Our Love

by Sheena Binkley

  I looked at Michael with a sympathetic look on my face. That's one thing my parents had never done, making decisions for me and my future. They always supported me on whatever decision I made. Although they decided on me going to Belmont, I knew it was because they were looking out for me.

  "I just wish my parents could see that. I want them to let me live my life; let me make my own decisions."

  "Have you tried to talk to them about it? Let them see your side of things?"

  "Don't you think I have? All my life I have tried to tell my parents how I felt, but it never worked. They only hear what they want to hear, and everything else is out the door."

  I went closer to him and wrapped my arms around him.

  "I don't know what to say about your parents, Mike, but what I can tell you is that life is too short worrying about what others think. If you feel that Northwestern is the best college for you, then apply to it. If football is not the profession for you, find something else that you will enjoy. Don't listen to what your parents say about what you should do for your future. Do things that make you happy, because that's all that matters."

  Michael looked at me and kissed me on the cheek. I could tell the advice I gave him was encouraging.

  "Was that the only thing bothering you? I know you said earlier that Danielle was bothering you too."

  "Yeah, but I have that under control. She always has, and always will be a nuisance."

  I smiled as I gave him a kiss on his cheek. Michael looked at me and put his hand on my cheek. Just having his touch on any part of me made me quiver. He licked his lips a little and leaned over to give me a kiss on the lips. As we were kissing, I realized that we were in my room making out like no one else was in the house. If my parents caught him in here, they would kill us both. I quickly pulled away from Michael and sat up on my bed.

  "What's wrong?" Michael asked as he lay closer to me.

  "You don't think it's weird that we're making out while my parents are downstairs?"

  "Not really, but if you do, then we can stop."

  I looked at him as I straddled him. Michael looked at me with a surprised look on his face.

  "I do like to be wild though," I said softly as I kissed Michael on the lips.

  I guess I didn't realize how long we made out, because before I knew it, I was in Michael's arms sleeping, I opened my eyes and looked at the window. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

  "Oh my God. Michael, wake up," I said as I started to push Michael furiously.

  "What. What's wrong?" he asked quietly as he slowly rose up from my bed.

  "It's morning! We must have fallen asleep. You have to go before someone wakes me up."

  "I thought you said no one comes upstairs?"

  "They do in the morning. Now get up," I said frantically.

  Michael slowly got up from the bed and put on his jacket. Before I could do anything else, my mother's voice was at my door wondering if I was up.

  "Char, you better get up. I know how you like to hit the snooze button a hundred times."

  "My mom at my door. Hurry!"

  "I'm moving as fast as I can," Michael said as he put his shoes on.

  My mom started to knock on the door, wondering if I was still asleep.

  "Open the door Charlie. I want to see if you getting ready for school."

  "In a minute Mom. I just stepped out of the shower," I said.

  "Don't use that excuse with me. Now open the door."

  I looked at Michael as he was going toward the window.

  "Give me a second."

  While I was watching Michael climb down the ladder, my mom opened the door. I quickly closed the window, causing Michael to wobble on the ladder.

  "I told you I was coming," I said angrily.

  "What were you doing up here? If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were hiding something."

  I looked at my mom with a tired expression on my face. I wish she would leave so I could check on Michael.

  Suddenly I heard a loud thump, which made my heart flop.

  "What was that?" my mom asked as she tried to walk over to my window. I took her hand before she made her way over.

  "It was probably the neighbors next door. You know how they are. Why don't you finish getting ready for work, and I can get ready for school."

  My mom gave me a perplexed look as she looked at the window.

  "Okay, but promise me baby that we will always tell each other everything?"

  I looked at my mom and smiled.

  "Sure mom."

  My mom touched my shoulder as she walked out of my room. From the way my mom was talking, it seemed like she knew that Michael spent the night. As she closed the door, I quickly look down to see that the ladder was put back in its place and Michael was nowhere to be found. I leaned against the window and took a deep breath.

  "That was close," I said as I took another deep breath before venturing to my closet.

  Michael

  As I was wobbling on the ladder outside of Charlie's room, I thought for a second I was going to fall and bust my head open. When I put my left foot on the last two steps, I lost my balance, causing me to fall on the grass. Even though my leg was hurting, I quickly got up, moved the ladder back toward the side of the house and headed to my car. Before I could get there, I saw Charlie's father going towards his Yukon.

  "Damn," I said as I went behind the bushes. I didn't want Mr. Perry to see me. I waited a few minutes to give Mr. Perry enough time to pull out of the driveway. Hopefully he doesn't notice my car parked near his driveway. From the looks of it, it seemed like he wasn't noticing. As he pulled out of the driveway and went down the street, I ran over to my car and hopped in. I started up the ignition and sped down the street before anyone could see me.

  I ran home and changed, and then headed to school. I was at my locker before second period getting my History book. When I closed my locker door, I saw Charlie standing by me.

  "Hey."

  "Hey." I said as I gave her a kiss.

  Charlie smiled. "Are you okay? I know I heard you fall. Sorry about the window. I didn't think my mom was going to come in my room."

  "It's cool. Besides, I really didn't fall. But I was almost caught by your dad."

  "Wow. Believe me; I will never do that again."

  "Ahh, so I can't spend the night with you anymore. I thought that was pretty fun, not to mention spontaneous," I said is a sexy tone.

  I could tell Charlie was getting turned on by what I was saying. I was also getting turned on by her expression. I know I shouldn't let my hormones get in the way of my feelings, but just the thought of being near Charlie made my pulse race. As we were walking down the hall, we saw Danielle and her friends walking the opposite direction. She looked at me with a smug look on her face. I looked at her and turned my head. Charlie looked at me and groaned.

  "Don't let her get to you."

  "I know. At least you don't have to look at Derrick every day."

  "Yeah, I don't," Charlie said while looking down at the ground.

  "Is something wrong?"

  "No. Nothing at all," she said as she gave me a peck on my cheek.

  I smiled and took Charlie's hand in mine as we walked down the hallway.

  As I walked into Mrs. Seller's History class, I noticed Brandy was sitting in her usual seat in the middle of the classroom. I gave her a quick smile as I took my seat toward the back. Brandy turned toward me and returned the smile.

  "How you doing?"

  "I'm fine. I'm just a little nervous about this weekend."

  "That's understandable. This is the biggest game of the season."

  "Yeah, but I'm more nervous about not keeping my cool out on the field. Hopefully I won't deck Derrick Marberry when I see him."

  "Charlie's ex? Don't let him or anyone else get to you. I see how people have been acting around you and Charlie. They are jealous over your relationship. Derrick too."

  "I know. Thanks Brandy."

&nb
sp; "No problem. That's what friends are for, right?"

  "No doubt."

  I looked at Brandy while she just stared at me. I could tell there was still something between us, but that's something I couldn't get into. Especially now.

  "So, how Steve doing?" I asked while getting my notebook and a pen from my backpack.

  "He's fine. He took his first steps a week ago."

  "Really. Why didn't you call and tell me? I would have loved to see him walk."

  "Sorry, but I guess now that I'm with Eric and with everything else going on, I figured it would be best if I didn't bother you."

  "Why? Because I'm with Charlie now? Brandy, I made a commitment to you to be a part of Steve's life when he was born. Just because I'm with Charlie doesn't mean I'm going back on my promise."

  "I know that Michael, but has it ever occurred to you that having you in Steve's life will only complicate things? Steve already thinks that Eric is his father, so I figure..."

  "You figure why not continue with it, huh? You assumed that since Eric came along, he can replace me as being Steve's father."

  Brandy looked at me and sighed.

  "You're twisting my words around."

  "You know I'm right Brandy. Even though I'm not Steve's biological father, I love that boy like he's my own. I would do anything for him, you know that."

  Brandy turned away from me and started to breathe heavily. I could tell she was crying. I went over to Brandy and put a hand on her shoulder. She put my hand in hers and smiled.

  "Thanks Michael. I'm sorry for not telling you about Steve."

  "It's okay."

  As I looked at the door, I noticed Danielle was watching Brandy and me. I looked at Danielle and sighed. Hopefully she wouldn't tell Charlie about what she witnessed. I know I should tell Charlie about my relationship with Brandy and our son Steve, but I can't. Not right now.

  Charlie

  I wish this day were over!

  Three periods have passed and I feel like the time is not going fast enough. I wish Michael and I could skip the rest of the day and spend some time together, but I have a History test in fifth period that I can't afford to fail.

  At least it's lunchtime, I thought as I walked out of the cafeteria with a slice of sausage and pepperoni pizza and a cherry soda in hand. Since Michael was at an emergency team meeting, I decided to have lunch with Brandy and Kim. Before lunch, I noticed Brandy seemed out of it. I tried to figure out if something was bothering her, but she seemed like she didn't want to talk about it, so I let it go. Since it was a gorgeous day, we decided to sit outside. As I walked toward an empty bench by some hollow trees next to the building, I noticed a familiar looking blue sedan parked in the student parking lot.

  "It can't be," I said to myself.

  I had to blink my eyes several times to get the image that I didn't want to see, out of my sight.

  Or did I?

  Derrick was walking toward me looking sexier than ever wearing his Parker Letterman jacket, a blue and white striped button down shirt and blue jeans. He looked like he just stepped off the cover of a sports magazine. Just the look on his face made me weak in the knees. I couldn't believe he still had that effect on me. Especially when I had moved on with Michael. Before he came closer, I turned around and started to walk back to the building.

  "Charlie, wait!" Derrick said as he started to go after me.

  "Leave me alone Derrick."

  "Could you please stop walking and listen to what I have to say?"

  I stop walking without turning around. When Derrick caught up with me; he stood behind me and sighed.

  "Thanks for stopping."

  I turned around and gave Derrick a cold stare.

  "What are you doing here? Do you know you shouldn't wear your Letterman jacket at a rival campus? You might get jumped."

  "Please, no body is going to jump me here. Besides, I'm not worry about that. I needed to see you and I figured this was the only place I could."

  "Why, because it's public?"

  "Yeah, and the fact you can't run away and hide. I just want a few minutes of your time. After that, I won't bother you anymore."

  I folded my arms across my chest and stared at Derrick. What's the harm in talking to Derrick?

  "Fine, go ahead."

  "Can we sit somewhere, please?"

  I rolled my eyes as I walked past Derrick. I went back over to the bench and sat down. Derrick came over and sat beside me. Hopefully Brandy or Kim wouldn't see me talking to Derrick.

  "You have five minutes. Starting now," I said while looking at my watch.

  "Fine, I just want to clear some things up with you."

  "Like what. I think you said enough at Range."

  "No, I didn't. I wanted to apologize for what I said."

  I looked at Derrick. I could tell my expression was softening a little when he apologized.

  "I take it you accept my apology?"

  "I shouldn't, but I figure life's too short to hold a grudge."

  Derrick smiled. "That's true."

  "Is that's all?" I said as I was about to get up.

  Derrick reached out and touched my arm. Feeling his touch on me made me shiver. Why is he doing this to me? I'm with Michael now; I shouldn't be having feelings for my ex.

  "No, it's not. Char, I wanted to tell you something."

  I sat back down on the bench and started to look around at everyone eating and having a good time. I could tell the expression on Derrick's face meant it was serious. Whatever it was, I wasn't sure that I wanted to hear it.

  "Go ahead," I said softly.

  "Before I tell you this, I want to let you know that I was going to tell you this way before I knew you were dating Collier. I was going to keep it in, but I can't."

  I already knew where this was heading. I can't let Derrick tell me his feelings. I can't let him in my life again.

  "Please Derrick, don't."

  "What Charlie? Tell you how I feel? Charlie, I was a fool to let you go. I was stupid to have cheated on you with Theresa, and I'm damn stupid for betraying you. You were the one thing that made my life good. You supported me on every decision I made, helped me through so much and was down for me no matter what. We were inseparable Charlie, and I miss that. I miss you."

  I looked at Derrick and slowly took a few deep breaths. If Derrick would have told me this a few months back, I would have embraced him with open arms, but not now. I can't. I'm starting something fresh with Michael that could lead to something wonderful. I can't risk that for someone that hurt me so many times.

  "I don't expect you to embrace what I just said, but I do want you to know that I'm going to fight for you. I love you and my life is incomplete without you."

  "Stop it. Stop it, Derrick!" I said as I got up from the bench. I started to walk away from him as fast as I could.

  "Charlie! Charlie, come back!" Derrick yelled.

  I didn't even turn around. Derrick Marberry could not come back in my life. Not now. Not ever.

  Michael

  After the mandatory meeting we had to go to, I was ready to skip school for the rest of the day. After Coach yelled at us from the pressure of this weekend's game, I was beginning to get a huge headache. As I started to rub my temples with my fingers, I smelled the sweet scent of peach. I begin to breathe heavily the scent that I knew only one girl could wear.

  "What's wrong baby?" Charlie asked.

  I turned around and wrapped my arms around my beautiful girlfriend. I looked at her and gave her a passionate kiss on the lips. When we broke apart, she was so surprised, she didn't know what to say.

  "Cat got your tongue, baby," I said with a wicked grin.

  "Absolutely. So I take it you're okay."

  "Now that I see your beautiful face, I'm doing pretty good."

  "How was the meeting? Or should I even ask."

  "It was the usual meeting before a big game. It was intense."

  "Well don't worry. I know you and the team will do great
out there. And of course yours truly will be cheering you on the whole way."

  "I love the sound of that, especially when I get to see you in your cheerleading outfit. You have to wear that one day when we're alone."

  "My, my Mr. Collier, aren't you a little devil in disguise."

  "Only when I'm around you," I said smiling.

  I looked at Charlie and sighed. If only I could show her how I felt by being inside her mind, body, and soul. But I knew Charlie wasn't ready for that. She will tell me in time.

  "I can count one place I won't be showing it in, and that's my bedroom after hours. You know we can't do that again. I can't have any more disagreements with my parents, especially my mom. She's been on my back lately."

  "Why. Because of me?"

  "Maybe. Or maybe she is finally seeing that I'm not choosing the person she wants me to be with."

  I sighed as Charlie and I started to walk down the hall.

  My mind started to wander about my relationship with Charlie. I didn't know what I was feeling for her. It could be love, but it was too soon to tell. Whatever it was, was it worth jeopardizing her relationship with her mother? I looked at Charlie as she looked at me with one of the brightest smiles she could give. It seemed like a ray of sunshine was present even though we were indoors. Suddenly I stopped in the middle of the hallway and reach for Charlie's hand. I didn't realize what I was about to do, but at the moment, I didn't care. I didn't care that I was standing in the middle of the most crowded hallway at Belmont with every pair of eyes watching Charlie and me. What I did know was that what I was about to tell Charlie would change our relationship forever.

  Charlie looked at me with a confused look on her face.

  "What's wrong Michael?"

  I looked at Charlie with a nervous look on my face. My hands started to become sweaty and my heart felt like it was beating faster by the second.