by Xavier Neal
At various points we run into my friends. Bret whose date seems to be trying to swallow his tongue every time we cross paths, and Brent who's date looks annoyed his attention is everywhere but on her.
She storms off insisting she's going to grab some punch and I take the opportunity to help someone out in the love department. Still new territory for me, but I know enough that if I don't speak up now he'll never make a move.
“Dude, go ask Nicole to dance,” I insist. “You've been staring at her all night. She's been staring at you the same. Just make it happen already.”
“Shut up,” Brent denies. “She hasn't.”
Gianna rests her head on my chest, arms wrapped around my waist. “She has. She totally has a crush on you.”
Blushing he looks down, “No. No way.” His head lifts back up. “A girl like that...what would she want with a guy like me?”
“I ask myself the same question every day,” the confession has Gianna looking up at me. “But in order to know the answer, you've gotta take a chance to find out. Quit being a pussy and go.”
“I'm not a pussy,” he grumbles scratching the back of his neck.
“It's just a dance,” Gianna pushes. “Not a marriage proposal.”
“You talked less as a stripper,” the joke takes us back to the first time I introduced them.
When I start chuckling Gianna starts swatting at me until, I toss my arms lovingly around her. With one final nod, I insist for him to go before his date charges back at him.
“Okay. I'll go,” he prepares to walk off but stops. “Before I go, my family is doing a backyard cook out next weekend if y'all wanna come.”
“I appreciate the invitation, but with Mak--”
“Bring her,” he shrugs. “My cousins and shit are coming and they're about her age. She's like 3 right?”
“Yeah.”
“Totally. You two come and bring her, we'll hang out. I hear we're heading to the same college too, so maybe you can tell me what you think of the dorm they wanna toss me in.”
“Sounds good,” I agree. “Now go before you puss out.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he mumbles walking away.
Looking down at Gianna I sigh, “As much as this hurts my feelings to say, we should probably head home, before that limo turns into a pumpkin.”
Slyly she smirks, “One more surprise Connor...”
Uncomfortable I raise my eyebrow. “Gianna...what did you do?”
“Follow me,” she insists dragging me out of the room, down the hall, and towards the elevator.
“Where are going?”
“I got us a room.” Without letting me reply she continues, “I'm not saying anything has to happen, I'm just saying, it's been almost a month since I've fallen asleep in your arms and I want that.”
The doors ding open and we slip inside. As soon as they shut I wrap a hand around her nape and pull her into a deep kiss. Taken by surprise she squeaks briefly before melting into me. My lips tease hers, plead with them, beg for entrance, and when it's granted I take full advantage of it.
Ending the kiss much sooner than I would've liked, Gianna happily sighs, “Our floor.”
We stumble down the hallway kissing and hugging, the entire time never more than a couple inches apart. With a quick swipe of the card, the two of us are granted access to a small suite with a giant window with blinds open revealing the city to us.
The door shuts behind us and Gianna gasps, “It looks so beautiful like this.”
Leaning against the door, I tilt my head to the side, “I was thinking the same thing.”
She shoots me a sassy look over her shoulder. “I think you're trying to seduce me...”
I wet my lips. “Is it working?”
A tiny whimper comes out of her before she nods. Stalking over, I pull her into another deep kiss covered in unspoken I love yous and more importantly I want yous. With my fingers sliding down the back of her dress, I guide her the direction of the bed, intentions clear. We've both waited long enough for this moment, the possibility of either of us walking away from this situation non-existent. As the speed and intensity of the kisses increase, igniting my nerve ends on fire, awakening a beast that's been asleep for entirely too long, I can't help but softly smile to myself at the idea of my child being right. Her Daddy will finally get his happily ever after. It's not about the castle or the dresses, the villains or the scenery. It's about having faith in letting life lead you where you want it to go. In reality, we all get a Happily Ever After, it just depends on where you decide to stop the story.
Thank Yous
Crazy Lady- I love you. Thank you for everything you do for me every day by just simply being my mommy.
Her Husband- I look forward to the proud hugs you give.
The Law Student- Thanks for being there sis.
The Lumberjack- Here's to feeding my Tex Mex habit, lol
Sissy B- One of the best parts of our family.
The Doc- For all the understanding you give me, many thanks.
Real Life Erin- Dude, how are we not in Vegas yet? Lol
My PAs- Or as I call you my left and right sanity. Thank you. I know I'm a lot of crazy to deal with sometimes. I can never repay you for what you do.
The Editor- You...you love like a rib I'm not giving back, lol
The Army- You ladies remind me we can do anything together!
When I Grow Up Team- Selena Laurence, Jaime Reese, Kristine Cayne, Harper Sloan and Tess Oliver, for showing the way to me even if you don't know it.
Bloggers- I appreciate you do everything for the little guys like me. You give us a chance to grow in an industry that's always trying to stop that from happening.
Betas/Dream Team- You loves make life fun and so much better. Never forget that.
Readers- You are walking proof for anyone who thinks dreams don't come true that they are wrong. You have made mine real.
Until next time....
If you enjoyed Cinderfella, check out An Ordinary Me By: Booklyn Taylor
Chapter 1
*Reese*
Today is my first day of my sophomore year at Comal High. In the town of New Braunfels, Texas, you don’t officially go to high school until you are in tenth grade. I have been nervous all summer but that nervousness turned into anxiousness last night. Although I really had no idea what I would be walking into, I was excited I was finally in high school.
I’m walking into my tenth grade year a little more confident compared to my freshman year. And I stress “a little more” confident. There are three reasons why I am excited for school to start. First, dance team. I am officially trying out for the Comal High dance team, the Pantherettes. I worked my butt off all freshman year to prove I had the determination to make it and hopefully it pays off. Last year only six sophomores made the team. I have been dancing all my life but not on a dance team effort.
The second reason is because of Autumn. She was my best friend and was the exact opposite of me. Her hair was light blonde, had the biggest blue eyes I had ever seen and could talk her way out of anything without batting an eyelash. She was big chested, resembled a Barbie and has always been a knockout with her share of boyfriends. She was on the yearbook staff and was just as good behind the camera as she was in front of it. She got what she wanted when she wanted it with no questions asked.
The third is something I have dreamt about forever. Cannon Walker. I have had a crush on him since we were kids. He used to live next door to me for more than half of my life but moved while we were in junior high. I thought my world was going to collapse without him living next door to me. He never really paid much attention to me. We were two years apart in age and the older we got the more obvious the age difference really was. Our parents are still friends and he has come over a couple of times with them for barbeques.
Each year that passed Cannon got hotter and hotter. He still looked at me like the little girl who played house or cowboy and Indians. I still looked at him like the God I
thought he was. For me, he is unattainable but it was fun to dream that one day he would see me, the real me. He will be a senior this year. From what I had been overhearing from my parents, he had started rebelling and giving his parents trouble, the exact opposite of me. I followed every rule and was a chicken in every meaning of the word. I had no want to test the waters and rebel.
As I entered the enormous hallway and walked into Comal High, I was so overwhelmed. Students were already grouped in little cliques talking and laughing. Walking by looking for someone I knew was nerve racking to say the least. Autumn was supposed to meet me at the entrance but of course she wasn’t there. She never showed up where she was expected. I was the "ordinary" girl. There really wasn’t anything special about me. I had long brown hair that really lacked any character other than the length, cleanliness and beautiful color. I didn’t know how to do anything with it. I had deep brown eyes that never lied although I’ve never had to. I wouldn’t say I was an ugly duckling but I wasn’t a head turner either.
I was so frustrated that Autumn wasn’t here yet. She was born with the natural ability to do hair and makeup, something I sucked at. She was supposed to flatten my hair with her hot iron. When I left it how it was I looked younger than I already seemed. I was slow to develop if you know what I mean and dreaded seeing who else had passed me up in that department because they always did. Last year, I had nearly every girl pass me up and I felt like I still belonged in middle school as to some of the girls I knew could have passed as a freshman in college. I was starting to look more like a woman. Finally, I had begun to develop into my age over the summer but from the looks of the beautiful other freshman, I was only beginning as they were ending. I was always trying to catch up. I was not one of those girls that were blessed with a figure. I was super skinny with longer legs than most. I was wearing a tight pair of jeans with my cowboy boots and a button up long sleeve shirt that was sheer with a cami underneath. Girls were wearing skirts and the cutest outfits that looked amazing on them but there was no way in my ever lovin’ mind I would wear them. Let’s just say, those girls had the curves to show it, I didn’t. My mom kept telling me one day I would be thankful but I assure you today was not one of those days. In fact, since she said that to me I have been waiting for that day!
I pick a wall to stand next to and glance out the window that overlooks the courtyard where picnic tables are arranged for lunches. I feel so out of place and alone but maybe I won’t look it.
I stand staring at my schedule and out of the corner of my eye, I look at all the different cliques that had already formed trying to make sense of it. Athletes were still coming in from the parking lot; the kickers, or like Autumn says the “hicks”; the stoners, well you can guess where they were; and the band nerds. It was always interesting to see how things had changed from year to year. Different people I knew changing to fit into where they think they belong or where they are accepted.
I feel a tap on my shoulder and slowly turn around ready to let Autumn know my two cents for her being late AGAIN. I’m already pissed at her and if she is playing games I might just strangle her.
“Reese...”
I turn around not prepared to hear his deep husky voice. It was Cannon. Cannon Walker. His dark hair was sweeping over his forehead almost covering his eyes. I had to tilt my head up to look in his eyes that I had memorized years ago. The last time I had seen him face to face was last year when he came over to deliver something for his mom and that was only for a few minutes. Not near long enough for me to admire him or nearly long enough for him to even take a second look at me.
“Reese, right?”
I start to shake my head still speechless. I am going to make a total fool of myself.
From the corner of my eye, I see Autumn walk up and greet him. “Hey. I’m Autumn. Nice to meet ya.”
“Likewise. I was just going to welcome Reese to Comal High. She apparently doesn’t recognize who I am...” He lets out a husky laugh.
I better speak up or I am busted. “I totally knew who you are, Cannon. I was just shocked to see you. You are so much taller and...”
“And fine!” Autumn laughed. She has always had an uncanny way of speaking with no filter. I was envious.
“Well, thanks, Autumn. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. I gotta get to class.”
“Hope to see ya around, Cannon.” Finally, I was able to form a coherent sentence.
I knew I had to get away from him before I made a bigger fool of myself. I turn around, in a rush and not paying attention of what is in front of me, I trip right over someone’s backpack they had laid on the floor beside me. I land splat on my face, and the wind is knocked out of me. I’m mad at myself for not paying attention and for Autumn being late. I am humiliated laying here, and I feel every eye on me staring and hear the laughing surrounding me. Perfect. Just Perfect!
“Damn she really face planted. That must have hurt.”
“Man that sucks.”
“Newbie has two left feet…” Giggles all around me.
“I thought they taught them how to walk before they got into tenth grade.”
I lift myself off the floor to a kneeling position trying to gather my notebook, papers that scattered and my pen. I’m trying my damnedest not to look up and see all the people that are staring at me. I could feel the eyeballs glaring on me. I knew each and every one of them was thankful it wasn’t them that had made such an interesting entrance. I would forever be known as the girl that tripped in the hallway on the first day of school.
Autumn was just standing there speechless with her hand over her mouth in disbelief. Cannon was standing in a group of students who clearly knew him much better than I did. He apparently was too popular to help someone up that he had known all his life and risking admitting he knew me.
A guy in a pair of light blue jeans and chucks reached out his hand to help me up. I don’t know who he was or where he came from but I was thankful.
“You need some help?”
I look up and see the guy, the only one willing to help a girl out. A totally humiliated girl who was having the worst day of her life and the first bell hadn’t even rang.
I try to get up on my own will but he grabs me to assist me, and then bends down to help pick up my items.
Once I am finally back on my two feet, I get a good look at the fellow student who helped me. His face was beautiful and sincere.
He spoke again and his voice had a sweetness to it. “Are you okay?”
I brush my hand through my hair while holding my belongings in the other. “Other than being totally humiliated… Yeah I am fine.”
He reaches out his hand to introduce himself. “I’m Garrison Davis.”
“Reese… AKA loser.”
He laughed. His dark blond hair was falling just a little over his eyes and he brushed it back out of his face. His sideburns were longer than most guys I had seen but they shaped his face perfectly. He really pulled off the look. His eyes were a beautiful hazel color and specks of green beamed and sparkled in them. His eyelashes were long and think accenting the perfect shape of his eyes.
“I doubt that. We’ve all had bad starts to our mornings.”
“You could say this was a disastrous start.”
“Nah, the day will get better.” He put his hands in his pockets.
The bell rings and students start to pass me as if I wasn’t even standing there.
Autumn comes up beside me and links her arm around mine.
“Thanks for helping me, Garrison. I hope to see you around.”
“Likewise.”
As Garrison walks off, I watch him walk down the hallway and wonder how he walked into my life at the exact time I needed help. No thanks to Cannon or Autumn. I can only hope I run into him again. I came here thinking Cannon was going to be something to see but Garrison… he just might be my new crush.
“Who was that?”
“Garrison, the only person who helped me up when I fell. Thanks for
that by the way.”
“You should thank me for not helping you because now you met a hot new leading man.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Did you see the way he looked at you?”
“You mean the exact opposite way that Cannon looked at me.”
“Ya, you could say that again.”
“I told you Cannon was a total asshat. He always has been.”
“You told me, you told me, you told me. You feel better?”
“No… But we gotta get to class.”
~ ~ ~
The day went by faster than I thought. Lucky for me I didn’t have any more humiliating moments. I made it through the door overwhelmed and relieved it was over but not completely unhappy. Autumn walked home with me and we talked about the day. She was ready to try out for the volleyball team and was pumped with confidence I never seemed to be esteemed with. I was going to try out for the dance team. My best friend had enough self esteem for both of us.
“Reese, you’re going to do fine. Why are you worrying about this so much?”
“Ahhhh, because it’s all me, Autumn. I didn’t have the dance lessons and the privates. These other parents sunk thousands of dollars into their little girls. My parents couldn’t do that.”
“You were born with the natural ability to dance. You didn’t need what a lot of other girls needed.”
“That was a nice line, but you don’t really expect me to believe that do you?” I look back at her as she was putting lipstick on using my long stand up white mirror I have had since I was a young girl.