by Liz Lovelock
“You didn’t do or say anything wrong. I just… ah… miss my girlfriend.” Gee, don’t choke on the word, buddy.
“Oh, I’m sorry. What’s her name?” I ask gently, cautious of his reaction.
Another small silence. “Ah… Emma.”
“Nice. What does Emma think of you being over here?” I close my laptop, completely interested in what he’s about to tell me about his girlfriend.
Aiden shifts around on the grass as if he’s uncomfortable. “She wasn’t too happy, but I had planned this trip for a while, so I was always going to do it whether I was in a relationship or not.”
“That’s fair enough. How long have you been together?”
His brown eyes turn to me. There’s something there, but I’m not sure what. It’s as though he wants to say more, but he keeps his mouth shut. That is, until he finally answers my question. “Only a short while.” He shrugs. Before allowing me to say anything else, he blurts out, completely changing the subject, “Anyway, what are your plans for the rest of the day? You wanna go grab a bite for lunch, or can I hold you to one of your dares?” He waggles his eyebrows.
I cross my arms in front of me. “Yeah, I’m not doing any of those today. I have a raging headache, and I’m sure jumping from a cliff won’t help that. And don’t even get me started on the foul stench of fish.” I pretend to gag. Aiden laughs. Not just any laugh, but a full-on belly laugh. I can’t help but smile at him enjoying himself at my expense.
“Gee, you remind me of my little sister. The way you said that right then… it was her. Only when my sister says it, it’s said with an Australian accent.”
“You have a sister?”
“Yeah, Eden. She’s fifteen.”
“That’s so cool.”
“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“I do. An older brother who’s off traveling the world right now. He finished college and decided he needed time away. Kinda like you, in a way.” I backhand his arm. We fall into a comfortable conversation. At least, I’m slowly getting to the point of not carrying on like a fool around him. Even if there is a part of me that still wishes he didn’t have a girlfriend.
Aiden nods. “Sounds like my kinda guy. I want to do more traveling when this semester is over. I seem to have picked up a travel bug in my teen years.”
I lean back against the tree trunk and look up at the blue, cloudy sky. “I would love to travel. Take time for myself instead of study. Don’t get me wrong, I want an education and all that, but there’s a big part of me that wants to get out of this small town.”
He stretches his legs out and leans back on his hands. “You should come to Australia for a holiday. I can show you around.”
“Pfft, yeah… I bet your girlfriend would love that.” Sarcasm drips from my words.
“I’m sure she’d be fine.”
“Doubt it. If I were your girlfriend, I wouldn’t like another chick hanging off you. I’d make sure others knew you were mine.” My hand goes to my mouth. “And there I go again, foot in the mouth. Sorry.” I chew my bottom lip, waiting for him to say anything.
Aiden stands, and dread fills me. I’m sure he’s walking away because I’m such a fool. Stupid, broken filter. He turns, looking down at me. “I’d be happy for you to be all protective…” He smiles. “If you were my girl, that is.” Clearing his throat, he continues, “Get ya stuff together, and let’s go get lunch.”
Without hesitation, I shove everything in my bag. Aiden holds his hand out to me, and I take it. It slips perfectly into his and, for some reason, feels right. He pulls me off the ground with ease, only he doesn’t release my hand as quickly as I thought he would, so I glance up at him. He opens his mouth then shuts it, his lips forming a thin line. He drops my hand, and I’m left confused.
What was that all about?
Damn, I’m digging myself into a hole I’m not sure how I’ll get out of. Elsie is so upfront. I’m so scared I’m going to say something that will reveal my lie. The lie that is slowly killing me. I’ve done this for a reason, and I have to stick to it.
After we had lunch today, she had to leave to do homework, and I needed to get in contact with her as my tutor, only she shouldn’t know it’s me. Well, I hope she doesn’t. Thankfully, she didn’t ask me about signing up to her services today. I, for sure, thought she would have. I have to have this English essay handed in over the next couple of weeks, and I haven’t done much work on it, just typed out what I thought was somewhere near right and that’s it. Now, I’ve found out that to continue on the basketball team, my grades need to be up to scratch, or I’ll be benched. That’s not my idea of fun.
I’m sitting at the kitchen counter when Parker walks through the door. I turn and wait for Addison and, hopefully, Elsie to follow. When they don’t, I can’t help the disappointment that fills me.
“What are you up to, man?” I ask casually before facing my computer again.
“Not much. Got homework to do for next week. Hey, do you want to come to the movies tonight? Addison, Elsie, Paislee, myself, and the guys are all going.”
My interest is piqued. Another chance to talk to Elsie.
“Sure. I’ll finish this email.”
Parker nods, opening the fridge. He takes a water bottle out, sculls it in one go, then he walks out of the kitchen, heading toward his room.
Now, what am I supposed to say in this email?
Hey,
I’m needing help with my English assignment. Could you please read over it and offer your advice?
Thanks,
A
I think that’s simple enough, and I’m sure Elsie won’t know it’s me. I attach my document to the email and hit send. When I get up from the stool, my phone starts to ring. Looking down at it on the bench, my sister’s caller ID is blinking through Facebook messenger.
“Hey, sis. What’s goin’ on?”
“Not much. Just wanted to check in and see how you were doing? Made lots of new friends?” Always nosey, my sister. She may only be fifteen, but she has the brains of the family. I’m the sports and all-outdoors-type stuff, and she’s always got her nose in a book.
“You know me, I’m forever making new ones.” I slide back onto the stool and shut my computer.
“What about girlfriends?” The way she says girlfriends really shows her age. I can’t help but roll my eyes. She is always onto me about girls for some strange reason.
“What’s it to ya?”
“Come on, Aiden. Tell me?” she whines.
I toss up about discussing my lie, but I’m sure she’ll scold me. She’s so much like Mum, even if she denies it.
My free hand taps the bench as I look over my shoulder to make sure no one is around. I lower my voice. “In case you must know, there are no girls… I’ve kind of created a white lie.”
She groans. Yeah, I figured that would be her reaction, and I cringe upon hearing her. I don’t need her disapproval. I already know I’ve done the wrong thing. The only problem is I don’t know how to rectify it.
“What kind of lie?” I can hear the disgust in her words. Immediately, I know this is a bad idea and I shouldn’t tell her. “Don’t go changin’ your mind now. You have to tell me what stupid thing you’ve done.”
“I already know it’s a stupid thing I’ve done. I don’t need you grillin’ me about it. I know you.”
“You need all the grillin’ you’re going to get. Now, tell me so I can talk a little sense into that thick skull of yours,” she demands.
I look over my shoulder again—no one’s around. “I told people I have a girlfriend back home.”
“You did what?” she yells into the phone so highly pitched that I pull it away from my ear with a wince.
“Yeah, I know.” I sigh.
“How could you be so stupid? You fool. You’re better than that. Why didn’t you simply say you don’t want to be in a relationship?”
I rub my free hand down my face. “I know. I made a mistake. I did it
because I didn’t want to hurt anyone when it came time for me to leave. The last thing I need is to leave behind a broken heart. I thought I was doing the right thing.” My stomach tightens with dread. I already know that Eden is going to tell me to come clean before she says it.
“You need to be honest with the people in your circle over there, or you’ll burn bridges. Is there anyone who’s caught your eye?”
I can hear the wheels turning in my sister’s little mind already. She doesn’t miss anything.
Clearing my throat, I say, “There is one who has, but I told her I had a girlfriend. She seems cool with it. We’re just friends.” Although, the pull I feel toward her only seems to be getting stronger the more I spend time with her.
“What the hell, you stupid brother of mine,” she yells once again.
“Eden, calm down. You’re carrying on a bit silly.”
“Blah, blah, blah… I’m carrying on. Have you looked in the mirror lately? You’re the one telling lies. I understand your reasoning, but you’re stupid. Stupid!” Her voice is still raised as she continues talking, but I don’t hear because a throat clears, startling me, from behind. I flick around, and Parker’s standing there with his brow furrowed as he stares right at me.
“Uh… Eden, I have to go.”
“Don’t do that to me now. We aren’t finished. I need to tell you how stupid you are again.”
“I get it. I’ll talk to you later. Catch ya.” I don’t give her a chance to say goodbye. I hang up, my eyes not moving away from Parker’s.
There’s a moment of silence before he speaks. “So, the girlfriend is a lie?” There’s no emotion in his words, and I instantly know I’ve betrayed his trust.
I nod. “It is. I didn’t want to risk anyone getting hurt when I leave, so I thought it would be easier, but it’s not.”
Parker steps closer. “Why didn’t you just tell the truth from the start? I’m sure everyone would have accepted that. Now you’ve done so much worse.”
I flinch. His words sting, because he’s right. I could have gone about this in a completely different way.
I groan. “I know. How can I fix it?” I ask, hoping he has a way to get me out of this.
“Easy. Tell the damn truth. There was no girlfriend to start with.” He slaps me on the shoulder.
“All right. I’ll figure it out.”
“Good. Until you tell everyone, I’ll say nothing. It’s not my secret—or should I say lie—to tell. Just don’t wait too long.”
“Yeah, okay, thanks.”
“Now, go get ready. We have to meet the others.”
I leave the kitchen with my laptop tucked under my arm. Walking to my room, the thought of coming clean about my lie kills me.
One thing is for sure. Elsie, with all her sass, is sure to hate me.
We’re all waiting around in the cinema after getting our tickets when I see who’s here. It’s like a couples group date. And here I am, a lone ranger, or the fifth wheel.
Parker stands there with his arm around Addison’s waist. Dane is standing beside Parker’s sister—I think her name is Paislee. I don’t believe they’re together, but if they’re trying to hide something, they’re not very good at it. I catch them whispering, but Parker seems completely oblivious to it all. Gee, he’s not on the ball. I’ve been around them for the first time tonight, and I saw it within the first fifteen minutes.
“What happened to Jimmy?” I ask Parker. I thought he was coming tonight.
He turns his attention to me. “He wanted to go to the gym instead. Couldn’t be bothered going to a movie. That’s just him; he changes his mind all the time.” Jimmy is a moody type of guy. Not very friendly either, but Parker seems to handle him well enough. I don’t think he’s warmed to me yet. Hasn’t really given me the time of day.
I have bigger problems to worry about, though.
“Okay, cool,” I reply to Parker when I’m shoved in the arm. Turning toward it, I see Elsie standing with a brilliant white, perfect smile. Immediately, my breath is kicked from my lungs.
“Hey there, friend,” she says playfully as she shoves a handful of popcorn in her mouth. Damn, if only she knew what a tease she was being right now.
“Hey, how was the rest of your day?” I ask, shoving her back while I move slightly closer. She smells like berries with a dash of spice.
“I slept. After last night, I needed it. I was wrecked.” She laughs, shuffling on her feet. Elsie’s in these perfectly fitted jeans, which hug her body nicely, and a pink T-shirt. She’s perfection. She’s hardly wearing any makeup and has blush-pink lips. I bite on my bottom lip as I assess her. She’s gorgeous.
How could I have let myself tell that lie?
Now, how do I go about telling Elsie the truth?
Not going to happen tonight.
“All right, guys. Let’s go. I bet we’re going to have to sit separate because it’s a new movie,” Dane says as he takes off toward the cinema with us all following. Elsie stays beside me, and I catch her glancing up often as we walk. We don’t really talk, except for the odd question here and there.
When we arrive at the cinema, I see Dane was right. It is crowded. If we don’t want to sit right up in the front, we all have to sit separately, but there are a few spots that have two seats available.
“Well, guys, I guess I’ll see you at the end of the movie.” Parker quickly ushers Addison up the stairs and into two seats right in the middle row. Damn him. I take Elsie’s hand and drag her to another two empty seats a few rows up on the side from Parker. I don’t even see where Dane and Paislee are.
I settle into my seat and turn to Elsie. “You good? Do you need anything?”
She shakes her head. “No, but I might need your hand throughout the movie if that’s okay.” She nervously giggles.
“Uh, okay. Why? What movie are we seeing?”
She rolls her beautiful eyes. “Did you not check the ticket?”
“Nope.” I shrug.
“It’s called Greta. It’s a scary one.” She chews her lip, and I want to kiss it. Seriously, shoot me. I need to tell her the truth. Now.
I open my mouth, about to admit to my lie, when the lights go dim. I rest my arm on the rest and lean over to her and whisper, “You can take my hand anytime you want.”
She moves closer, her proximity becoming intoxicating. My heart pounds. This isn’t normal for me.
“Okay, just don’t tell your girlfriend. I’d hate to cause trouble. We’re just friends. Please make sure you tell her that. Crazy friends. Who apparently have dares to complete.” Her breath tickles my cheek, and all I can think about is taking her hand.
“Don’t worry about that. I want to tell you something when we have a moment.”
Elsie leans back and studies me, so I give her a smile. I will tell her as soon as I can. When the time is right.
I can only hope Parker doesn’t change his mind and tell Addison in the meantime. I’m sure she would run to Elsie, and then all she will see is me and a great big lie hanging over me like a dark cloud.
I wonder what Aiden wants to talk to me about. I don’t get long to ponder before I’m thrown into the world of a crazy lady who leaves handbags in places, and when people return them, she goes hell crazy, kidnapping them. Why, oh why, did Addison pick this damn movie?
I lean closer to Aiden and whisper, “Why did we pick this movie? I’m never returning people’s things again. Police station it is.”
He laughs and rests his hand on mine. My heart leaps.
“Don’t worry… it’s all good. You’re safe with me.” The way he says that tells me something else—I’m not sure what, though. I swear it’s been like five minutes and he still hasn’t moved his hand. Instead, his grip tightens, and his thumb rubs along my skin, leaving a warm feeling.
Guilt creeps in. I want to pull my hand away, knowing he has a girlfriend, but I’m enjoying his touch and his small caress. Guilt wins, and I reluctantly pull away and go to my bag to dig out t
he sweets. I can still feel his touch on my skin. There’s no way I am going to become the other woman in his life and hurt his girlfriend. I can’t do that. It’s simply not me.
“Want some?” I offer.
Aiden shakes his head and continues watching the movie. Did I hurt his feelings by pulling my hand away? That felt like a sting to me. I push that feeling aside and stuff another candy in my mouth. Its sweetness dances on my taste buds.
When the movie finally ends, I glance over my shoulder, looking for the others. My mouth falls open at the sight of Paislee and Dane locking lips. I swing back toward Aiden. “Oh my goodness, I just caught Paislee and Dane kissing. Parker is going to flip.”
“Are you serious? I could see something was there before the movie even started,” he says, casually resting back in his seat.
I grab his shirt, pulling him toward me. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because it wasn’t my place. That’s for them to let everyone know. I’m surprised Parker hasn’t noticed. It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out,” he whispers. Why is he whispering?
“I think it’s great. They’re a cute couple.” And now I’m whispering.
The lights haven’t fully turned back on in the cinema, and we are so close. I can see his eyes scanning my face.
Abort, Elsie! Abort!
When his eyes rest on my lips, that’s my cue to fall back in my chair.
“I mean, I still can’t believe it,” I quickly keep talking.
Damn, the chemistry between us is heated. I can’t allow myself to go there.
Do I like him? Yes.
Does he have a girlfriend? Yes.
Am I willing to break that up? No. Never.
Can I be happy with just being friends? I have to be. That’s all it can be.
Aiden stands. “We should go find the others.”
I stand and lead the way out of the row of seats. My senses are heightened; I’m so hyperaware of Aiden walking behind me.
On our way down the stairs, Parker, Addison, Dane, and Paislee catch up to us.
“What did you think?” Addison asks.