Our Love

by Sheena Binkley

  "What do you want, Marberry?" I asked impatiently.

  "Nothing, just giving you props on everything. That's all."

  "Get out of my face."

  "Oh, it's like that, huh?"

  "It's like what, Derrick? I'm trying to win this game, so I don't have time for your congratulations or anything else you're throwing at me."

  Derrick went closer to me with a devious look on his face.

  "Let me give it to you straight then. Not only will I win this game for my team, but I will get my girl back. It just a matter of time before she sees what she's been missing and comes back to me."

  I rolled my eyes through my helmet and sighed.

  "Whatever, Marberry."

  "She's just with you to waste time with. She doesn't want you."

  A fit of rage was starting to build up in me. I wanted to punch Derrick right in the face so bad, but I knew I shouldn't if I wanted to stay in the game.

  "Charlie is, and always will be, with me."

  "And how you know?" I asked in an angry tone.

  "Because she told me in my bed last night,"

  "In your dreams, Marberry."

  "What's wrong Collier? Can't handle the truth. I could go into details about what we did. Especially that thing Charlie does with her tongue."

  The fit of rage that I felt before was starting to surpass my restraint as I got into Derrick's face.

  "Why don't you shut up before I have you sprawled out on the ground."

  Derrick leaned back into my face.

  "What you waiting for then, Collier?"

  I looked at Derrick and realized that punching him was not worth it. Not for me and not for my team.

  But it worth it for Charlie, I thought as I aimed my fist at Derrick and punched him across his jaw.

  As I watched Derrick fall hard on the ground, I realized that whatever chance I had for finishing the game was over. Derrick looked up at me with a bewildered look on his face, as if he couldn't believe what happened.

  19. Charlie

  What a game! As I looked at the disappointed people leaving the stands, I realized that this was the first time in five years that Belmont was not going to the championship. But the game was not the only thing that was going through my mind. I couldn't believe Michael and Derrick! How could they let their emotions get in the way of their game? I don't know what Derrick told Michael, but whatever it was, I hoped it didn't include what I told him the other night. As I waited for Michael to come out of the Boys' locker room, I looked over at Derrick, who was coming out of the visitor's locker room all smiles.

  "How did you enjoy the game?"

  "What did you tell Michael?"

  "Chill girl. I didn't tell Michael about our conversation, if that what you're talking about."

  "I hope not. What the hell happened out there then?"

  "Nothing, just us guys getting into a battle about the game, that's all."

  "Stop lying, Derrick."

  "Listen, it nothing to worry your fine self about. Michael doesn't know anything about how you feel about me."

  "Derrick, listen. Even though I told you that I still love you, I have feelings for Michael. I'm not going to leave him because you came back into my life."

  "I know you won't now, but you will eventually," Derrick said.

  He went up to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I looked up at him as he gave me one of his famous all teeth smiles. He walked off while I shook my head repeatedly. I needed to shake these feelings for Derrick. How can I pursue a relationship with Michael if I'm still living in the past?

  Forget about it, Char. Forget about Derrick and concentrate on the wonderful night you're going to have with Michael.

  I suddenly had to catch my breath when Michael stepped out of the locker room. The boy was looking finer than ever. Wearing a black dress jacket, a black and white striped shirt, and dark blue jeans, he deserved my vote for best dressed male at Belmont. As he approached my direction, he took me by the waist and gave me a kiss that made me forget about everything, including my own name.

  "Hello." I said softly

  "Hey."

  "Should we even be celebrating? Belmont's not in the playoffs."

  Michael laughed. "I know, but to be honest, I'm glad our season is over."

  "And why is that?"

  "Because I don't have to practice anymore. And because I can spend all my time with my sexy girlfriend."

  "Oh. Well in that case," I said as I kissed Michael on his lips.

  As Michael pulled away, he took my duffle bag from my shoulder and we started to walk toward my car.

  As we approached the Mustang, my expression changed from happiness to anger as I looked at Michael.

  "What happened out there? Why were you and Derrick fighting?"

  "It's nothing important, Char. Marberry got in my face again, that's all."

  "So that gives you the right to hit him and get ejected from the game? You could be in serious trouble for this."

  "Relax Char. Yeah I might be on probation when basketball season comes around, but it's fine. I don't regret what I did out there."

  "Even if it cost your teammates the game?"

  "What you trying to say? That I lost the game?"

  "I didn't say that."

  "That's what you're implying."

  "Listen Michael, let's not fight tonight. We have the rest of the night to have fun and to just think about us."

  Michael smiled. "I like the sound of that.""So you mentioned that you have a surprise for me."

  "Yes I do. I figured since your birthday was coming up in two days, I would do something nice for you."

  "Wait. How'd you know my birthday was coming up?"

  "I have my resources."

  "Chris," Michael said laughing.

  "Actually it was Brandy who told me. She's a real good friend to you Michael."

  I noticed after I made the comment about Brandy, Michael became disoriented. I wanted to ask him if something was wrong, but I decided to leave it to myself.

  "I have reservations at The House of Blues, so we better go."

  Michael stopped walking and looked at me.

  "Thank you, Charlie. This means a lot to me."

  I smiled. "Don't thank me now. Dinner is just part of the package. Let's go," I said as I took Michael's hand.

  As we walked hand in hand towards my car, I looked over the parking lot and noticed Derrick talking to Danielle. A curious look started to form on my face as I watched the two laughing like they knew each other.

  Knowing Derrick, they probably do know each other.

  Michael noticed the expression on my face as he looked in the direction of Derrick and Danielle.

  "Why are they together?" I asked.

  "I don't know, and I don't care. How their personalities are, they deserve each other."

  I nodded my head at the thought as I got into the driver's side of my Mustang.

  Michael is sort of right. But why do I feel a twinge of jealousy?

  As we got into the car, Michael put a hand on my thigh and smiled.

  "You okay? You seemed lost for a second."I looked over at Michael and smiled.

  "I'm fine baby. Now let our joyous night begin," I said as I started the ignition.

  Whatever the reason Derrick and Danielle were talking, it didn't matter. My only concern was to go out and have a good time with Michael.

  And no one, not even Derrick, would destroy my evening.

  Derrick

  Why couldn't life be simple? That's my philosophy for how my life is right now. After winning the game against Belmont, I wanted to celebrate, but not with my boys. But with my girl. Well technically Charlie is not my girl. She used to be through. Now she's with that punk Collier. I can't believe she is wasting her time with him. I told her my feelings for her, and now she finally admitted that she's still in love with me. She should be with me and not Collier. All he is a pretty boy who is rolling around in his parents' money.

&nbs
p; As I was walking to my car, I noticed someone standing by my door looking real fine. As I approached her, the girl started to smile brighter at me.

  "Well hello, Mr. Marberry."

  "Do I know you?" I asked in a curious tone.

  "No, but you will eventually. I'm Danielle, and I had to personally congratulate you on a great game today."

  "Don't you go to Belmont? I thought you would be running me off the parking lot instead of congratulating me."

  "Why would I? You played a good game. No one can deny that."

  "Well thanks Danielle," I said as I was going to the driver's side door. Danielle stepped in front me, causing me to lose my balance a little.

  "What are you doing?"

  "Listen Derrick, congratulating you on your game is not the only thing on my agenda. I know you used to date Charlie Perry."

  "Yeah, so,"

  "I see how the way you look at her. You still want her."

  "How you know anything about Charlie and me? In fact, who are you?"

  "I'm someone that can change everything between you and Charlie. With my help, she can be back in your arms before you know it."

  "And how will you do that, Danielle?"

  "For starters, you're not the only one who wants Charlie and Michael to break up."

  "Let me guess. You used to be Michael's girlfriend?"

  "Yes, before Charlie slithered her way to Belmont. I figured since you two used to date, you would know why Charlie decided to come to Belmont? It seemed that she was perfectly fine at Parker, right?"

  "Listen, I don't know what your agenda is and I don't care. I know how to get Charlie back, so I don't need any help," I said as I pushed my way past Danielle to get into my car.

  "What if I told you I know something about Michael that will make little Miss Perry run back to you in a second?"

  I looked at Danielle suspiciously as I closed my car door.

  "What might that be, if you don't mind me asking?"

  Danielle smiled as she put her arm around me.

  "I knew I would get your attention. Believe me, after I tell you about Michael and his wild past, Charlie would definitely leave him in an instant. So, are you with me now?"

  I looked at Danielle and sighed.

  "Fine, but if you're lying to me..."

  "Why would I do that? I figure since we're both after the same thing, we should work together to see to it that it comes true," Danielle said as she stepped up to my face. As she leaned into me, her body pressed on my chest. She had a sexy look on her face that turned me on in a major way.

  "Are you in Mr. Marberry?" she said as she extended her hand out to me.

  I shook my head and sighed.

  "What the hell am I getting myself into?" I asked quietly as I took my hand and put it firmly into Danielle's.

  I didn't know what I was heading into, but what I did know was that I would do whatever it took to get Charlie away from Collier. And I mean anything.

  20. Charlie

  "Are you even curious about what else I have in store for you?" I asked Michael as we pulled into the House of Blues parking lot. As we stepped out of the car, I realized that the concert was already beginning.

  Michael took my hand into his and smiled.

  "Not really. I'm just glad to be out with you."

  I smiled as I gave Michael a kiss.

  "You sure you feel up to going out? You've been through so much these past few days. First with your parents, and then today with Derrick and the game."

  "I'm fine Char. This is what I need."

  I nodded my head and smiled.

  "Okay baby."

  As we walked into the House of Blues, I looked over at Michael who was in awe over what he was seeing. Imagine Dragons was on stage belting out "Radioactive" to a packed audience. He turned to me and gave me a hug so tight, I was practically suffocating.

  "I take that as a thank you."

  "I can't believe you did this for me. I was trying to get tickets for weeks. How did you get tickets?"

  "I have my ways," I said smiling.

  "However you got them, I'm glad you did. Thank you so much."

  "You're welcome. Happy early birthday, Michael."

  Michael smiled as he took my hand and we went over to the crowd.

  As the group shifted gears from "Radioactive," to "It's Time," Michael put his arms around me and I leaned my head back on his shoulder. I turned around to face Michael and took his hand as we slowly weaved our way through the crowd. As we found a private area, I faced Michael and kissed his hand.

  "You want to know my other surprise?"

  "If you want to tell me,"

  "Remember how we were the other night? The closeness we felt between each other."

  "Yeah,"

  "I want to experience that again tonight. And hopefully everything we hope and wish for will come true."

  "I want to experience that again too, but how are we going to do that?"

  "You'll see," I said softly.

  An hour and a half later, the concert came to a close. After fighting the concert crowd through the parking lot, we headed to our next destination. When we approached the Marriott Hotel, I started to become extremely nervous. At first when I made the reservations (with the help of my older cousin Carla), I felt confident that I wanted to go through with my plan, but now I felt like backing out. It was not that I didn't want to make love to Michael; it was just that after tonight, things between us would definitely change forever. I always pictured that I would give myself to the man I marry on our wedding night. Now, as I look at Michael sitting quietly in the passenger's seat, I asked myself if this one night with Michael was worth destroying my beliefs?

  As I pulled into the nearest parking spot in the hotel's parking garage, Michael looked around the area and realized where we were.

  "You really out did yourself, Char."

  I started to smile weakly as I opened the car door. Not only was I'm nervous, but I felt like I wanted to throw up. As I looked at Michael, I quickly closed the car door and faced him.

  "You sure you want to go through this?"

  "Char, you're the one who made the hotel reservations. If you're having second thoughts about it, then we won't do this."

  "I'm not, it's just that we are about to embark on a major step in our relationship and the thought of us being together intimately kind of scares me."

  I could tell Michael was a little confused over my last comment. I took both his hands and lightly caressed them with mine."I didn't mean it like that. What I was trying to say is that the thought of us being so close together is kind of scary. Especially for me, because I don't have a clue of what I'm doing or how it will feel."

  "Are you saying you're nervous about the actual contact? Char, you do know that the first time is not always what it seems."

  "I know that. Believe me I heard it enough from my friends. But that's not the actual reason. I'm scared because you're the only one who has ever seen me in this light. You would be the only one who would know my body and what I like and don't like sexually."

  "Is that a good thing? We are in love and you do want to experience your first time with me, right?"

  "Yes, I do. But I never thought I would experience sex with any other man besides my husband."

  Michael looked at me and sighed.

  "I get what you're saying. Char, has it ever occurred to you that maybe you and me could become husband and wife one day."

  I looked at Michael with a weird expression on my face. Why is he bringing up marriage?

  "No, it hasn't."

  "Listen, whatever decision you make is fine with me. We don't have to have sex. In fact, we can just cuddle and watch TV, order room service and just enjoy each other's company. Remember what I told you in my room? I said that there is so much more to you than physical attraction."

  I smiled. "I know."

  "Why don't we get out of this cold car and go inside."

  I nodded my head in agreement
as Michael got out of the passenger side and walked over to my side of the car. As I got out of the car, we took each other hands and moved toward the hotel entrance.

  While walking to the hotel, I realized that whatever happened tonight, it would be a night that both Michael and I would remember together.

  21. Michael

  Finding a job is tough! I thought to myself while walking through the halls of Belmont High. I just called one of my potential job prospects, thinking I had the job, but turned out the manager hired someone else.

  Oh well. Back to the drawing board, I thought as I went to my locker. As I dialed the combination, I started to think about everything that had happened to me lately. When I arrived to school, I had a long talk with Coach and found out I was on probation until further notice for fighting with Derrick. So when basketball season starts in a few weeks, I wouldn't be out on the court. I also needed to find my own place because I didn't think I could stay with Chris anymore. It seemed like every time I was at his house, his parents were wondering when I was going back home. But they were nice enough to throw me a birthday dinner yesterday.

  I had a little money stashed in my savings, but knowing my parents, they probably cut me off from any access. Speaking of my parents, I hadn't talked to them since the incident with Charlie. There were times when I wanted to pick up the phone and call them, but something inside of me told me not to. I don't know if I can move back in and go through the same routine that I had been living. I love my parents, but I can't be what they want me to be. I need to be my own person. And the worst part of all is that my parents didn't have the decency to check up on me or even called to wish me a happy birthday.

  But the one thing that is good in my life is Charlie. She has made me so happy since I first laid eyes on her and my life hasn't been the same since. After the experience we shared Friday, I know our love can overcome anything.

  I slammed my locker door, and Chris was standing behind it with one of the cheesiest smiles I had ever seen. I looked at him with a weird look on my face.

  "What are you all smiling about?"

  "Oh come on Mike. It's a brand new day. You should be in all smiles."

  "I know, but for some reason I can't."