The streetlamp attached to an aging utility pole flickers on and off. With each flash of light, a mix of anger and sadness crosses Isaiah’s face. “You used to let me take care of you. Now you’ve got some asshole jock doing your bidding.”
White-hot anger flashes through me. “Leave Ryan out of this. You’re the one PMS-ing like a girl. First you want to run away with me. Then you don’t want anything to do with me. Then you want to run away with me after graduation. Then you keep telling me to live my life in Groveton. Then you go and tell me that you love me when we both know you don’t.”
My heart jumps out of my chest when he punches his curled fists into the chain-link fence behind him. The metal of the fence vibrates. “Dammit, Beth.”
Isaiah clutches the fence and he bends over as if he’s ready to vomit. Not once in four years have I seen him this emotional. My hands shake with adrenaline. “I don’t understand.”
Isaiah swears softly under his breath. “I am in love with you.”
Ice freezes my muscles. He said it—again. “No, you aren’t.”
Isaiah spins and cups my face with his hands. I don’t feel warmth. I only feel cold. Cold and confused. He lowers his head so that his face is close to mine. “I’ve been in love with you since I was fifteen. I wasn’t man enough to tell you, so Luke swooped in. You were so hurt after he used you that I swore to protect you until you could listen to what I had to say. I’m in love with you.”
My lungs tighten. God, I can’t breathe. Help me breathe. “You’re my best friend.”
“And you’re mine. I want more from you and I’m begging you to please give me more.”
My throat becomes raw and slowly swells. “But you’re my best friend.”
His fingers gently move against my cheek. “You want to leave, I’ll go. I’ll take you now. We’ll get in my car, find your mom, and we’ll never look back. Your terms. Not mine. Whatever you want. Whatever you need. Just say the words. Please say them.”
I love him.
Those words. My hand presses against his chest. His heart continues in the same steady beat I’ve come to depend upon. Isaiah is my rock. The string that holds me together when I’m ready to fall apart. He’s the anchor that keeps me from floating away when I go too far. His heart has been the one constant rhythm in my life and I don’t want to let it go. “I love you.”
Isaiah tucks his chin toward his chest and I force air into my lungs when he clears his throat. “You’ve got to mean it.”
I try to physically shake the tears forming, but his hold on my face makes it impossible. We haven’t talked for weeks, but I knew, in the deep recesses of my mind, that our separation was temporary. This somehow feels too real and that means this goodbye could be concrete. I can’t lose him. I can’t. “I mean it. I love you.”
Like a friend. Like my best friend. Before Groveton, I never understood love and now…I still don’t understand it. But I know that it’s not emptiness, I know it’s not letting a guy use me, I know there are different types and what I feel for Isaiah…it’s not how I feel when I’m with Ryan.
Isaiah rests his forehead on mine. “Like you love him. Tell me you love me as much as you love him.”
Ryan. Am I in love with him? The thought causes panic. Just the sound of his name causes my heart to trip over itself. I love the way Ryan makes me feel. I love his words. I love his hands on my body. I love the way his gaze causes me to blush.
But I have to leave Ryan soon in order to protect my mom. If I say the right words, Isaiah will go with me. “Isaiah, I…”
Once upon a time, I wondered if I was falling in love with Isaiah. Echo had hugged him and he happily hugged her back. The pain and jealousy that shot through my body surprised even me. But I wasn’t falling for him. I was scared of Echo. Scared of the changes she was bringing to our lives. Changes that would have happened even if she had never existed.
I stare into his gray eyes. Isaiah’s wrong; he doesn’t love me. Not in the way he thinks. The truth is there—in his eyes. He doesn’t look at me the way Noah does Echo or how Chris does Lacy. He doesn’t look at me the way Ryan does….
“I love you…”
I love Isaiah’s safety and I love his calm. I love his voice and his laughter. I love his constant, steady presence. But if the world were coming to an end, he’s not the person I’d want at my side. I love him. I love him so much that I know he deserves to have a girl who falls apart at his touch. He deserves to have a girl whose heart stops working every time he glances at her. He deserves someone who is “in” love with him.
“…as a friend. The same way that you love me.”
Isaiah shakes his head, as if doing that will make my words less true. “You’re wrong.”
He presses his lips against my forehead. My lower lip trembles as I ball the material of his shirt into my hand. I’m losing him. I’m losing my best friend.
“I’m not,” I say. “And someday you’re going to figure it out.”
“If you change your mind…” There’s a heaviness in his voice, and a part of me dies at the thought of him in so much pain. He touches his lips to my forehead once more, the caress lasting longer, the pressure more intense. Isaiah walks away from me and fades into the darkness.
“I won’t,” I whisper as I close my eyes and wish that one day, he’ll change his.
RYAN
Beth asked for time. How long does she need? A day? A week? Hours? Any amount is too long when the girl I’m falling for had tears in her eyes. Any amount is too long when I wonder if she cares for me. I won’t see her until Tuesday. Tomorrow is parent–teacher conferences. Today is Sunday and my parents are hosting a barbecue for the mayor, the town council, and a few other friends of our family. I’m dressed up and playing the perfect part.
Perfect.
It’s what Lacy called me when she explained why she would never fit into Groveton.
Perfect.
It’s what Beth spat at me when she refused the trust fall.
Perfect.
It’s the word Gwen just used when discussing how she wants the two of us to walk onto the football field together for homecoming.
Perfect.
Looking out on our back patio, I see nothing but boring perfection. The grass trimmed perfectly to three inches. The shrubs perfectly edged in the shape of round balls. The pots of fall chrysanthemums lining the edging of the patio perfectly placed one foot apart. Perfect people who grew up in this town and perfectly filled their parents’ shoes.
At the other end of the table, my mother inclines her head toward Gwen. I take the nonverbal cue and turn my attention to my “dinner partner.” Gwen gives me a smile that’s one more perfect thing in the backyard. “Wouldn’t that be awesome, Ryan?”
No, walking onto the field with her on my arm at homecoming wouldn’t be awesome. I want to share that moment with Beth. “I’m not sure we get to decide who we walk with.”
Gwen ignores my comment. “Could you pour me some more water?”
I reach for the pitcher in front of me and do as she asks. This is my obligation to my parents. My job is to fill Gwen’s drink when it’s empty, remove her dishes when she’s done, and to entertain her. Déjà vu sets in and my head swims with a sinking revelation. This same exact moment is how Gwen and I started dating.
Gwen’s mother sips her wine. Her face is tighter than it was last fall. “We need to make a decision regarding Allison Risk and the event committee at church.”
Mom fidgets with her pearl necklace. She hates uncomfortable decisions. “Allison is a sweet young woman.”
“Are you in favor of her joining, Miriam?” Gwen’s mother asks.
Uncharacteristically, my mother pours wine into her empty water glass. “I don’t know. The Risks were dreadful people. Do you remember Scott’s parents? The man wa
s a mean drunk and the woman wasn’t much better.”
“But Scott’s not his parents,” I say and everyone at the table glances at me. My mother shoots me a warning glare, but my father puts a hand on my mother’s arm to back her off. Mom removes her arm from under his touch. I continue, “He became the best baseball player the Yankees have seen in twenty years. Why should his wife be punished for his parents’ mistakes?”
Dad’s eyes narrow on the last sentence. His own private warning to me that I may have gone too far.
“I have to be honest,” says Gwen’s mother. “I am fond of Allison, but it’s the niece I’m concerned with.”
“How so?” asks my mother as I stiffen. “Have you heard anything about her?”
“I’ve heard she smokes, was disrespectful to a teacher, and swears. All traits we cannot condone, and putting Allison on the committee will reflect upon our church. Which is so sad, since Allison is a dear and the niece is…” Gwen’s mother flitters her fingers in the air. “Savage. It’s obvious that the girl didn’t go with Scott like we hoped after the incident with her father.”
My mind awakens. The people at this table know what happened to Beth. I’m torn in two. Part of me wants to defend Beth. The other half wants to know what happened to her as a child. If I speak now, I’ll lose my opportunity to learn the truth.
“Liza,” Gwen’s father interjects, “I won’t stand for that child to be gossiped about.”
Red in the cheeks, Mrs. Gardner forces a smile on her face. “I’m not gossiping and she’s hardly a child anymore. The event committee is an offshoot of a bigger issue. I’m concerned with the girl’s influence. I’m scared everyone will be so wrapped up in who her uncle is that they won’t see the threat in front of them. Do you want your daughter swearing and smoking and talking back to teachers?”
“I hardly think that’s going to happen,” Mr. Gardner replies.
“Why not?” she argues. “The senior class already nominated Beth for homecoming court and Ryan is dating her.”
I become rock. This isn’t how I wanted my parents to find out.
“What?” My mother’s fast and irritated question silences the group. My eyes flash to Gwen. Wide-eyed and pale, Gwen sits perfectly still and stares at the remains of her chicken cordon bleu.
Her mother poorly hides her smugness behind her wineglass. “I’m sorry, Miriam, I assumed that Ryan told you.” She places a hand over Gwen’s. “I apologize to you too, sweetheart. I didn’t know that what you told me was a secret.”
Mom places her napkin on the table. “Who’s ready for dessert?”
I stand, needing to get the hell out of here. “I’ll get it.”
Mom deflates in her chair with a nod. What I don’t expect is Gwen hopping up and volunteering, “And I’ll help.”
Unable to look at her, I pivot and head for the kitchen. The rapid click of Gwen’s heels informs me she’s right behind me.
“Ryan,” she says the moment the door is closed to any eavesdropping ears. “Ryan, I’m sorry. I had no idea my mom would humiliate you like that. But it’s not my fault. How was I to know that you were keeping Beth a secret?”
“I’m not,” I snap. Gwen looks like a stranger to me in this kitchen. Maybe it’s because I’m still not used to the gray walls or the granite counters or the mahogany cupboards. Or maybe it’s because I never really knew her to begin with.
She crosses her arms over her chest and her red sundress swirls with the motion. “Could have fooled me. I mean, come on, Ryan, your parents will hate her—and for good reason.”
“You don’t know Beth.” The irony of this conversation is not lost on me. Lacy once said those same words to me.
Gwen loses the perfect glow about her and does a very uncharacteristic thing—she sags against the counter. “I know more than you think. I’d bet I know more than you.” She pauses and nervously fidgets with her hands. What the hell? Gwen is never nervous.
And that’s when I notice the bare spot on her finger. Mike’s ring is gone.
“I love you. In fact, I’ve always loved you.” Gwen stares at the gray tiled floor. “And for some stupid reason you care about her. I think you were right in the dugout—I wasn’t clear on what I needed from you. Maybe the reason we aren’t together now is because I didn’t try hard enough.”
My forehead furrows. If she had said those words six months ago… I shake my head. It wouldn’t have mattered. What I feel for Beth is a hundred times stronger than what I ever felt for Gwen. “We would never have worked.”
Gwen straightens and lifts her chin. “You’re seeing everything all wrong. Me. Beth. Everything. I think you’re aware that you and Beth don’t belong together and that’s the reason you never told your parents. But don’t worry, Ryan. I know what I did wrong and I don’t make the same mistakes twice.”
In one graceful movement, Gwen swoops the cake off the counter and ushers it out the kitchen door. I inhale and let my head fall back. I don’t know what the hell just happened, but every cell in my body screams it’s bad and I’m going to hate the consequences.
* * *
My grandmother left my mother her pendulum clock. It hangs on the wall behind Mom. With each swing, the clock ticks. It’s nine o’clock at night. The last of the guests left an hour ago. I should be wondering why my parents called me in here, especially since they’re voluntarily in the same room. Instead, I’m wondering what Beth is thinking.
Mom sits across from me at our kitchen table while Dad leans against the door frame leading to the formal dining room. The temperature, like always, is frigid.
“Mrs. Rowe is under the impression you’re still participating in the writing competition,” says Dad.
I glance up at him. “I’m considering it.”
“There’s nothing to consider. You’re playing Eastwick that weekend and that game will decide rankings going into the spring season.”
Eastwick is the only team that beat us during regular season play last spring. “We’re playing Northside that Monday and they’re undefeated this year. Coach may want me to pitch that game.”
“Maybe,” says Dad. “But you’ll still be able to play a couple of innings on Monday. They’ll need you to close the game out.”
Mom takes off her pearl necklace. “I talked to Mrs. Rowe last week. She said that Ryan has a rare talent.”
“He does,” says Dad. “Baseball.”
“No,” bites out Mom. “Writing.”
Dad rubs his eyes. “Explain to your mother you’re not interested in the writing.”
“Ryan, tell your father what Mrs. Rowe told me. Tell him how much you enjoy her class.”
My shoulders curl in with the anger. I hate their constant fighting. I hate that I’ve caused them to fight more. I hate that they’re fighting over me. But what I hate more is the feeling that everyone else is controlling my choices. “I love baseball.”
Dad releases a sigh of relief.
“And I love writing. I want to go to the competition.”
Dad swears under his breath and heads for the fridge. I turn in my chair to face him. “You’ve never let me walk away from a competition before and I don’t like the feeling of giving up. I’ll miss one game. And this is recreational league play. It would be different if this was spring season.”
Dad pops open a bottle of beer and takes a swig. “What happens if you win the writing competition? Are you going to give up pitching against the best team in the state for a piece of paper that says congratulations?”
“I want to know if I’m any good.”
“Jesus, Ryan. Why? What difference would it make?”
“I’ve been offered the chance at a college scholarship—to play ball.”
Dad stares at me and the dishwasher enters the rinse cycle. “Have you been talking to college
scouts behind my back?”
Yes. No. “The recruiter made sense. He said their pitch coach can help me with my placement issues and teach me to break the tell on my pitches. They’ll pay for me to go to school and I can get free coaching. I can train with them for four years and then go for the pros.”
Beer sloshes from the bottle when Dad throws out his arms. “What happens if you get injured? What happens if instead of improving, you lose your edge? You’re a pitcher. There is no better time for you to go after your dreams than now.”
“What if…”
He stalks across the kitchen and slams the beer down in front of me. “Do I need to remind you how much money we’ve pumped into you? Do you think the coaching we’ve paid for over the years is cheap? Do you think the equipment, the Jeep we bought you were free?”
My gut aches as if he punched me. “No. I don’t think they were free. I’ve offered to get a job.”
“I’m not looking for you to get a job, Ryan. I’m looking for you to do something with your talent. I’m looking for you to make a name for this family. I want to know that the years your mother and I have sacrificed financially, emotionally, with our time are not in vain.”
Mom calmly folds her hands on the table. “He does have talent, Andrew. You’re angry he doesn’t want what you want. You’re angry he’s choosing something different.”
“Baseball is what he wants!” Dad’s knuckles turn white as he grips the back of the chair.
“You have no idea what anyone in this family wants.”
His voice shakes as he talks. “What do you want, Miriam? What will finally make you happy? You always wanted me to run for mayor and I’ve agreed to it. You wanted me to expand the business and I am. I have done everything to make you happy. Just tell me what you want.”
“I want my family back!” Mom screams. Over the past months, my mother has been sarcastic and rude to my father. But in seventeen years, I’ve never known her to scream.
Dare You To--A Life Changing Teen Love Story Page 24