Wonderwall

  With a Cirque du Soleil army of butterflies in my stomach, I make my way to Sebastian’s house. He should be back from his hockey practice by now. I ring the bell and wait, anticipation squeezing my heart in a painful vise. A minute passes and nothing, so I ring the bell again before I lose my nerve. I hear him yell from the second floor. He’s coming.

  When he opens the door, I have to lock my jaw tight to keeping it from dropping to the floor. Sebastian has just gotten out of the shower. His hair is wet, droplets of water glisten on his defined chest, and he’s wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his trim waist. My heart staggers in my chest, trying to break free. My hands begin to sweat, and my cheeks heat up. Thank God my olive skin hides the blush.

  “Oh, it’s you. Sorry for my attire.” He points at the towel. “I thought you were the FedEx guy. I’m expecting a package.” He opens the door further to let me in. Without giving me a second glance, he turns around and takes the stairs two steps at a time.

  My heart plummets. Apparently, my new look has zero effect on him. I shake my head, trying to dispel the feeling of defeat. Some guys are oblivious to what girls wear, and it isn’t like I’m dressed like a sexy vixen. I wait a couple of minutes before I follow him upstairs.

  ☂ ☂ ☂

  Sebastian

  I’m doomed. How am I supposed to maintain my cool around Liv when she’s wearing something barely existent? I’ve been trying my best to ignore the fact that my best friend has turned into the girl of my dreams. She has always been pretty, but in the past year she’s bloomed into something else. She’s fucking gorgeous.

  I’ve never seen her wear a skirt so short, and her tanned, sculpted legs seem to go on for miles. I pretty much had to run to my room to hide my obvious reaction to her. The towel didn’t conceal much.

  I quickly drop it on the floor, and put my boxers and sweatpants on. I don’t bother with a shirt. My dick is still standing up like a freaking tent pole. Great. I jump on my bed and put a pillow on my lap, just before her knock comes.

  “Bas, are you decent?”

  “Yes, come in.”

  She opens the door and peers inside. Her eyes widen when they drop to my chest. Is Liv checking me out? She comes in with hesitant steps and suddenly, there’s a tension in the air. Or maybe I’m just imagining things. Shit, I have no clue.

  “What’s up, Liv?”

  Her gaze lifts up to my face, and she takes a deep breath before biting her lower lip. My eyes zero in on her mouth, and I feel the urge, no, the need to kiss her. Get a grip, Sebastian. She’s your best friend for crying out loud, not the flavor of the week.

  She walks further into my room and makes a beeline for my brand new guitar that’s propped up against the wall, under the window. She picks it up and strikes a chord, then she looks at me.

  “Have you learned to play any songs yet?”

  “I’ve been messing around with those.” I point at the music sheets spread out on my desk.

  Liv puts the guitar back down before she walks to the desk and grabs a few of the sheets.

  “Lightning Crashes, Hey, Hey, Wonderwall. Gee, Bas. What’s with the whole nineties-angst-band theme you have going on here?” She smirks at me.

  “Hey, don’t diss my music choices. They’re all awesome songs.”

  She rolls her eyes and puts the music sheets down. “How about something from this century?”

  I shrug. “I’ll get to them eventually.”

  “I guess Wonderwall is not too bad, albeit a bit cliché,” she sits at the end of my bed and her itsy bitsy skirt hikes up further. She doesn’t do anything to fix it. If she were any other girl, I would have taken it as a ‘come on’ signal. But Liv is just too comfortable with me to be self-conscious about showing too much skin. I don’t know if I should be happy about it or not. It definitely makes it hard for me to pretend our friendship remains the same, that the balance hasn’t shifted.

  “What’s wrong with cliché?” I ask.

  Her eyebrows shoot up, and I have the impression she stopped breathing for a second. Did I say something wrong? She glances down and begins to play with the hem of her skirt.

  “Liv?”

  She takes a deep breath, and without looking at me, she says, “Do you remember when you asked me to set you up with Anna?”

  “Yes?” I’m instantly wary of the abrupt change of subject.

  Is Liv here to convince me to give Anna a second chance? They’re friends, but not super close, like she’s with Saylor. That’s why I deemed it safe to ask for a little help. I only did it so I could prove to myself that I wasn’t falling in love with my best friend. It didn’t work.

  “Well, I thought you could return the favor.” She peers at me with eyes full of hope and wonder, and uneasiness takes hold of me.

  Dread runs down my spine and my stomach clenches. “What do you mean?”

  She averts my gaze once more, looking at the floor this time. “I like your friend Jordan.”

  I lose my ability to breathe like I’ve been sucker-punched in the gut. Jordan? No, no. She has to be kidding me. Jordan is a dick and totally unworthy of her. She’s too pretty, too smart, too perfect for him. I can’t even begin to process her request when she lifts her face and hits me with an intense stare. There’s an odd glint in her eyes. It’s like she’s paying really close attention to my reaction, and I can’t let her see how her request has affected me. No way, Jose.

  I force a grin to my lips. “Jordan, huh? Can I ask why him?”

  She shrugs and breaks eye contact. “He’s cute and I’m sick and tired of being the only freshman who has never gone on a date, or kissed a boy for that matter.”

  Those facts about Liv are no surprise to me. We tell each other everything, I mean, almost everything. But the idea that Jordan might be her first kiss doesn’t sit well with me.

  “You deserve better than him, Liv,” I say before I can stop the words from tumbling out of my mouth.

  She gets up and finally adjusts her damned skirt. Her brows are furrowed, and her hazel-green eyes look like a stormy sea. “So, are you saying you’re not going to help me?”

  I run my fingers through my hair, feeling like crap all of the sudden. “I didn’t say that.”

  She crosses her arms, emphasizing her cleavage even more. Her boobs aren’t big, but somehow they’re freaking enticing today. Shit, shit, shit. Everything is wrong. I should not be having these thoughts about her. Maybe I should set her up with Jordan.

  “Okay, fine. Stop glaring at me. I’ll help you.”

  I expect to see some satisfaction on her face, but there’s a clear flash of disappointment in her eyes. What the hell? I’ll never understand girls.

  Chapter 2

  Olivia

  Saylor is still in my room when I get back from Sebastian’s, but instead of reading a magazine, she’s now engrossed in her homework. She will never admit it, but she’s the biggest nerd in our class.

  “So?” She puts the mammoth Biology book down and looks expectantly at me.

  Without glancing at her, I take the stupid outfit off and throw it in a corner, before grabbing my couch-potato-wear—baggy sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt.

  “Oh, Liv. He didn’t say anything?”

  I sit on my bed, curling my legs under me, and finally face Saylor. Her big aquamarine eyes stare at me with fathomless sympathy and for some reason, it makes my eyes burn.

  “At first he asked me why Jordan?”

  “Okaaay, and what did you say?”

  “I said Jordan was cute and that I wanted to date and have my first kiss already.”

  Saylor’s chin drops before she speaks again. “You did not say that! Are you out of your mind? You don’t tell a boy you like that you’ve never kissed before.”

  I shake my head. “Sebastian already knows that. I only mentio
ned it again to see if he would step up to the challenge.”

  Saylor’s lips curl up, and there’s a mischievous spark in her eyes. “I’m liking this side of you, Liv. But I guess from your behavior Sebastian didn’t take the bait?”

  I raise my hands heavenwards. “No! He agreed to help me.”

  Saylor tilts her head to the side, her eyes narrowing. “Jordan is no Sebastian, but he’s cute, although too immature for my taste. Look at things from the bright side. It is high time you kiss someone, and it’s actually better that your first time is with a boy you don’t care much about. What if you suck? I think you should have loads of practice before you go on and kiss Sebastian. Nine times out of ten, it’s the kiss that seals the deal. Remember the Cher song, it’s in his kiss!” She actually sings the last part. Such a show-off, but she does have a lovely voice.

  I bite my lower lip and ponder Saylor’s words. Maybe she’s right. What if I suck? I don’t want to slobber all over Sebastian if he does decide to kiss me.

  ☂ ☂ ☂

  The next day at school, I continue with my original plan, despite the consequences. Worst case scenario, I’ll get a date with Jordan, not the end of the world. I wear the same micro denim skirt from the day before paired with a snug, long sleeve t-shirt. My beloved Uggs hug my feet. As I walk toward my locker, I notice male heads turn my way, I can feel their stare. I’m cringing inwardly with all the attention, but I suck it up and pretend I’m unaffected. Confidence is everything, that’s what Saylor has taught me.

  I’m at my locker when she catches up with me.

  “Girlfriend, you’re the talk of the school today. The guys are all asking who the gorgeous brunette is in the hot skirt.”

  “Guys are stupid, it’s just a skirt.”

  “Is that what it is? For a moment, I thought it was a tube top barely covering your ass.”

  I close my locker with a bang to give Saylor a piece of my mind, but when I see her grin, I know she’s only teasing.

  “You’re terrib—”

  “What in the world are you wearing?” Sebastian cuts in.

  He’s standing in front of us, and his right hand clutches his backpack strap in a vicious vise. His eyes shoot daggers at me. Innocently, I look down at my outfit.

  “A skirt?” I say.

  “Says who?”

  Saylor, not missing a beat, turns me around and points at the logo on the back of my skirt. “Abercrombie & Fitch.”

  “Well, it’s extremely inappropriate for school, don’t you think?”

  I can feel the embarrassment rush to my cheeks, and annoyance crawls beneath my skin. I wanted to stir a reaction in Sebastian, but I’m not enjoying the caveman attitude. “You didn’t complain about it yesterday.”

  Sebastian seems taken aback by my reply and glances down, running his fingers through his hair. “Well, you were with me yesterday, Liv. No harm. I’ve seen you wearing less. But here at school… doesn’t it bother you that guys are practically undressing you with their eyes?”

  I roll my eyes. “Please, you’re exaggerating. I’ve seen girls wearing way more provocative outfits to school. Guys are not undressing me with their eyes.” They probably are because most guys are pigs, but I refuse to agree with Sebastian.

  Sebastian opens his mouth to counter my argument, but Saylor beats him to it. “Lighten up, Sebastian. Liv is not your girlfriend. So what if she’s getting a little bit more attention from the opposite sex? She’s gorgeous and should flaunt it. Maybe she won’t need you to set her up with Jordan after all. I say she should aim higher, maybe go for that delicious quarterback, Troy. I heard he broke up with his girlfriend last week.”

  Sebastian’s alabaster complexion turns beet red as he narrows his eyes at Saylor. “He’s a freaking senior, too old for Liv.”

  “I think Liv needs an older guy to teach her things,” Saylor says before glancing at me. There’s a devilish sparkle in her eyes that tells me she’s goading Sebastian on purpose.

  “Teach her things? What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Saylor gives him a droll look. “Come on, Sebastian. You know what I mean.” She hooks her arm with mine and drags me with her before Sebastian can reply.

  We veer toward the nearest restroom. Saylor checks under every stall to make sure we’re alone. Then she turns to me, her eyes dancing with glee.

  “Oh my God, Liv. Sebastian is totally into you.”

  My crazy heart does somersaults inside my chest. He did seem jealous just now. I’m glad Saylor was there to witness it too, otherwise I would already be doubting my perception. But I don’t know how to behave from now on. My initial plan only went until this part.

  “What should I do?”

  Saylor puts her index finger on her lips and assumes a pensive countenance as she begins pacing in front of me. I hear the school bell sound, but I don’t care. This is way more important than debate class. Saylor stops mid-step and pierces me with her knowing stare.

  “Liv, be honest. Do you want Jordan or any other boy to be your first kiss?”

  “No. I want Sebastian to be the one.”

  “I thought so. So here is what you’ll do.”

  She begins to explain exactly what I’m going to do, and not for the first time that day, I’m glad Saylor is my friend. She’s indeed the best.

  Chapter 3

  Sebastian

  I have many opportunities to speak to Jordan about Liv but find myself hesitating every single time. I promised her I would, but quickly discover I don’t want Jordan or any of the other idiots from school to go out with her. She’s too good for all of them. I almost had an aneurism when Saylor mentioned Troy. That manwhore, Liv shouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole.

  Liv and I don’t have the same lunch, so I usually hang out with my teammates from hockey, and Jordan is one of them. As soon as I take a seat, they all hound me about my best friend.

  “Dude, you’ve been holding out on us. That neighbor of yours is smoking hot,” Leroy, our mountain man goalie, says next to me. I curl my hands into fists and count to ten in my head. I like him. I don’t want to punch him in the face.

  “Don’t talk about Liv like that. She’s not one of those girls,” I say through clenched teeth.

  Leroy raises his hands and backs down. “Sorry, man. I mean no disrespect. Just stating a fact here.”

  “I can’t believe you haven’t staked your claim yet, Bas. A girl like Liv won’t stay single for much longer,” Ansell, the most sensible guy on our team, says.

  “Liv is just a friend.” My words sound hollow to my ears. I haven’t believed in that statement for a long time. But it doesn’t matter, Liv is interested in another guy.

  “If that’s the case, do you mind setting me up with her? I’ve always thought she was cute, but after she put those phenomenal legs of hers on display…” Jordan whistles and I want to throttle him. I glance down and play with my fries, my appetite suddenly gone.

  “Earth to Sebastian. Dude, did you hear what I asked? Do you think Liv would go out with me?”

  My knee-jerk reaction is to say hell no, but then I remember Liv’s request. She likes Jordan, who am I to stand in between them? I stare at him and try to see what Liv sees in him. He’s taller than me, muscled but lean. His face is okay, it’s not like I check dudes out, but I know what girls find attractive and not. I suppose Jordan is passable. Too bad his personality leaves much to be desired. I’m about to tell him that yes, Liv would go out with him, when I see her name flash on my cell phone screen. I pick it up quickly before the guys notice she texted me.

  LIV: Hey, did you ask Jordan yet?

  ME: No, I was about to.

  LIV: Don’t. I need to ask you another favor first.

  My fingers freeze over my cell, wondering what kind of favor Liv has in mind now. After a few seconds, I text her back.


  ME: Okay, shoot.

  LIV: It has to be in person. Can I come by later?

  ME: Sure.

  I put my phone in my pocket and look at Jordan. His body is leaning forward, he’s still waiting for my answer.

  “Who was that?” he asks.

  “Liv.”

  An idiotic grin appears on his face, making me despise the sight of him. “What a coincidence. It must be destiny.”

  “No, sorry man. I just asked her and she’s not interested.”

  Jordan’s face falls, and I take great pleasure in that, even if my expression betrays nothing. I know I’m being a complete jerk for lying to him, but Liv will thank me one day. Jordan is not the guy for her, and maybe with time, I can make her see it as well.

  ☂ ☂ ☂

  I can’t keep Liv out of my mind for the rest of the school day and even during hockey practice. I wonder what kind of favor she wants to ask me now. Jack, our coach, can tell my heart is not in the game. After practice is over, he asks me to wait on the rink. Leroy and Ansell give me a good luck glance before they head to the locker room with the rest of the team. They know what’s coming.

  Jack is an awesome coach, but he doesn’t tolerate bullshit. The tongue lash is hard, and I completely deserve it. Tomorrow we have a big game against Winston High, our rival school. It’s on their turf, and we usually don’t do well when we play there. More losses than victories for sure. They’re counting on me to change that streak. I’m the youngest forward the team has ever had. It shows how good I am. But Jack makes it clear I can be replaced.

  At home, I try to distract myself from thoughts of Liv. I take the quickest shower known to man—don’t wanna risk her ringing the doorbell while I’m in it, like yesterday. I pick up my guitar and sit on my chair. After the conversation with Liv, I’ve decided to learn how to play Wonderwall first since it’s the only song she deemed okay from the pile. The first notes aren’t that hard, and half an hour later, I think I’ve got them.