I followed the line of cars into the main lots but they were completely full. Instead of driving around forever looking for a spot, which is what most people were doing, I parked in a lot that was farther away. I didn’t mind the exercise and I was early for class anyway.
I reviewed my schedule again. I had to go to the Liberal Arts building for English first. I pulled out the student map to see where the building was and it was further than I thought from where I was parked. My class was starting in 20 minutes, hence I decided to head that way.
I made it to my first class early and was able to find a good seat. I always liked sitting in the back; I felt the most comfortable there. As long as I was in the back, fewer eyes would be on me. When the official start time registered on the clock, the class was completely full and I was glad I got there when I did.
Mr. Grayson arrived at exactly 10:00. He was tall, skinny, and in his early forties. He was wearing light blue jeans with a tan sports coat and tie. He had brown hair that was wavy in the front and longer in back. He told a few jokes to lighten the mood and it helped me remain calm in my seat but that soon changed when he asked everyone to introduce themselves. I groaned internally for just myself to hear.
This part I loathed. I was so nervous as everyone around the room got up from their seat and spoke shortly about themselves. When it was finally my turn to speak, I spoke without much enthusiasm and was happy to not have stuttered. He asked me what my major was and I told him that I was undecided. A lot of others were undecided too so I felt less bad about admitting that.
We were starting the semester off with William Shakespeare. We were to read four of his plays and write reports on them. A term paper was due at the end of the semester on whichever play we related to the most and how it compares with modern-day society. The class went by fairly quick and we were even dismissed a few minutes early. My next class was starting in fifteen minutes so I smoked a cigarette as fast as possible while I headed in that direction.
I was glad that it wasn’t a hot day. It was the perfect temperature outside—seventy-five degrees—with just enough cloud cover to shade me on my walk. There was a light breeze circulating the air and the sun was out shining in full brightness.
The next class I had was Biology. The classroom was set up into different tables rather than the usual chair/desk attachment. I sat at an empty table and set up my materials. My biology teacher was another man but this guy was a lot older and had hardly a trace of humor to his personality. He was very cut and dry with his words, preferring to speak in monotone quality throughout most of his lecture. He handed us his syllabus and we read through it as he gathered slides for his overhead projector. He dimmed the lights and showed us various pictures of plant cells. I had to keep myself from falling asleep while he threw out different terms.
He called out to people, asking questions about the various cell parts and their functions. I was thankful my name was never called; although, I knew the answer each time.
He assigned us a small project to do before we left. It was a worksheet about cell life and I worked with the person sitting directly next to me. She was thin and blonde, with an annoyingly high-pitched voice named Lisa. We battled through the assignment and even finished early, so we were allowed to leave. She chitchatted with me on the walk to the parking lot while I halfway listened. I didn’t choose to walk with her but rather she kept to my side speaking randomly about herself in a voice that could break glass.
She was starting to walk in the opposite direction of me and I was glad to be parted from her company as I headed to the far lot. I made my way through the thick of trees and swiped away a cluster of gnats swarming ahead. I pulled the jingling cluster of keys from my bag as I approached my car and my heart nearly stopped when I saw a black apparition leaning against it. A mixture of feelings came over me and I tried to find balance while they struck me. I wanted to run to him with open arms and feel his strong hands graze my back but I didn’t of course. I didn’t want to reward him since he was so unfeeling the day before.
His face was turned toward the trees and his hair blew in the wind behind him. A short-sleeved black shirt adorned his chest, modestly revealing the esoteric tattoo circling his bicep. His legs were bent with the curve of the car and a cigarette was balanced between his fingers. I scuffed my feet against the gravel and his face turned, out of sheer curiosity, in my direction.
The corners of his mouth ascended his face, leaving me weak in the knees and throwing off the balance I had just obtained. I continued walking as he held the cigarette up to his mouth. I could feel the anticipation building inside of me with each passing step. He rested his arms on his legs and watched me approach him with a come-hither grin and stare.
I reached around my neck and pulled the bag off my shoulder but he took it from me before I could stop him and placed it in my back seat. We stood there quietly and after a moment, he laughed softly with amusement.
“What?” I asked.
“You’re still angry with me.”
“No I’m not.” His smile grew wider, flashing me his brilliant white teeth.
“Good.” He gestured with his head for me to come to him and I hesitated for a few seconds just to annoy him. “Don't make me grovel.”
I moved my body at a leisurely pace but I didn’t have far to walk. He stopped leaning on the car and rested himself against my body instead. His smell surrounded me and his cool breath made me tremor. He lowered his face to mine and imprisoned me.
“Jaden,” I whispered. I opened my eyes and he was leering at me with a fiendish grin.
“I’m enraptured.” His deep voice steamed against my skin. I felt his electrifying touch as his lips skimmed across my neck.
A group of guys walked by, speaking loudly about the newest action movie, and I pulled away from him. They glanced over at us without a break in conversation and went on their way but I couldn't help notice that Jaden was surveying them like a police officer, an apparent annoyance by their presence. He moved the hair away from his eyes and proceeded to lean against his car, watching traffic while it passed.
“I saw in the paper that there's a carnival next week.”
“Yep, every year.” He looked back at me.
“Are you gonna go?” I asked curiously.
“I don’t know. I haven’t gone in years. It’s usually lame.” My smile faded. “Why—did you want to go?”
“I’m new in town and I really should experience all that Shadow Heights has to offer.”
“Just give me time,” he joked.
“I didn’t mean you.” He coughed out a laugh.
“I know. I was just messing with you. So what are your plans for tonight?” he asked after turning his attention back to me, his hands tucked in his pockets.
“I need to read a couple chapters for English but other than that, nothing. Why?”
“I'd like you to go somewhere with me.”
“I'd love to. Where?” He placed his weathered hands in mine. They felt cool this time.
“To our spot on the cliff.” I nodded my head; remembering the glorious sunset we had seen but then I developed reservations after recalling the unnecessary danger he put me in.
“As long as you promise not to scare me like last time.”
“I promise.” He held his palm to his heart like a scout swearing an honor. I allowed myself to fall into his arms and he held me close. He inhaled the scent coming from my hair. “Ah, coconut.” I kissed him sweetly on the lips and when I pulled away, he licked his bottom lip. “Mm, Mina.” I laughed shyly. “I’ll see you tonight then.”
“What time?”
“Is seven okay?” I nodded. “See you then.” Alone time with Jaden. I was beaming inside.
Caylie was home from school when I arrived and embarked on her never-ending journey of words about her first day as soon as I walked in the door. She was wearing a purple t-shirt and faded jean shorts, which did not pass the fingertip rule that is usually adhered to in schoo
l. She followed me through the house, recounting every mind numbing detail.
She mentioned that she was trying out for cheerleading but I could care less. I thought cheerleading was a joke. They were only eye candy for the crowd, doing aerobics while showing off their bodies to the drooling male audience. Legalized pedophilia if you ask me. Trying my best to support her, I congratulated her on her vendetta.
Since I hadn't eaten all day, I grabbed myself a bagel and an orange and sat at the table to eat. I pulled out my copy of Hamlet from my bag and began reading. I knew the story but had never read the play in its entirety. We were only required to read the first act by Wednesday but I read a little farther ahead. I found the story engrossing and I couldn’t put it down.
A car door slammed shut outside and I got up to look out the window. It was my dad, dressed in a full suit, now home from his busy working day. He was carrying a tall stack of papers under his arms along with his briefcase.
My dad was the town accountant and was now keeping tabs on the city’s finances. I could tell he was more stressed out than usual. It was unsettling to see him without his standard chipper grin. He walked in the door and headed straight to his den, which was in the back of the house, without saying hello to either of his daughters. A loud noise echoed through the hall as he threw the stack of papers onto his desk. Worried about his change of mood, I walked back there and peered in to check on him.
“Hey Dad.” He looked up with a wrinkled brow and waved. “Rough day?”
“You could say that,” he replied with impatience. “They’ve got their whole system screwed up where you can’t understand a damn thing.” I flinched at his tone. He never raised his voice or swore unless he hurt himself, such as stubbing his toe. I started to walk away when he called me back. “I’m sorry Wil. How was your first day?” He smiled and seemed to be more relaxed. He hadn't called me that in years and I found its usage kind of strange.
“Good.”
“That’s all you’re gonna say?” he grumbled.
“I don’t know. It was very informative. I’m learning lots. Come on Dad, it was the first day.” He turned on his computer and leaned back in his chair. I tried to think of something to talk about. “Uh...we’re studying Shakespeare in English class.”
“Huh. I never really got into that stuff.” He rubbed his neck to smooth out the knots.
“That’s because it’s for people with attention spans.”
A haughty laugh escaped his chest and that was enough interaction for me, I decided. I left the den and went upstairs to my room. I skimmed through my biology book, reviewing things I learned the year before in high school. I was confident in myself to do well on a quiz so I closed the book, placing it on my desk next to Jaden’s roses. They were still perfect and hadn’t yet started to wither.
I decided not to change my clothes after remembering the cliff was mostly made of loose dirt and weeds. My jeans were the perfect thing for that. I dabbed some vanilla scented perfume along my neck and slid a necklace on over top. I touched up my makeup and hurried into the bathroom to finish getting ready.
It felt eerie being alone in the same room where I had seen that man appear. I prayed to myself that he would not appear again, not at that moment. I couldn’t wait to get out of there.
I grabbed my purse and a fresh pack of smokes and jogged downstairs. My family was eating dinner in the kitchen and I went in to say hello.
“There you are,” my mom said as I walked over to the table. She had already changed out of her work clothes into more comfortable ones for lounging.
“Sorry, I was doing some homework.”
“Oh, that reminds me. How did it go?” They all looked up to gauge my reaction.
“Good, I think I’m gonna like my teachers.” They returned to their food, devouring the animal carcass on their plates.
“What are you plans for tonight?” she continued.
“Um...I’m going out with Jaden.” In an act of condemnation, my father dropped his fork and it clambered on the china, startling everyone in the room.
“Absolutely not! We already discussed this Mina,” he shouted. I could see the heat rise to his face and he unbuttoned his collar to release some of the warmth.
“Steve,” my mom tried to quiet him. “I would like to meet him.”
“So would I,” Caylie chimed in. My dad sat their impatiently while glaring up at me and his green eyes showed no humor that day.
“No way are you going out with this guy. I'm surprised at you Wil, you know better than that. After what he did to Greg, I’m surprised you’d even want to.”
“What’s the big deal? You’ve never had a problem with me going on dates before.” I tapped my foot impatiently on the floor while I waited for his answer.
“I don’t want you going anywhere with a guy like that.” His eyes stayed focused on mine.
“I thought you liked him.”
“I do but there’s no excuse for that kind of behavior.”
“I’m eighteen now and you can’t tell me what to do!” He pounded his fist on the table, causing everyone to jump.
“Damn it Mina!” He jabbed his finger into the air. “I’m sick and tired of hearing that from you. When I was your age, I listened to my parents.”
“That’s not what Uncle Tom told me.” I reveled in this moment as he grew silent. I must’ve hit on something right, you have no room to talk now.
“You will not talk to me that way in my house!” he yelled, scooting his chair back from the table. My mom stood up and placed her hand on his arm, shocked by his new behavior.
“Steve, calm down. She hasn’t done anything wrong. How about a compromise?” she suggested. “Introduce us to the boy and let me see whether or not I agree with your father.”
I thought about it long and hard while I poured myself a glass of water. “Fine,” I huffed after swallowing. If it’ll get them off my back, I’ll do it. The doorbell rang throughout the house and I turned quickly to face my family.
“I'll get it,” I shouted. I ran to answer the door and when I reached the outside, I closed it behind me to keep them out. Jaden had a questionable expression on his face after seeing me rush out in such a hurry. I grabbed his arm and pulled him to the side of the porch away from the windows. I was all geared up to tell him but as my eyes gazed upon him, his appearance threw me off guard. He was wearing dark jeans and a gray striped button-up shirt, unbuttoned, with a white t-shirt on underneath—very mainstream. He even had his hair tied back nicely, showing his perfectly structured face. He looked very suave and not at all like a ruffian. He looked ideal for a first impression.
“You look so good,” I declared.
“Thanks,” he smiled. “You look good too, gorgeous actually.” He leaned over and kissed me on the lips but it was stopped shortly because I hadn’t returned my usual enthusiasm. He waited for me to speak but I couldn’t find the means to do so. I was still in awe by this new appearance. He looked so very clean-cut and not at all like a bad boy.
“What’s the matter?” he asked while taking my hand, slightly disturbed by my silence. His usual electric touch flowed right through it while he held it lightly in his, stroking the back of my hand with his fingers.
“Oh.” A light bulb flashed in my mind and I suddenly remembered why I ran outside in such a hurry. “My family wants to meet you.” He seemed to relax after I said that but I figured it would have made his anxiety skyrocket.
“I can do that,” he said in a calm manner.
I opened the door and we stepped inside. “Don’t be nervous. You said you wanted to be able to defend yourself, well now's your chance. My dad doesn't want me to see you anymore.” He smirked, taking my hand.
“I'll work my magic,” he joked. I squeezed his hand and he took a deep breath as we stepped through the swinging kitchen door. My parents stood up from their seats as soon as we appeared. My mother looked over, giving me her immediate stamp of approval but my dad, on the other hand, glower
ed at him with unfeeling eyes.
“Mom—this is Jaden.” Caylie cleared her throat loudly, offended that I had forgotten her. “Oh, and my sister Caylie.”
“Hi,” she said cheerfully. He waved back.
“Jaden, this is my mom, Diane and I believe you’ve already met my dad.” He reached his hand out and my mother grasped it first. Jaden's next move surprised me. He leaned over in a proper bow and lifted her hand to his face, kissing her upon the hand like he was living in a different time. Her face went red as their hands parted.
When Jaden's attention returned to my dad, they gripped each other’s hands like men. A strong, firm handshake like they were conducting a business meeting.
“It’s nice to see you again sir,” Jaden said while locking eyes with my dad.
My mom slid down in her seat and took a drink of her wine, trying to cool herself off from his effect. My sister watched Jaden’s every move and I gestured for her to stop.
My dad glared at him, scrutinizing his appearance. “So what exactly are your intentions with my daughter?”
“Dad!” I yelled. Jaden placed his hand on my arm, soothing me. I was impressed by the way he composed himself.
“I know I haven’t known Mina for very long but I care for your daughter more than you realize. I’d like to apologize for my behavior the other night but I’m sure you can sympathize. What man couldn’t? My jealousy got the best of me but I assure you, it will not happen again. Your daughter is in safe hands, sir.” Before giving him a chance to reply, I interrupted.
“Dad, did you know Jaden used to live in this house?” My dad suddenly grew fascinated by their conversation, leaning toward Jaden from the table.
“Is that right?”
“It’s true sir. I lived here up until my father’s death.” My eyes darted over. He had never once mentioned that or given me the idea that his father was no longer living.
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