by Kara L. M.
“Can I get you any samples?” The girl asked Austin in a sugary voice. “No thanks I am with a girl who knows exactly what she wants.” He glanced at me and winked. She noticed the wink and gave me a sour face. “Well let me know if there is anything you need, anything at all.” She said desperately. This was ridiculous or was it? If I had been working the counter and a hot model walked in wouldn’t I have been won over as well? Austin brought two cups of yogurt over as I reached for the math books.
“Now hold on a second, we have all night to do math.” He said as he handed me a spoon.
“So tell me are you always a fruit girl or do you dabble in dark chocolate every once in a while?”
“Well when it comes to most things I prefer fruity: frozen yogurt, candy or baked goods are all better in fruity flavors! But I can't resist Belgian chocolate; the way it melts in your mouth is sinful”.
“Interesting, I have to agree with you, fruity can be great but nothing beats the rich flavor of chocolate.”
He spooned a chocolate yogurt bite into his mouth. Those lips were so full. Oh my gosh Liv stop staring and take a bite! The Georgia Peach flavored yogurt graced my tongue coldly and sent a powerful peach explosion down my throat.
“Wow!” I said shocked.
“What? Wrong flavor?”
“No it's just I don't remember it tasting this delicious.” I licked my lips not even caring if it was weird. “They must have put too much peach or something in this.”
“Well the chocolate is pretty decadent too, you want to try?” He asked with a grin.
“I don’t know this peach has stolen my heart!” I declared like a child.
“Allow me.” He said as he bent over the table with a small bit of chocolate yogurt on his spoon. The plastic spoon hit my lips forcing me to open. At first all I tasted was cold then it hit me, it was as if a chocolate river was in my mouth. “Oh my gosh that is amazing too!” I said.He chuckled. “No really they must have upped their flavor shots.” I explained. We finished the yogurt quickly, continually stealing bites off each other’s spoons. This was definitely a date. We opened our math books and started in. Before I knew it we had finished the test.
Austin carried me back to the jeep and drove me home. No matter how many times he touched me I felt the same electric shock through my body which excited and terrified me all at the same time.
“About that foot, I used to help my Mom's friend with physical therapy do you mind if I take a look at it?” He asked. I weighed the options in my head, further pain but great electric shock or no pain no amazing pulse. “Sure.” As in yes please I am willing to feel pain in order to feel our connection. He held my foot softly in his hands and went to massage it. I started to cringe back from the impending pain that was about to hit me. His hands moved up and down my foot and it wasn’t painful! I felt nothing but the warm hands on my ankle and the same electric pulse buzzing through my skin. “There.” He said proudly. “That should reduce the swelling and by tomorrow you won't need crutches.” I stared at my ankle which had shrunken in size. “What on earth? That is like a magic trick.” I said with my mouth open in awe. “No magic just a bit of massage therapy is all”. I was pretty sure he was lying but who cared. My ankle felt like it was mine again and not some dangling, damaged appendage I was forced to drag around.
Everything about being with Austin was unusual but in the best way possible. He helped me out of the car but instead of being carried I walked since I felt better. I leaned into him as we made our way to my house and his scent tickled my nose. Even his smell got to me. We arrived at the door and he leaned over and I thought he was going to kiss me. I wanted him to kiss me.
“You know we just met but I can't help but feel that we belong together.” He whispered in my ear. I couldn't speak, every part of my soul wanted to scream YES! Instead I nodded. He brushed his nose against mine which sent a trickle down my spine. His warm lips kissed my forehead and I about fainted from the shock pulsing from my head to my toes. “Till we see each other again, try not to hang out with idiots that get you hurt.” He said with that sly look in his eye. “I think I can manage that, see you tomorrow?” I was embarrassed how the word tomorrow escaped my lips in desperation. I hope he didn't notice. “Of course.” He agreed and pulled me into a hug that was tighter than I had ever been hugged before. His chest moved up and down with his breath against mine and sure enough it was electric.
That night I curled up in bed unable to sleep. It was impossible to pull any thoughts together. All I could think about was my desire to be with him. I needed to experience the shock between us, to smell his delicious scent and hopefully kiss those full lips. I knew the shock was completely bizarre but for some reason I didn’t care. “BUZZ”. I excitedly checked my phone only to be disappointed when Zeke had texted his nightly “Sweet Dreams”. Suddenly any feelings towards him were trumped by my feelings for Austin. I guess my gut was right all along. There is something about Austin and I intend to find out, as soon as I can sleep and gain the strength to see beyond the electric fog. Oh the sting, so fresh in my mind and heart.
The next morning I dragged out of bed. It was a good thing I had nowhere to be because this amount of sleep can't be healthy. I didn't even notice my foot was perfectly healed until Peter pointed it out.
“Wow it’s good as new.” He said while chomping his cereal. “I guess Mom was right about those crutches.”
“I guess.” I said surprised at my quick recovery.
He filled his spoon with another enormous bite. I have no idea how he can eat like that. One bowl was plenty for me but I am sure this was his third. Twelve year old boys must have hollow legs like they say.
“So Austin seems pretty cool.” Peter slipped a look at me. “Oh?” was all I managed to get out. “He told me he’s a huge fan of Xbox and hiking sketchy trails I guess he is an adrenaline junkie which is cool!” Peter smiled and shoveled in another bite. Austin didn't mention that last night but we were busy talking about explosive peaches and chocolate. That is cute that he took the time with Peter. No other guy ever did. “That is cool.” I said with a smile.
I felt different today when I got ready. Not sure if it was the healed foot or my possible second date with Austin coming up but I felt... ALIVE. My phone rang and it was Austin. The butterflies in my stomach were going crazy as I answered.
“Hey Liv, do you like to hike?” At first I thought he was joking, my ankle had only recovered this morning. “I like to be carried up large hills if that’s what you mean.” I said hoping he would catch the joke. “There is something I want to show you, your foot is fine now right?” I stared down at my ankle. It was more than fine, it looked perfect. “Yes, thank you for that. Should I bring us a snack?” “No I have it taken care of. I will get you in twenty minutes”. “Ok sound good, see you soon!” I tried to not sound overly excited but I physically couldn't reign it in anymore. I hopped around the room searching for the cutest hiking clothes I owned. Once I realized my white cotton shorts were still destroyed from my last boy date I sent an SOS to Carly who enthusiastically invited me over. I made the quick walk to our back fence and opened the gate to her backyard. It was convenient living this close to a second closet.
“So another date with Zeke huh? That outfit must have blown him away!” She smiled proudly. “Oh Zeke? Um he did like that outfit, thank you. But actually this is for a hiking date I have with a guy I met at school”. Her eyes got wide. Uh oh here we go. “You’re dating a bad boy from summer school?!” “Well yes but no, he is actually really smart and did most of our test last night. I am still trying to figure out why he is in summer school. I mean Carly he is gorgeous and put together. I hardly believe he had any reason to show up to that class.” Her jaw dropped. “Tell me all about him!” I spilled the details about how we met, the brief touches, how we shared yogurt but leaving out the electric shock part. She dug in her closet throwing me different combinations of clothing until we both looked in the mirror and smiled at th
e small yellow cotton shorts with the white tank top that once again made me look bigger than an “a” cup. Designer clothes once again are magical.
“I would say don't get these dirty but who we kidding, you're hiking and your last date you fell or something? I heard about it from Katie”. Ah yes the fall. I know I had gone on that soccer date just a few days ago but it had felt like an eternity ago. “I will do my very best and as always I am so appreciative of you dressing me like your personal Barbie doll.” I fluttered my eyelashes at her to make my point. “Get out of here, but really go he will be there any minute.” I glanced at the time and realized I needed to run. I sped down the hill to my house and laughed out loud when I thought about how perfect my ankle felt. This is too weird and wonderful all at the same time. Austin was already standing in my driveway with Peter when I ran through the gate. They were both staring at the wheels of the jeep in deep conversation.
“Hey!” I yelled with my breath almost gone. “Sorry I was saying hi to Carly”. They both turned towards me and Austin flashed me a gorgeous smile. “It looks like your foot is all better, you getting warmed up or something?” He questioned jokingly. I laughed. “Just running a bit late and you're right that massage trick really is amazing!” Peter looked at me and then to Austin. His expression was disgust as if he couldn't imagine a guy touching me. “Well the Xbox calls.” He said proudly as he stalked back into the house. “You know your little brother is pretty cool.” Austin commented. I smiled “Yeah he's ok”. I have to admit it was a treat to see him getting along with Peter but I wonder what my Mom would think if she knew we were hanging out for fun and not for school. “Let’s go!” He held my door and I hopped in.
As we drove to Little Cottonwood Canyon I noticed this jeep had a stick shift. Not sure how I missed that last night but the electric shocks must have fogged my mind.
“I have always wanted to learn to drive a stick shift.” I said eyeing it. “Oh really? I can show you. The first thing you have to know is the movement; you can hold the top of my hand if you want to feel? Or is that what you were going for all along!” He teased. “Come on Austin; just show me how it works!” I held my hand above his, eager to feel the electric connection as we rolled to a stop. “Ok so you have to start in a low gear” My hand draped his and the electricity starting flowing. I am sure he was giving me educational tips but I couldn't hear it over the shock waves that were rumbling my soul. We reached the trailhead before I noticed that the lesson was over. “You wanted to hold my hand didn't you?” He eyes looked at me playfully. “You caught me!” I said with my hands up. The moment we disconnected I mourned the loss of energy, luckily I was distracted by the fresh smell of pine. We began our hike and the wind blew through the aspen trees sounding like a roaring river. The noise was peaceful and seemed to pair well with the sound of crunching earth under my shoes. The mountains were a refuge for me. Happy memories of Dad surrounded me here.
We discussed favorite movies. He was shocked to learn that I loved Sci-fi movies as much as I loved chick flicks. He mentioned his birthday was a few weeks ago, which is why he could drive already. I mentioned my birthday in July. Once the hobbies were out of the way he told me about his mother who had passed away when he was twelve.
“She struggled with pain pill addiction and an overdose claimed her life.” He said as a matter of fact. “But there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her or wish we could talk. There is so much I need to know still.” He mumbled the last words softly.
“I am so incredibly sorry.” I said. He nodded and I knew it was my turn to talk about Dad. “I know how you feel, my Dad passed away when I was in 6th grade from a heart attack. It was a shock to my family since he loved to hike, but I guess he had high blood pressure that he never had under control.” A sob rose to my throat as I thought of the last time I saw him. “He had helped me with a school project the night before, building a diorama of Lake Powell for school. Dad loved the lake as much as he loved the mountains. We used to spend every other weekend down there waterskiing and tubing. He taught me so much about life when we would camp under the stars. I wish that Mom hadn’t sold our boat. I feel like not visiting the Lake has made it harder to deal with his absence.”
He stopped hiking and turned around. “I am sorry to hear about your Dad. Maybe one day we can visit Lake Powell together. You know until I met you I felt sort of dead inside, as if my emotions were all locked up in a tiny box.” He explained. I nodded. How did he feel the same way I did? Ever since my Dad died I found it hard to connect emotionally with anyone. My friends were fun and the boys I had crushes on were fine but that’s all it was fine. “I feel the same way.” I admitted.
He pulled me into his chest and we charged up for awhile. “We are almost there.” His smile was bigger than ever. “This is getting steep.” I gulped. “Are you afraid, Liv? You said you feel more alive right?” He grabbed my hand and helped me up the hill. He is right I did feel more alive but I don't remember using those words. To keep my mind off the heights I decided it was time to come clean about my good girl image.
“I am a good girl, as in I take my morals and purity seriously.” Wonderful, that couldn’t have been more random and awkward. He gave me a devilish grin. “I will do my best to respect your virtue?” He asked it like a question. “Austin! Seriously, I am trying to tell you something deep here.” He softened his grin. “Go on.” I kept moving forward. “I meant to say that being good is part of me. It may make me boring in high school but I see no reason to drink or have sex. I want to abide by my parents rules. It is who I am. When Dad passed, it was the hardest thing I had ever gone through. That is when I knew more than ever that I wanted to have high standards to make my Dad proud.”
He nodded. “I am sorry you had to go through that.” He touched my hand with sympathy. “Thanks, it wasn’t easy. I know I don’t necessarily fit in with the crowd but I felt like you should know what you’re getting into.” I said with sadness, I had been worried that this may come between us. He stopped and turned around. “I could tell you were good from the moment I saw you. I actually like that about you.” He said seriously. My heart warmed at his words. We arrived at the top of the peak and the view of the valley was jaw dropping. You could see from Salt Lake to Provo.
“This is my favorite place.” He said as he moved closer to the edge. I about died from the anxiety of watching him step up to the cliff. “That is way too close get back here.” I yelled like a protective mother. “Livy, now you get to see how I felt alive before I met you”. I would have enjoyed his little nickname for me if it wasn’t for the possible death scenario I was viewing.
His feet maneuvered to the edge and before I could scream he tossed himself over the cliff. “Austin!” I yelled, not daring to take a step forward. “Liv I am ok I am just hanging on the rock, I love to rock climb, come over and see.” I inched to the edge and like a baby and laid on my tummy to peek over. There he was hanging onto the granite wall about ten feet down. He must have dropped down to the ledge with intention to climb back up, but my mind was still spinning from the massive drop below. “I have no, and I mean no idea why this is fun but I may have a heart attack if I watch any longer”. I said breathless. “The rush from climbing makes me feel free and alive as I could ever feel.” He said while he concentrated on his ascent.
His muscles were defined as he used his arms to pull his weight up the jagged cliff. I couldn’t admire them since I was still in shock. I inched back and quickly stepped back to the safety of the wall.
He emerged easily over the cliff and walked back to me. His eyes were lighting up from his excitement and adrenaline. “I know we just met but because of you I feel alive with every touch of your skin. As if that wasn’t enough I love the way you lick your lips when you eat frozen yogurt, how much you love your little brother, how you are too smart to be in summer school and the way you look in well.” He scanned my body from head to toe and I shivered from his intensity. “Everything.” He said pas
sionately. “Austin.” I breathed finally catching my breath. “Don't ever do that again you scared me to death!” He smiled and placed his arms around me. “So tell me I am not alone, do you feel as I do?” I gazed into those ocean blue eyes. My skin tingled from our electric aura circling around us. How could I deny that we were meant to be together? After our few encounters and just one date I knew.
“I was lost until we met, every touch from you makes me feel alive, I love how you're too smart to be in summer school, I love how good you are to my brother, and I love how safe I feel when I am with you well minus the last couple of minutes.” I grinned but as seriously as I could possibly manage.
He brushed his nose against mine and I shivered. Our lips were only inches apart. “Have you been kissed before?” He breathed into my face. “Not yet.” I said without taking my eyes of his gorgeous lips. “I'm driving you crazy.” He breathed again into my face. How a guy’s breath could smell so sweet after huffing and puffing up that mountain made no sense to me. My pride kicked in and I pushed him away. “Don't be so full of yourself.” And as I started to walk away he slid his hand into mine and softly intertwined our fingers. I glanced up at him and he mouthed “Gorgeous” and before I could fully understand what was happening his soft sweet lips crashed into mine and euphoria filled my stomach, my heart and my head. The electric shock was no longer a shock it was a wave of power filling me from my head to my toes. Our lips parted and his tongue touched mine and almost sizzled from the impact. The strangeness of having another tongue in my mouth became all too familiar after a few seconds as I wrapped my arms around his neck, his hands met my waist and we were frozen in time. Soaking each other up the best way we knew how. I had never kissed before but for how passionate this was I felt sure to think I was doing something right.