Chapter Seven
On Sunday, Jayson called bright and early, but I told him I wasn’t in the mood for company. My mind was too occupied with the flashbacks from the woods the night before. I could hear in his voice that he was disappointed. It was the first time since I moved here that I had turned down doing anything with him, not counting the first day when he invited himself. Wow, a whole weekend without Jayson. Maybe he would go through withdrawals? But I knew as soon as I hung up the phone that he was going to make me feel guilty as hell.
And that’s exactly what he did first thing Monday morning, when he picked me up for school. At first he was just silent, unusual, but not always unwelcome. Then, as if sensing my comfort with the silence, he broke into a speech about how he knew we were together a lot and that he knew I needed space sometimes. He ended the awkward declaration by proceeding to apologize for getting upset in the first place. After a few breathers on his end, like his speech took a lot out of him, he jumped into a full play by play of all the things he wanted to do on Sunday, but how he did absolutely none of it. The fact that I was possibly the reason he did nothing, was left unsaid, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t hear it anyway.
The day was going by quick and things were relatively uneventful. New projects were assigned in English and we had a test in Spanish. On the plus side, the staring and gawking seemed to tone down over the weekend. Even though I felt better about the situation, I wasn’t overly comfortable with it either, and I was still on the look out for an angry spot-light hound to come barreling around any corner at me.
Finally, the bell rang for lunch and I walked with Jayson, as usual, through the school and into the caf. But when I got there, something was different. As soon as I stepped into the room, I felt a familiar tug inside of me. I searched through the mass of students getting their lunches and finding friends until I found what I was looking for, our table hidden in the back. Sitting there, at the end, was Kamdyn.
As if he felt me looking at him, he raised his head and flashed me a smile, one that would make someone’s heart stop. We both knew that being in school was going to be kind of different. We agreed it would be best to give the gossip a little time to settle before people saw us together, especially Samantha. So we sort of needed everyone to believe we were just friends. For now, it seemed like the best thing to do. When Jayson and I got to the table, we took our regular seats, side by side, at the far end of the table, the opposite from where Kamdyn was sitting. Jayson and I talked about a project and Lauren jumped in talking about our shopping trip, wearing her new shirt and loving my new shirt. But the whole time, I could feel eyes on me. A few minutes later, Kamdyn got up and walked over to us, taking a seat on the other side of Jayson, nearly pushing Alex off the bench.
“Hey, Jayson. Trystie. What’s up? How was the weekend?” he asked with a gorgeous smile and violet eyes that landed on my face. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks and hoped no one else noticed.
“Boring,” Jayson answered. “Family birthday party.”
“What about you, Trystie? Anything good happen this weekend?” The teasing tone in his voice made me want to throw something at him.
“Yes and no,” I said. “I went shopping with Lauren Saturday. We bought way too much, but we had fun. But other than that… my weekend was pretty boring.” All he did in response was cock an eyebrow and nod.
“You’re in a good mood today. I take it you had a hell of a weekend.” Jayson asked, breaking Kamdyn’s eye lock on me. But he didn’t answer has he glanced away, only grinned devilishly.
He turned face Jayson as he spoke again. “So, this year Halloween is on a Friday. I am planning to have a small pool party at my house. You up for it?”
“Hell yeah!” Jayson nearly jumped out of his seat. “Good to have you back, Kam.” Jayson clapped him on the back, hard, as he nodded, then leaned back to look around Jayson.
Wait, a pool party? In October?
“What about you, Trystie? You coming?” Kamdyn’s eyes locked on mine again, and the jewels flash quickly, than returned to normal. When I didn’t respond, he smiled again. “Don’t worry, the pool’s heated. You won’t be cold.”
To me, he seemed to be doing a really bad job at keeping us “friends”. Hopefully, only because I knew better, I was the only one reading further into his words. Telling by the quirk of his lips, he knew exactly what he was doing and having fun doing it. Fine.
“Oh yeah, I’m coming. Wouldn’t miss it.” I said with a raised eyebrow and smile just for him. He winked at me as he got up from the seat and started walking back to his, when he stopped. He dropped down into a crouch, putting his head between mine and Jayson’s, one arm over each of our shoulders. Today I could feel the tingling through the thin fabric of my shirt.
“Oh, right. Just one more thing,” he said, brushing his thumb over the exposed skin of my upper arm. “Bathing suits are not required.”
What!
I felt Kamdyn get up, the sensation he created on my skin slowly disappearing with his absence. I turned to Jayson expecting him to be as surprised as I was, but the expression he wore wasn’t the one I expected. There was a ridiculously large grin on his face, his eyes unfocused and far away, as if visualizing the party already happening. When he finally noticed I was staring at him, he tried to rearrange his face into an expression I was looking for. Instead he looked like it was hurtful trying not to smile. In his failed attempt, he turned away.
I waited for him to turn back, eyebrows raised, until he was able to hold a straight face while looking at me. He turned and swallowed noticably, “I miss those parties.”
He’s having a skinny dipping party? And he’s had them before? What did I just get myself into?
My questions must have been announced through my eyes because Jayson’s expression had made a return visit, I’m sure the expression now was him trying really, really hard not to laugh. At me.
He calmed himself again and averting his eyes away from me, began to explain. “Kamdyn used to have these parties all the time, back before Samantha was such a bitch. Within the last year or so, he stopped having them. I guess now that there is no more Samantha, he’s going to start having them again. Awesome.”
While Jayson continued to smirk and attempt to eat his lunch, I closed my eyes and made an effort to soothe myself. Everything will be fine, they are just messing with me. Right? When I opened my eyes, I got a glimpse of Kamdyn. His eyes on my face, two fingers over his mouth in a poor attempt to hide the same smirk plastered on Jayson’s face. Busted. Great.
After the news of the party, my day seemed to go from fast forward to slow-mo. I couldn’t think of anything else no matter how hard I tried. I couldn’t wrap my mind around not just having a pool party in New England, on Halloween, but that no one invited would be wearing clothes. The thought of all my new friends here, running around naked in Kamdyn’s backyard…
Okay, now that I thought about it, it was going to be a little funny. But my mind quickly snapped back to the main problem. Not only were all my friends going to be without clothes, I would also be without clothes. Damn it all, there was no getting out of this.
It wasn’t that I was worried that I wouldn’t look good. I honestly didn’t care what anyone thought, really, and I was more than comfortable with my self image. It was the thought of other people actually seeing me, when no one besides me has ever seen it all. The only settling feeling I had was the possibility that many of the others would feel the same way I would. Yeah, that was a comforting thought. Out of no where, Jayson’s reaction to the party came back to me. The expression on his face, anticipation. And that smile. He had clearly gone to one of these parties at Kamdyn’s before, obviously, since he did actually tell me that, and he didn’t seem to have a second thought about what he would –or wouldn’t- be wearing. So maybe I would be the only one uncomfortable with this whole… idea. Maybe I could just go back to thinking others would feel the same way. Yeah, that’s the best plan. I wasn’t going t
o be the only one. I refuse.
Finally, the bell rang for last period and I knew I was going to see Kamdyn. I could feel him before we entered the hallway headed toward our class. The pull I felt toward him felt like it was getting stronger. When we got to the door, Kamdyn was leaning against the lockers. The second I saw him, my plan fell to pieces and scattered at my feet. Kamdyn was looking down at the floor, trying not to laugh as I approached. He didn’t look up when I reached him. Before I turned to walk into the classroom, I looked up at Jayson, for some kind of comfort or support, but he quickly looked away, scratching the side of his head in an attempt to hide his face.
“Ugh!” I screamed in frustration and ran into the classroom, sitting in my usual seat so I couldn’t see Kamdyn. Looks like I was damn well going to be the only one feeling awkward. And Kamdyn and Jayson were going to ride the joke out until it was good and dead.
When the final bell rang for class to start, I saw movement next to me as my usual neighbor sunk down into their seat. When I looked over, I realized the nerdy guy who was usually there, wasn’t, and Kamdyn had taken his place. I turned around and looked for Kamdyn’s usual seat, now filled by, just guess, my nerdy partner. He caught my eye and shrugged, a “what was I supposed do to?” remaining unsaid. Trader, I mouthed and turned back noticing Kamdyn looking at me. Meeting my eyes, he smiled, a big goofy, proud of himself grin. I quickly turned away.
“You already promised to come,” he said, leaning in close to my ear.
Just the thought that he knew my mind was working on a plan of escape made me want to scream. Calming myself, I turned to him, forcing him to move back. “And I will be there.”
He grinned and raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow at me. He had a question, but he wouldn’t ask, and we both knew it.
When the final bell rang, tell us it was time to go home, I quickly gathered my things and began stuffing my bag. Kamdyn grabbed my leg under the desk, grabbing my attention in a silent plead for me to stay. I sat there and watched as the rest of the class and the teacher ran from the room, eager for their chance to escape. Kamdyn held his hand firmly on my leg until the last person disappeared and the door closed behind them.
“What?” I said once the classroom was empty. It was so hard to be upset with him now that I was looking directly in those eyes.
“Trystie, relax. You’re making this a big deal, it’s not a big deal. We used to have them all the time. Trust me, it’s not as bad as you think.”
“Kamdyn, that’s not the point. You had to know what my reaction was going to be, that’s why you waited until after I said yes to spring the ‘no bathing suits required’ line. And to make it worse, every time I look at you or Jayson you’re laughing at me. I would be fine if you could leave me alone long enough to get used to the idea.” Not really, but it was worth the shot.
“If you could see the expression you’re walking around with, you’d be laughing too.”
“Thanks, Kamdyn, that’s real comforting.” I said sarcastically. I pulled myself away from him and stood. Kamdyn stood up along side me, his height dwarfing me. He took a step closer and bent down to whisper in my ear.
“You are so beautiful when you’re angry. You don’t even know how bad I want to kiss you right now. How bad I’ve wanted to all day long.”
I blushed, I knew I did. I could feel it. But I was still annoyed. I pulled back from his closeness, gave him a cold stare as I passed and walked out of the room.
“What did he want?” Jayson asked once I got out in the hall and headed toward our lockers.
“He was just telling me about the party.” I said and looked in Jayson’s direction, knowing exactly what to expect. “Will you stop that?” I yelled. This time, he didn’t even try to hide it. The loud bark poured out as he doubled over with laughter.
“I’m… Sorry… Trystie,” he made out between gasps for air. “You’re expression… its priceless!”
“Thanks!” I yelled as I hitched up my bag and started walking out the building.
Jayson caught up with me around the parking lot. He was still gasping for air when he reached me. He apologized, over and over, for laughing. But the apology was once again lost when Kamdyn came driving by, his window rolled down, he winked at me as he passed. Jayson just about fell on the ground, laughing. I stomped off to wait in the truck till me was able to control himself, which was not likely. I wouldn’t hold my breath.
That Friday, Halloween and the night of the infamous pool party, came much faster than I ever could have dreamed possible. The deal was to come dressed up in your Halloween costume. I procrastinated so long, I only had the week to figure out what to wear. I ended up going out on another shopping trip with Lauren, the Wednesday before the party, after school. I couldn’t believe how much costumes were going for but we both finally found the perfect ones, beautiful but didn’t break the bank. Although a few people, who were invited, asked me what my costume was, including Jayson and Kamdyn, I refused to let anyone know. It was a surprise. Not that it was anything special or different for that matter. But at least I had that much to look forward to. At any rate, the party would start off like a normal one. Everyone will come dressed up in their costumes and hang out for a while, until midnight. At midnight, the clothes get stripped and it’s in the pool until whenever you leave.
I had decided on a straightforward witch costume. The outfit consisted of a short, slinky black dress that had a very deep V neckline and a slit nearly up to my hip on each side, a pair of see-thru spider web leggings that came down just below my knees and a set of wrist length, fingerless, spider web gloves to match. Simple. I completed my witchy outfit with a pair of ankle high black boots with three inch heels and lots of shadowy black eye makeup. My hair, wild and wavy, had only two small strips in the front, pulled back and tied just behind the crown of my head. One thing I absolutely loved about wearing black, it always made the mahogany tint in my dark hair, stand out.
Jayson came to pick me up around six thirty. It gave me plenty of time to get ready after a stressful day of, as discreetly as possibly, freaking the hell out at school. What can I say, just because I wanted to not worry about it didn’t put my ever moving mind at ease. Jayson being Jayson, insisted on coming inside to get me for the party instead of just beeping the horn in the driveway. As if that hadn’t been bad enough, lately, Jayson had gotten into the bad habit of just walking into the house with no warning. So like every other day, I didn’t realize he was here, until my bedroom door opened, without a knock I might add, and he came strolling in.
“Wow Jayson, knock much? What if I was still getting dressed?”
Usually, he was real quick to reply, being the smart-ass that he is. But he just stood there, frozen. Unblinking.
“Jayson? Something wrong?” I asked, stepping closer and waving a hand in front of his face. Nothing. I looked down at myself and was worried I had done something wrong. It seemed more than appropriate for a Halloween party. I shrugged.
“No, Trystie,” he said snapping out of it. “You look amazing.” But, still, he didn’t move from the spot where he first entered.
“Thanks,” I gave myself one last once over in the full length mirror, then turned back to Jayson. “Are you ready to go?”
“Umm… yeah sure.” He shook his head and opened the door wide, bowed slightly at the waist and swept his arm across his body toward the hallway. “After you.”
We got in the truck and took off down the road in silence. As unusual as the silence was, at least he wasn’t laughing at me anymore. The last two weeks, he and Kamdyn got the biggest kick out of the torture they inflicted on me, dragging it out as long as possible. I hoped now that the party was here, they would finally give it a rest and let me sulk in my ocean of nerves in peace. At least until midnight.
We, of course, we were the first to arrive. And again, I followed Jayson as he just walked into the big empty house without so much as a knock or a yell to announce our arrival. And just like last time, Kamdyn
no where in sight. I had a seat on the big black leather sofa and made myself comfortable while I waited for them to come back. Leaning back against the soft leather, I closed my eyes and thought about where the night was headed. A shiver crept down my spine as I pictured everyone encased in shadows, well hidden, and me bare to the moonlight. As long as it took me to get this simple outfit on, in a few short hours, it will all be for nothing. I am going to mourn its loss.
Unexpectedly, I felt the sting of an electric current on my neck. It traveled up my throat and to my lips. I didn’t need to open my eyes to know who it was. I could feel him. His lips were so soft and passionate. The kiss he gave me was like a thousand kisses, a cup that was filled to the brim and finally spilling over.
I opened my eyes as we separated to find myself looking into his beautiful violet colored eyes, the look in them made it almost possible to reach our and touch what he was feeling.
“You look remarkable. What is your goal here? Trying to look too good, so you don’t need to remove those clothes later?” he asked with his eyebrow raised.
Thanks for reminding me!
I didn’t know what to say to that, so I said nothing. That wasn’t my intension, thought I wished it worked that way. Everyone knew the ultimate reason for the party, the Halloween theme was just a bonus, really. My face heated and I turned away, avoiding is prodding gaze. Until I understood his little reminder for what it was. When I looked back at him, his body turned into the corner of the couch, one arm slug over the top coution, he was trying really hard to hold in his snicker, again.
“I’m so glad I amuse you, Kamdyn.” I said as sarcastic as I possibly could. “Thanks.”
“For the compliment or the reminder?” he asked before his head fell back against the couch and barked out a ridiculously loud laugh like he’d held in every one he’d had since he was ten..
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