only been around since Junior High but Nicolas had lived here all his life. Who were they going to believe, me or everyone’s favorite bad boy? When I had met him, he was everyone’s favorite guy, exciting, fun, loyal, and enough friends to fill a stadium. No one but me had experienced that other side. He had done an excellent job of ruining me. That’s what I get for dating a brilliant- -and in this instance, manipulative guy. Maybe next time I should date an idiot… Of course it was too late. I was already falling for another dark-haired, intense, brilliant guy.
Finally another interminable class was over and I headed out the door to third period French. When I felt a presence beside me, I should have recognized him by his cologne alone, which was so delicious. I couldn’t stop the surprise that I am sure was all over my face.
He seemed to be fighting a smile. “I thought I better help you get to your next class, just in case you have trouble finding it.”
I pretended to be affronted and looked away. “I think I can make it.”
“None the less,” he replied and assumed that slight position behind me as we walked.
This time I could feel the heat of his hand on my back. When we finally reached my class, I turned to thank him but he spoke first.
“What are you doing for lunch today?” he asked.
Since his head was dipped towards mine, his bangs had completely fallen forward and this time I didn’t resist the urge to move them to the side. I already had his complete attention but the effect of my small gesture had made it even more intense. Marveling at how his eyes had darkened, I had to think hard to bring myself back to the moment.
“Nothing in particular, what did you have in mind?” I hoped my friends would forgive my lie.
“We unfortunately don’t have much time, so would McDonalds be ok for today?” He looked embarrassed just to suggest it.
“That would be great, where did you want to meet?”
“How about at your bike and then we can take my car.”
I blinked at the mention of my bike. He knew my bike and my classes? Maybe I wasn’t the only one who could do reconnaissance. “Ok.”
I had intended to watch him walk away just for the pleasure of watching him walk but as we stared at each other I realized he was patiently waiting for me to go into class. Bemused, I left him standing there and I had a feeling he didn’t leave until I was seated. Deciding that my school day was probably going to be a total loss at this point anyway, I spent the next hour texting Tina and Becca again, giving them the news regarding lunch. They promised to grill me later. I was actually looking forward to it. Thinking and talking about Christian was no hardship.
I briefly considered the idea that I shouldn’t be running happily head long into another, what looked to be a possible serious relationship, but who was I kidding. I dropped my bag off at my locker and quickly stepped into the restroom to check that my eye makeup hadn’t melted around my eyes. Passing inspection I headed to my bike at the back of the lot. I was not surprised to see him already there. He looked almost too good standing next to my bike with the wind lightly tousling his dark hair.
As I walked up he looked me over from head to toe before settling on my eyes. “What year is it?”
“2009,” I said, not surprised he was interested in my bike. All guys were. “How fast does it go?”
I smiled kind of cockily at this. “Top speed… about 190mph.”
Now he looked at me like he couldn’t decide whether to be impressed or worried for my safety. “What do you drive?” I asked.
Now it was his turn to look cocky. “A Mazda RX-8.”
He pointed towards a sleek black car across the lot. While we walked over to his car, Christian got into his now familiar position of being slightly behind me with a hand lightly at my back. There was something slightly protective yet sensual about it. He unlocked the car and opened the door for me, it looked just as good inside as out. It was one of the few cars I actually would drive if I didn’t have my bike and--if I could afford it. “It looks like we both like fast, expensive rides--but mine is faster,” I teased just to see how he would react.
“You’ll have to show me one of these days,” he smiled and closed the car door.
On the way there we were both mostly quiet, primarily just enjoying being in one another’s company. I started to feel glad that he had wanted to take his car instead of my bike since it was starting to rain and threatened to become an all out down pour. That was the one downside to my bike; I was subject to every weather whim Mother Nature had, and in Washington, she had a lot. After getting our food we finally found a table towards the back and sat down.
As I munched on a fry I considered all the questions that were burning in my brain. How did he know so much about me? I didn’t believe he was or would be a stalker like my ex but I wanted to be sure. I did think that Christian had a little too much confidence, ego and a touch of vanity to want to pursue anyone that didn’t want him. So that was probably not an issue. Why did he ask me to prom? It would be his only chance at prom. Why would he want to take a girl he barely knew? Wasn’t he worried about the rumors? I stopped contemplating my fries and looked up. He was watching me with a sort of perplexed concern written all over his face and I realized I was being a terrible date. I smiled to reassure him and for me there really was only one way forward-- to be honest.
“How did you know my classes and bike?” I asked trying to sound as casual as possible. I felt guilty for even asking him considering that at this very moment his class list was hidden in my pocket.
He stared at me for a moment seeming to contemplate my question. Sighing, he leaned back against his seat. I watched as his confidence faded into being slightly bashful.
“I noticed you a long time ago.”
“Then why didn’t you…”
“Ask you out?” he finished for me, looking at me pointedly with a touch of irritation now. “You were with someone, remember?”
Yes, I was. I felt that damn blush threatening to come out but I bit my lip until I was so distracted by the discomfort there would be no way that it would reveal itself. Damn, my pale Irish heritage. Out of embarrassment, I hadn’t been looking in his eyes,. If I had been, I would have been able to prepare for the shock of his thumb running across my bottom lip.
“You’re going to hurt yourself,” he said, his dark golden brown eyes tender as he looked into mine.
I released my lip and luxuriated in the feeling of his warm thumb as it passed over my lip one more time before he sat back in his seat. I inwardly cursed myself for being such a jumble of nerves. Maybe I should date an ugly, stupid guy. Telling myself to relax, I looked back over to him. He was staring at his food and I had a feeling he was giving me a moment to collect myself.
“Christian, why did you ask me to prom?”
He smiled at this. “Because I wanted to.”
As he looked at me, I found myself caught in his gaze and he in mine. I kept thinking of his gorgeous eyes as being a dark golden brown but golden seemed too tame a term for his eyes. They were more like the essence of desire. No color could truly describe them. I probably would have to stay with dark and golden to describe their color, at least until I thought of something better.
“W
e gotta go,” he said reluctantly.
While we threw out our garbage and walked out the door I got the impression again that he was embarrassed to have taken me to fast food. Which was funny since that was all the average teenager could afford. His parents must be really wealthy or maybe he worked. He could be making money off his art too. Most likely that was it.
I smiled to myself thinking I had a little piece of his brilliance for free. “Thank you so much for taking me to lunch, I had fun.”
“Me too,” he answered, leading me to his car and helping me in.
I was glad he was a gentleman but I quite honestly didn’t expect anything less from any guy I dated. It suddenly occurred to me that I was quite possibly a little spoiled. On the way back I felt sad the drive was so short, I was enjoying watching his hands while he drove, completely competent and controlled. While most guys his age were driving around like half-crazed NASCAR drivers on crack plus Ecstasy.
“What are you doing this weekend?” he asked softly, his voice filled with warmth as he took a quick glance at me. I really liked his voice too. I did have it bad.
“Did you really want to hear everything or just when I am available?” I smiled and fluttered my eyes at him teasingly.
“I don’t mind hearing everything but since we are running out of time…”
I took pity on him, “late Saturday afternoon or evening?”
“How about both?”
“I think I can manage that.”
He pulled into the parking lot, parked and turned to me just as I was putting my hand on the door handle. “I appreciate you letting me open the car door for you but would you mind waiting for me to let you out, too.” “Sure.”
I smothered my laugh, I suppose it was a quirk in my personality that I never had the patience to wait for guys to do that part, and they usually adapted to it. When he opened my door and held out his hand to help me out, I let my eyes roam over him from head to toe. Once again, I became a little concerned at how easily and quickly I was becoming enthralled. I’ve had my share of crushes, infatuations and even first love, but none of them had felt like this. Taking his warm hand I let him help me out of the car and then lead me to class. This must truly be what physical chemistry between two people was all about. I was so aware of where his body was in relation to me, the feel of his hand on my back, the exact tenor of his voice, the smell of his warm breath when he leaned in close. This all left me wanting more, I wanted him to hold me, kiss me and press his wonderful body against me. I felt kind of glad when he interrupted my thoughts before I got too carried away.
“Lex, I need your phone number,” he leaned in and whispered as we paused outside my class.
It felt like so much had already passed between us. It was hard to believe we hadn’t gotten past the usual preliminaries yet. He pulled out his cell phone and entered it, then looked at me like he was considering something. Then he granted two of my wishes. Gently he wrapped both arms around me and pulled me in close. I loosely linked my hands around his neck and briefly leaned against him. I could feel the looks we were getting but it was hard to care. He did feel as good as I thought he would and smelled fantastic too.
It was almost embarrassing how out of it I was for the rest of the day. We gave each other quick smiles when we passed each other as we rushed into our sixth period classes and I was glad that mine was yearbook since it didn’t require deep thought at all. Michelle noticed my abstraction but thankfully didn’t say anything about it. Finally the school day was over and I went straight to my bike. I took a quick glance to where Christian’s car had been and it was gone. I sighed internally but I couldn’t complain, he had spent practically every spare minute with me. After I picked up some clothes from home and left a note for my mom I headed over to the tiny rental house that Tina and her mom Tracy lived in. Tina’s eyes were huge with mischievousness as she let me in.
“So had a good day, did we?”
I looked at her and started to feel a little wary. “Why?”
“I hate to tell you this but the whole school is talking about you two.”
Dropping my backpack on the floor and sitting heavily on her slightly worn, thrift store couch I looked up at her. I asked again, “Why?”
She had picked up on the worried tone of my voice and her smile faded as she sat down next to me. “It wasn’t all bad. People noticed how into each other you two were. It was cute, he is really into you.”
“Don’t distract me, what is the bad stuff?” Because I knew something was coming.
“I just want to prepare you. Now some people, meaning seniors, are saying that you were cheating on Nicolas the whole time with Christian and are just now being public about your relationship.”
I took a deep breath. That was ridiculous. Was I truly the most exciting thing in school? Was there no new drama they could sink their teeth into? Could I create one?
“I am so tired of this.” I watched Tina nod her head in agreement.
“But--”
“Tina, you know this. Nicolas told everyone that I was stalking him but that I was going to try and slander him by saying he was stalking me…frightening me. Even though that is the truth, none of the seniors are going to believe me. They also probably won’t believe that it was me breaking up with him either. There is nothing I can do. What’s sad is I would have never said anything to anyone. He never had to worry that he was going to lose face or whatever.”
Tina was looking at me with dark, sympathetic eyes. “I think it was more revenge than saving face.”
“I suppose… There is just nothing I can do about that rumor.” I didn’t want to have to think about how I would deal with the second rumor. It was a little too complicated and full of potholes to fall into. “So could you tell your mom not to ambush me tonight about this too?”
“Yeah,” she said her expression lightening. “So give me all the details about Christian.”
I smiled and indulged in what was sure to be my new favorite past time, discussing Christian in all his multi-faceted glory and Tina being the most perfect friend in the world, listened to every disgustingly, soppy word.
The next morning Tina, her mom Tracy and I went to a bowling alley. I had luckily been able to talk them out of going to the newest horror movie that probably would’ve given me nightmares for weeks. I hated scary movies. Thankfully they fell in with my plan to go bowling in Tacoma and we had so much fun I completely lost track of the time. I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt so relaxed and carefree. Even Tracy seemed to notice. “This new guy must be good for you. I haven’t seen you this happy in a while.”
I quickly looked at Tina. “Wow that news got around fast.” I smiled at them both although I was envious of how close they were. Tracy had high expectations of Tina but she was fair, fiercely protective-- and fun.
“Oh! Alexis, it is already one o’clock.” Tina said, looking at me apologetically like it was her fault.
“What?” I looked at my watch and fought the urge to pound my head against our table. I was going to be at least forty minutes late since I had to get all the way out to Graham, where my grandmother lived.
Quickly calling her, I apologized profusely. She didn’t seem all that surprised by my lateness though, which would be kind of insulting-- if it wasn’t true. Forty five minutes later I pulled into the long, tree-lined, driveway that led to my grandmother’s farmhouse. I loved it here. She had almost three acres of practically untouched land, thick with trees and even a waterfall and stream. There was also a narrow but long dirt path that wound through the property that was perfect for riding my bike when I just wanted to get away from everything.
After I parked and started up towards the big blue house. I looked for any new additions to her garden. My grandmother had a gift for all things green. Plants that shouldn’t survive in our climate seemed to flourish in her care. The gardens around the house didn’t remotely match the typical Washington landscape. There were tropical plants, desert plants.
If it wasn’t native to Washington she would have it here. I noticed a potted Gardenia at the bottom of the stairs and leaned over and inhaled deeply. Besides Christian it surely was one of the most luscious scents on Earth. I smiled inwardly at the thought.
She opened the screen door as I approached; a smile on her face. “You finally made it.” Her lips were turned up at the corners.
“Yeah, I’m sorry. I got carried away bowling with Tina and her mom.”
“I’ll forgive you this time, come on in.”
While I followed her towards the kitchen at the back of the house where she had a small morning room, I noticed she had her long silver hair in several intricate braids that she had then wrapped around her head like a coronet. There were even, tiny orange blossoms tucked within it. It is easy to tell we were related by our common hair obsession. We sat down at the table which was already laid out with sandwiches, tea and juice and I immediately helped myself to them.
Noticing that she wasn’t plating anything for herself, I looked up at her quizzically. ”Did you already eat?”
“No,” she said a thoughtful look on her face. “There are just some really important things I need to speak with you about and I am not sure how you are going to react to it.”
I sighed. This didn’t sound good. Before I started imagining all manner of horrible things, I gestured with my hand for her to proceed, might as well get it over with.
“You know most of our family still lives in Athboy, Ireland. Have you ever thought of visiting there?”
“Yes, I would love too. I just don’t have the money.” This didn’t sound so bad. Obviously my imagination was too hyper-active for my own good.
“I am glad to hear that.”
She was glad. Why did I feel like I just walked into a trap? She seemed more relaxed now, which only served to make me more nervous. What was going on in that mind of hers? I watched as she sat back in her chair and gazed out the window to the garden.