Our Love

by Sheena Binkley

  Michael smiled. "Really?"

  "Really. Even though I have only known you for a few days, I feel like I have known you for months or even years. You made me see that you can try new things, even if the people you loved may disapprove."

  "You mean Eva?"

  "Maybe even my mom too. But I don't care. You have made me so happy from the time I came to Belmont, and I want to say thank you for that."

  "What have I done?"

  "Not only have you made me feel so welcome, but you made me see something I never saw before. I never thought I would date someone out of my race. I never had a problem with interracial dating, but I told myself I would never experience it. Look at me now, I'm dating you and it's the best decision I've ever made."

  "Don't speak too soon. I mean you haven't known me for two weeks yet."

  "I know, but I know after those two weeks, you and I will still be the same people that we were the first day I came to Belmont."

  Michael smiled and kissed my cheek.

  "I agree. I never really dated anyone out of my race either. I was always curious, but have never actually done it. But when I saw you walking through the quad, I had to find out more about you. Now that I have, I'm looking forward to learning more about you every day."

  I smiled at the wonderful words Michael was saying to me. I looked into his brown eyes with a look of passion. I took my hand and slightly caressed his cheek. He closed his eyes and let me feel his cheek with my hand. He took my hand and slowly kissed it with his lips. He looked at me with a serious look on his face.

  "I'm so glad you here with me tonight. I didn't want to end the night. I wanted to see your pretty face when I went to sleep and again when I wake up. I needed to feel your skin next to mine as we fall asleep together."

  I leaned in closer to Michael and touched his soft lips with my fingertip.

  "I want to feel you close to me too," I said softly.

  We looked at each other and started to kiss each other passionately. I didn't know what was happening between us. I knew we were moving too fast, but I couldn't stop it. I didn't want to stop it. Michael moved his lip toward my neck and started to nibbled lightly. He found my spot. My neck is the spot that turns me on the most. He moved over to my ear and lightly caressed it with his tongue. The feeling I was experiencing was sensational.

  "I want to make love to you Charlie," he said softly in my ear.

  Reality set back in a major way. When Michael mouthed those words, I knew we had to slow things down. As much as I wanted to make love to Michael, I knew it wasn't the right time.

  As soon as I was about to tell Michael how I felt, my cell phone started to ring. I looked at the clock sitting on Michael's nightstand and noticed it was 12:05. There was only one person I could think of who was calling me. My mom.

  "Damn. That's my mom."

  "Are you going to answer it?"

  "I can't. She thinks I'm at Eva's," I said frantically.

  "First, calm down. I have an idea."

  "What's that?"

  "Does Eva have a landline? If she does, call your mom on three-way so her number will show up on the Caller ID. If she asks why you didn't pick up your cell phone, tell her you were in the bathroom."

  I looked at my cell phone, which was ringing again for the third time.

  "I can't call Eva. We got into it, remember?"

  "Call Ashley and she can call you on Eva's line."

  I sighed and waited for my mom's call to go to voicemail. After waiting for two minutes, I called Ashley on her cell phone. After trying to get Eva's phone for five minutes, she called my house and I talked to my mom. She was asking a whole bunch of questions, such as why I didn't pick up my phone, or was it that I'm too busy to pick up the phone. I simply told her I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed and I didn't hear my cell phone. After talking for another five minutes, I told her I'd be home at ten so I could go to the eleven o'clock church service.

  After hanging up with my mom, I asked Ashley if she would pick me up from Michael's in the morning. She said she would, if only Michael would bring me over to Eva's. As much as I didn't want to go over to Eva's, I quickly agreed and told her I'd see her in the morning.

  "That was close," I said as I lay back on the bed.

  "But you did it. It wasn't as hard as you thought it was."

  "No, it wasn't. My heart was jumping out of my chest though."

  Michael smiled and put a hand on my cheek.

  "So, where were we?" he asked while he was kissing my neck.

  I looked at Michael with an uneasy feeling. I needed to tell him what I told Derrick when we had this awkward moment.

  "Michael, I need to tell you something."

  "What is it?"

  "I don't think we should be doing anything right now."

  "What you talking about?"

  "I'm talking about having sex. I don't think we should go to that level yet."

  Michael stopped kissing me and looked into my eyes. Now that I got his full attention, I had to tell him the real reason why I didn't want to sleep with him.

  "Char, I understand if you don't think it's the right time. We just met this week. I would never try to pressure you into doing something you weren't comfortable doing."

  "It not that Michael. Ever since I met you, I've been having these feelings for you that I can't stop having."

  "So what are you saying?"

  "I want to have sex with you, but I can't."

  "Charlie, you can do whatever you want to do. If you think I only invited you over here tonight to sleep with you, you're wrong because that wasn't my intention."

  "I know that. It just a little bit more complicated than that."

  "Charlie, you know you can tell me whatever is on your mind. Just tell me."

  I looked at him and sighed. He had to know eventually. Hopefully he wouldn't run away like Derrick did.

  "I'm a virgin, Michael."

  I looked at him and wondered what his reaction would be. Instead of seeing the disappointing look that Derrick gave me when I told him I was a virgin, Michael just smiled and put my hand in his.

  "Char, that's nothing to be ashamed of."

  "Why? I feel like it is. It's not that I don't think it is a good thing, but sometimes I wish I could understand the feelings people have when they do have sex. I listen to my friends talk about it all the time and just hearing the things they say only make me more curious than before. I guess what I'm saying is that sometimes I wish I wasn't one."

  "Why? Because your friends aren't? Charlie, you don't have to do things because other people are doing it. That's what attracted me to you the most. You are a leader, not a follower."

  "I know that, but sometimes I'm tired of being the leader."

  "It nothing wrong with having a voice of your own. Don't ever doubt yourself, Char. Besides, sex isn't everything."

  I started to laugh. "Yeah right. Don't doubt yourself, Michael."

  "I'm being serious, Charlie. Yeah, sex is good, that's no lie, but it's meaningless if it's with someone you don't love. That's the problem I had when I first experienced it. I was never in love with Danielle. I thought I was, but it was meaningless. Every day I regretted being with her. If I could turn back time, I would have waited for someone that I really cared about."

  I looked at Michael and then at his dark blue comforter. Hearing Michael talk about sex made me think otherwise about rushing into it.

  "Charlie, it is a good thing you are waiting. Remember, it's nothing to be embarrassed about."

  "But what if we are still together for years to come and I'm still a virgin? Are you telling me you will stay with me?"

  "Baby, I will. Just because Derrick or whoever you knew didn't respect your decision, doesn't mean I will do the same. I will not leave you Charlie Perry. Because there is more to you than that."

  "And what is that Michael Collier?"

  "You are an amazing girl. Don't you forget that."

  I smiled and k
issed Michael on his lips. I was actually surprised to hear Michael say those words. I thought he would have kicked me out his house after hearing I was a virgin. But I was wrong. He really was not like Derrick, or any other guy, to be honest.

  I leaned over to him while he put his arm around me. I knew that whatever was happening between Michael and me was going to be the real deal. I didn't know how I knew so quickly, but I knew in my heart that it was.

  16. Michael

  After the incident at the dance, the bomb Eva dropped on me, the scene with Charlie and Derrick, and Charlie telling me she was a virgin, I felt it was only fitting to sit and watch a movie. With all the drama that escalated tonight, we needed something to take our minds off of everything. After looking through my huge DVD collection, Charlie decided on watching She's All That. While we were watching the party scene with Rachel Leigh Cook's character being humiliated, I looked over at Charlie who was crying. I didn't know why she was crying, but I had a feeling it wasn't because of the movie. I grabbed my DVD remote and turned the movie off.

  "What's wrong, Char?"

  "Nothing. I guess I was thinking about tonight. It just came back to me after watching what happened to Lanni."

  "I understand. Listen, whatever happened at school doesn't change what's between us, okay?"

  "I know. That's what's keeping me happy."

  I smiled. "I'm glad you're pretending to be, but I know you're not."

  Charlie sighed and looked at the ceiling.

  "I know I should be. I'm having such a great time tonight, but I guess with what happened at the dance and then at the club, not to mention with Eva, I don't know if things will be the same with me anymore."

  "I think it will. Just give it some time."

  Charlie nodded her head and smiled. "I hope so. Especially with Eva and me. I have known that girl since we were in preschool. We have been through so much together. I wouldn't want anything to come between us. So hopefully whatever's going on will pass in a hurry. I miss my best friend."

  I looked at the TV screen. Good thing the lights were off because I didn't want Charlie to see my expression. I still couldn't believe that I had slept with Eva. I tried to bring back everything that happened that night, but I could only remember bits and pieces. I really hoped Charlie doesn't find out about this. This would tear her apart.

  Charlie looked over at me and put her hand on my shoulder.

  "What's wrong? You became quiet all of a sudden."

  "I was just thinking about something, that's all."

  "Like what, if you don't mind me asking?"

  "It's nothing important. I was just thinking about today."

  "You can't stop thinking about it either, huh?"

  "A little, but like I said before, everything will blow over when we go back to school. I know it will."

  Charlie looked at the clock on my nightstand and exhaled.

  "I didn't know it was so late. I better get some sleep if I want to wake up tomorrow."

  "That's sounds like a plan," I said.

  I turned off the TV and the whole room became pitch black. The only light was coming from streetlight outside, through the window. I looked over at Charlie and she took my breath away. She snuggled against my chest and sighed softly.

  "Do you regret how we are spending tonight?"

  I smiled and put my arms around Charlie. "Not at all Char. You make me happy just by being here. Sleeping with you tonight was never my intentions. I just wanted to be close to you."

  Charlie looked at me and kissed my nose.

  "I'm glad you feel that way Mike. I'm really glad you do," she said softly.

  I could tell then that she was falling asleep. I lightly touched her hair with my fingers while I watched her fall asleep. I could stare at her all night as her lips curled up into a semi smile and her chest was going up and down.

  "Good night, Charlie," I said softly as I kissed her on the forehead. I looked up to the ceiling and sighed. Hopefully it could be like this with Charlie forever. But from the looks of things, that might not be possible.

  ~

  After waking up Sunday morning, all I wanted to do was go back to sleep. While Charlie was taking a shower, I was downstairs trying to stay awake. I promised Charlie I would take her to Eva's house so Ashley could take her home.

  Like I want to see Eva this morning, ughh, I thought as I laid my head on the kitchen counter.

  I heard some pounding coming down the stairs which broke my sleep mode. Looking as happy as she could be, Charlie came into the kitchen where I was and kissed me on my cheek.

  "Rise and shine, Michael. It's a brand new day."

  "Tell me about it," I said grumpily.

  "I can tell you're not a morning person."

  "Not really. I didn't get much sleep last night."

  "Why? Was I snoring?"

  "No. It's just that I couldn't help staring at you while you were sleeping."

  Charlie started to blush after the comment I made. I really couldn't sleep last night. I guess having Charlie in my arms made me restless. Not to mention excited. As she was going into the living room, I got up and went behind her.

  "You want any breakfast? I can make a mean omelet."

  "Wow, you can cook too? What can't you do?"

  "I don't know. I guess you'll have to find out," I said softly in her ear.

  I could tell whispering in Charlie's ear was a turn on for her. I know it was for me.

  "As far as breakfast goes, I would love to try your omelet, but I really have to go."

  "How about a rain check then?"

  "Sounds good to me,"

  I smiled and grabbed my car keys. As we were walking out of the door, my mood was changing from happy to serious. I wondered how things would be between Eva and me now that I knew what happened between us. Whatever the mood is, I hope Charlie doesn't pick up on it.

  "Is everything alright, Michael?" Charlie asked while we were getting into the car.

  I looked over at Charlie and put my hand in hers.

  "Nothing's wrong, Char. Nothing at all,"

  A few minutes later we were at Eva's. As I pulled up into the driveway, I saw Ashley and Eva outside waiting on Charlie. I really didn't want to get out of the car, but I knew it would be impolite if I didn't. As I turned off the engine, Charlie grabbed her tote bag and purse and opened the car door.

  "Hey Ashley. Eva," Charlie said softly.

  "Hey girl. You had fun last night?" Ashley asked smiling.

  I guess her friends didn't know Charlie was a virgin. I thought as I looked at the expression Ashley gave Charlie. Eva looked at me with a mean expression on her face. I don't know what her deal was, but I know it had nothing to do with me dating Charlie. If I didn't know any better, I'd think Eva had a thing for me.

  I looked over at Charlie, who was giving Eva an evil eye. Eva cut her eyes to Charlie. Maybe someone should leave before something started up.

  "Maybe we should head out," Ashley said while looking at me. She had the same thoughts I did.

  "Not until I say something first," Charlie said. She walked over to Eva and stared directly at her. "I just want to apologize for last night. Maybe I was out of line about us not being friends anymore."

  Eva folded her arms across her chest and looked at Charlie with a cocky stare.

  "But I want to clear up one thing with you. If you have a problem with my man, then that's your problem. If you want to stay friends with me, then you either accept Michael or don't. It's your call."

  I looked over at Ashley, who gave me a smirk. I don't know what was about to occur, but I knew I wasn't the cause of Charlie and Eva's friendship deteriorating.

  "You know Charlie; I never thought you would put a guy between our friendship. I thought you were better than that."

  "Excuse me? What the hell are you talking about?"

  "I'm talking about you and your pretty boy. After all we've been through together growing up, you'd rather have someone you barely knew for a
week come in between our lifelong friendship. Where was he when you were crying your eyes out when your parents wouldn't do something your way? Or when you had a bad day in school? Or when Derrick treated you like dirt when you two broke up? Tell me Charlie, who was there for you then?"

  "I was there for her too Eva. It not always about you," Ashley said angrily.

  "This isn't about you Ash, so stay out of it."

  "You know what Eva, this isn't even about what we've been through growing up. This is about you not having me anymore around you. You're so bitter over the fact that I have someone now, you're using our friendship to make me feel guilty. Well think again Eva, that's not going to happen. It's not my problem you can't keep a man."

  "Whatever Charlie. Just get the hell off my property," Eva said as she started to walk into her house.

  "I guess I got my answer then about our friendship. Don't bother calling me anymore when you have a problem!" Charlie yelled as Eva slammed the front door.

  I looked at the scene and turned my head around to face the street. I guess I did have something to do with Eva and Charlie's friendship being over. I looked over at Charlie who was looking at Eva's front door, wondering what just happened.

  "It's going to be okay, Char. Don't worry about Eva. Before you know it, you two will be calling each other on the phone talking about what happened at school," Ashley said as she put an arm around Charlie.

  "Ashley's right. Don't let what just happened get to you," I said.

  Charlie looked at me and Ashley.

  "You're right, but it's not going to make me feel any better. Let's just go," she said to Ashley as she was walking to her car. I looked over to the window and saw Eva looking at me with a blank expression on her face. She started to mouth off something to me. I stared at her for a second, and then went over to my car. Not only do I have my ex running after me, but now I have my girlfriend's ex-best friend wanting me too. This situation was definitely becoming a problem.

  The next day, and I was back at school. As I walked into Belmont, everyone was still reeling over the victory we had at homecoming. Now that we were number one in our division, playoffs were just around the corner. As I was going to my locker, Chris walked over to me and gave me a slap on my back.