“See ya later.”
She heads in the other direction from my class. All morning, I look forward to lunch. Alyssa’s right, it’s been a while since we spent time together and next year we won’t have this time. When the bell rings, I grab the books and lunch from my locker.
The hallways are quiet, which is never a good sign, but as I pass the door of the cafeteria, I see Chaz is already inside. There’s no sign of Seona, but I’ll see her in history. One of these days, he’s going to push me too far and I’m going to end up doing something I might regret.
The art room is at the other end of the building and when I get there, Alyssa already has everything set up, including a new canvas for me.
“How did you know I wanted to start on something new?” I laugh, walking through the door.
She shrugs. “Call me a mind reader. I wasn’t sure what colors you wanted, so I went with a variety.”
“I’m not even sure what colors I’ll use. I have this picture in my head, but I’m not sure what it’s going to look like on a canvas.”
“Well, we already know it’s going to be ten times better than mine.” She smirks.
I bump shoulders with her. “Yeah right, like you don’t kick my ass every time.”
“Okay, maybe I do.”
We both start laughing at the ridiculousness of it all and fall into our normal rhythm of painting and eating.
“So, how has practice been going? Any more shit from Chaz?”
That’s right, I haven’t told her about the incident with the clothes. It’s just going to piss her off, but it’s not like I’ve hidden anything from her before. Launching into the story, I watch the variety of emotions play out on her face. About halfway through the story, my phone buzzes. Seeing who the message is from brings a smile to my face.
Seona: Where r u? You’re missing Chaz act like an asshole again.
Me: Art room. Promised Alyssa I’d have lunch with her.
I continue the story and when I’m done, Alyssa looks like she wants to hunt someone down, specifically Chaz.
“And you didn’t let Coach do anything about it?” Her face is red and her hands are shaking.
“Let it go, Alyssa. You know it’s not worth it. Getting Chaz in trouble is only going to make it worse and then I might actually end up hitting him.”
“I think that is about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard from you. He’s an asshole.”
“Alyssa…” I say, making clear that I don’t want to talk about it anymore.
Once again, my phone buzzes in my pocket.
Seona: have fun
I’m not sure why, but her response make me feel like I did something wrong. The thought of texting her back crosses my mind, until I realize that lunch is over in about two minutes and I’ll see her then. I don’t want to get caught with my phone in art; I’d rather not get it taken away.
“What’s the frown for?”
I shake my head, clearing my thoughts. “Nothing. I think Seona might be mad at me.”
“Why would she be mad at you?”
I shrug. “Not sure. Her text just seems off.” She rolls her eyes at me. “What?”
“Please tell me you don’t actually think you can hear someone’s tone of voice in a text.”
“Well...I…”
“Oh god, what’s wrong with you. Too many hits to the head on the field?” She laughs.
“Ha ha. Very funny.”
The bell rings and our time is up; the rest of the class will be here soon. I point at her.
“We’ll continue this later.”
Some of our other class members come through the door, so I mouth at her. Count on it.
We laugh about it throughout the class, continuing the paintings we started at lunch. The next two periods fly by, and in a blink of an eye, I’m in history class. I beat Seona there and wait for her to walk through the door. When she does, I can tell something’s off, just like I thought when I read her text earlier.
“Hi Seona, how was lunch?”
“Fine.”
One word answers after all of the talking we did last night just didn’t seem right. We broke down so many walls the last few days, I didn’t want them going back up.
“Did I do something wrong?”
She looked at me for a moment and sighed. “No, just ignore me. I missed you at lunch today.”
“Sorry about that. I hadn’t spent any time with Alyssa in the last week. We’re used to spending all of our time together. How about I have lunch with you tomorrow?”
Her face lights up and just like that, everything is back to how it was last night. Once again it feels good, and I find that I’d much rather see Seona happy than the way she looked just a few moments ago.
Over the next few days, I feel a shift in our relationship. While I originally went into this wanting to be friends, it seems as if it could be so much more. There is something about Seona that draws me to her, like I haven’t been to someone before. Each night I find myself texting her before I go to bed and finding ways to make her smile. Each day brings something new. It started with sitting together at lunch.
The first day was a little awkward with the tension between Seona and Alyssa. I’m not sure what caused it, but after I explained to Alyssa that we were just friends, some of the animosity seemed to disappear. And really that’s all we were, I had no right to assume she noticed the changes that I did. By Friday morning I found myself waiting for her at her locker in the morning.
The clocks in school seem to be moving backwards and it takes forever for game time to hit. Maybe its nerves about the game or hanging out with Seona afterward, either way, sitting in the locker room, my hands are shaking with the adrenaline coursing through my system. So far Chaz has left me alone, which surprises me. I expected to deal with some shit, especially with Seona sitting with me at lunch lately, but nothing happened.
Either way, Chaz is going to have to get over himself. As the starting wide receiver, if Chaz wants to win, he’s going to have to work with me and throw me the ball. The reality is that neither of us wants to be around the other. He’s good at twisting the truth, making it believable. While I would rather stick with the truth, even if it burns me in the end.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see him standing there waiting, watching me. Almost like he’s waiting for the right opportunity to strike. Right as he pushes away from his locker, Coach comes out of his office to give us his before the game talk. When he’s done, we put on our helmets and get ready to run out on the field for the first time this season.
It’s a weird feeling. It’s my last first game of the season, of any season. I don’t plan on playing football once I leave high school. There’s talk about scouts and scholarships, maybe even the pros at some point, but Dad and I talked about it last over the summer and he supports whatever decision I make.
Knowing Dad’s in the bleachers with my mom, I’m just glad I got the opportunity to play before graduating high school. The one thing I promise myself about tonight is that I will keep my eyes away from the cheerleaders. I know if I see her, I’ll have a hard time concentrating. Coach gives us the signal and we run onto the field.
The game passes pretty quickly, even with Chaz being an asshole and throwing me every difficult pass he can. Much to his surprise and thanks to a lot of practice with Travis, I’m able to catch most of them. In the end, we are able to win by one touchdown, on a throw that is almost impossible to catch. Even so, I reach up and pull the ball into my chest, crossing the goal line right before the clock winds down.
It’s an amazing win. The crowd screaming and yelling for us and it feels good to be out here again. I will miss it. What surprises me though, is that Chaz looks pissed that we won. The idea that he’s willing to lose the game just to keep me from catching the ball doesn’t sit real well. But I have so much more on my mind at the moment, including my date with Seona.
Ever since the incident with my clothes, Coach Bryde has made sure that there is
always someone in the locker room, keeping their eye on things while we are showering. Which is good because I can jump in the shower and not worry about where my clothes are before I meet Seona.
Not wanting to waste a moment, I brought my jeans and a button down shirt with me, plus my cowboy hat. Seona has mentioned a few times about Texas boys being so nice. I figure I’ll give her the full experience, even though I’m not a born and raised Texas boy. Showering and changing as fast as possible, I walk out of the locker room and stop dead in my tracks.
Never in my life did I imagine I would be this lucky. She’s dressed in a skirt, that’s not too short, not long, but just right for showing off her legs. Add to that the light pink top and a denim jacket, she’s gorgeous.
Her eyes widen when she sees me. “What’s with the hat?”
I laugh. “I thought I’d give you the full Texas experience tonight. You look great; are you ready?”
“Let’s go.”
She gives Claire and, ugh, Vanessa, a wave and loops her arm through mine to walk to the car. Hopefully she’ll figure out soon what a devious bitch Vanessa is. I should tell her, but every time I try to warn someone about her and Chaz they never believe me. It just makes it look like all of the rumors are true.
The local pizza place is pretty packed, but we don’t have to wait long for a table. Once we’re seated, I can sense the charge between us and I wonder if it’s only me. Picking up the menu, she smiles and it just does something to me, something I can’t really explain.
All I know is, I think I want be more than friends with her. It’s this thought that has my mind wandering with all of the possibilities. What would it be like to go out with Seona? To spend all of our time together?
“Jayceon? Earth to Jayceon,” Seona, calls out good naturedly. I realize she’s been trying to get my attention.
“Sorry, my mind wandered.”
“It’s okay. I just wanted to know what you wanted on your pizza.”
“I’m a guy, anything you want works.”
She smirks. “So if I say I love anchovies, you’re okay with that?”
I raise my hands in surrender. “Okay, okay, maybe not anchovies, but anything else.”
“Good, because they’re gross.” She sticks her tongue out and scrunches her nose. “How about pepperoni?”
“Perfect.”
The waitress stops over a minute later to take our order, all the while Seona’s sitting there watching me like she’s trying to figure something out.
“Go ahead ask whatever you want to know.”
The color of her cheeks tinge pink, but it makes her even more beautiful. “Well, you said about the full Texas experience, but I thought your dad played for the Miami Dolphins. Did you and your mom always live here?”
“No, actually we lived in Coral Gables, until Dad retired four years ago. Then he got the job from Texas and he moved us here.”
“Do you like it here?”
“At first it was great, but over the last year, I’ve been counting down the time until I can leave for college. But lately, I think I’m starting to like it again.”
Seona’s eyes drop to the table, making me wonder. I haven’t known her to be shy since we met. This was definitely something new. I open my mouth to ask what’s wrong, when the waitress returns with our drinks. The silence stretches on as she sets the drinks on the table and walks away.
Okay, this is getting ridiculous. I’ve never had a girlfriend before. Hell, I’ve never done more than kiss a girl before. Whatever this could be turning in to, I need to slow myself way down. Giving Seona a break, I change the subject.
“How was your halftime routine?”
“Oh it worked out really great. Vanessa was acting a little weird though. Every time we were in lines she kept taking a step forward so that she was in front of everyone.” She shrugs.
“That’s weird.” Yeah, not really; the girl is a super bitch.
“Yeah, when I asked her about it afterward, she blew it off like it wasn’t a big deal. Anyway, those were some amazing catches tonight.”
Now it was my turn to be a little embarrassed. “Thanks, but I never would have been able to catch them without practicing with your brother.”
Eventually, the pizza arrives and we take a break from talking to just enjoy the best pizza in College Station. What I like even more about Seona is that she’s not one of those girls who orders a salad to prove that she doesn’t eat a lot. There’s not a guy out there that likes that.
We finish our food, but are way too full to order dessert. Everything has been going so well tonight and I don’t want it to end. When the waitress drops off our bill, I grab it and pull out my wallet.
“This ones on me.” I smile.
“Thanks.”
“Did you want to go home yet?”
She shakes her head. “Not really.”
“I’ve got an idea. We’ve got ice cream and no one’s home. How about we watch a movie on Netflix at my house?”
The smile is slow at spreading across her face. “I think that’s a great idea.”
Chapter 10
Seona
Jayceon holds out his hand and I take it. “Can you please take off your cowboy hat,” I laugh, taking it off his head and put it on mine. “Wait, I think this looks way better on me anyways.” I place my hands on my hips and cock my hip to the left, showing him my cute duck face.
“Please,” he bursts out laughing, “Don’t ever do the duck face!”
“Why!”
“That’s the lamest expression a girl can make.”
I pout, “Well, your cowboy hat is lame, so don’t wear it again.” I stick out my tongue and Jayceon brings me into his arms and gives me a hug. I throw back my head laughing, holding onto his strong arms.
“Come on, duck face girl.” He lets me go and we walk to his truck. I like riding in his truck with him. As soon as I’m in, instant dirty thoughts are in my head. We’ve been hanging out a lot lately and he hasn’t made a move. Should I? Questions bombard my head and images of straddling Jayceon in his hot truck make my heart beat faster.
The engine of the truck roars as it comes to life and we head back to his house. I turn on the radio to fill the silence.
“You and dancing,” he comments.
“What? You don’t think my dancing is cute?”
“I think your dancing is more than cute.”
Cue blushing and feeling extremely shy. Compliments from Jayceon mean so much more than getting it from other guys. With Jayceon, I know he’s sincere and genuine. I don’t respond to his comment. I’m mesmerized by his driving and I have no idea why. For the first time, I want to get to know someone and find common things we can talk about and do together.
Jayceon pulls into his driveway and I don’t notice any other cars. Maybe they’re parked in the garage. He opens the door for me and helps me down.
“Thank you.”
He places his hand on my back and we walk through the front door. When I’m inside, my mouth slightly drops open. His house is gorgeous. The chandelier hangs in the foyer with paintings on the wall. The wooden spiral staircase, on both sides, leads to the upstairs.
“Let me give you the tour.”
I follow him as he shows me the dining room, living room and kitchen. Everything is clean and looks like I’m walking through a museum.
“Your house is so beautiful.”
“Thanks. Alright, so what do you want on your ice cream?”
“Do you have cookies and cream ice cream with Heath bars?”
Jayceon opens the door to his massive freezer and pulls out the container of ice cream. Turning around, he opens a cabinet and pulls out a package of Heath bars.
“Your favorite?” I nod, “Mine too.”
He grabs two bowls and spoons and puts three scoops of ice cream in each of our bowls and tops it with delicious goodness.
“Follow me,” he winks. Going into his living room, I notice a three seated couch with two
loveseats on opposite sides. I’m not sure where Jayceon’s going to sit or if I should sit in one of the loveseats. Jayceon takes my hand, to my surprise, and squeezes it. He pulls me down on the couch and I swear I can’t breathe. How can one touch make my body react like this?
“What do you feel like watching?”
I take the remote from his hand and scroll through the selection. I’m not sure what I’m in the mood for, but I’m thinking horror. “Let’s watch Insidious.”
“I’m game.” He places his bowl on the coffee table in front of us and lowers the light in the living room. The room is pretty dark, minus the light from the TV. He sits back down and our knees touch. What do I do? Do I place my head on his shoulder? Do friends do that? Damn, I need Kendall ASAP.
“Where’s your bathroom?” Jayceon explains where to go and I rush to leave the room. Shutting the door, I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. Taking out my phone, I text Kendall.
Me: 911! 911!
Kendall: R U ok??
Me: I’m at Jayceon’s house. Dark room. Watching a scary movie. Knees touched. WHAT DO I DO?
Kendall: You 911 me on this?
Me: KENDALL!
Kendall: Follow his lead...Don’t be too quick and watch how he’s acting
Me: He’s been really sweet. Held my hand and pulled me down to sit next to him. He’s a gentleman though. Not pushy at all
Kendall: Go with the flow!
Me: FML
Kendall: You’ll be fine! Text me later
Me: K
I take a few more deep breaths and walk out of the bathroom to join Jayceon. The hallway is dark and feels eerie. I hate scary movies!
“Got ya!”
“Ahhhhh!” I stumble backwards and fall on my ass.
“Oh my god! Seona,” Jayceon hysterically laughs, pulling me up from the floor. “I’m so sorry.”
I hit him on the chest a few times. “Why the hell would you jump out and scare the shit out of me? That’s not funny!” I rub my ass and push him out of the way. “Asshole!”
Beautiful Lessons Page 8