by W. J. May
“I need a pair of satin pumps dyed to match this.”
The counter person led her to a rack of shoes to pick out the pair she wanted. Simon watched her as she tried on several pair and quickly selected the one she liked. It was obvious that Beth wasn’t one of those girls who spent all day in shops being indecisive over what she wanted to purchase. She went in, got what she needed, and got out. Simon had to admit he liked that about her. No fuss at all.
“One more stop and we can go find a movie to watch.”
“Sounds good. What do you want to see?”
“I’ve no idea. I thought we could just drop by the cinema and see what looks good to both of us.”
“Sounds like a good enough plan.”
“Alright, let’s go.” She was pulling on her gloves as she opened the door and almost lost her grip on it. Simon quickly grabbed it to keep it from snapping back and hitting her, which put him almost up against her. She looked up at him and smiled, the scent of her perfume tickling his nose as the cold outside breeze blew it toward him.
“My hero.”
“Hardly.”
Simon felt completely flustered again, partly from being so close and partly just from being around her, in general. All those times he had looked at her photograph in Argyle’s room, he had never missed that she was very pretty and happy-looking. The in-person version of her was quite a bit more intoxicating, though. She was exactly the kind of girl he had always thought he would one day want to be with. Unfortunately, she was off limits to him, according to her father.
The two of them were both still smiling as they made their way down the street to a small flower shop. Simon stood silently while she preordered a boutonniere for the ball she would be attending with some other guy. He found that it bothered him, but knew he had no right to even be concerned about it. It wasn’t as if there was or could be anything between the two of them.
“What do you think of this?”
Beth held a simple white rose bud against his coat lapel, explaining to the woman at the counter that she would need the trim to match the swatch she produced from her pocket and handed her. It was the same as the one she had given over at the shoe shop.
“It’s okay.” He didn’t care. It was a stupid corsage thing for dip-stick Mudface to wear.
“It’ll be perfect with a bit of the blue dressing it up a bit, and will contrast nicely against a black tuxedo.”
“I suppose it will.”
She stopped and looked at him thoughtfully, taking the flower away and handing it back to the woman with a comment that it would do fine.
“Too bad you’ll be back at school. I’d much rather go with you.”
His breath caught. Had she really said that? “Your father wouldn’t approve.”
“My father doesn’t approve of most things I do. The only real question is whether you would approve.”
“I would have to say yes, then.”
She grinned at him, as if pleased by his answer. “Let’s go watch ourselves a movie, Simon.”
“Lead the way.”
Simon had to admit that he felt like he was on cloud nine as they walked a few more blocks down to the small theatre and picked out a movie. With a small popcorn and drinks in hand, they settled into the almost-empty seating to watch a sci-fi flick that Beth had told him she heard was great. He was grateful that she had not dragged him into a chick flick, though sci-fi wasn’t exactly his favorite either. Still, it was worth it to sit next to her in the darkness, and the movie wasn’t half bad once it got started.
Once the popcorn was gone, Simon found himself unsure of what to do with his hands. He wanted desperately to hold her hand, but it might be too forward; was it even something he should be doing? There was still the matter of her father’s dislike for him. He elected to let it go and focused on the movie instead.
“That was quite a bit better than I thought it would be. I don’t usually watch science fiction.”
“You’ve been missing out. I have to say that Argyle actually is the one who got me watching the stuff, and I felt the same before that. Quite a lot of it is very good.”
“I enjoyed it. Thanks for suggesting it.”
“I had thought you might at least attempt to hold my hand.”
Simon looked at her, studying her face. He could clearly see the disappointment as they approached the exit doors from the theatre, and suddenly regretted his decision, her father’s wrath or not. He was mostly inexperienced with girls. In fact, this was honestly as close to being on a date with one as he had ever really been. There weren’t any girls at his all-boys school, and very few in the area to even get to know.
“I wanted to.” Simon looked a bit sheepish as he admitted it to her.
“But you didn’t. Why?”
“Honestly? Your father.”
“Simon, you can’t listen to him. He tries to scare everyone away.”
“He didn’t try to scare away the fellow taking you to the ball.”
“Him? That’s only because his family is bloody wealthy. My father thinks that trying to pair me off with someone who will take care of me financially is of the utmost importance. I don’t really care for that sort at all. I want to make my own way in life.”
“I don’t think your father is so much into the whole feminist movement.”
“You’re not telling me anything I don’t know. Do you see the way my mother waits on him hand and foot? I’m not ever going to be someone’s maid and cook just because I’ve a ring on my finger!”
“Not all marriages are like that. My mother and father are very equal in their lives. They both work and contribute to things at home. They seem very happy together.”
“See? That’s okay as long as it’s a give and take. Don’t get me wrong; me mum seems content enough. This life suits her and I think my parents are happy. It’s just not for me.”
“Fair enough then. Ready to head back?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be. It’s going to be cold on the other side of those doors.”
She was certainly right about that as the pair made their way out into the cold winter weather once again. They huddled together closely as they pushed back against the heavy wind, and Simon decided to do what he hadn’t done in the theater. He reached for her hand and held it. Even with gloves on, it felt like it was just perfect. As they approached the house, he let go and she smiled at him knowingly. Defying her father was one thing, being blatant about it was quite another.
“Meet me in the barn after dinner.”
Simon nodded silently as she whispered the words and then went straight up the stairs, pretending they weren’t already inseparable.
“Beth? Are you not eating dinner?” her mother called from the table.
“I’ll be back down in a bit, Mum.”
“Dinner’s ready in five minutes. Don’t let it get cold!”
Simon smiled as he stripped off his winter things and went to the kitchen table. As per the usual, it was laden with more rich, heavy foods. He could see that he might easily gain a good ten pounds before leaving this place after the holiday break. Looking around, he noted that Argyle was nowhere in sight, and wondered where he had gotten off to while he and Beth were gone.
“Argyle’ll be down in a few, Simon. He’s chatting online with one of his friends at another school.”
“Okay. Thanks for letting me know.”
Simon smiled at Argyle’s mom, wondering if she had read his mind or if he had just looked curious without realizing it. It concerned him a little that he was so transparent, considering the budding friendship with Beth.
“Tah! You can’t expect me to just not ask questions when you’re so very secretive.”
Simon turned his head toward the sound of Beth’s voice as she talked to Argyle on their way downstairs.
“You’re such a nosy one. Just don’t worry about it. Okay?”
“You two stop yer fussin’ and get down here right this minute.”
“I just d
on’t understand why Argyle’s school is such a big secret. What’s the big deal with it all?”
“Drop it, Beth.”
Simon’s head drooped at the sound of her father’s admonishment. He tried to avoid eye contact with him or Beth, instead focusing on Argyle.
“How was your day, mate? Get enough sleep?” Simon tried to steer the conversation in a new direction.
“Aye. It was glorious. You should’ve stayed here and snoozed instead of getting dragged about town with the likes of that one.”
Simon smiled as Argyle nodded in Beth’s direction and she made a playful face at him in return. It was obvious that the two of them liked to bicker, but below that there was a closeness that was unmistakable. Simon had heard the way Argyle spoke of Beth on many occasions back at school and on the phone. He might give her grief, but certainly no one else was allowed to do so.
“Enough!”
Everyone was quiet after the final demand from their father to put an end to the nonsense. A quick prayer was said as their mum finished putting food on the table and sat down. Then, everyone was busy digging in and eating, with little conversation. Despite the high fat content of the dinner, Simon had to admit that Argyle’s mother was an excellent cook and he enjoyed the food, perhaps a bit too much.
“May I be excused?”
Beth was already halfway up from the table before anyone could answer. Simon suddenly felt antsy about how he was to get out to the barn without being noticed. He tried to look casual as he finished eating the food on his plate, still avoiding eye contact with Beth’s father, who, he was afraid, might see right through him.
“I’m gonna go out for a while after dinner, Simon. My friend Harlon is home for the holidays and wants to meet up. You up to some video games over at his place?”
“Um, sure, I guess.” Simon’s mind raced. If he turned down the offer, it might look suspicious, but Beth was going to be upset if he didn’t show up in the barn in a bit. Perhaps he could find some excuse to duck in there before they left. He’d much rather be out there talking to her than playing video games, but he had come here to spend the holidays with his friend, not his friend’s sister. In all honesty, he was probably best off with Argyle. No good could come from getting too attached to Beth.
“Grand. He’ll be here any minute to pick us up.”
“He drives?”
“Yah. He’s a little older, has his own a car. Family’s filthy rich. You can’t throw a rock without hitting something owned by the Muldrows.”
“Muldrow? I’ve heard that name before.”
“Probably from Beth or in town. The items she was picking up in town are for the ball she’s going to with his younger brother, Hanson.”
Simon tried to appear as if the information didn’t faze him. Now he was torn between getting a gander at this Hanson fellow and getting to the barn with her, but he tried to hide his disdain.
“The Muldrows are fine people. They’ve done a lot for the community and those who can’t do for themselves. You’d do well to take a lesson on generosity from them, Argyle.”
Argyle looked at his father with a scowl before speaking, “Unless we have some money tucked away that I’m unaware of, I’m afraid that volunteering at the soup kitchen and helping with repairs at the shelter are the extent of what a boy of my means can do. I’m hardly rolling in the kind of money the Muldrow’s have to slap around.”
“Argyle! That’s no way to talk about such kind people.”
“If by kindness you mean they hand off money instead of actually doing anything worthwhile for people.”
“That money gets put to good use, son.”
Argyle turned toward his father as he spoke and shrugged. “You finished, Simon? Jonathan’ll be here any time now. We need to get bundled up.”
“Sure. Thanks for dinner. It was delicious.”
Argyle’s mother smiled thoughtfully at him as he addressed her, and nodded, her mouth still mid- bite from what she had eaten. He was already up and halfway into his coat when she finally told him thanks and for the two of them to be careful on the roads out there. Simon wasn’t sure what control they would have over it if someone else was driving, but he told her they would as a car outside honked the horn.
“That’s Jonathan. Let’s go, mate.”
“Right behind you.”
Chapter 6
Simon followed Argyle out the door and was heading toward the car when Argyle held out a hand to bring him to a stop.
“We’re not really going to his house to play video games. We’re going to a holiday party at a girl’s house nearby. Dad doesn’t care for her family, so I couldn’t tell him that. You can come if you want, but Beth said I just needed to get you out of the house so you could get to the barn. I trust you’ll remember she’s my sister and the two of you are just hanging out.”
He burst out laughing. Ol’ Argyle was on the sly. There was a reason they were good buddies. “Absolutely. Thanks, Argyle!”
Simon turned and took off toward the barn. He found Beth inside as before, curled up in a blanket and reading a book. She looked up at him and beamed happily.
“My brother helped you sneak out here without gettin’ caught?”
“He did. Was quite the surprise,” he laughed. “I had wondered how I was going to pull it off without your father gutting me.”
“I figured you might be. Argyle’s good for a thing or two. We made a deal. I don’t tell Mom and Dad about his party, and he helps me spend some time with you. Of course, he asked a million questions.”
“Yeah? Like what?”
“Like why the sudden interest, and what was going on between us. Got a warning about being a good girl from my younger brother, even.” She grinned wickedly and he liked that, too.
“Yeah, I got the mini lecture reminding me that you’re his sister.” He rolled his eyes. “Kids, eh?”
She scooted over and patted the spot beside her for him to come and sit. “So funny to see him being all protective and such. He’s not happy about Dad insisting I go to the ball with Hanson either. Both of the Muldrow boys paint a picture of being model citizens to everyone, but they’re anything but that.”
His dislike for Hanson seemed to have more grounding now than just jealousy. “Perhaps you should put your foot down and say you aren’t going to go.” Simon sat down beside her on the bench and looked at her. He certainly was even less happy about her going now, knowing that the guy was some sort of wolf in sheep’s clothing.
“Are you saying that because you are concerned for me, or because you’re jealous?”
Looking into her gorgeous blue eyes, he told her the absolute truth. “A bit of both. I’m already a little crazy about you.”
“I’m a little crazy about you, too.”
They stood there smiling at one another awkwardly for a moment, and then Beth pulled open her blanket, inviting him into it with her. He slipped quickly out of his coat and curled up under it with her, listening to her read from the book she had been curled up with. He couldn’t imagine that anything could be more perfect than just sitting here curled up to her, listening to the sound of her voice.
“Simon?”
The sound seemed to come from far away as his mind drifted along peacefully.
“Simon!”
Her voice was more urgent now. Simon startled, looking around at the unfamiliar territory of the barn as Beth laughed.
“You fell asleep.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. I’m horrible company.”
“Hardly. I enjoyed curling up with you to read.”
“I guess the sound of your voice lulled me. What time is it?”
“Almost ten. Argyle’ll be here soon to collect you.”
He blinked, trying to focus. “I’ll get my coat on then. I’m really sorry I fell asleep on you like that.” Some impression he was making on this pretty girl. She was the first one who had caught his attention in a long time.
“Like I said, don’t be. It was sweet.�
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Simon wanted to kiss her, but he held back. He wasn’t sure why. Even though he felt the urge to kiss her, he just wasn’t sure if it was too soon or if he was just afraid it would be interrupted at this point by Argyle, who might not like it one little bit. Though they were friends, and Argyle had helped him spend time with her tonight, he still didn’t think his friend would like it much.
“What’re you doing tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure. I should probably spend some time with Argyle if he has anything going. He did invite me here as his guest, and I’ve rudely blown him off to spend time with his sister.”
“Argyle’ll be fine. He’ll see you back at school. Come with me to the tree-lighting festival in town instead.”
“What’s this?” A rush of cold air blew past them as Argyle stumbled in. “I’m being blown off to watch a girly tree-lighting ceremony?” He seemed quite happy as he made his way into the barn entrance toward them.
Simon looked at him, wondering what his good happy mood came from. A girl perhaps? “That remains to be seen. What do you have going on for tomorrow?”
“Not much. I can go to the tree ceremony with the lot of you, but I’ll probably disappear before it starts. I’d rather hole up in the arcade for a few hours and take out some aliens on that new Planet Invasion game. That thing is boss!”
“You and video games! Is that all you think of?” Beth scoffed.
“Pretty much, dear sis. I’ve quite a few years before I have to grow up and do adult things. The average fourteen-year-old boy wants videos.”
Simon laughed as he shoved his hands in his pockets and glanced knowingly at Beth. “It’ll change. You wait and see.”
Beth shared a secret look with him, like she understood. She grabbed the wool blanket and tucked it around her. “The two of you need to get the house before someone wonders why it’s taking you so long to make it in from the car. I’m sure Mum heard it pull in even if Dad’s asleep. She hears everything.”
“Let’s get going then, Simon. Tree ceremony isn’t until tomorrow evening, so we can sort out what we’re all to do in the morning.” Argyle turned his back to the two of them and slowly made his way to the barn door.