by E. Van Lowe
Chapter Two
I didn’t have time to focus on the music just then. Lara was approaching the corner, about to cross Charleville. I got the feeling if I let her get away, I’d never see her again. I couldn’t let that happen. At that moment, seeing Lara again was the most important thing in the world.
I closed the distance between us. We were entering a busy area. If I called her name and everyone on the street looked at me but her, I’d probably slink down one of the storm drains that lined the side of the street and die.
“Lara!” I called, not too loud, but hopefully, loud enough.
She slowed. Then she stopped, turned around, and faced me.
Okay, what now, Playa?
I continued toward her not saying anything. Truth is, I couldn’t think of anything to say. She was standing there staring at me, and my heart felt as though it was filling with knots, bunching up in my chest. I know this is going to sound strange, but as I approached Lara, I felt myself caring for her more and more.
Yes, I know, the only words I’d ever spoken to her were Who are you? and I didn’t see you come over the hedge, proof that I’ve got no game. Yet, I felt this weird sensation of falling for her just the same.
“What?” she said, as I arrived at her side. She placed her hands on her hips, and crooked her neck.
“I, umm… apologize,” I said. Okay, nothing special, but not a bad way to break the ice.
“You’re a jerk,” she said.
I did not see that one coming. Hey, at least she didn’t walk away. Now, what would Troy say?
“Jerks are people, too,” I replied, then I smiled at her.
Lara turned on her heels and started across the street, letting me know the words I just uttered were more than likely the opposite of what Troy would have said. So glad I didn’t wink at her. She might’ve popped me one, right in the nose.
“I’m sorry, I really am. I just want to be your friend, Lara. Can’t we start over?” I called after her, and now people on the street were looking at me. I could have kicked myself for sounding so weak and pathetic, but to be honest, I didn’t have a choice. The words just tumbled out of me.
At that moment, a most awesome thing happened. When Lara reached the far side of the street, she turned back toward me, and there was the tiniest of smiles lighting up her face.
“I guess,” she said in that soft, tremulous tone I’d soon come to love.
I started across the street, and as I crossed, I told myself not to think, not to plan what to say next, and definitely not to wink at her. Just let it come naturally. It had worked so far.
“So, how did you get in Alan’s pool without me seeing you?” I asked as I arrived.
Lara’s smile faded. It was like watching the sun setting on a perfect day. One moment it was there in all its radiant glory, and then it wasn’t.
Lara turned, and without a word, politely walked away. She didn’t pop me in the nose. I guess I should have been grateful for that. I didn’t follow. I looked on as she moved up the street.
She reached the end of the block, and started across Wilshire Boulevard, never once looking back. Watching her go, I felt as though an ice cube had lodged in my heart, growing larger the further she moved away.
The song was fading as well, growing fainter and fainter, and when I could no longer hear the music, I knew I’d lost out on something exciting and special.
She’s right, Josh old boy, I thought as Lara disappeared from view. You really are a jerk.