Covering the Carolinas

by Casey Peeler

  “You want something to drink? I’ve got anything from water to beer.”

  “A beer would be great.”

  Brett and I take our beers and make our way to his balcony. As we both lean against the railing, I take a sip of beer to calm my nerves and ask myself once more if this is what I want. I need this and need to move forward.

  “It’s beautiful up here. I don’t think looking at this view will ever get old.”

  “You’re exactly right, Marleigh. Looking at this view will never get old.” Suddenly I realize he’s not talking about the ocean. He turns and takes my beer from my hand and sets it on the table, then turns back to me and I say a little prayer. He places his hand on the base of my neck as I look into his eyes. I take a step toward him and he bends down to meet my lips. As our lips dance together, it doesn’t take long for a fire to ignite within me. Wrapping my arms around his neck, he lifts me off the ground and places me on the railing as we continue to heat things up. As his hands begin to roam, I break away. He pauses and looks concerned. “Take me inside, Brett.” I state.

  “Are you sure?” he says with wariness in his voice.

  “Yes.”

  He lifts me from the railing and I wrap my legs around him as he takes me inside. He pulls open the sliding glass door and I capture his lips once more. Once we are in the room, he slowly lowers me onto his bed and takes a step back as he removes his shirt. As his hand glides up my outer thigh, goose bumps form and a shiver escapes my body. As he looks into my eyes for assurance, I guide his lips to mine. He reaches for a condom and I forget about everything except what is happening in this moment.

  As I awake naked in someone else’s room, I quietly freak out in my mind, but then quickly realize where I am and relax. Rolling over, I realize Brett isn’t in the bed with me. Looking around, I try to find my clothes and look at the time. It’s six. Gunner won’t be up for another hour or so. As I begin to get out of the bed, I freeze when the door slowly opens and cover myself.

  “I didn’t want to wake you. You looked so peaceful. Here’s a cup of coffee.” Brett says as he takes a seat beside me. “I wasn’t sure how you took it so I brought the cream and sugar with me.”

  “Thank you,” I say as I kiss him briefly and pray my morning breath isn’t too bad.

  “What time does he wake up?”

  “Around seven thirty,” I say as I take another sip of coffee.

  “Why don’t you get dressed and let’s enjoy the sunrise before I take you home.”

  “That sounds wonderful,” I say. Brett walks to the balcony while I change. Stepping outside to join him, I see him perched on the railing and my heart warms for the first time since GC. The rising sun takes my breath away as we enjoy a cup of coffee and our time together.

  Chapter 16

  MARLEIGH

  Each day I’m away from Gunner, I miss him more and it makes my heart hurt, but it’s almost as if I’m gaining pieces of myself at the same time. I never realized how much of myself I lost after I had him. I am still Marleigh, but I had to focus on my new responsibilities. I couldn’t be that carefree girl anymore. Being away at college has actually made me feel like my old self. Maybe now I can figure out a way to combine the old me and new me.

  Classes start today and I’m super excited. Knowing we each finish around the same time, we ride together. I can’t wait for my Ecology of Coral Reef class this afternoon. They have fascinated me for as long as I can remember. Carleigh and I have a little while to spare so after we drop Tinleigh off, we decide to grab a cup of coffee at Coastal Java right off campus. We order our favorite blend and a scone and then take a seat.

  I notice Carleigh rolling her eyes as a gorgeous blonde enters. “I hope they don’t get stuck like that. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, just a blonde bimbo who thinks she’s better than everyone,” she says as if it’s not a big deal, but for her to react, it is a big deal. Quickly she changes the subject. “So what’s up with you and Brett? Like for real? Don’t give me any bullshit either,” she says mid bite.

  “I swear you are more and more like Tin each day. I mean, I like him and we have a great time together. I didn’t tell y’all this before but Gunner called while we were on our first date.”

  “How did you forget to leave that out? What happened? Does Brett know who called?”

  “I had to take the call. I excused myself and when I hung up, Brett was standing there. He heard all of it, so I couldn’t lie about it.”

  Carleigh sits her coffee and scone down to give me her full attention. “What did he say?”

  “Basically, when I started to talk he asked how old he was. He asked about his daddy, and that’s about it. He didn’t push for information, but was understanding. I really like him, Car. I know you probably think I’m crazy, but there’s just something about him.”

  “You do realize falling for him is going to be hard to balance along with classes and going home? Not to mention he knows GC pretty well.”

  Glancing at my watch, I realize it’s time to get to class. When we get back to campus, Carleigh and I go our separate ways and I keep my eyes open for GC. So far, so good. He’s nowhere in sight.

  The first day was uneventful as each professor went over the syllabi and class expectations. From just an hour, I can tell my Coral Reef class is going to live up to my expectations. I spend the next two days getting acquainted with my new classes and enjoying time with my sisters and Brett.

  On Thursday morning, I pack my car and drive separately to campus. After class, Brett meets me at my car before he goes to the weight room. As we’re saying goodbye, I notice the blonde from Coastal Java in the distance, but seeing who’s on her arm makes me sick to my stomach.

  “Mar, are you okay?” he asks as he moves me into his arms.

  “I will be,” I say as my eyes cut toward the blonde and GC. Brett looks to see what has my attention. When he see’s GC and the blonde, he just shakes his head.

  “He’s such an idiot. He can do so much better than her.”

  “Who is that?” I ask because I don’t want him asking why I was staring.

  “That’s GC Del Valle. He’s the starting point guard for the basketball team. Summer’s been after him since freshman year, but it wasn’t until last year he gave her the time of day. I’m sure she just wanted him because of his status.” He shrugs his shoulders and I turn my attention back to him. “So you’re sure you have to go?” he questions.

  “You know I have to, but I miss you already.”

  “I bet I’m going to miss you more. I mean you’ve got another man waiting for you, and me, I’ll just be hanging out all alone,” he says as he pouts. I push his shoulder and he laughs.

  “That’s right, just think about me while you’re having a good time at a party and I’m watching Nick Junior,” I say.

  “Just know that I’m not going to have a good a time without you,” he says as his lips brush mine.

  “I guess I better get going.” As I turn to open the car door, Brett turns me to him again and kisses me as if he’s never going to see me again. “I promise I’ll be back on Tuesday.” As his face falls, I try to look on the bright side. “It’s five days, Brett.” He doesn’t say anything, instead he attacks my lips again. Finally, we part from each other and it’s hard to believe I just met him last week. He is such a good guy and I feel safe with him. He helps me into the car and as I roll down my window, he bends down and kisses me once more before stepping away and I watch him in my rearview.

  Chapter 17

  January 2015

  MARLEIGH

  Wow, I can’t believe my first semester is over, that I’m having a blast dating Brett, and am finding a way to balance my school life with my home life. I’m one semester closer to being able to start my new plan for the future with Gunner. After dropping off my backpack in my room, I walk into the living room to see my sister’s looking like they are up to no good.

  “Oh, no, I know those looks, what are
ya’ll thinkin’?”

  “We know Gunner’s birthday is next week, and you’re planning on having his party next weekend so is there any way you can stay here this weekend? There’s a big game this weekend and it would be so much fun if you could stay.”

  “I don’t know, Tin. I mean, I’ve done so well not running into GC, why risk it now?”

  “He probably won’t even look in our direction since it seems he only has eyes for Summer these days. Plus, you have Brett.”

  “Yeah, about that. Brett and I have gotten really close. I want to introduce Gunner to him, but I think I need to tell him about GC first.”

  “Where the hell did that come from? I thought you were taking that to your grave?” Carleigh says.

  “I just know at some point Gunner is going to ask about his dad, and I don’t want that to blow up in my face. Brett is a good guy, and I don’t want that to impact our future.”

  I can see Carleigh beginning to fume, and I know she’s about to blow. “You mean to tell me you’ll tell Brett but not GC?” She waits and I say nothing. “That’s fucked up. There’s no other way to put it.”

  Without saying a word, I turn to go back to my room and I scream. Yes, it’s fucked up, but it’s my choice. GC has moved on, and it’s not like he’s ever going to see Gunner. He’s in Gaffney, and I know GC plans on moving back home after school, or at least that was his plan. Going to my closet, I pull a small plastic container from the top shelf. Opening it, I take a deep breath as I look into it and remove the necklace GC gave me. I place it in my pocket so I can tell Brett all about my past.

  GUNNISON

  Taking the court against Gardner-Webb, I know this game isn’t going to be as tough as some of our others, but each time I step onto the court I give one hundred percent. I take a minute to take it all in just like I do every game, but that’s when I see her. Taking a double take, my breathing begins to increase and my heart begins to soar when I see not two, but three Anderson sisters talking in the crowd. Her hair isn’t blonde anymore, it’s caramel just like her sisters. As my eyes focus on her, trying to process that she is actually here, I notice her starting to laugh, and when she smiles there is no doubt that’s my Marleigh. As quickly as it soars, my heart plummets when I see that her full attention is on Brett. Fuckin’ A!

  “Del Valle! Let’s go!” Coach yells and I know that regardless of what I’m feeling, I’ve got a game to play, but I will talk to her after. There is no way in hell she’s leaving this gym without talking to me. It takes every ounce of focus and self-control to pull myself together, step on the court, and not run to her. Play for her. Show her who you’ve become and what she’s missing.

  After warmups, I wait for the starting lineup to be announced. When I hear my name, I walk out on the court and get ready to help bring home another victory. As the clock begins the first half, we dominate the other team. We don’t give them an inch, but we take a mile. Every time the ball is passed my way, I’ve already found the next pass or shot. We are on fire. I try my best not to look in the crowd, but I can feel her watching me. Refusing to look, I play with more heart than I have in a long time.

  As the buzzer sounds for half time, we exit the gym as the cheerleaders take the court. “Hey, Del Valle, you okay? You’re grinning like an opossum, and I’m pretty sure this has nothing to do with the game,” Wade says as we enter the locker room. I try to shake it off, but then he has to keep talking. “So you and Summer getting that serious?” Crap, I wasn’t even thinking about her at all, so much for moving on.

  “I’m not going there. We’ve got a game to win,” I state as we listen to Coach and get ready to start the second half.

  The second half feels like an eternity with each tick of the clock. I’ve never been as ready for a game to be over in my life. As the final moments come into play, I risk it all as I look into the stands for Marleigh, and when my eyes catch hers, I wink and terror flashes across her face as she turns to her sisters to avoid me.

  The buzzer sounds. I don’t think; I sprint to her. Hearing my name in the distance, I know it’s Summer but I don’t care. I’ve got to get to her.

  As I reach the stands, I can see how nervous she is while she tries to remain calm and get Brett and her sisters to hurry up. Carleigh and Tinleigh vanish from the stands quickly, but Brett is in a conversation with one of his teammates.

  “Mar!” I shout. She tries to ignore me, but I don’t allow her. Taking two bleachers at a time, I come face to face with the girl who stole my heart and never gave it back.

  “Marleigh, when did you get here?” I question as Brett looks at me confused as hell.

  “Mar, you know GC?” Brett questions as she confirms she knows me. “It’s obvious you need a minute, so I’ll meet you at my car.” he says as if he knows something I don’t.

  “Brett, everything okay?” I question.

  Brett gives a half laugh, “Oh, it’s totally not okay.” Then he walks away without another word.

  As I look at her, she looks terrified. Why is she so scared of me? I try to touch her arm and she pulls away. “What did I do, Mar? Just tell me, please?” I beg.

  “It’s not you; it was me.” I hate that fucking line. “Look, Brett’s waiting on me and blondy over there is shooting daggers at me. I gotta go.”

  She steps away from me and I close my eyes feeling like I’m losing her all over again. “Meet me, Mar. Please. That’s all I’m asking. Just to talk. You name the time and place.”

  She pauses and turns. “Tomorrow, two o’clock at Coastal Java.” Then she walks away.

  “What the hell was that?” Summer questions as soon as I walk out of the locker room.”

  “She’s here, and I had to talk to her.”

  “When are you ever going to let it go? If she wanted you, she wouldn’t run so far away. Besides, you have me, and I love you, Del Valle.” God, I hate a girl calling me by my nickname. Then it hits me, she’s running, she never runs so what did I do to make her run from me? “Del Valle, hunny, did you hear me?”

  “Sorry. I got distracted. Whatcha want to do tonight?”

  As she gives me a wry grin, I know exactly what she wants. I kiss her briefly. “Let me stop by my apartment then I’ll be over.”

  Chapter 18

  MARLEIGH

  Breathe, Mar, breathe. I tell myself as I press my body against the lobby wall. After a few deep breaths, I make my way outside. I can see Brett standing at his car and my sisters are nowhere to be found. Great. Walking toward him, I hold my head high and smile as if he’s all that matters.

  “Marleigh, do you think I’m an idiot?” he asks as soon as I reach the car.

  “No, can we please go and talk?”

  He opens his car door and gets in. I do the same. During the entire ride back to the beach, my heart is pounding. I want to talk, but I’m afraid. When we arrive at his house, we walk toward the sand. Once we are looking into the waves of the ocean, I start to speak, but he cuts me off.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Tell you what?” I still continue to play as if he doesn’t know.

  “Don’t play dumb. It took me about two seconds to know how you know him.”

  Tears begin to pour down my face, “I was going to tell you. I promise I was.”

  “Don’t lie to me. You had no plan of telling me. Hell, what have we been doing for months? The fact you told me about Gunner is one thing. You had me thinking this whole time he was some guy who left you to raise him on your own but the GC I know is a really good guy, I don’t understand. He looked completely shocked to see you. Like you were a ghost.”

  “Because I am. When I found out I was pregnant, I broke it off with him. He doesn’t know about Gunner.” As Brett starts to interrupt me, I cut him off. “Look, I know you don’t understand. It was my choice and why I’ve steered clear of him, school, and any place that might cross paths with him. I did what was best for him.”

  “That’s bullshit. In fact, that’s the mos
t selfish thing I’ve ever heard in my life.”

  I pull the necklace from my pocket as tears begin to stream down my face. I show him GC and Gunner’s inscriptions. “I brought this with me tonight to tell you about everything. GC mailed this to me after I broke it off with him. It was the last thing I ever got from him, and when Gunner was born, I added his name and birthday on the back.”

  Brett runs his hands through his hair, irritated. “Marleigh, why? Why keep his kid from him?”

  “Because he has a dream!”

  “So do you! You should have worked on this together or at least given him a chance.” He grips his fingers in his hair in frustration. “I’ve been falling in love with you, but how can I love someone who can’t be honest?” He begins to walk toward the water and I follow.

  As he looks into the deep blue sea, he asks me a question that I’ve never wanted to be asked. “Do you love him?” I pause because the words won’t come. Do I? “That’s all the answer I needed. He turns toward me and closes the distance as he kisses my forehead and walks away. Looking at the necklace in my hand, I grasp it tightly then unlock the clasp and place it around my neck, stand with my feet in the sand and cry.

  Chapter 19

  GUNNISON

  “Dude, who was that girl? I thought it was Tinleigh, but then it looked like three of them.”

  “It’s her, Wade. The girl is their sister.”

  “Holy fuck. Dude, I’d hate to be you when you break Summer’s heart.”

  “Yeah, well she wants Brett, not me.”

  “Don’t kid yourself. I saw her after you went in the locker room. You had an effect on her. They might have left together, but Brett was pissed.”

  I’m not really sure what to say next, but I know that no matter what Summer has planned tonight, it’s going to change. Regardless of what happens with Marleigh, I know I don’t love Summer. “What are you guys doing tonight?”

  “There’s a party down the road if you want to go.”