CONVICTION (INTERFERENCE)

by Kimberly Schwartzmiller

  “Daddy, I know I was really hard on you last night. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you or make you so angry. But, you have to admit that you were very rude to Shane…and for no reason.”

  “So you said all that stuff to get back at me?” he said, looking at me with one side of his face clean-shaven and the other still lathered with shaving cream.

  “No, I said it…because it was true and you needed to hear it. But, I’m sorry for the way I said it. I know you want what’s best for me, but I don’t love Parker, Daddy. I never will. Can’t you understand that?”

  “I guess I thought that you would…in time.”

  “Daddy, I know you like him and I know that you and mom, and his parents always dreamed of us getting together, but when I think about dating him…I just…I just get the chills,” I said while rubbing my arms up and down to try and get rid of that creepy feeling whenever I thought of Parker.

  “The chills?”

  “Yeah, he makes my skin crawl. I’m sorry. The thought of him kissing me…or…” a shiver ran through me again, causing me to shake.

  “Stop! I don’t want to hear this!”

  “Sorry, but it’s true. We can be friends, but nothing more. I don’t have any romantic feelings for him…none at all.”

  “But you do for this Shane?” he asked, looking back toward the mirror to finish shaving.

  “Yes. I know you don’t want to hear that. But, I like Shane.”

  “He’s a tire salesman!”

  “So what?”

  “I won’t have any daughter of mine…”

  “What? You won’t have me what…dating a tire salesman?”

  “Dating…or anything else! He has a past. I checked him out this morning. He’s been in trouble with the law. I’ll bet he didn’t tell you that!”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, he did. But he hasn’t been in any trouble for over three years. He’s a nice guy, Daddy.”

  “He’s a bad boy, Rebecca! Once a bad boy, always a bad boy! I told you, it’s just a phase. All girls fall for a bad boy once, but then they grow up…and so will you. Like I said, it’s just a phase, one I hope you’ll pass through rather quickly.”

  “Daddy, I really like him. He’s paid for his mistakes. He works an honest job, and he helps to support his father, who lost his job. He got his GED and he’s saving up money to go to school, and taking pre-req courses online. How can you fault him for that?”

  “He’s not actually in school, yet. I’ll believe it when I see it. Parker will be a lawyer in just a few more years.”

  “Parker’s had everything handed to him on a silver platter. He’s never worked for anything a day in his life.”

  “He does too, he gets excellent grades!”

  “Yeah, and his parent’s pay a fortune for his tutors. I’m not saying that Parker doesn’t deserve his good grades or that he’s not going to make a good attorney, but I am saying that it’s easier for some…than it is for others. I’m just asking you to give Shane a chance. For me, please?”

  “You really like this guy?”

  I nodded. “Yes. We’re going to a movie when he gets off work today at 4:30. I’ll be home by nine. Okay?” I asked, hoping to get back into his good graces.

  “What are you going to do from 4:30 to nine?” he asked with accusing eyes.

  “The movie doesn’t start until 6:25 so we’re going to have dinner first.”

  “Just dinner? Nothing else?” he asked.

  “Dinner and a movie.”

  “Fine. Just…be careful. He um, he may want more than…well, he may want…more,” he said, trying to get his point across without embarrassing us both.

  “He’s been a perfect gentleman.”

  “So far, but guys like that, well, he’ll want more…trust me,” he said, continuing to shave.

  He was just about done shaving when I said, “And you don’t think Parker ever wanted more?”

  He turned his head quickly and caught his chin with the razor. “Parker would never expect…”

  “Dad, I love you, and I hate to ruin the perfect image you have of Parker Hayes, but trust me, he’s a guy, too.”

  He turned to look at me with a bloody piece of tissue hanging off his chin. “Did you and Parker…?”

  “No! I told you, he gives me the creeps! But, we would have if it had been up to him.”

  “Well, he is a young man. I guess it’s to be expected. It’s your job to keep him in line.” He was rinsing the shaving cream off of his face now.

  “UGH! So, now you’re saying that it’s okay for Parker to want to have sex with me, but not Shane?!” I was furious with his double standards!

  “OOOHHH SHHHH!!!! I don’t want to hear this!”

  “Well, you’re going to! I’ve said no to Parker more times than I can count, so I guess I’ve done my job in keeping him in line, like you said. Daddy, you just think Parker’s a gentleman, but I know better. I also know that Shane has been nothing but a gentleman with me…no matter how he was raised or what he’s done in his past, he hasn’t asked for anything. So, just to set the record straight…I’ve never done anything! Are you happy now?”

  He was actually covering his ears with his hands like a five year old being scolded by his mother. “I don’t want to hear this!”

  “What’s going on now, you two?” my mother asked.

  “I was just telling daddy that I didn’t have sex with Parker…even though he’s asked…NUMEROUS TIMES!” I yelled, over my father’s ridiculous ramblings.

  My mother’s mouth dropped open, but no words came out.

  “I’ll see you after the movie. Oh, and I’ll still be a virgin when I get home, because no matter what you think of Shane, I know he’s a gentleman!”

  I drove to school early and sat in my car going over the conversation I just had with my parents. I didn’t know who the person was that was yelling and talking openly about sex to my parents, but I found I liked her. She gave me freedom and I suddenly felt empowered. I had stood up to my parents. Maybe I was a little like my sister after all. And, not only did I no longer have to go out with Parker, but I was going to be going out with Shane and I was thrilled! I got out of my car and found myself glancing across the street to catch a glimpse of the young man who had given me the strength to speak up for myself. When I didn’t see him, I finally just headed into first period a little early, waiting for the school day to be over.

  Up Against the Wall (Or Porsche!)

  I got out of school at 3:20 which gave me enough time to sit and study for my calculus exam until Shane got off work. I headed to the tables at the front of the school and pulled out my books when I heard a familiar voice behind me. I cringed as I looked up to see the one person I wanted to avoid more than any other.

  “Rebecca, I think we should talk.”

  “There’s nothing to talk about, Parker.”

  “Yes, there is. How could you embarrass me like that last night?”

  “Parker, for the last time, we’re not a couple. I don’t want to hurt you, really, I don’t. But, I’ve told you over and over again, I’m not interested in you.”

  “You don’t mean that. We’ve been together for…”

  “WE’VE NEVER BEEN TOGETHER! Stop saying that! What’s it going to take to convince you of that? I told you, I don’t want to hurt you, but there is no us…and there never will be.”

  “But, I love you. I’ve always loved you. We’re supposed to be together!”

  “Why? Because that’s what our parent’s want? Don’t we get a say in this? Parker, be reasonable; do you really want a girl who doesn’t want you? Aren’t you worth more than that? You deserve to be with someone who’ll truly love you. Who will want to spend time with you…but I’m not her.”

  “You could be. What can I do to fix it?”

  “You can’t fix something that never worked, that was never meant to work. I don’t love you. I’m sorry. I know it would be so much easier…on both of us, if I did, but I don’t.�
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  “Can I give you a ride home?”

  “No, I have my car, thanks. Goodbye, Parker.”

  “Why aren’t you going home to study?”

  I looked up at him and rolled my eyes. “I’m not going home, yet. I’m trying to work on calculus. I have a test tomorrow.”

  “Oh, I could stay and help you. I’m pretty good…”

  “No, thank you. I won’t be here too much longer.”

  “I’ll wait with you, then.”

  “Wait for what?”

  “I just want to see if he treats you right!”

  “What does that mean? Please don’t tell me you plan on following us or anything?” I asked, not sure if I’d put it past him, or not.

  “No, of course not. I just wanted to see if it was true. If you’re really going out with…this guy…or if you were just trying to make me jealous.”

  I dropped my head on the table. He was unbelievable. He wouldn’t give up.

  “Parker, come with me!” I said, standing up and grabbing my books.

  I walked him to his car and opened the door for him.

  “I’m not leaving.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “Not until I get a chance to talk to him. See what his intentions are.”

  “Are you kidding?”

  “No! I’m dead serious. If I have to win you back, then I want to know what I’m up against. Get to know my competition.”

  “Parker, there is no competition. I like Shane…a lot. I don’t have those feelings for you. I never have and I never will. Please get that through your thick head!” I was getting angry now.

  “You’re just angry that I showed up and ruined your little plan to make me jealous last night.”

  “I didn’t even know you were coming last night. I didn’t invite you!”

  “But, you knew I’d come. I always come to family gatherings. That’s what a boyfriend does!”

  “Oh, for the love of…YOU ARE NOT MY BOYFRIEND! You never have been and you never will be! I’m done talking to you. I’ve had it. I’ve gone about this the nice way for far too long now. Think about it, Parker! Have I ever once come to your house to see you…unless my parents dragged me kicking and screaming? Have I ever stopped by unannounced to see you at school? Have I ever come by to pick you up for lunch, taken you shopping, run errands with you? Bought you little reminders of our time together?”

  “No, but…”

  “Have I ever kissed you…or touched you in any way?”

  “No…”

  “That’s right…and you know why that is? Because I don’t love you. I like you…as a friend, and only a friend. I never kissed you, or let you kiss me because I can’t stand…” I stopped before I got too carried away and said something that would seriously hurt him.

  He finally stopped talking and said, “You’re serious? I mean, I know you’ve been fighting your feelings for me…but I just thought it was because your parents forced the issue and once they backed off, you’d…”

  “I’d what? Ride off into the sunset with you? Parker, please, I’m begging you. Let go of any thoughts of us, and focus on someone more deserving of your love. I’m not her…I never was and I never will be.”

  I knew I was finally getting through to him. I sighed in relief, but then started feeling guilty. He did love me…in his own weird way. “Parker, I’m sorry I hurt you. I never meant to. Please just try to understand that I don’t feel…that way, about you. I think of you as more of a friend, or a brother.”

  “So um, this guy, this…Shane, he makes you feel that way?”

  I looked down, not wanting to hurt him more by the truth in my eyes. “Parker, I’ll see you at Thanksgiving, okay?”

  “I guess I have my answer.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “What is it about him? What can I do to make you glow and blush like that for me?”

  “Nothing. There’s nothing you can do.”

  “Has he kissed you yet?”

  “Parker…”

  “Look, we’ve been together a long time.”

  I rolled my eyes, but didn’t argue with him.

  “I know you don’t think so, but whether you choose to believe it or not, we’ve been a couple all our lives…at least in my mind. If you’re really going to end it, then be honest with me. Has he kissed you?”

  “No.”

  He took a deep breath. “Then can I ask you for something?”

  “What?”

  “Can I kiss you…just once? Please?” he begged.

  “Parker, please just go home.”

  “It’s just one kiss. It would mean so much to me, Beccs. Please?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He closed his eyes and sighed. “How do you know that you don’t feel that way for me if you’ve never even given me a chance?”

  “I just know. I’m sorry.”

  He took a few steps toward me, backing me into the side of his car. “I think I deserve one kiss. If you don’t feel anything for me after that, then I’ll leave you alone. But, if you do feel something…anything at all, then you’ll get rid of him and we’ll start over.”

  “Parker, I don’t feel anything for you…other than friendship. I’m certain of it. I’ve known it all along. I don’t have to kiss you to prove it.”

  “Well, then you don’t have anything to worry about. It’s a win-win for you.”

  “No. Go home, please.”

  He leaned down toward me and I pulled away. He had me trapped against the car, and he was holding my arms and when I tried to pull away, he squeezed. The campus was empty by that time and I realized I was actually a little afraid of him, and there was no one to look to for help. Parker was suddenly different. He had lost some of his composure, something I’d never seen in 16 years.

  “Parker, you’re hurting me!” I said, trying to back away, but I was trapped up against his car.

  “Just one kiss. You owe me that much.”

  “I don’t owe you anything. Now, let me go.”

  He squeezed tighter, really digging into my arms now with his fingers. I cried out in pain.

  “I believe she asked you to let her go,” Shane said from somewhere behind Parker. Parker towered over me and I couldn’t see around or over him, but I instantly knew that voice, and I was so happy to hear it.

  Shane surprised him and I could see Parker’s composure returning.

  “Oh, God, Beccs. I’m so sorry. You know I would never hurt you. I don’t know what…” he turned to face Shane and said, “Can I have a minute with her?”

  “No, I don’t think so. Now’s not the time. She’s frightened of you right now.”

  “I just want to talk to her…apologize.”

  “I accept. Now go home!” I said, realizing I was shaking as I slinked out from under him and stood next to Shane.

  “Yeah, okay. I don’t know what…happened. I’m sorry.”

  I nodded and watched him as he got into his car and drove away.

  Shane wrapped his jacket around me and said, “Are you okay?”

  I nodded, but I wasn’t so sure.

  “Come with me for a minute, okay?”

  He walked me across the street and took me to the back of the tire store, into a waiting room. He sat me down and handed me a cup of water. I didn’t know it, but I was still shaking. He sat down next to me and said, “Do you want me to take you home?” This brought me around. I had waited all day…all my life to be with this guy, no way was one little incident with Parker going to ruin it. “No, I’m fine.”

  “Has he ever done anything like that to you before?”

  I shook my head no. “It was weird. Parker never loses control…ever. It was like some strange force had control over him.”

  “He loves you. I’m going to go out on a limb and say you broke it off with him?”

  “Well, I tried to get him to see reason, once again. There was nothing to break off. We were never a couple. He just thought we were. I know part of it was b
ecause of my dad. He’d hear one thing from me and then my dad would tell him the opposite. ‘Oh, don’t be ridiculous Parker, she loves you, she’s just not ready to admit it. You know how teenage girls are; they never want to listen to their parents. But, she’ll come around, you’ll see!” I said, trying my best to impersonate my father, but couldn’t quite pull off the deep, dark voice. But, I think Shane got the gist.

  “Um, this may sound like a stupid question, and believe me, it wouldn’t have been my first choice, but, wouldn’t you have saved yourself a lot of trouble if you just gave him one last kiss?”

  I looked down, not sure how to answer that question.

  “Sorry, it’s none of my business.”

  “First kiss,” I whispered.

  “What?”

  I looked up into his eyes and said, “It would have been our first kiss…my first kiss.”

  He was thinking about what I said.

  “I told you, we weren’t a couple, no matter what he said, or what my parents say. I never let him kiss me. I’ve never kissed anyone.” I blushed again, realizing I had just inadvertently admitted I was a virgin.

  He sat down next to me but didn’t say anything. He looked lost in thought. Like what I said upset him in some way. I was instantly worried that he thought I was too inexperienced for him and he was going to end our relationship before it really even began.

  “Thank you for rescuing me,” I said before he had too much time to consider breaking it off with me.

  “Yeah, sure,” he said quietly, still lost in thought.

  “Did I say something wrong?” I asked, shaking once again.

  “What? No, no, of course not. I’m just…I mean, I wasn’t expecting…”

  “You’re surprised I’m a virgin?” I bravely asked.

  “I guess I just assumed that you and he had been together. But, you’re still… innocent.”

  “I’m guessing you’re…not?”

  He looked over at me and said, “I wish I were.” He sighed, “I wish a lot of things.” He stood up and said, “Well, I guess we should go to dinner.”

  “Shane?”

  “Yes?”

  “It’s okay, right?”

  “What?”

  “You’re okay with me being…innocent?”