Takes You

by Nicola C. Priest

  He nods, and I sigh. There goes our evening at the cinema.

  “I’m sorry, Cris. I had no idea you didn’t like horror movies. We can leave and do something else.” When Caleb starts to move, I grab his arm and still him. This irrational fear has been with me since I was young. If I’m ever going to get over it, I need to pull up my big girl pants and stick it out. Who knows, they’re probably not as bad as I remember.

  “No, we can stay.” I smile at him as he looks at me with concern.

  “Are you sure? I don’t want you to stay if you really don’t want to.”

  “I’m good. I promise.” He visibly relaxes in his seat and smiles, before leaning over and kissing me lightly. He settles back and gets comfortable just as the lights begin to dim. Reaching across, he takes my hand.

  “You can hold on to me if you get scared.”

  I look at him, before I burst out laughing, my earlier apprehension about the movie forgotten.

  Chapter 10

  Crissie

  Well, the movie wasn’t all that bad. A story about four young warlocks battling against another warlock, who holds a three-century year old grudge, isn’t the type of horror movie I’m scared of. It was actually not a bad movie, and I can see why all of Caleb’s friends were going on about it.

  As I relax into Caleb’s sofa, he busies himself in the kitchen, making us a drink. I can hear the clinking of cups and the jangle of cutlery as he gets everything he needs to make a hot chocolate for himself and a tea for me.

  I stare at the empty screen of the too-huge-for-the-room, flat screen TV and grin as the ‘boys and their toys’ phrase pops into my head. Looking around the room, I can clearly see Caleb has made this place his home. It’s definitely a man’s place, with only a couple of items I’d consider girlie—probably brought round by Lizzie when she visited during the week.

  She's still a little cool on the idea of me dating her brother, but I think she’s getting there. At least we can have a conversation now without her pouting at me.

  I hear Caleb muttering to himself in the kitchen, something I’ve realised he does a lot when he’s in the middle of something. It’s almost like he’s talking himself through the stages of whatever he’s doing, and it can be comical at times, especially when he doesn’t realise he’s doing it. Like now.

  “Kettle on. Teabag in the cup. Sugar in the cup.” He pauses for a moment, wondering what he’s missed, and then it comes to him. “Milk!”

  He says it a little louder than he intended, and I call out to him. “Did you say something, Cal?”

  I wait for his response, which comes when he sticks his head around the doorframe, peering into his living room. “Nope, all’s good. Do you want to pick a movie and get it ready? The drinks are almost done. You can pick this one as I picked the last one.”

  He grins at me, and I know he’s referring to the movie we watched earlier. I’ve a feeling that film could be the first and last horror movie we watch together.

  Standing up from the sofa, I walk across the room to the bookcase Caleb has placed in the alcove next to the fireplace. He has dozens of DVDs to choose from, and I think I’m going to struggle to find a movie neither of us has seen.

  I recall a conversation we had a few weeks into our relationship, where he told me he buys a new DVD each week. I’m assuming he has watched them all, otherwise what’s the point in buying them?

  I tilt my head to the side, reading the names on the spines of the DVDs. To say he has an eclectic taste in movies wouldn’t be accurate. There is every genre I’ve ever heard of represented on this bookcase. I’m beginning to think I won’t find one, then I spot it; a film I have loved ever since I first saw it when I was eight years old.

  Reaching out, I take the DVD off the shelf and smile, jumping when I hear Caleb’s voice close behind me.

  “Lizzie must have left that here as I don’t recall buying that one.” I turn and face him, accepting the mug of tea he’s holding in his hand. “What’s it about?”

  “You’ve never seen The Princess Bride?” I ask him.

  “No. Is it any good?”

  All I can do is stare at him, unable to believe he’s lived for almost nineteen years and not seen what has to be my favourite film of all time, bar none.

  “Oh, Mr Roberts, you are in for a treat.” I put my mug down on the coffee table and insert the disc into Caleb’s DVD player. When the TV screen flickers to life, I grin as the familiar introduction appears. Grabbing Caleb’s hand, I pull him over to the sofa and we both fall into the cushions. I tuck my feet under me and lean into him as his arm goes around my shoulder, holding me to his side.

  “Let’s see what I’ve been missing, then,” Caleb says as he puts the remote control in my hand, and I push the play button.

  Almost two hours later, I’m grinning like a mad woman as the end credits roll on The Princess Bride. Watching that movie again sent me back to my childhood, and I found myself repeating the lines more than once. I turn to Caleb, eager to see what he thought of the film. He stayed silent through most of it, and right now, his expression isn’t giving anything away.

  “Well? What did you think?”

  Caleb turns to me and just stares. God, did he really hate it that much? I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like this movie. Even my dad likes to watch it, saying it reminds him of when I was a little girl and we used to watch it together when I got back from school. I smile at the happy memories as Caleb continues to just look at me.

  “My name is Caleb Roberts. I am your boyfriend. Prepare to squeal.”

  I open my mouth to ask him what he’s talking about, but before I can, I’m flat on my back and Caleb’s fingers are digging into my ribs as he tickles me. My legs are pinned to the sofa as he straddles my thighs, so there’s no way I can move, and when one of his hands grips my wrists and holds them above my head, I’m completely at his mercy.

  I try and twist out of his grip but he’s too strong, the fingers on his free hand running across my ribs. I do as he said I would and squeal when he hits a particularly sensitive spot on my right side, bucking my hips to try and throw him off. This just makes him tickle me harder, and my breathing comes in sharp gasps between the laughter I’m trying to supress.

  “Caleb,” I scream as his fingers continue to torture me. I tug at my hands, but he holds them firmly, and pretty soon, my eyes are watering, tears streaming down my face as I’m no longer able to contain my laughter.

  Then, he suddenly stops and looks down at me. I peer up through watery eyes, my breathing still erratic, and see his expression is one of wonder and awe. I tug my hands again and this time he releases them, shifting so both of his hands are on the sofa, either side of my head. My legs are still pinned beneath his weight, but right now, I’m in no hurry to move him.

  I take several deep breaths to even out my breathing, and swipe at the tears on my cheeks. My heart is beating a fast, steady rhythm as I stare up at Caleb, who’s just looking down at me. We say nothing for what seems like an age, just peering at each other. I’m still pinned to the sofa, but moving is the farthest thing from my mind

  “Caleb?” I whisper.

  “Hmm,” is his response.

  “Are you ever going to kiss me?”

  His expression remains the same for several moments, before he tilts his head and smiles down at me. “As you wish.”

  When his lips touch mine, I’m lost.

  Chapter 11

  Crissie

  I could get used to this.

  Waking up next to Caleb this morning is something I know I’ll never tire of. Four months together, and already I want to spend every night with him. After last night, and the knowledge I didn’t have to get up, get dressed and go home, it’s something I want to repeat night after night.

  Right now, I’m curled up on the sofa in my bathrobe while Caleb makes us breakfast; bacon and egg sandwiches for him, sausage and tomato for me. I can smell the bacon sizzling in the kitchen and it’s making my m
outh water.

  As I wait, my mind drifts to the conversation I know I need to have with Caleb. I told myself I’d do it this morning, not wanting to ruin our night out, but I don’t think I can. Even though I don’t think he’ll have a problem with me going away to college, I don’t want to do anything that could put any kind of strain on our still new relationship.

  All kinds of possibilities run through my head, and I make a decision. I’m not going to tell him. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Right? I’ll get a part-time job until I can find something more permanent. Maybe I can take a year off studying and reapply next year. I know a few of my friends are doing that; I don’t see why I can’t do the same thing. I’m not going to give up my dreams; I’m just going to delay them for twelve months.

  “Here you go,” Caleb says as he walks through from the kitchen to sit next to me. He hands me the plate, and I inhale deeply, my stomach growling, causing Caleb to laugh.

  “If you were that hungry you should have said earlier,” Caleb says as he picks up his sandwich and takes a bite, the brown sauce he favours dripping down the front of his chest. I watch the sauce as it leaves a trail on his bare skin, jumping when I hear Caleb clear his throat. I bring my eyes up to his, which are watching me with amusement.

  I feel a little embarrassed at being caught staring, and I swallow nervously. My hunger for food has been replaced with my hunger for the man sat next to me.

  “Keep looking at me like that, Cris, and I’m going to be having something else for breakfast, and I’m sure it’ll taste a whole lot nicer than this sandwich.”

  My pulse spikes at his words, and all I can do is turn from him and take a bite of my sandwich. Why does it affect me so much when he talks like that? Part of me loves the reaction his words bring out in me, but the other part is embarrassed by them. It could be my inexperience, I guess. Will I ever get used to Caleb talking to me like that?

  He’s not afraid to tell me how he’s feeling or what he wants. Most of the time, all I can do is nod and smile, as I’m unsure how to respond to his suggestive words. I guess I should be happy a guy like Caleb wants me the way he does. I’m just so unaccustomed to someone speaking to me the way he does that I never know how to react.

  I hear his chuckle as I tuck into my sandwich, willing my racing heart to go back to normal. That’s no easy feat with Caleb sat next to me, bare-chested and looking as edible as scraps to a starving man. I really need to get us talking about something else to try and get my brain out of the gutter.

  “So, what do you want to do today?” I ask as I risk a sideways glance in his direction.

  “You mean, apart from you?” My eyes widen at his words, and I pause mid bite. I know he’s teasing me—well, only half teasing me—and as usual, I have no clue how to respond to him. “Sorry, Cris, I don’t mean to tease, but I love to see that expression on your face. It’s a mixture of shock and embarrassment. It’s so cute.”

  I narrow my eyes at him, trying my hardest to look pissed, but I know I’m failing as I can’t stop the smile spreading to my lips.

  “Anyway, today. I hadn’t really thought about it. Is there anything you want to do?”

  There is something I want to do, but I don’t think he’ll be up for it. Everything I know about him tells me his response will be a hell no, or words to that effect, but I guess I’ll never really know unless I ask him.

  “Well, my parents gave me some money for passing my exams. I was hoping to go out and spend it at Cheshire Oaks?” I finish my sandwich and look at him, seeing him considering my suggestion.

  “Okay. Sounds like a plan.”

  “Really? You don’t mind going shopping with me?” I ask him, trying to keep the disbelief out of my tone.

  “You thought I’d say no?” he asks curiously.

  “Well, shopping and guys doesn’t normally mix, so I guess I just assumed…” I let my sentence trail off and wait for his response, which comes almost immediately.

  “Cris, I’ll do anything with you. If you want me to come with you and carry all your shopping bags, then I’m there.”

  I put my now clear plate on the coffee table and take his from his hands to do the same. Uncurling my legs from under me, I move to stand, and before I can change my mind, I straddle Caleb’s lap, his hands going to rest on my hips.

  “I knew there was a reason I love you,” I tell him as my arms wrap around his neck.

  “Oh yeah? Just the one reason?”

  Giving him my brightest smile, I lean in and proceed to show him all the ways I love him.

  Caleb

  Not long after we've left my flat, I’m pulling up outside Crissie’s parents house. She needed to come home to pick up her exam money, and, after we enjoyed a quick breakfast and then each other, we’re finally here.

  It’s only fifteen minutes to Cheshire Oaks, but Crissie didn’t want me to drive. Her excuse was that she didn’t like me driving her everywhere, but I have a feeling there’s another reason; one she’s not telling me. She’s never had a problem with me driving before, so why now?

  “I’ll just be a minute,” she says as she jumps out the car, and I’m quick to follow her. “You can wait in the car if you like?” she suggests, but I shake my head.

  “I’ll come in with you. I want to say hi to your parents.”

  Nodding, Crissie holds out her hand, and I take it as we both walk up the path towards the front door. Crissie has the door open within seconds, and then we’re stepping into her parents’ living room.

  “Hey, Crissie. Hey, Caleb. What brings you two here?”

  “Hey, Mum, I just need to grab my exam money. Caleb is coming shopping with me.” She smiles at me again, that smile that makes my heart skip a beat, before she releases my hand and heads off up the stairs.

  “She loves to shop, you know, Caleb. I hope you’re wearing comfy shoes.”

  “Yes, I’m all prepared, and if it gets too bad, I can just wait in the car.”

  Mrs Walker laughs at me and gently pats my shoulder. I like Crissie’s parents. It’s clear they love their only daughter, and the house they live in has provided Crissie with a loving and safe home. I shall always be grateful to them for that.

  “You’re going to drive, then? Thought you might have taken the bus. It runs pretty frequently into Cheshire Oaks. I assume that’s where you’re going?”

  “Where else would a teenage girl with money to spend go?”

  “Good point,” she says with a smile, a smile that matches her daughter’s.

  “Crissie didn’t want me to drive, though. For some reason, she seems really hung up on me driving everywhere. I keep telling her I don’t mind, and she usually relents, but I have to admit, it’s bugging me why she suddenly has a problem with it.” I can’t quite believe I’m telling Mrs Walker this. I don’t think Crissie would appreciate me talking to her about her problem with my driving. It’s never been a problem before this morning, which is partly why I think it’s more than her just not being comfortable with me driving all the time.

  “I wouldn’t worry, Caleb. She’s probably just thinking about all the driving you’ll have to do when she goes off to college in Birmingham.”

  Say what now? College? Birmingham?

  “I’m sorry, Mrs Walker, but what do you mean when she goes to college in Birmingham?” I see the expression on her face change instantly, and I have a feeling she’s told me something she wasn’t supposed to. The question is, why hasn’t Crissie told me?

  “Oh, Caleb, I’m so sorry. I thought she’d told you. She said she was going to tell you this morning. I just assumed…”

  It’s clear Mrs Walker feels bad about what she’s done, but before I can reassure her it’s okay, Crissie reappears at the foot of the stairs. She looks between her mother and me, and as soon as she sees the expression on her face, I can tell she knows something isn’t right. “Is everything okay, Mum?”

  “Everything’s fine, Cris,” I say before her mother can respond. “I was
just telling your mum about the movie we watched last night. Seems she’s not a huge fan of horror movies either.”

  I see Crissie nod, her brow furrowed as she takes in what I’ve said. “You sure you’re okay, Mum?”

  “I’m fine, honey. You two go and have a nice day.”

  I hold out my hand to Crissie, and she takes it without hesitation, her eyes still on her mum. Something tells me she doesn’t believe my explanation about the horror movie, but she doesn’t say anything as we leave the house and return to my car.

  I’m in two minds whether to say anything to her about Birmingham. On the one hand, I want to know what’s going on and why she’s not told me. On the other hand, I don’t want to cause any tension between Crissie and her mother.

  Indicating as I pull away from the pavement, I decide I’ll give Crissie until the end of the day to tell me what’s going on of her own volition. If she’s not said anything by then… well, I don’t know what I’ll do. But one thing’s for certain: there must be a reason she’s not mentioned anything to me. I hope above all else that it’s not because she wants to end things, because if it is, I’m pretty certain my life will never be the same again.

  Chapter 12

  Crissie

  Something’s not right.

  Ever since we left my parent’s house this morning, Caleb has only spoken when I’ve asked him something. Something happened between him and my mum when we were at home. I knew something wasn’t right when Caleb said my mum must hate horror movies. She loves them. Give her the choice of any movie genre and that would be the one she would go for.

  Could my mum not be as cool with me sleeping over at Caleb’s as I thought she was? That would certainly cause her to be a little off with him, but not him with me. I dismiss that idea immediately and glance across at him. He’s walking beside me, holding my bags in one hand and my hand in the other.