Not My Hero: Black Mountain Academy

by Michelle Heard

  After I’m done showering, and I’m dressed in a comfortable pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, I walk to the living room.

  The house smells like popcorn, and there’s a massive bowl on the coffee table, along with a bowl of M&M’s and three glasses of coke.

  Brie’s sitting on the one couch, and Mom’s on the other, so I plop down next to Brie, who’s scrolling through the list of movies on Netflix. Her eyes are wide, and she’s holding her bottom lip captive between her teeth.

  “There are so many,” she mutters. “Which one should we watch?”

  “I think you’ll like this one.” I take the remote from Brie and scroll To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, then press play. “It was pretty popular when it came out.”

  “Yay, a romance,” Mom cheers. She grabs a handful of popcorn and wiggles her butt into a comfortable position. “I love this one.”

  “You know they made a sequel, right?” I say as I take some M&M’s.

  “We can watch it after this one.” Mom looks more excited than us, and it makes a smile spread over my face.

  Brie keeps sitting on the edge of the couch, and every now and then, she takes one popcorn. Her eyes are glued to the screen, and as the minutes tick by, the smile on her face grows.

  We’re already twenty minutes into the movie when I realize I’m still staring at Brie, watching her reaction instead of the TV.

  It’s freaking amazing.

  She lets out a chuckle when something funny happens, and her lips part when there’s an intense scene. But then there’s a sad moment, and she pouts.

  Holy shit.

  I’ll never be able to say no to her if she gives me that look.

  This girl is cute and beautiful, and… off the charts hot.

  She’s nothing short of perfect.

  And it’s safe to say I’m hopelessly crushing on her.

  When Brie’s had enough popcorn, she scoots back. Knowing Mom won’t mind, I place my arm around Brie’s shoulders, and I pull her closer. When Brie leans into me, a contented smile sticks to my face throughout the remainder of the movie.

  When it’s finished, we take a restroom break before we start the next movie. The intro is still playing when Mom says, “After this, we can watch The Kissing Booth.”

  I let out a chuckle. “Only if you make us mac and cheese.”

  “Deal.”

  The atmosphere is relaxing, and we’re all smiling.

  “This is nice,” Mom whispers.

  “Yeah,” I agree.

  Brie’s smile widens, and then she says, “I love it. I’ve always wanted to do this.”

  I pull her back against my side and press a kiss to her hair.

  “We should make Saturday’s movie nights from now on,” I mention.

  “That’s a good idea,” Mom agrees.

  With my arm around Brie, I begin to brush my thumb softly over the skin above her elbow while we watch the movie.

  Chapter 19

  BRIE

  It’s been two weeks since I moved in with the Lawsons, and after that one message from my mother, I haven’t heard from her again.

  Sometimes I feel guilty for just leaving her the way I did, but then I remind myself she’s abusive and mean. She’s never showed me any kind of love, and it’s okay that I don’t miss her.

  I feel I’m more comfortable with Cassie now that some time has passed. Living in a calm environment has helped a lot. I had another flashback when a glass accidentally slipped from my hands while I was washing it. Luckily it didn’t break, and Colton was there to calm me down. I wrote about it in the journal Colton gave me, focusing on how I felt after it happened. At least, I wasn’t consumed with shame like the time before, and I’m taking it as a win.

  Things at school are better as well. Michael has moved on to looking for trouble with a new girl in school, Monica Romero. He got on Cole Travis’ wrong side because of it, and it seems like he’ll be kicked out of the band. I couldn’t care less.

  Sully, on the other hand, still pops up every now and then, but every time he tries to bully me, Colton is there to get rid of him.

  Lindy’s still… just Lindy. She’ll make nasty comments to which Colton always has a response. I know I can’t let him keep fighting my battles, but it’s hard to think of a comeback in the heat of the moment.

  Walking into my art class, I take my seat and open my sketchpad. I’m working on a picture of Colton and what he looked like on the first day of school. Now that I know him better, I understand why he seemed so angry. He hasn’t spoken much of his brother, Brady, and I’m worried he’s bottling up all his heartache. He’s always so focused on me and solving my problems, and I worry it’s not giving him any time to deal with his own past.

  I’ve been trying to think of a way to help him, but I’m at a total loss.

  Miss Snow goes to stand in front of the class. “There’s an art competition hosted by the University of Black Mountain. The winner will win five thousand dollars toward their financial aid should they choose to attend an art course there. I’m hoping you’ll all enter.”

  All my attention is on Miss Snow because it would help a lot if I could win that money.

  “You can use any medium. You can create anything. The deadline is in two weeks. I have entry forms, so come see me if you’re interested in taking part.”

  One of the girls raises her hand and asks, “Can we work on it during class?”

  Miss Snow nods. “You can. To be fair to those who aren’t entering the competition, I’ll have this project count toward your yearly mark.”

  Oh wow. What am I going to draw?

  My mind races with so many ideas but none of them stick.

  “If you need some ideas, I have a couple,” Miss Snow says, and my eyes dart to her. “You can create something to express a current issue, like global warming or deforestation. Or make something that represents your life or how you feel. As long as you’re passionate about it.”

  Honestly, the only thing I’m passionate about is Colton.

  I pull an awkward face as I look down at the image of him I’m working on. For now, I carry on with it, needing to complete it before I start with the new project.

  I manage to finish the sketch minutes before the bell rings, and gathering my stuff, I walk up to Miss Snow’s desk. “Can I have an entry form, please?”

  “Sure. I’m glad you’re taking part. When you have your work ready, bring it to me with the completed form.”

  A smile tugs at my lips as I take the paper from her. With my thoughts on what I can work on, I make my way to my history class.

  An arm falls around my shoulders, and for a moment, I think it’s Colton, but when I look up, I see that it’s Sully. He grips me tightly. “Where’s your bodyguard?”

  I try to shrug his arm off, but he only tightens his hold, letting out a taunting chuckle. “You know, I thought you were a lesbian, Weinstock, but seeing as Lawson’s always hanging onto you, I must’ve been wrong.”

  Instead of the usual fear that makes me cower back, anger begins to bubble in my chest, and I try to pull my shoulders free again. Sully doesn’t let go and uses his body to push me up against the wall. When he starts to lower his head, and his lips are inches from mine, my heart almost explodes from my chest.

  There’s no way he’s going to be my first kiss!

  Bringing both my hands up between us, I push Sully so hard that I actually manage to shove him away from me. “Don’t…” I gulp hard, but then my anger wins over the fear, and I snap, “Don’t touch me.” Darting away from him, I even manage to mutter, “Asshole.”

  I stalk into history, still upset that Sully actually tried to kiss me. Slamming my sketchpad down on the desk, I plop down in the chair and scowl.

  I just wish Sully would get the damn message and leave me be.

  A hand on my shoulder has me instantly yanking away and glaring up at whoever’s bothering me now. When I see Colton, I let out a sigh and slump back in my chair.

>   The frown on his face has me explaining, “Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”

  “Like who?” he asks, sitting down at his own desk.

  “Stupid Sully,” I grumble. “He just tried to kiss me.”

  “What?” A deadly look spreads over Colton’s face, darkening his eyes until they’re almost black.

  When he glances around the class for Sully, and he begins to get up, I reach over to him and grab hold of his arm. “Don’t. You’ll get in trouble with Mr. Donati. Besides, I pushed him away and told him not to touch me.”

  Colton’s eyebrows pop up, and a smile forms around his face. “You did?”

  I nod, and now that I’m feeling calmer, it’s starting to sink in that I actually stood up for myself. “Yeah…” I murmur, because it feels a little surreal, “I did.”

  “That’s my girl,” Colton brags, looking impressed with me. “I knew you had it in you.”

  Mr. Donati begins with class, and it’s hard to pay attention because I’m too caught up in how good it feels that Colton is proud of me.

  After school, we stop at the store to get paint. With it being my birthday tomorrow, Colton said we should get the painting done tonight, then we don’t have to do it on my birthday.

  When we get home, we change out of our school uniforms and then push the bed away from the wall. Colton spreads a plastic tarp over the carpet while I position the two ladders on opposite sides so we can each paint one half.

  For a while, we work in silence, then Colton chuckles. “Blue is definitely your color.”

  I glance at the parts we’ve painted. “Yeah, the baby blue looks good.”

  “You have paint on your face,” he says, pointing to his own cheek.

  “Oh.” I wipe over my left cheek, and it makes him laugh.

  “No, you’re making it worse.” Colton walks over to me, and taking the roller from me, he sets it on the tarp. Then he takes hold of my hand and pulls me to the bathroom.

  Glancing in the mirror, a smile pulls at my lips. I have a couple of streaks over my face. I check my hands, and seeing the blotches of blue, I let out a chuckle.

  Colton wets a cloth, then comes to stand in front of me. He brings his other hand to my chin, and he wipes at the smudges.

  After a couple of seconds, he whispers, “So you told Sully to leave you alone?”

  “Yeah.” I glance up at him and admit, “At first I was scared, but then I got angry. There was no way I was going to let him kiss me.” I shrug. “Plus, you’ve shown me how to deal with him. I can’t let you keep fighting my battles.”

  “I don’t mind.” His voice is a low murmur.

  A spine-tingling sensation ripples over me, and I’m unable to drop my eyes from his gaze.

  Colton’s movements slow, and my heart begins to beat rapidly as he starts to lean down. My breaths grow faster as anticipation builds between us.

  Oh, gosh.

  I’m too scared to move, not wanting to disturb the moment between us.

  “Guys,” Cassie suddenly calls from the hallway.

  We instantly pull apart, and Colton darts to the sink to rinse the cloth while I almost step into the shower.

  “Do you want anything to drink?” There’s a moment’s pause, then Cassie calls, “Colton. Where are you?”

  “In here,” he replies. His voice sounds hoarse, and he quickly clears his throat.

  Appearing in the doorway, Cassie says, “Oh, there you are.”

  My eyes dart to her while my heart is still thumping hard in my chest from what almost happened between Colton and me. I hope she can’t see any of my emotions on my face.

  Cassie notices the paint on my face and lets out a chuckle. “It’s going to take more than water to get that paint off your face.”

  Oh, right. The paint.

  COLTON

  I drape the cloth over the side of the bath, then say, “I’ll pour us some coke.” I squeeze past Brie and my mom, then add, “Mom, will you help Brie get the paint off?”

  “Sure.”

  Darting out of the bathroom, I rush down the hallway and take the stairs two at a time. Only when I’m in the kitchen, do I stop. I place my hands on the counter, and staring at the granite top, I suck in a deep breath of air.

  What was I thinking? I almost kissed Brie.

  Mom almost caught us. Not that she would mind, but still, I don’t want our first kiss to happen next to a damn toilet where my mom can walk in on us. And I definitely don’t want it happening on the same day that idiot tried to kiss Brie.

  I shake my head and move to grab two glasses from the cupboard. I pour the coke, and only when I place the bottle back in the fridge do I realize Brie didn’t pull away.

  Did she want me to kiss her?

  It doesn’t escape my attention that Brie stood up to Sully for the first time today because he tried to kiss her, but she didn’t push me away.

  The corners of my mouth begin to lift at the thought.

  Does that mean she wants me to kiss her?

  It’s only been two weeks, though. Yeah, Brie is doing much better, and she’s even more relaxed with my mother. But isn’t it too soon?

  Picking up the glasses, I carry them back upstairs while I mull over all the questions in my head. I find the women in Brie’s room, and I hand her the soda.

  “Do you want to get a blue bedspread?” Mom asks Brie.

  Brie first swallows the sip she just took, then answers, “Yeah, or it can be gray like Colton’s.”

  Mom glances around the room. “We need to get you a dresser and a table and chair.”

  Brie smiles at Mom. “That will be great. Thank you.”

  “We’ll go after school tomorrow.” Mom begins to walk toward the door. “I’m going to start with dinner while you guys finish up in here.”

  Mom leaves the room, and Brie’s eyes dart to me before they snap to the wall.

  Should we talk about what almost happened between us?

  Ah… Nope, not yet.

  I set the glass down and grab the roller. Clearing my throat, I say, “At least my mom got the paint off your face.”

  “Yeah,” Brie mutters as she dips her roller in the paint.

  The silence that falls between us feels both awkward and electrifying.

  I wonder how Brie feels about me. Damn, if she’s not attracted to me, I’m screwed. I really don’t want to be the best friend that doesn’t get the girl. That would suck a hell of a lot.

  Chapter 20

  BRIE

  When I wake up with Colton’s chest rising under my cheek, a broad smile spreads over my face.

  We slept on the couch because my room smells like paint, and Colton wouldn’t hear about me sleeping in my bed.

  It’s my birthday. I’m eighteen!

  The thought broadens my smile.

  Careful not to wake Colton, I climb over him and off the couch. Wanting to do something nice for them, I take some bacon and eggs from the fridge. It’s basically the only thing I can make without setting fire to the kitchen.

  Grinning, I first fry the bacon. While I break the eggs into a bowl, I start to softly hum a tune. I beat them until they look fluffy enough while my thoughts turn to ‘the almost’ kiss. At least, I think that’s what it was. Colton hasn’t said anything about it, and I’m not about to bring it up.

  I glance at the living room and grin when I see Colton leaning against the back of the couch, his arms crossed over his chest as he watches me with a smile on his face.

  “Morning,” I chirp happily.

  “Morning.” Pushing away from the couch, he walks toward me. He stops really close to me, and my stomach flutters as he brings his hands up, framing my face. “Happy Birthday.” Then he leans down, and my heart stops as his lips brush over my cheek.

  I struggle to breathe and can only blink when he pulls back.

  Wow. If it was that intense just from Colton kissing my cheek, I wonder what an actual kiss will feel like.

  Probably like firework
s going off.

  “Are you making breakfast?” Colton’s voice sounds hoarse, and he clears his throat.

  I take a deep breath, and scrunching my nose, I turn back to the stove to pour some of the eggs into the pan. “I wanted to do something nice. I can’t promise it will be as good as your mom’s, though.”

  Colton steals a piece of bacon, and I watch as he eats it. When he doesn’t comment on how it tastes, I lift an eyebrow at him. “And?”

  A grin that’s nothing short of heart-stopping pulls at his mouth. “It’s good.” I keep staring at him until he points at the stove. “The eggs are going to burn.”

  “Shoot!” I quickly stir them while a blush creeps up my neck.

  Colton begins to set the table, and I’m super aware of how he moves around the kitchen.

  I really like Colton, and it’s not just because he’s helped me so much. It’s because he has the kindest heart, the bravest soul, and a smile… that makes my heart beat faster in a way it never has before.

  This life might not have been easy so far, but Colton’s light has a way of breaking through the dark.

  The corner of my mouth curves up.

  I’m in love for the first time.

  “I think the eggs are done,” Colton says, snapping me out of my thoughts.

  Focusing on what I’m doing, I see that they’re a minute away from burning and quickly scoop them out into a plate.

  Dang, that was close.

  “Morning,” Cassie says as she walks into the kitchen. “Are you guys making breakfast?”

  Colton shakes his head. “Brie is. I’ll make coffee.”

  Cassie comes to me, and when she wraps her arm around my shoulder and gives me a sideways hug, I don’t feel as anxious as I used to.

  “Happy Birthday, sweetheart,” she says before pressing a kiss to my cheek.

  This time I have a different reaction from when Colton kissed me. My eyes dart to Cassie’s, and seeing the warmth on her face makes me feel emotional.

  Between falling in love and experiencing a mother’s love for the first time, it makes tears threaten.

  I quickly blink them away and focus on the eggs while rambling, “Bacon and eggs are the only two things I can make. I hope you don’t mind.”