Rejected Kiss (Sweet N' Sour Kisses

by Cindy M. Hogan

  Cal knocked on the door exactly on time. I slipped the last cookie onto the platter and covered it quickly with plastic wrap, then carried it to the door.

  “What do we have here?” Cal asked as the door swung inward. “Peanut butter?”

  “Yep.”

  “They look delicious. Did you make them?” Our eyes met.

  “I did.” I looked away.

  “I don't know if they're going to make it to the party.” He raised his eyebrows.

  I smiled and started forward to leave.

  “Oh, is your mom home? Or your dad?”

  I scrunched up my eyebrows. “Yyyesss.”

  “I'd really like to give one of them the info about where we'll be and all.” He smiled and shrugged a little. I couldn't help but notice a slight dimple in his left cheek-and the way his eyes twinkled a little when he smiled.

  He was unreal. I turned and yelled, “Mom!”

  She came out of the kitchen. Cal walked up the couple of steps to her and gave her a piece of paper. “Here's all the contact information about the date tonight.”

  “Thank you, Cal. This really sets me at ease.” She glanced at me. Total approval shone in her eyes.

  I liked that he was so considerate, but we did have cell phones, after all. Had my mom told him she had to have that from him? I'd let him know it wasn't necessary next time.

  “Do you always do that or was that something special for me?” I asked as we headed out to the car.

  He tilted his chin down. “I know it seems a bit strange, my other friends always razz me about it, but if it were me sending off my daughter with some guy I didn't really know, I'd want to know exactly where they were going to be.”

  I nodded. “Wow, that's very-mature of you.” Couldn't fault him there.

  The party was at one of his friend's houses about ten minutes from mine. The friend had a big open basement with pool tables, foosball, a huge TV, and lots of different sitting areas. Pop music played in the background. Cal led me to a table to play card games-not something I did very often, but enjoyed.

  “This is Brooklyn, everyone.”

  They all greeted me with handshakes and hellos. One girl with black hair walked away without saying anything. I blushed for some reason. Did she not like me? Was she shunning me because of Luke? My heart sank.

  “Brooke,” a voice called out over the music. “What do you want to drink?” It was the girl who'd walked away. She had the refrigerator from the mini kitchen open. “There's Coke, Sprite, water, Orange Crush, root beer...”

  “Water for me,” I said.

  “That's Melissa,” Cal said. “She's awesome. She and Dreadlocks here are best friends. You'll be hard pressed to see them without each other.”

  The boy dodged as Cal reached out and flipped one of his dreads into the air. He turned to me with a grin.

  “I'm Malcolm. People call me Mal, not Dreadlocks.” He elbowed Cal good-naturedly.

  Melissa brought two waters. “Thanks,” both Cal and I said at the same time. We smiled at each other. “You a water guy?”

  He nodded. “Yep.”

  “All right, we're playing hand and foot,” Melissa said, dealing the cards out like she was a professional.

  I hadn't played in a while, so they gave me a quick refresher. I got to know the other four couples quite well during the game because Cal asked everyone questions and told me about everyone in between games.

  After an hour or so, Cal led me over to meet the people playing and surrounding the pool table.

  “Hey, guys, this is Brooklyn.” He spoke to the group as a whole.

  The guys stopped what they were doing and came over to shake my hand. “Awesome. I'm Jim.

  “Max. You're the girl, eh?”

  “Nice to meet you. My name's Xander.”

  Xander spoke to the three girls with them, “The ugly dude with Brooklyn is Cal.”

  The girls giggled and then introduced themselves to us-Haley, Amy, and Liz. We hung out with that group until brownies and popcorn were brought into the room. Everyone ended up in the TV section of the basement after that, and an action movie was put on.

  The unusual thing was that the lights stayed on; no one paired off and made out. Even the two couples who were an item mixed and mingled with everyone. The party was light, fun, active, and inclusive.

  Just as the movie was about to start, my phone buzzed. Cal looked over.

  “You gonna get that?” he mouthed.

  I shook my head and shrugged, indicating I wanted to watch the movie. He frowned and mouthed. “What if it's your mom?”

  Oh, he had a point. I should probably update her on our plans, anyway-the movie would have me getting home just a little later than I'd told her. I pulled out my phone and unlocked the screen, and froze.

  My heart started palpitating, and my breath came in irregular bursts. A thrill ran through my chest, while at the same time my gut filled with ice cold panic.

  It was Ryker.

  My mind raced with questions. Why was he texting me now, after all this time? What did he have to say for himself? Why did my heart still race just seeing his name?

  My hands were sweating, and my face burned. I realized my mouth was hanging open, and I quickly shut it. I looked up and saw the concern and confusion on Cal's face.

  “I'll be right back,” I murmured, and I ducked out the front door onto the cold porch.

  I stared at his text, open on my phone.

  Hi. How's it going?

  That's it? Seeing the words there, so impersonal, so matter-of-fact-it made me want to scream. My fingers trembled. Part of me desperately wanted to text him back. This was Ryker-and he was reaching out to me, after all this time. The other part of me wanted to hurl the phone into the street. How could he expect to just pick up where he'd left off?

  “Brooklyn? Are you all right?” Cal was suddenly beside me. I hadn't even noticed the door opening.

  “Yeah. I'm sorry,” I mumbled. “It's just… I got a text I wasn't expecting.”

  “Is it your family? Do you need me to take you home?”

  “Oh no, nothing like that.” I looked up at him. He was clearly concerned. Did I dare explain it to him? Everyone at the party seemed absolutely clueless about all my drama over the last few months-Cal included. What would he think of me once he knew?

  He gestured to the porch swing. “Wanna talk?”

  I let him guide me over and sat next to him in silence for a moment. Finally, I decided. Cal had been nothing but kind to me. He deserved to know my history. What if someone was rude to him or treated him badly because of me? If he didn't know why, that wouldn't be fair. I had to let him make his own decision.

  “In October, I went on a date with Luke Graham.” The words tumbled out of me and before I knew it, I'd told him the whole history. How Luke had forced an unwanted kiss, and then how he'd bullied me into acting like I was in a relationship with him. How he'd humiliated me in front of the school-and Ryker-just to get back at me for rejecting him. I told him about Ryker, and how he'd abandoned me after Luke had falsely accused me of cheating. How he'd ignored me and never returned my texts. I was proud of myself for holding back tears as we spoke.

  “And now this Luke guy is texting you?”

  “No. It's Ryker, actually. It just took me by surprise. Look, I'm sorry to drag you into all this drama. I'll understand if you'd rather ask someone else to prom.” My words caught in my throat. I couldn't look at him.

  I heard a low chuckle. “Brooke, are you kidding me?”

  I squinted at Cal-was he laughing at me? “Um…”

  “Hey-just cuz those guys were jerks, does not make you any less of an awesome girl. I asked you because I knew we'd have a great time together. I really like you, Brooklyn. I think you're smart, and funny, and you're a mean card player. I've really had a great time getting to know you, and I will be honored to take you to prom.”

  I grinned and grabbed him in the biggest hug. He hugged me back, giving
me a soft squeeze before pulling away.

  “And I think you should ignore that Ryker guy's text.”

  My jaw dropped. “What? You-the model of politeness-are suggesting that I should ignore somebody?”

  “The model of politeness? What are you talking about?”

  I laughed aloud. “Showing up exactly on time for everything? Opening doors? Asking permission to ask me out? Meeting my parents, shaking their hands, giving them detailed info about our date? You're like every parent's dream!”

  He laughed ruefully. “Hey, I can't help it if I was raised right. Still, I don't think you need to let that guy trample you. You don't deserve it. Of course, it's up to you. That's just my opinion.” He stood and held out a hand to help me up. “Ready to go back in?”

  I smiled. “Yup. Thanks, Cal.” Back inside, I looked around at everyone I'd met tonight.

  Everyone was so nice to me. They hadn't paired up and made out, and they'd all been so friendly, including me in everything. It was so different from my first date-where everyone had split off and made out at every opportunity. It was crazy to think this date was truly all about getting to know each other and not just an excuse to get physical. I smiled. I was happy and wanted to always feel this way on every date.

  I looked around at the other kids. They were all seniors like Luke was. Did none of them know what had happened? How was that possible? The whole school had watched as he humiliated me in the commons that day. Then it hit me, maybe I only thought everyone knew, when in truth, they had no idea what was going on when they stared at Luke that day. Maybe their attention was drawn to us, but they were clueless and stared, trying to figure it all out. I did that very same thing sometimes. It was curiosity that made me stare.

  As Cal drove me home, we talked about music we liked. I was impressed that he didn't seem at all bothered by my history with Luke and Ryker. I'd been so wrapped up in the reactions of my group of “friends,” I had never realized that most people didn't even care about what had happened. The realization filled me with hope.

  We said goodbye with a quick hug, and I went inside. Almost immediately, without even realizing what I was doing, I pulled out my phone and opened Ryker's text. A thrill shot through me seeing his name. Just as swiftly, memories of him abandoning me assaulted me. I wasn't sure what to do.

  I heard sounds from the kitchen-laughter and the sound of shuffling cards. It was only 11:00-I guess my family was having a late game night. I slowly walked up the stairs then stopped in the kitchen doorway, leaning against the jamb. I tapped the phone absently against my palm.

  “Hey Brooke! How'd it go?” My mom grinned.

  I smiled. “The date was great,” I said distractedly.

  “What's up? You seem weird.” Hannah eyed me over her splayed cards.

  “Ryker texted me.”

  All movement stopped at the table.

  “Ryker?” Hannah asked. “I thought he was long gone.”

  “So did I,” I said. “Ever since swim team ended in January, I haven't seen or heard from him.”

  “What did he say?” Hannah's eyes were fixed on me.

  “He said, 'Hi. How are you doing?'”

  “Did you hi him back?” Hannah asked, leaning her elbows on the table and cupping her chin in her hands.

  “No.”

  “Well, it looks like you have a choice to make,” my mom said. “You can choose to act poorly, like he did and not answer him back, or you can choose to answer him.”

  Leave it to my mom to break it down into two simple choices that weren't simple at all.

  “What if I text him, and he never texts back?” I crossed into the room and sat down next to my sister, resting my head on her shoulders.

  “He texted you first,” Hannah said, shuffling the cards around in her hand. “I can tell you this, though, if you wait too long, he may not be able to text you back.”

  “No phones at the table,” Dad chimed in.

  “It's just game night, Dad,” Hannah protested.

  “Rules are rules,” he insisted, but I could tell he was trying to give me some extra stalling time.

  “I'm not sure I want to text him back.” A hard lump traveled up my throat.

  “Seriously, Brooke. You've had a thing for that guy since the first day you saw him. You should at least say hi.” Hannah threw a card triumphantly onto the table. “I win.”

  Mom and Dad groaned and tossed their cards onto the table. I sighed.

  “Despite what Hannah says,” my mom said. “There's no rush. You can wait until tomorrow to decide. Let's clean up these cards and go to bed.”

  I helped clear up the mess and gave everyone a hug before I retreated to my room. My chest ached with a longing for Ryker. I didn't understand why. Cal would never abandon me like he had.

  Before I could stop myself, I texted him back.

  Hi.

  I took a deep breath and closed my eyes before lying back on my bed.

  My phone vibrated in my hand. I held my breath before looking at the text. It could be anyone.

  You want to go see BYU play baseball with me?

  My heart thundered and my insides squeezed. Was I ready to open myself up to him again? I'd really messed up the last time-or rather, Luke had. Why should I let Luke ruin my chance at happiness? I texted back a cautious, When? Maybe I'd be busy.

  Not this Friday, but next.

  After prom. I had no plans.

  It's their last game of the season. It ought to be really good.

  Did I dare go with him? I needed a second opinion. By the time I got to my mom's room, I felt hot and uncomfortable. Dad was already asleep, but Mom was in her pajamas, working on her laptop in bed. She looked up when I knocked and gestured for me to come sit beside her. “He wants to take me to a BYU baseball game.”

  “Don't look at me. This is your choice. Are you ready to give him another chance? Can your heart take it?”

  My heart was pounding so hard in my ears; I almost couldn't hear her. How could he still have such a hold on me? I knew my mom would say no if she was in my position. But this was Ryker. I knew what I was going to do.

  Sounds like fun. I texted while I walked down the hall.

  I'll pick you up at four next Friday, then.

  I pressed the phone to my chest and breathed deeply, once, twice, and a third time. This was his last chance, and he better not let me down.

  Chapter 4

  The days leading up to prom were filled with nervous anticipation and frantic preparations. In all the craziness, I completely forgot about Ryker and focused 100% on prom. Ali and I had a blast dashing around town finding dresses, making hair appointments, and endlessly talking about the big day.

  “I wish we were in the same group-Cal and the guys have got some crazy day date planned, and they won't tell us what it is. All I know is I'm supposed to bring a swimsuit.” I crinkled my nose at Ali over the plate of fries we were sharing. It was the night before the dance, and we'd just scoured the mall for the last of our accessories. We'd both come away victorious, and we were celebrating in the food court.

  “A swimsuit? That seems odd.” She looked out the window at the snow-covered parking lot. Usually the first week of April was the true beginning of warmer weather in Utah. But we'd hit a late cold snap, and it was downright freezing.

  “I know, right? I have no idea what he's planning. What are you and Zack doing for your day date?”

  “Oh, it's going to be awesome!” Ali grinned. “We're going to have a color war-everyone is going to wear white clothes, and we're going to play tag with paintbrushes! By the end, we're going to be covered in paint, and we'll have awesome souvenirs to show for it.”

  I laughed. “Good luck getting all that paint out of your hair before the dance!”

  “Hey, I think a little streak of purple will look awesome with my tiara, don't you?” She pulled the jewel-encrusted crown out of her bag and placed it on her head with a goofy grin.

  “At least you know wh
at to expect, right?” I bit my lip.

  “Hey, whatever Cal's got planned, I'm sure tomorrow is going to be awesome.”

  The next morning I dragged myself out of bed at six a.m. Even if it was going to be awesome, this date was starting a bit earlier than I would have liked. I rushed to get ready and ended up finishing in record time, leaving me waiting on the couch with my mom and Hannah, both still in their pajamas.

  At six-twenty-five, I heard Cal's car pull into the driveway, but moments later the doorbell still hadn't rung. Hannah and I exchanged confused looks, and then she crept over to the window and peeked through the blinds.

  “He's just sitting there,” she whispered hoarsely.

  I threw a pillow at her head. “You don't have to whisper, dork-he can't hear us.”

  “Then why are you whispering, too?”

  We giggled, and I joined her at the window.

  “What's he doing?” I puzzled aloud.

  “He's waiting,” my mom chimed in. “He told you he'd be here at six thirty and it would be rude to show up before then, in case you weren't ready yet.”

  My jaw dropped. I snuck a glimpse out the window and saw Cal sitting patiently in his car, staring straight in front of him. Mom was right.

  “He's such a gentleman,” my mom sighed from across the room, and Hannah and I burst out laughing. Mom grinned at us and got up to make hot cocoa in the kitchen.

  At exactly six-thirty, the doorbell rang.

  “Hi! Are you ready?” he asked when I opened the door.

  “I am.” I moved toward him.

  “Is your mom or dad here?”

  “Yep.” I stepped back, remembering that he liked to give my parents contact information whenever we went out. I smiled, holding in a laugh. I could hear Hannah on the couch stifling hers.

  “Can I talk to one of them?”

  “Of course,” I said. I got my mom from the kitchen.

  “Hi, Cal. How are you doing?” my mom asked as soon as she saw him.