by Kat Mayor
“OK, OK,” Michelle grumbled as she got up. “I won’t pry anymore. I’m going to go watch TV, you know, in case you want to call Charlie or something. Pretend I’m not here.”
Lilly rolled her eyes and started to pick up her book up again. Then she remembered something. She looked at her watch. It was two o’clock. Last week Charlie had called at four thirty. She hoped he would call today, too.
Much later he did call. He was whispering and Lilly assumed he must be calling from home. “I can’t talk for long, but I just wanted to tell you I’ve been thinking about you all day.”
“Me, too. Last night was wonderful,” Lilly said. She rolled her eyes at her own trite words. “Last night was wonderful” sounded so cliche, like something out of a made-for-TV movie, but she couldn’t think of anything else to say that wouldn’t come out even cornier. Charlie told her good night and said he couldn’t wait to see her tomorrow. Lilly told him the same and hung up the phone. She lay down on her bed, replaying the kiss in her mind. Despite all the theatrics with Claire, it was still the best night of her life.
Chapter 5
Coffee and Pumpkin Bread
On Monday morning, Beth caught up with Charlie after third period. “I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but Lilly’s birthday is October twenty-second.”
Charlie liked Beth. She was very straight forward and just spoke whatever was on her mind. “October twenty-second? That’s this Thursday.”
“I know. You need to start thinking about what you’re going to do for her,” Beth said.
“Do you have any suggestions?” Charlie asked. He had no idea what to do for a birthday. Birthdays weren’t celebrated on Sentria.
“I don’t know what your finances are like, but you two seem pretty serious.”
Pretty serious, yes, Charlie thought. Beth was so perceptive, or maybe it was just blatantly obvious how he felt. Charlie nodded. “Um, so what do you think she’d like?”
“She loves silver. Maybe a piece of jewelry? And she likes dark chocolate. Just don’t get her flowers. She can’t stand them.” Beth recommended a jewelry store that sold lots of silver charms and bracelets.
“OK,” Charlie said. “I’ll go tonight.” Beth cocked her head and looked at him. She was studying Charlie, wondering about him.
Charlie felt self-conscious in a kind of paranoid way. “What?” he finally asked.
“You don’t have an accent.”
“Well, I’m not from Texas,” Charlie said.
“No, I mean you don’t have an accent from anywhere. You don’t sound like you’re from the West Coast, the East Coast, the North or the Midwest.”
Charlie shrugged. He had to think of a lie quickly. “My mom made me speak clearly and enunciate every word when I was a little kid. I guess I learned to pronounce words in a textbook sort of way.”
Beth looked at him skeptically, and Charlie didn’t know if she accepted his answer or not. She picked up her book bag and turned to leave. “Just don’t forget about the birthday present.”
“I won’t,” Charlie said.
***
Everyone at the band table leaned over to listen to Lilly. Thanks to Ian, they all knew what happened at homecoming and wanted to know how Claire was doing.
“Well,” Lilly began, “I was worried. I hadn’t heard from her, so I called her last night. But she wasn’t home. Her mom told me she was on a date with a guy from another school, so she can’t be doing too bad.” Lilly shrugged her shoulders. Claire was doing what she had always done, jumping right into a new relationship.
***
That afternoon Lilly and Charlie were sitting in Lilly’s Jeep. Charlie was sipping his coffee. “Have you ever even tried coffee?”
“Uh, no. I don’t have to try coffee to know I don’t like it. I’ve never had a broken leg, but I know I don’t want one,” she told him.
“Not the same thing, Liliana.”
“It’s supposed to be cold this week.” Lilly looked out the window. “Maybe I’ll make some pumpkin bread. You want to come over Saturday, and we can bake some?”
“Pumpkin bread?” Charlie asked. “You actually make bread out of that orange squash?” He wrinkled his nose.
“Don’t start, Charlie. Pumpkin bread is delicious.”
“OK, I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll try your pumpkin bread, if you try my coffee.”
Grudgingly, Lilly agreed. “OK, just don’t make it too strong.”
“I won’t. We’ll start you out slow,” Charlie assured her.
***
As soon as he finished his dinner, Charlie asked to be excused. “I need to go to the library. I have a research paper due soon.”
“That’s fine. We’ll see you later,” Louis told him. Anything having to do with studying was all right with his father.
Charlie hopped in his car and headed to the jewelry store Beth had told him about. He wished he had asked for more specifics. Should he buy her earrings, a pin, a charm, what? He decided to just look around until he found something that he thought would appeal to her. In a display case on the far side of the store, he found a silver circle-shaped charm. He paused for a moment to inspect it more closely.
For Sentrians, giving a female a circle charm indicated a very serious commitment. A circle, with no beginning and no end, was the perfect symbol of Sentrian love. He probably should get something else. This relationship could never go anywhere. He looked around some more but then ended up back at the same display case.
Why not? he asked himself.
“I can think of lots of reasons why not,” the voice in his head said. Before he had time to respond, a sales clerk approached him.
“Can I help you?”
“Yes, I’d like to get this charm, and I’ll need to get a chain for it, also.”
“Is this a gift? Would you like it gift-wrapped?”
“Yes, please,” Charlie said. To his Liliana, it would simply be a nice piece of jewelry, and for that, he was glad. He didn’t want to scare her off. Now the voice in his head was screaming at him. He told it to be quiet.
***
On Thursday Charlie and Beth arranged a small celebration for Lilly after band practice. Beth brought the paper plates and napkins. They insisted on singing “Happy Birthday” to her, and Lilly endured it. After their ritual trip to McDonald’s, Charlie dropped Ian and Beth home. Beth gave Charlie a look. “See you guys tomorrow,” she said.
“OK, bye, Beth,” Lilly told her.
When they returned to the band-hall parking lot, Charlie turned to face Lilly. “I’d like to give you my gift now, if that’s OK.”
“Charlie, you didn’t have to get me anything,” Lilly said.
“Nonsense,” Charlie said. “Eighteen is a milestone birthday here on Earth.”
“Here on Earth?” Lilly asked.
“What I mean, is that, uh, eighteen is a milestone birthday everywhere,” Charlie stumbled, trying to cover his mistake. “Here,” he said, handing her the small package.
Lilly recognized the wrapping immediately. It was from her favorite jewelry store. She tore open the paper and opened the box. “Charlie, it’s beautiful,” she said. She picked it up to admire it. A perfect silver circle. “So unique, I love it.” Lilly threw her arms around Charlie.
“So, will you wear it?” he asked.
“Always,” she said. She lifted up her hair, and he slid it over her head and fastened the clasp. This time it was Lilly’s turn to initiate a kiss.
***
It was cold on Saturday, as predicted. Charlie drove up to Lilly’s house early. He was surprised to find her alone. Michelle had to work and would be gone most of the day. That made Charlie kind of happy and kind of nervous.
“Are you sure it’s OK with your mom that I’m here?”
“Uh-huh. I told her you were coming over.”
“And she doesn’t mind?” Charlie asked incredulously.
“Charlie, Michelle adores you, and she trusts me. Why are
you so worried? You’re not going to try anything, are you?”
“I uh, I mean, no,” Charlie said.
“Relax, I was just kidding. C’mon.” She grabbed his hand and led him into the kitchen. The mixing bowls were in the sink, and the pumpkin bread was already in the oven. Charlie had to admit it smelled good.
While she checked the oven, Charlie went over to Michelle’s coffeepot and started brewing. He looked out the kitchen window into the Garcia’s backyard. They had a very nice swimming pool. Even with the cool weather and the leaves on the ground, it looked inviting. He could hear the lapping of the water against the side of the pool, beckoning him, enticing him…
“That smells awfully strong,” Lilly commented, startling Charlie out of his reverie.
“Don’t worry, that’s for me. I have something different in mind for you.” He pulled a small metal box of General Food’s International coffee out of his jacket pocket—Suisse Mocha.
Lilly came over to inspect. “So we can celebrate the moments of our life,” she joked.
“What?” Charlie asked, not catching the reference.
“You know. From the commercial.” She sang a little bit of it. Charlie didn’t get it. “Oh, never mind,” Lilly said.
Charlie took out a teakettle and heated up some water. “I promised I’d start you out slow. This is coffee with training wheels.”
While the pumpkin bread was baking, Charlie prepared Lilly’s coffee. He poured some into a mug and poured himself a mug from the coffeepot. They sat down at the kitchen bar. Charlie watched her closely as she took a sip.
“Not bad,” she admitted. “But I know this is like, pseudocoffee. The real thing is kind of strong and bitter.”
“For some, it is an acquired taste,” he agreed.
“Why is it so important that I drink coffee?” Lilly asked.
“Coffee is much more than a beverage. It’s an experience.”
“You know, Charlie, you could write your own commercial for the coffee industry. You’re coffee’s biggest fan.” The buzzer went off on the oven. Lilly jumped up to take out the loaves. While the bread cooled, Charlie made Lilly another half a cup and refilled his mug.
“OK, your turn,” Lilly said, bringing over a slice of pumpkin bread on a plate.
Charlie took a small bite to taste. He was pleasantly surprised. He couldn’t believe how good orange-squash bread could taste. “You were right. This is really good.” The only thing that would make it better was if he had picante sauce to dip it in.
“Told ya,” Lilly said smugly.
After they finished their bread, Lilly started clearing the table. “Here, let me help,” offered Charlie. Lilly filled the sink with water and soap and began scrubbing the mixing bowls. Charlie brought over their mugs and silverware. He came up behind Lilly and kissed her on the cheek as she continued washing. He took a towel out of the drawer and began drying.
“You really like your necklace?” he asked.
“I never take it off,” she said. She rolled the charm between her fingers. After the dishes were done, they went into the den.
“So what do you want to do today?” Lilly asked. “Take a walk, rent a movie?”
“No. No TV,” Charlie said. He pulled out a CD from his jacket pocket and loaded it into the CD player. He took off his jacket and put it on the chair. Then he closed the blinds and turned on the lamp, creating a cozy atmosphere. “Unchained Melody” began to play. He grabbed Lilly’s hand and pulled her close to slow dance.
“Is this OK?” he asked her. She nodded. After it ended, “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” began to play.
“Is this a CD of the oldies?” Lilly asked.
Charlie nodded. “These are some of my favorites from the fifties and sixties. Do you like them?”
“Umm,” Lilly said as she snuggled her head into his chest. The music was soft, and in the quiet of her living room, she could hear his heartbeat. She jerked her head up. Something was wrong. It was pounding too fast. She was no doctor, but she knew no one should have such a rapid heartbeat. “Charlie, are you feeling OK?”
“Perfect, why do you ask?”
“Your heart rate is so fast. Are you ill?”
Charlie laughed, “No, I’m fine. I just have a very rapid heartbeat.” So did all his people.
“Maybe we should sit down,” Lilly said. “You need to have that checked out. It’s not normal.” She sat down on the couch and motioned for him to sit down, too.
“For me, it is. Trust me. I am completely healthy.” He put his arm around her.
“Maybe at least chill out on the coffee. All that caffeine can’t be good for your heart.”
“Caffeine has no effect on us. I mean me. I mean, it doesn’t affect me like it does some people.” He grabbed her chin and turned her face toward his. Enough of the talk, especially when mouths could be used for other things. He put his hand behind her head and moved closer to her. She put her arms around his shoulders and drew near him. They kissed. Previously, their kisses had been short, innocent pecks. This time Charlie took his time and kissed her deeply. Lilly returned the kiss with equal intensity. Charlie pulled Lilly so close to him, he could feel her ribs through his shirt. She snuggled into his shoulder, and he held her tightly.
Lilly turned her head and looked into his eyes. “Charlie, I think I’m in love with you.” Charlie’s breath caught; he was shocked and didn’t know what to do. Finally, he leaned over and kissed her forehead. He took her hand and traced a circle on her palm.
The voice in Charlie’s head spoke up. “Now look what you’ve done.” Charlie told the voice to shut up.
***
Charlie went straight to his room. It was rather late, but his parents were still not home. He got ready for bed. He took off his outer shirt and realized that he could smell a trace of her perspiration on it where Lilly had curled up next to him. Although sweating was a filthy Earthan trait, Charlie was not repulsed. He inhaled deeply. It smelled like Liliana, and that made it OK. Charlie sighed. She had told him she loved him. It was both endearing and troubling at the same time. Maybe he had discouraged her by not saying anything back. That was probably a good thing, but he still felt bad. He decided not to think about that tonight. He was content to keep the status quo for as long as possible.
Lilly was lying awake in her room, tossing and turning. She worried she had done something wrong. The moment seemed right, so she had just told him the truth. She did love him, but maybe she shouldn’t have said it. Obviously, he did not feel the same way.
Lilly sighed. For once she wished she could ask Claire what to do. This whole boyfriend/romance thing was uncharted waters for her. Tomorrow she would do the only thing she could do. She would act as if she had said nothing at all.
Chapter 6
Thanksgiving
Conversation among the seniors the next day at lunch turned to college and entrance exams. When Lilly found out Charlie had not taken the SAT or picked a college, she couldn’t believe it.
“What are you waiting for?”
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen next year. My father’s job is very unpredictable.” That was definitely true.
“You mean you can’t even pick a college if it isn’t part of your dad’s plan?” Lilly asked. His silence told her all she needed to know. “Look, you can at least take the SAT,” Lilly told him. She convinced him to sign up for the next available test.
“Charlie, just think. Wouldn’t it be great if we could go to the same school?” Lilly said excitedly.
“Yes,” Charlie agreed.
“Have you at least thought about where you’d like to go?” Lilly asked. Charlie shook his head no. “Well, I’m thinking of Texas A&M or UT. Does either of those schools interest you?”
“I think either one of those schools would be great.” He knew nothing about those two schools. To him, A&M sounded like an Earthan candy.
“Well, let’s apply to both, and we’ll see what happens. Charlie,
you’re a genius. You could get in anywhere.”
That amused Charlie. He had been an excellent student on Sentria but his Earthan high school transcript was completely fabricated. Still, his fabricated grades were very good.
Lilly spotted Susan, the oboe player, standing in line on the other side of the cafeteria. This past summer Claire and Lilly had made plans to room together next year for college, but that was before the huge homecoming disaster. Lilly hadn’t spoken to her in weeks. Lilly thought maybe she should try to find someone else to room with. “I’ll be right back, I’m going to talk to Susan.”
While she was gone, he thought about next year. If only her vision of the future could come true. Even if the Sentrian elders extended his father’s job for a few more years, which was unlikely, he would probably not be allowed to stay and attend college. More likely, they would send him back to Sentria to go to work and hopefully find his One.
The trouble was, he didn’t want someone else. This was not good. How could he ever find his One when his feelings were so strong for Liliana? He glanced over to where she was standing. She was talking and laughing, not a care in the world. He envied her.
Lilly ran back. “Charlie, guess what.”
“You and Susan might room together next year,” Charlie said without thinking.
Lilly was shocked. “How did you know?”
“Lucky guess,” Charlie suggested. Lilly just stared at him. How did he know that? She had never brought it up before.
***
Louis Gray was in a foul mood the next day. Charlie’s parents had been at an all-day meeting with the other Sentrian adults and the elders. The Earthans had found out some secret information that could potentially threaten their mission. They would have to double their efforts to hide their existence. That meant very long hours for Louis; even Helen would have to go to work. Data would have to go missing, disinformation spread. Research would need to be altered, whatever was necessary to keep the Earthans in the dark. While this was a difficult thing for his parents, it made it easier for Charlie to see Lilly.