Lily's Story: The Complete Saga

by Christine Kersey

  Checking the time, I saw I only had an hour to decide and get ready. I pictured his handsome face, blond hair and blue eyes, and knew I would be ready by six. Quickly putting away my groceries and other items, I hurried into the bathroom to freshen my make-up.

  Half expecting him to be a no-show again, I was almost surprised to hear the doorbell ring at six o'clock sharp. I tried to slow my pounding heart as I walked to the door.

  He held a large bouquet of long-stemmed white roses. “These are for you.”

  I was pleased by the gesture, then recalled that he’d brought flowers on the night I’d had the date with Justin. “Do you bring flowers for every date?”

  Offering me a half-smile, he shook his head. “I'm not that rich. I'm just trying to make up for last night. I feel really bad about that.”

  Remembering the way I’d sat around waiting for him, and the distress I’d felt the previous evening, made me a bit grouchy. “You sure have things 'come up' a lot, don't you?”

  “Ouch. I guess I deserved that.”

  I took the flowers from his hand and opened the door wider. “Come in while I put these in a vase.”

  He shut the door behind him as he entered and followed me into the kitchen. “It looks good in here. Are your roommates gone or something?”

  I smiled to myself at his observation. It was true. Things were much neater with my roommates gone. They were sloppy and careless—another thing that drove me nuts about sharing an apartment. The idea of having my own place was becoming more and more appealing. “Yeah, they're taking an early vacation down to Vegas.”

  “Why didn't you go? That sounds like fun.” He leaned against the spotless counter and watched me.

  I filled the vase with water and set it on the table. “I wasn't invited, but I don't have time anyway. I have three tests next week.” I smiled at him. “You know how that goes.”

  His eyebrows pulled together. “Do we have a test in Sociology?”

  “If you ever bothered coming to class, you'd know that we do.”

  “It's not that I want to miss class, it’s just that I had some things I needed to take care of.” He folded his arms across his chest. “Some of us have to work, you know.”

  The remark stung and I walked away from him and toward the front door. My hand on the doorknob, I turned back to face him. “We all deal with our circumstances the best we can.”

  He stared at me for a moment. “Wait a minute. Did you think I was implying something about you? Because I wasn't. How insensitive do you think I am?”

  I wondered if I'd made an assumption about what he’d meant. “What did you mean then?” I walked to the couch and sat.

  He sat beside me, touching my leg with his. “You’re lucky your father left you some money so you don’t have to work while you go to school.” He paused. “I know you don't have anybody and I really admire you for all you're accomplishing.”

  Tears sprang to my eyes at his words. It hurt to be reminded of my father's death and the fact that I had no family.

  He wiped a tear from my cheek. “Don't cry, Lily. I'm here for you.” He gently stroked my face. “I'd do anything for you. Don't you realize that?” He lifted my chin to make sure I was looking him in the eye. “I really care about you.”

  His words surprised me, especially after he’d pretty much ignored me all week. And even though I really liked him, I wasn't ready to share my feelings with him. Instead I leaned into him and let him hold me and comfort me. His strong arms wrapped around me and I melted a little at how good it felt to be in his embrace.

  Eventually he pulled away from me. “We should probably get going. I made a reservation.”

  Reluctantly I stood and followed him out the front door and to his car. He held the passenger door open for me before getting in on the driver's side.

  The restaurant was nice and I enjoyed myself. Trevor didn't mention his feelings again until he took me home. I invited him into the apartment and we sat on the couch.

  “I know we've only known each other for a couple of months, Lily, but the more I've gotten to know you the more I've grown to like you.”

  I wasn't sure what to say. Things had gone from uncertain to Trevor professing his affection much too quickly. Only twenty-four hours before I'd been wondering if he remembered our date.

  He held my hand in his. “Don't you want to say anything?”

  “It's just that, well, I'm not sure how I feel yet.” At the look of disappointment on his face, I hurried to explain. “I mean, I do care for you, Trevor. But I don't feel like I really know you yet. For example, you say you want to get your degree, but you don’t come to class half the time.”

  He drew back. “I can’t control my schedule. I have to work when I’m needed.”

  “Can't it wait until after classes though? I thought you wanted to do well.”

  He looked beyond my shoulder before meeting my gaze. “I do want to do well, but Rob’s schedule can't always work around mine. I do the best I can.”

  “Rob’s your boss?”

  “Yeah.”

  I pulled my hand free from his grasp. “What kind of work do you do for him anyway?”

  He stiffened slightly, then sighed. “You know, body work, repairs, that kind of thing.”

  I nodded. “So, your major's business management. What do you plan to do with that degree?”

  “I don't know yet what I'm going to do with my degree. It just seemed like the thing to go for. Speaking of work, I need to work early tomorrow, so I’d better get going.”

  The abrupt end to our conversation threw me off balance and I didn’t know what to say. But I did have one more question that had been on my mind. “What about Amanda?”

  “Amanda?” he asked.

  “You know, that girl in our Sociology class who’s always flirting with you.”

  “Oh. You don’t have to worry about her. I’ve known her for a while. We’re just friends.”

  Somehow I didn’t feel reassured, but when he stood and held his hand out to me, I took it. When we were both standing he pulled me close and held me tight, then he leaned toward my ear and whispered. “I do care about you, Lily, and I'll prove it to you.”

  A shiver of anticipation worked its way up my spine. Captivated by him, I wanted him to be the man I'd always dreamed of. We walked to the door and he gave me a lingering kiss. When he pulled back, he said, “How about if I take you out tomorrow afternoon?”

  Pushing aside my worries, I smiled. “That sounds great.”

  “Okay. I’ll come by around two o’clock.”

  The next afternoon, right on time, Trevor was at my door. The dark blue shirt he wore emphasized his tanned skin and vivid blue eyes, and my pulse quickened at the sight of him.

  “Ready to go?” he asked, a wide smile on his face.

  “Yes.” I stepped out the door and locked it behind me. “Where are you taking me?”

  “Do you like to miniature golf?”

  “I’ve only done it a few times, but I liked it.”

  “Good, because that’s where we’re going.”

  A few minutes later we pulled up to the local miniature golf place. After we got out of the car, Trevor took my hand as he led me to the counter. The warmth of his hand in mine only strengthened the attraction I felt towards him.

  We had a good time as we golfed through all the holes. Trevor did a lot better than me—even getting two holes-in-one—but the main thing I enjoyed was Trevor taking my hand as we walked from one hole to the next.

  When we finished the round of golf, we turned in our golf clubs and went into the arcade. Trevor bought some tokens and we played several different games. My favorite was Skee Ball. When we ran out of tokens, we took our tickets to the counter where Trevor told me to pick out a prize. We had enough for me to get a small stuffed bear.

  “Let’s get something to eat,” he said, taking my hand after I tucked the bear into my purse.

  When we got in line to buy our food, he stood
behind me and put his arms around me. My heart did a flip at his nearness, but when his warm breath brushed by my ear and he whispered, “I’m hungrier for you than for any food,” I nearly stopped breathing.

  “Can I help you?” the girl at the counter asked us.

  Forcing myself to focus on the menu instead of how close Trevor stood to me, I ordered a burger and a Sprite. Trevor ordered his food, and once it was ready, he carried the tray with both our orders to a table. I scooted into the booth and he slid in next to me.

  We were halfway done with our meal when Alyssa and Justin stopped next to our table.

  “Hi, Lily,” Alyssa said.

  “Hello,” I said, feeling awkward to have Justin there. “Are you guys going miniature golfing?”

  “Yeah.” Alyssa turned her gaze to Trevor. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m a friend of Lily’s. Alyssa.”

  “Hey,” Trevor said.

  “Oh sorry,” I said, embarrassed I hadn’t done the introductions. “And this is Justin Radford.”

  Justin held his hand out and Trevor shook it. “Nice to meet you. I'm a friend of Lily's too.”

  “Oh. How are you?” Trevor said.

  “Good,” Justin said.

  “So, how long have you known each other?” Trevor asked Justin.

  The question sounded innocent enough, but I when I detected a hint of jealousy in Trevor’s voice, a thrill went through me. Especially after the way I’d felt when Trevor had given Amanda so much attention.

  “Just since the beginning of the semester,” Justin answered.

  Trevor nodded in response. “That's great.”

  “I guess we’d better get started on our game,” Justin said. “It was nice meeting you.”

  “You too,” Trevor said.

  Alyssa smiled in our direction, then followed Justin out the door.

  Uncomfortable having Trevor and Justin in the same room, I was glad they hadn’t stayed to chat. After the date I’d had with Justin and his obvious disappointment that I didn't have more than a friendly interest in him, I felt self-conscious around him.

  Chapter Eleven

  The next day at school I ate lunch with Alyssa. “I think things might be getting serious with Trevor,” I told her.

  “Oh?”

  “The other night he told me that he really likes me.” I couldn't get the smile off of my face.

  She didn’t return my smile. “I see.”

  My smile vanished. “What's wrong? Why aren't you happy for me?”

  Alyssa sighed. “I am happy for you, but I know it will devastate Justin. That's all.”

  “He seemed fine to me.”

  “That's because you're blind to his feelings.” Alyssa frowned, then took a bite of her sandwich.

  I didn't respond as I thought about Justin and Trevor. They were both nice guys, but it was Trevor that I liked. No matter how great Alyssa thought Justin was, I couldn't make myself feel something for him that I felt for Trevor.

  That afternoon Trevor came over to study with me. We spent an hour working, then decided to take a break.

  “By the way,” he asked as he put his books in his backpack. “What's the deal with that Justin guy?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, he acted like he'd known you your whole life, but he's only known you a couple of months.”

  I sensed Trevor’s jealousy again, but this time it didn't thrill me. It bothered me. “I don't know. He's just a friend, that's all.”

  “Have you ever gone out with him?”

  The question seemed out of place and I didn't want to answer it. “What difference would that make?”

  “Is that a yes or a no?”

  “It's a none of your business. I can go out with whomever I want. You and I haven't made any commitments to each other.”

  Trevor seemed taken aback by my response. “Maybe we should make a commitment then. Or are you okay with me dating other women?”

  That wasn't the response I'd expected, and the thought of Trevor with another woman, especially Amanda, pained me deeply. As I pictured them together, my stomach churned. I jumped up from the couch and went into the kitchen, grabbing a glass out of the cupboard and filling it with water.

  He followed me to the kitchen. “What's wrong?”

  I glanced at him and was surprised to see triumph on his face.

  “Now you know how I feel,” he said, reaching out to stroke my back. “The thought of you dating another man makes me crazy.”

  “I'm sorry, Trevor. I guess I hadn't thought about that before.” I hesitated, but only for a moment. “And just so you know, I did go out with Justin once. But really, he's just a friend. Even if he wants to be more than that.”

  Trevor’s eyebrows bunched. “He wants to be more? How do you know?”

  I immediately realized I shouldn’t have mentioned that. “Never mind. It’s not important.”

  He placed his hands on my shoulders. “It's important to me. How do you know he feels that way? Did he tell you that?”

  Not understanding why it was so important to Trevor to know, I decided to be honest. “Yes. But I told him I don't feel the same.”

  “Lily, I don't want you to be alone with him.”

  I pushed Trevor’s hands from my shoulders. “Why on earth not? He’s just a friend.”

  Trevor’s expression became more intense. “Please, just trust me.” He suddenly pulled me into a tight embrace. “I care so much about you. I can’t stand the thought of losing you.”

  “Losing me?” I said against his shoulder. Then I imagined what it would be like if he was no longer in my life—if I were never to see him again. It felt like someone was digging a knife right into my heart. Agony and sadness gripped me, and I admitted the truth to myself. Then I decided to say it out loud.

  I pulled back from him and gazed into his blue eyes. “I think I’m falling in love with you, Trevor.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes,” I said, worried that I’d admitted my feelings too soon.

  “Oh, Lily.” He cradled my face in his hands and his eyes sparkled as they gazed into mine. “I love you too.”

  He pressed his lips to mine and I thought I was going to explode with happiness. In my wildest dreams I hadn’t imagined him falling in love with me.

  He pulled back and smiled at me.

  This is just like my romance novels. I’ve found my Prince Charming.

  Joy suffused me.

  Just then my roommates burst through the front door and the mood was broken.

  Nicole looked at our faces. “What's going on? What are you guys up to?”

  Beyond annoyed at my lack of privacy, I shook my head. “Nothing, Nicole. How was your weekend?”

  Nicole began telling us about the great time they had until Michelle interrupted. “I'm starving, Nicole. Let's get something to eat.”

  “All right, all right.”

  They left a short time later, leaving us alone once again. “As much as I'd like to stay,” Trevor said, “I need to get going. I promised Rob I'd come down to his shop to help for a little while this evening.”

  My newfound happiness enveloped me. “I'll see you in class tomorrow, won't I? Remember, we have a test.”

  “Great.” He grimaced. “Thanks for reminding me.”

  I laughed. “No problem.”

  Trevor leaned toward me and my breath caught. A moment later our lips met and I didn’t want our kiss to end. He pulled away first, but kept his hands on my shoulders. “I’ve really got to go. I’ll call you later.”

  He left the apartment and I watched him walk down the stairs.

  The next day after class I found a note addressed to me stuck in the front door. Hoping it was from Trevor, I yanked it out and hurried into my room before unfolding it.

  Maybe I didn't make myself clear. Stay away from Trevor or you'll be very, very sorry.

  My heart hammered in my chest as I reread the words printed plainly on the slip of paper.
>
  What is going on? Why would someone want me to stay away from Trevor? Should I tell him about it? What would he say? Would he know anything about it?

  The ringing of my cell phone jerked me out of my thoughts and I dug it out of my purse. “Hello?”

  There was no response.

  “Who's there?” I demanded as fear seeped into my bones.

  There was silence and I knew the call had ended. I looked at the Caller ID but it just said Unknown.

  Putting my phone in my pocket, I sat on my bed and tried to think of who could have sent the note. Was the caller also the note sender? Who could it be?

  My cell phone rang again, startling me. When I saw Trevor’s name on the Caller ID, I let out a breath of relief.

  I was on the verge of tears, and it came through in my voice. “Trevor?”

  “What's wrong, sweetie?”

  The obvious concern in his voice touched me, and my heart blossomed with love for him. Even so, I wasn’t sure if I should mention the note—why let some anonymous note decide my life for me? “Nothing. I'm just tired. Are you coming over today?”

  “That's why I'm calling. I'm not going to be able to come over. Rob needs me to work.”

  Sharp disappointment stabbed at my insides. “I was looking forward to seeing you this afternoon.”

  “At least we saw each other in class today.”

  I rolled my eyes, dejection and fear ruling my emotions. “Whoopee, we got to say hi before taking the test.”

  “Hey, now. I'm disappointed, too.” He paused. “It might be kind of late, but maybe I can come by tonight. How would that be?”

  The idea immediately brightened my mood. “That would be great. Please try.”

  “I will. And Lily?”

  “Yes?” I asked, a smile on my face.

  “I love you.”

  Joy saturated me. “I love you, too.”

  After ending the call, I tore the note into tiny pieces before flushing it down the toilet. “I won't let you ruin my happiness,” I said to the empty room.