CONVICTION (INTERFERENCE)

by Kimberly Schwartzmiller

  I got out my keys, expecting him to go to the passenger side, but he followed me and opened my door for me.

  “I’ll see you Wednesday at 6:00 sharp at the school. Call Blake’s Tires if you come to your senses and change your mind about me going.”

  “I won’t. Now, get in.”

  “I’m going to walk. I’ll see you Wednesday,” he said and he walked off without another word. I watched him walk away, wishing I could go with him. It was going to be another long two days.

  Introductions? But, I Don’t Know His Name!

  “Okay, it’s time to face the music. Start with Mom…she’ll be easier,” I told the worried girl in the rearview mirror on my way home from the mall. As I looked into my own eyes, I knew it didn’t matter if my family or my best friend approved of him or not…I really liked…oh, I still didn’t know his name. I closed my eyes and wondered how I was going to get around that particular problem when I told my mom that he was coming to the play. I sighed and started my car.

  My parents were out for the evening, so I didn’t get a chance to talk to my mother. I was still concerned about how I was going to get around the ‘name’ thing, so I wasn’t too upset that there would be a delay in that conversation.

  “Okay, have fun. I’ll pick you up in 90 minutes,” I told my little sister when I dropped her off at the school for rehearsal that evening.

  I found myself glancing over at the tire store across the street that I had never even paid attention to…before now. It was 7:00 and getting dark, and I saw someone turn off the lights and flip the sign in the window to ‘closed.’ It was him and I felt a chill run through me at the mere sight of him. He locked the door and started walking down the street and before I knew what I was doing…before I could stop myself, I had pulled up alongside of him and opened the passenger window. “Hi, would you like a ride?” I asked.

  “What are you doing here?” he grinned.

  “I had to drop off my sister for rehearsal, and I saw you leaving. What are you doing here? I thought you were off today?”

  “I closed for one of the guys. His wife’s pregnant and she called and said it was time to have the baby, so he had to leave. I was already there, so…”

  “That was nice of you. Are you going to get in?” I smiled at him.

  “I can walk, it’s not far.”

  “Please. I have an hour and a half to kill before I have to pick up Sam. Are you going to make me sit in the car all by myself for an hour and a half?”

  “I should get home,” he said, but I could see he was considering it.

  I sighed, “Please? If you leave, then I’m going to be sitting in the car; a poor defenseless girl, all alone. You can protect me from all the evils in the world,” I smiled. I couldn’t believe I played the ‘defenseless maiden’ card, but it worked because he laughed and jumped in.

  “But, who’s going to protect you from me?” he grinned as he turned to face me in the seat.

  “I know you wouldn’t hurt me.”

  “You’re awfully trusting. Maybe you do need protection. But, what makes you so sure that I’m not your greatest predator? I’m probably a foot taller than you and I’ll bet I outweigh you by at least 70 pounds.”

  “If you were that kind of guy, you wouldn’t have bothered to return my father’s credit card. And, you could have accepted the ride earlier today, and like you said, you’re a lot bigger than me. If you wanted to hurt me, you could, and I couldn’t stop you. But, you don’t scare me. I’m a good judge of character.”

  “Hurting you is the last thing on my mind. But, you’re still too trusting for your own good.”

  “I have a sixth sense about people.”

  He smiled.

  “Don’t laugh, it’s true. You’re a good person, no matter what you think of yourself. Now, your friend however, I have serious doubts about him. I certainly wouldn’t be sitting alone in a car with him right now.”

  “Good thing, because I hate violence, and I’d really hate to have to beat the hell out of him in a fit of jealous rage,” he smiled again.

  “You wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

  He thought about it for a minute and said, “If we’d met a couple years ago, I think your sixth sense would be flashing red.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means I’ve done some things I’m not proud of. And, you wouldn’t have liked me much when I was 15 or 16. But I haven’t been in any trouble now for over three years.”

  “I like you now,” I said, and blushed again. I didn’t know what it was about him, but I found myself speaking my mind, and other than lying about my age, I felt like I could tell him anything, and it would be okay.

  We talked until 8:20 and then he said goodnight and started to go back inside the tire store.

  “Don’t you want a ride home?” I asked.

  “Your sister will be out in a few minutes. I think I’ll just stay here tonight. I have to be back in the morning anyway.”

  “But, I thought you worked tomorrow night?”

  “I’m working a double.”

  “Ambitious.”

  “Yeah, well, college is expensive.”

  “There are grants and stuff. Scholarships,” I said.

  “Yeah, but when you only have a GED, and not the best grades, scholarships are a little more difficult to get. I can get loans, but I’d kind of like to pay as I go.”

  “Your parents can’t help?”

  “Um, no, my dad lost his job. I’m on my own. I um, I help out with the bills at home, though, so it’s kind of hard to put any money toward college. I have some money saved.”

  “I’m sorry about your dad. I hope he finds another job, soon.”

  “Thanks, goodnight. Lock your doors, okay?”

  “I will. Goodnight.”

  I watched him walk away, more impressed with him than I was before. He was not only gorgeous and honest, but kind and caring, too. I started my car and headed across the street to the school, just in time for my sister to come bounding out of the building, all smiles and full of energy. “It’s going to be a long night!” I said to myself as she came running toward the car at top speed, I’m sure full of stories about how she ‘wowed’ everyone with her impeccable performance.

  The next day I found myself day-dreaming and my eyes kept wandering across the street to the tire store, hoping to get a glimpse of him. I laughed at myself when I realized I still didn’t know his name.

  “So, who is this boy?” my mother asked, shocked that I had invited an outsider to a family gathering.

  “Mom, I’m not ever going to marry Parker!” I said, avoiding the question.

  “You’ve said that before, Dear. Now, who’s this boy?”

  “He’s a really nice guy I met Friday when I was dress shopping.”

  “What’s his name?”

  I had rehearsed this part, and I hoped I could say it with a straight face, and not end up having to tell her I had no idea what his name was. “Does it matter? Mom, he’s a really nice guy. You’re going to meet him before we actually go out. Okay?”

  I think she could tell that I was really interested in this guy, so she finally relented, “Okay, he can come. But, we’re all going out to dinner after the play and I’d like you…both, to come with us.”

  “I don’t know if…” I saw the look on her face. “Okay, fine. But, can we wait to tell Daddy until right before the play? I don’t want to have to argue with him about me bringing a date other than Parker.”

  “Okay. So, what’s this young man’s name? How old is he? Where does he go to school?”

  “Can’t you just meet him without knowing all of that?”

  “I just want to know his name and…” and lucky for me, the phone rang. I raced off to answer it, getting out of telling her all about the boy I knew little about…but couldn’t wait to see…

  It was finally Wednesday, and once again I raced out of my last period and practically ran to my car. Luckily, Jillian was leaving for
two weeks with her family. They went to Aspen every year at this time. Usually I missed her terribly, but this time, I was actually relieved. I knew she wouldn’t be nice to this guy, and I didn’t want to have to explain my feeling for him to her…whatever they were.

  I changed my clothes a dozen times, not sure what to wear. For the first time in my life, I wanted to look good for the guy I was going out with. I knew it was because I was finally going out with someone other than Parker, someone I really wanted to date. I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle introductions, but I decided I didn’t care. I was so excited, I could hardly contain myself.

  “Rebecca Marie, let’s go!” my father shouted from the bottom of the stairs.

  “Coming!”

  I bounded down the stairs two at a time with what must have been a very happy look on my face.

  “Well, it’s nice to know you’ve taken such an interest in your sister’s play,” my father said when he noticed my new dress.

  “What? Oh, yeah.”

  My mother glanced at me and said, “Um, Bradley, your daughter has something she’d like to tell you about tonight.”

  I froze. I thought my mom would tell him and smooth things over, but she was leaving it to me.

  “Well?” he asked, looking at me.

  I took a deep breath and said, “Um, Daddy, I’m bringing a date to the play. Well, actually, he’s meeting us there.” I said it. I forced myself to breathe again, waiting for his reply.

  “How did you know?” my dad said.

  “What?” I asked, confused.

  “How did you know Parker was meeting us there tonight? It was supposed to be a surprise.”

  I looked at my mom and started to panic.

  “Oh, Bradley, tell me you didn’t invite Parker?”

  “Why? I invited Chris, Mary and Parker, but Chris and Mary already had other plans.”

  “Well, I hope Parker’s bringing a date, because he’s not the date I was talking about!” I snapped at my father.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I invited another…boy. I’m not dating Parker, Daddy. It’s time you realized that! I don’t like Parker.”

  “You don’t know what you like!”

  “Yes I do! I like…” I stopped because I still didn’t know his name.

  “You like?”

  “He’s meeting us there. You invited Parker, so you can un-invite him.”

  “I don’t think I like your tone, young lady.”

  “I don’t like you setting me up with a guy who gives me the creeps! For the last time, I don’t like Parker, not like that!”

  “Come on, let’s go!” my sister said, throwing open the front door. She’d been waiting outside, practicing her lines.

  “Who is this boy you’ve invited?” my father asked, ignoring my sister.

  “You’re bringing a boy…someone other than Parker?” my sister grinned, suddenly more interested in my date than being early to her play.

  “Yes. And, he’s very nice.” I looked up at my dad and knew I was going about it all wrong. “Daddy, I really like this guy. He’s really nice. Just give him a chance, for me, please?”

  He sighed, “How am I supposed to explain your…date, when I invited Parker to play that role?”

  “Parker knows I’m not interested in him. Well, I’ve told him numerous times, anyway. Can you call and tell him not come, please?”

  “It’s too late for that. You’ll just have to tell him yourself…”

  I looked up at him with my big blue eyes and he finally said, “Okay, I’ll call him and tell him not to come. I’ll meet you in the car.”

  “Hi,” I said when I saw him standing at the front of the school, looking adorable in a jacket and tie.

  I wanted to talk to him first to find out his name, but my parents were hot on my trail and I barely got the ‘hi’ out before they were standing there waiting for me to introduce them. I started to panic, but he smiled at me and said, “Hi, Rebecca. You look beautiful.” He reached out his hand to my father and said, “Hello, I’m Shane Ramsay. You must be Mr. and Mrs. Brigham. It’s nice to meet you both.”

  My father slowly reached out his hand and mumbled, “Yes…of course.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Shane,” my mother smiled.

  “Hi!” my sister said, running up to us.

  “This is my sister, Samantha,” I said. “Sam, this is…Shane,” I grinned up at him, thrilled to finally have a name to go with the perfect smile…and face, and everything else.

  “Hello, Samantha. You must be a very good actress to get the lead in Beauty and the Beast. Congratulations. I’m looking forward to seeing it.”

  My sister turned to me and said, “Hmm, now I know why you spent three hours getting ready. Parker’s going to be seriously pissed!” I blushed, and she grinned and started to walk away but not before my mother scolded her. “Samantha, watch your mouth!”

  So, as you can tell, I was the ‘good girl’ and my sister continually pushed the limits. She was a firecracker, and completely comfortable in any surrounding and in any situation. Nothing shocked her, nothing scared her and nothing stood in her way. She was three years my junior, and I was always in awe of her easy way with…everything. I wished I was a little bit like her, but I was always shy…scared of my own shadow. It took all my strength to stand up to my dad that night, and as I looked up at Shane, I knew he was the reason, and he was worth it. He was perfect, and he didn’t fail to impress my mother with his flawless manners. I noticed he even got a haircut for the occasion. It was still a little long, and unruly, but it suited him.

  “Well, we better go inside. Your sister would never forgive us if we missed her grand entrance,” my mother said, pulling my father by the arm to take the glare off Shane.

  We walked into the theater and my father’s demeanor instantly changed. As we headed toward the front where our seats were located, I understood why. Parker was standing in the aisle in front of our row of seats.

  “DAD!” I snapped.

  “It was too late to cancel.”

  I glared at him and took Shane’s arm and led him the other way.

  “Rebecca, don’t be rude. Where are you going?” my father asked.

  “I’ll…WE’LL be right back,” I snapped again. I never snapped at my father, but tonight was the dawn of a new me; a new me…without Parker, and more importantly, a new me…with Shane.

  I led him back to the lobby and said, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know he was coming. My father invited him…he just told us as we were leaving. I told him to call and tell him not to come, and he said he would…but…” I blathered on, knowing full well my father never even called him.

  “Rebecca, it’s okay. Do you want me to leave?”

  “NO! I want HIM to leave!” I was upset, and close to tears.

  “It’s okay, really. I can handle it. But, if it makes you uncomfortable, then I really don’t mind leaving. That is, as long as I still get to see you after the play.”

  “Um, that’s another problem. We’re…as in, you and me; we’re supposed to go out to dinner with my parents and sister to celebrate after the play. I didn’t know that, either. I’m sorry.”

  He laughed. “Well, that should make for a fun evening.”

  I sighed. “You’re probably ready to bolt. I can’t blame you. If you want to go, I understand.”

  He reached out and touched my cheek with the back of his hand. It was electrifying, and it stopped me dead in my tracks. I was shocked by the intense emotions that swept over me with one little brush of his hand on my face. “Believe me, you’re worth it.”

  He took my arm and led me back into the theater. I was so dumbstruck by the gentle touch of his hand on my face that I didn’t even complain when I realized the only two seats left were between my father and Parker. I glanced up at him, realizing for the first time that Shane was very tall, I pulled on his arm, forcing him to bend down and whispered, “I’m sorry…again.”


  He smiled and scooted in, and surprisingly, sat down next to my father, leaving the space between himself and Parker for me.

  I sat down and looked over at Parker’s brooding stare and finally said, “Hello, Parker. This is Shane Ramsay. Shane, Parker Hayes.”

  Shane nodded at him and said, “Nice to meet you.”

  “Yeah, so, how did you two meet?” Parker said in an almost accusatory manner.

  Thankfully, the lights dimmed and the principal stepped onto the stage. I looked up at Shane, grateful that he was sitting next to me and hadn’t run out the door screaming.

  He leaned over and whispered, “I only sat here because I figured I needed to protect your father from your wrath,” he grinned.

  I melted. “Oh, but who’s going to protect Parker from my wrath?” I whispered back.

  “Have at it, it’ll only lessen my competition,” he smiled.

  I glanced over at Parker and back to Shane, “Trust me, there is no competition!”

  “SHHH!” my father warned.

  I rolled my eyes and stared at the stage, feeling very awkward siting between Parker and Shane. But, I couldn’t help feel the thrill as our arms touched on the arm rest. I wanted him to hold my hand. No, actually, I wanted him to kiss me. As I glanced over at him, I knew I wanted a lot more…

  “Bravo, Darling! You were superb!” My mother told my sister after the performance.

  “You were great, Sam. Really,” I smiled and hugged my little sister.

  “Thanks. It was so much fun. I love being on stage!” she beamed.

  “Not bad, Kid!” Parker said.

  I watched my sister actually blush with Parker’s compliment. That was a first. Parker turned toward me and said, “Rebecca, can I talk to you for a minute?”

  I took a step back toward Shane and said, “Not now, Parker.”

  “Okay, then I’ll pick you up after school tomorrow. I’m done with classes early.”

  I needed to end this once and for all, but I knew it wasn’t the right time. “Parker, um…we have plans tomorrow.”

  I looked up at Shane, praying he wouldn’t give me away.