“Yeah, I’ll start Monday.” I beamed. “Do you go to school here?” That question was stupid. Did I mention that I was a moron around this guy! Can I not do anything right?
“Yep, I go here,” Tru nodded. “I’ve lived here all my life.” He quirked a smile. “I’m in the 10th grade, how about you? Same grade, right?”
“Umm, yeah that’s right.” I smiled shyly. “I’m glad you’ll be there.” Swallowing, I tentatively asked, “Maybe you can show me around? If that’s not too much to ask, I mean, and, only if we have the same classes-that is.” God, I’m so throwing in the towel—anything else that comes out of my mouth will be done without my acknowledgement. It was all verbal vomit anyways.
“I’d love to show you around,” Tru grinned. “Even if you’re in a different class than me, I would still show you around.” He winked.
My head was spinning from all Tru’s flirting. It made me weak in the knees, and I felt kinda hot all over. I wondered if he was meaning to flirt with me. Or maybe, that’s how he was with girls. Flirty, cute, easygoing Tru! But, I hoped he meant it just for me.
“That’s great, Tru. Thanks. You’re so sweet.”
“Awe shucks. You think I’m sweet,” Tru teased. “Well . . .,” he drawled. “The feeling’s mutual. And, this feels like I am asking you 20 questions, but I really want to know your age.”
I smiled at him, and said in a sweet, teasing voice. “Well, okay, I guess I’ll answer your 20th question. In two months, I’ll be sixteen. How about you, Tru? What’s your age?”
“I just turned 16 a month ago.”
“Cool!”
“Yeah, it’s pretty sweet. Mom got me a beat-up truck. It’s cool for now. I also had a killer birthday party. Are you going to have a big party?”
“Maybe, my mom said she wants to throw me one.”
“Yeah, man, you should definitely have one,” Tru grinned.
I smiled back then surprised myself by asking, “Well, if I do would you, um . . . like to come? That is, I mean . . . since you and your mom are the first people I’ve met. Maybe, you would like to come?” Ugh! While waiting for his response, I thought to myself: I would do anything to spend time with Tru, even let my mom throw me a birthday party and that’s a big deal. I don t even like celebrating!
“Cool. That would be sweet. I love a good party, and on the plus side I’d get to spend more time with you.” Tru nudged me playfully. “This is the beginning of a good friendship.” He rubbed his hands together. “I do accept your invite.”
“Wow,” I joked. “I hope so, Tru. Because, hey, you’re my only friend right now,” I smiled.
Tru chuckled. “That’s right, and since I’m a nice guy, and I’ll be showing you the ropes . . . how about I come and pick you up for school tomorrow?”
“Really, you would do that for me?”
“Yeah, didn’t I just say I was a nice guy?”
“Sorry,” I said awkwardly. “Thanks a lot, Tru, but I hope I’m not too much of a pain. We just met, and I feel like you’re already doing so much.”
I gazed up, looking right into his eyes. I felt like I could get lost in Tru’s wonderful, bright-green eyes forever. My soul wanted to emerge with his, finally making me complete. I wanted so badly to feel complete, my soul was crying out for his spirit like he was my salvation. He was the one who could heal and complete my whole being.
(And now, I’m a poet.)
Tru looked over at me, and in a sexy voice playing mock hurt, he said, “Dudette.” Tru placed a hand over his heart. “Why would you think that?” I laughed. I couldn’t help myself. Tru was too cute and so funny. “You’re very sweet. I like you. And what I said before about us being good friends, I meant every word. I know I’m going to love doing favors for you.” Tru winked and then gave me a cute-little-crooked grin.
Wow, Tru’s smile was the sun shining into my soul, breaking the darkness within me. And when, exactly, did I become a poet? His smile made my heart melt. I’d never felt like this before. I liked him so much, and I hoped we would be more than just friends.
“Tru, I’m really glad you’re my friend.”
Tru leaned down and with both of his hands he ruffled my hair in a somewhat flirtatious way. My heart skipped a beat from that simple touch. I smiled sinfully at his gesture. “So, Tru, I was wondering what time you are going to pick me up for school?”
A flash of excitement crossed his eyes as a broad grin played over his lips. Tru did the cutest gesture I think I’ve ever seen. He balled up his fists, throwing them straight in the air, and then he pulled both of his arms back down to his sides in a fast movement saying, “Yes. I can pick you up. Man, I think this friendship is moving right along. So how about seven? Is that a good time for you?”
I laughed, “That’s perfect, Tru. I think you’re right about our friendship; it is progressing at a fast speed. It seems like we’ve known each other forever. Don’t you think?”
“I do feel comfortable with you,” Tru smiled. “I’m not like this with everyone. We must be kindred spirits.”
I grinned, and nodded.
Chapter Six
I Was So Busted
Caught up in our conversation, I lost all track of time, but still I heard Mom calling me. I was trying really hard not to pay attention to her. All I wanted was to spend more time with him. However, Mom got louder—and all the trying in the world to ignore her was hopeless—my mom was relentless. Err!
“Charlie! Charlie, I can see you! Come on, it’s time to go home.” I could almost hear her disapproving sigh.
At this point, I had no choice but to answer her. I was so busted. “Coming, Mom,” I said grudgingly. I grimaced. “I guess I have to go.”
“Yep,” he nodded. “I see that. So . . . Um Monday at seven . . . right?”
I nodded, “Yeah, Monday at seven.”
“Cool! Man, I sure can’t wait to see my new friend.” Tru half smiled at me.
“Well, I’m already missing you, too, Tru. I can’t wait either.” I nodded and gave an awkward wave goodbye. I turned sadly away, and headed over to where Mom was. I snuck a glance over my shoulder to see if Tru was still standing there. To my surprise, he hadn’t even moved an inch. I noticed his eyes. They were locked on my every step, on my every movement.
(Oh, the joy!)
I just met the most wonderfully amazing person, and we were going to be close friends. And, a girl can hope that it will turn into something more. Something much, much more! As I was coming up on Mom, I noticed she had this strange look on her face. Oh no! Did she know what was going on? Did she know I liked a guy?
“Hey, Mom,” I said with a crack in my voice. I hope she didn’t notice the tiny smile on my face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you.” Wow, now that was a boldfaced lie if ever. I heard her all right; I just didn’t want to hear her. Not when I was talking to a hot guy, and said hot guy was talking to me. “I hope you didn’t wait too long.” Mom just studied me, not saying a word. I swallowed. “You’re not mad, are you?” My voice had a little squeak at the end of it.
Mom shook her head. “No. I’m not mad. I just finished.” She smiled and asked, “So, Sweetie, did you have fun looking around?”
“Uh-huh. I had a lot of fun,” I said, smiling my dorky smile.
“You look happy. So . . . I see you were talking to someone.” I nodded. “And, did you accomplish what you wanted?” I cocked my head to the side questioningly. “You know . . . meeting someone that goes to school here.”
“Oh yeah, I did exactly that, and he’s nice. He even offered me a ride to school. I hope it’s OK? I said yes. He’ll be picking me up tomorrow.”
Mom gave me a sharp look, but she recovered quickly, blanking her face. I expected her to get furious with me for accepting a complete stranger’s offer to pick me up for school, even if said stranger was a kid who went to the school I’d soon be attending. Definitely, when I saw the sharp look she first gave me. However, I wasn’t expecting what came out of her
mouth next.
She let out a long-suffering sigh and said my name sternly, “Charlie. I would like to meet him first and well . . . you know that kid Jace I told you about?” I nodded. “The thing is, he asked if you needed a ride to school—Jace said he would be happy to pick you up. Therefore, Sweetie, I told him that would be fine with me.”
What? I was shocked. How could she do that without asking me first if I would like to ride with that Jace kid? Ugh, why? This cannot be happening! I had to fix this and fast. It was time for a little persuasion. Yeah, time to work my magic! Honestly, though, I didn’t want to do it. Honestly I didn’t. But, I had to take extreme measures you see, and I was sure the only thing that might help me right now was my puppy-dog-pleading eyes. Although, I could see it wasn’t working too well, so in my last stitch effort I decided to beg. Yeah, begging so wasn’t beneath me.
“Mom . . . please. Please let Tru give me a ride to school. I don’t know Jace, and I do kinda know Tru. Mom, please, he’s nice. I-I-I like him!”
“Charlie, I don’t know,” Mom sighed resignedly. “But, I can see that you do like him.”
Yes. I had Mom right in the palm of my hands. She was about to crack. Yay, my begging must have done the trick. Victory was mine!
(Imaginary fist pump!)
“Well, I guess he can pick you up since Sam and I threw this on you all of a sudden. Next time, ask me beforehand.”
I was so relieved, but kinda irritated. So it’s OK for her to let me ride with someone I never met? God, at least I did meet Tru. And that kid Jace, Mom told him to pick me up. All the same, I’m not going to get mad. I was too happy knowing that I could ride with Tru. See, smiling.
“Oh, I love you so much,” I squealed. “Thank you, Mom, thank you. And don’t worry, I’ll ask next time.”
We got into the car and started home. The whole drive there all I thought about was Tru and how I couldn’t wait to see him. I would acknowledge Mom occasionally with a yes or no, but I couldn’t take my mind off him. Tru! Tru! Tru! I did catch part of the conversation though. It was about Mom and Dad’s friends the Flints, and what we were having for dinner.
“Charlie, are you listening to me?” I snapped my eyes her way and shrugged. Mom gave me an irritated glance. “I said that you are going to get along great with Jace and Rose, and that I can’t wait to see them again. I bet they are so big.” Mom’s irritation faded, and she beamed at me. “Kate and Jerold will be so happy to finally see you as well. And we’re home, so you can take your mind off that boy and get out of the car.”
Funny, to my knowledge, it was pretty far from the house to the store. However, it didn’t seem to take that long this time.
“Sorry, Mom. That didn’t take long at all.”
“I bet it didn’t,” Mom said dryly.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I countered.
“It’s pretty far from the store to our house, Charlie. However, your head was so far up in the clouds thinking about that boy, it probably didn’t take long for you at all. Plus, you hardly said a word to me on the way back home. That boy must have done some number on you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look this happy before.”
“Mom, please. It’s nothing. And don’t tell Dad. You know what he would say. Also, would you stop calling him that boy. He has a name. It’s Tru.”
“What’s true?” Mom asked all innocent like.
I glared. “Err, that’s his name, Mom. Tru’s his name.” I rolled my eyes. She heard me call him Tru.
“I’m sorry, Sweetie. But, I will stop calling him that boy when I meet him.”
“M—oo—oom.”
“No-no, you heard me.”
“Fine. Whatever. Just don’t tell Dad, okay?”
“Well, I won’t have to tell your father anything. He’ll figure it out all by himself,” she murmured.
“Why will he figure it out?” I asked incredulously.
She gave me a look. “Dear, it’s written all over your face. Sam’s bound to know something happened. You’re so happy. You haven’t looked like that in a long time.” I frowned, Mom grinned. “Come on, time to face the music.”
Sometime she can drive me crazy. Although, she did have a point . . . when Dad looked at me, he would know something was up. Well, I guess what Mom said, it was time to face the music. Meanwhile, though, if I could get rid of that stupid, sappy face, maybe everything would go smoothly. As we headed into the house, I felt my stomach ball up into knots. There was Dad sitting on the couch in his usual attire, which consisted of brown slacks and a dress shirt. Dad’s black hair was slicked back with his long legs all stretched out, eyes closed. I let out a soft sigh: This is good. He might be asleep. I started up the stairs slowly, trying not to make any big movements. I didn’t want Dad to notice me, but all my efforts failed. Darn it.
“Hey, Kiddo, aren’t you gonna say hi to your dad?”
That stopped me in my tracks. My heart was beating fast. I was so nervous. I didn’t want to look at him, but if I didn’t answer, he would know something was going on. I turned my head slightly and tried to hold back my smile.
“Hey, Daddy, sorry. I thought you were sleeping. I was trying to be quiet so I wouldn’t wake you.”
“That’s fine, Charlie. I was waiting for you to get home so you could tell me all about your time with your mom, and if you like the town.”
The smile on my face seemed too disintegrate like ashes blowing into the wind. Oh, now I didn’t have to try and hide my stupid puppy dog look. It was gone, and I was angry. So much for being happy! Yay! I knew exactly what he was talking about. Dad didn’t want to know if I liked the town, he just wanted to know if everything went over smoothly when Mom told me about the Flints. That way he wouldn’t have to deal with me. If there was something major going on, well, let’s just say Dad let Mom handle the problem. Fine, that’s just fine.
Fury felt like it was merging into my veins. I was so ticked. I tried to hold my annoyance back. However, I wasn’t doing a good job of it. With a fast movement, I snapped my body around. I surprised even myself as a low growl rumbled from my chest. My eyes were blazing with rage, and my voice was filled with so much ire. The lies, the betrayals, and knowing that they were still keeping secrets, rocked my whole body. I shook with so much resentment and anger, it hurt me physically. Seriously, people, I thought I was going to double over and roll down the staircase at the rage boiling within me. Shaking my head, I lashed out in the sharpest tone that I could force without screaming at him.
“Come on, Dad. Seriously! Seriously! Just say what you really mean.” I threw my hands up in the air, aggravated. Dad gave me a blank look. “You know. . . If I took the news good! Dad, come on, you do know what I’m talking about!” Dad looked at me with this shocked expression. All my strength seemed to drain out of my body, with a weary sigh I said, “Oh, I’m OK with everything, and once again, Dad, you don’t have to worry, Mom took care of it all.”
A heavy burden I didn’t even know I was carrying felt a little dimmer, as if the pain of lies was finally starting to seep out of my pores. Some part of me was pleased with myself for sassing Dad. Meanwhile, another part of me felt sad and disgusted. Perhaps, I was losing a piece of my soul to some kind of darkness. A darkness that I couldn’t comprehend, nor did I really want to. I’m not this person. Some mean girl who lashes out whenever she feels like it. So then, what was up with me? It wasn’t t this big news flash, you know! My parents lie, whoop-dee-freaking doo. But I was acting like it was the end of the world. Childish, spoiled, I was being a brat.
Dad had this astonished, worried look on his face, and maybe he was a little afraid for me just then. Who could blame him, really? I don’t think I’d ever been that cruel to my father before in my life. Therefore, I had to wonder why now? Why was I mad over their lies now? That’s just whack. Hello, my life was surrounded by lies. My parents’ lives were all about lies. So this wasn’t like me to lash out over something like this. And still, I was ticked off
and happy at the same time. I felt silly. I pushed all the bad feelings back down. I was not going to be mad. I had had a good day and had met a wickedly sexy guy. So no being mad! I smiled thinking of Tru. I was going to be OK. No matter what, I was going to be OK.
God, thinking of Tru was like flipping a switch in my head. Oh my, I was becoming that freaking “light clapper” thingy when I thought of Tru: (Clapping once = happy because of Tru. Clapping twice = pissed at Dad. Clap once Tru! Clap twice Dad. Ugh!)
I noticed my dad giving me an intense look: So time to focus on something other than my father. It hurt to see him confused. Dad clearly didn’t understand why I was so angry a moment ago and now, I was happy. That darn clapper: Tru. I quickly glanced over at Mom. She was in the kitchen cooking. There was a deliciously yummy smell of tortilla soup wafting out of the kitchen. That was not helping matters. It just made me happier. I wanted to feel like crap. I was so awful to Dad. I shouldn’t feel this freaking good. I shook my head and watched Mom. She was whistling as she cooked. She swayed back and forth as she steered the cooking pot, Mom’s long black hair flowed wildly around her shoulders. A jolt of sadness came over me then. Moms face betrayed her body language. She was frowning, showing a little discomfort and unease. Great, Mom must have heard me arguing with Dad. She probably thought this couldn’t be her little girl. Nevertheless, it felt good to lash out at Dad. Let’s face it, maybe I was becoming a monster.
“Charlie,” Dad’s soft voice came out like smooth velvet. “Look at me, Sweetie.”
I cringed. Oh God, here it comes. (I can already figure out what he’s going to say -“Don’t you take that tone with me, young lady. I’m your father and I demand respect.”)
A Spark Of Magic: Chosen Saga Book One Page 5