A Look Back: Rennillia Series - Prequel

by M. Sembera

  “Gus’s wife had their baby today,” he replied.

  A bit more understanding now, I slowly nodded and forced a smile before he gave me a goodbye kiss that made me want to beg him to stay.

  After Jackson left, Emerson brought me home. I wanted to be there for him but I got the feeling he wanted to be alone.

  Once I was home, I briefly thought of what Hert might do at The Office before coming to the realization that in less than a year we would all be eighteen and things were already starting to change. Doing my best not to be severely depressed at the thought, I took a shower and went to bed.

  Chapter 16

  Standing in my closet, I flipped through dresses. Trying to find one that covered my shoulder without having to wear a sweater was a bit difficult. The bruises that gave my arms a speckled appearance wear gone. However, the one on my shoulder was now an awful yellowish green. With a heavy sigh, I thought, why do we have to dress up for dinner anyway? Mentally scolding myself for being that way, I decided I had no choice but to wear a little slate blue satin one with puckered short sleeves. It was slightly more fitted than I liked. It fell right above the knee and from the waist up delicate ruffles hid tiny buttons. Hanging it on my doorknob, I set my strappy sandals on the floor under it. With another sigh, I sat down on my bed staring at it.

  Over the last two weeks, I managed to convince Hert, Emerson, and Jackson that since I had never had a slumber party, we should have one when Em’s parents left. Talking them into it was more difficult than I thought. After pouting when nothing else worked the three of them gave in. Hert was given the weekend Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were leaving off, so he could move also. His mother’s house was up for sale and Em’s father signed for him to get his own apartment. Lucky for me, there was no way for Hert to back out of our sleep over because his apartment wasn’t quite ready so he was staying the weekend anyway. He was not at all happy that I invited Jackson but I figured he would get over it. So much was changing with Hert working when he wasn’t at school. Most of my time was spent with Jackson, as he constantly tried to push the boundaries of our relationship. Happy to have dinner with Jackson’s parents twice, the rest of our time was spent at Emerson’s. Both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were in and out of the house and after much complaining on Jackson’s part, over never getting to be alone, I worked out a solution. I picked a spot out on the roof that was easily accessible from Emerson’s window, so Jackson and I could have a few moments alone. Sadly, my idea ended with Jacks tumbling off the side of the roof and into the bushes. I felt terrible, not because he fell, that was his own fault, because I couldn’t stop laughing. Although he refused to set foot on the roof again, he was happy, I kissed his little scrapes and we were good. Emerson seemed to be the most fond of my spend-the-night idea and as it got closer he seemed happier.

  Deciding I should hurry if I was going to be ready before Jackson and Emerson’s last game of the season, I went ahead and did my hair and makeup, threw some clothes in my bag and zipped my dress up in a garment bag. Carrying my stuff into the kitchen, I ran into my father. Disappointed he made it home before I left, I did my best to appear pleasant.

  “Where is mom?” I asked.

  With a slight shrug, he made a face and griped, “Not here.”

  Thinking 'okay', I said, “There’s no school Monday, so I’ll be home…” before he cut me off, demanding, “You will be home Monday night by ten and no later.”

  “Yes sir,” I agreed, already knowing that was what I had planned.

  Then, as if he was angry at his own gesture, my father threw my car keys on the table fussing, “There, now there’s no excuse.”

  I started to say thank you but didn’t get the chance. My father promptly gave me a dirty look then stormed to his room and slammed the door behind himself.

  Things with my father had been odd ever since he tried to shame me by giving Jackson his jacket back. Not that I was complaining, he hadn’t laid a hand on me or even really spoken to me since then. All that transpired between us lately, were random gripes as he ordered me to do things. Which really made no sense whatsoever because every time, it was what I was already doing. In theory, my father could have seen what he had done to me that night and was sorry. In reality though, he had more important things to deal with other than me. His big investment that initially paid off was going under and that meant he was busy trying to make it work.

  Either way made no difference to me because I was going to spend three nights and days with Emerson and Hert. Jackson was getting to stay two of those nights with us. I was nervous about Jacks staying the night even though I had asked him to and really wanted him too. Figuring with Em and Hert, there would be no alone time, I got over it and was just happy we would all be together.

  There was a knock on the door and I rushed to open it, shouting, “I’m leaving!”

  With no response from inside the house, I grabbed my stuff and headed out the door.

  Emerson smiled, asking, “Are you ready?” as he took my duffle and garment bag from me.

  Smiling back, I cheered, “Yes sir, I am!” before informing, “My father gave me my keys back so I’ll follow you.”

  He seemed disappointed but hid it well, because I was so happy. Placing my things in my car for me, Em gave me a hug and walked back to his.

  When we arrived at the game, Jackson was already there, greeting us with his incredible smile. Emerson and I parked next to each other, getting out at the same time. Quickly giving me a hug, he headed into the gym to dress out for the game.

  Jackson made his way closer, asking, “Is that yours?”

  Nodding, I replied, “Yea, I got it awhile back but then my father took it away.”

  “Not too bad,” he said pulling me closer and sharing, “I like it better when you ride with me though.”

  With a soft smile, I assured, “I do too,” as I thought of being able to sit close with his arm around me.

  “Wanna wear my jacket?” he asked before stepping back and taking it off.

  Taking it from him, I slipped it on saying, “It’s my favorite too.”

  After giving me a quick kiss, Jackson offered, “We can share it then,” before whispering, “It smells good after you wear it.”

  I had to look down at my feet to keep from blushing. The reason I liked it so much was because it smelled like him and having him feel the same way, made my chest feel warm and my face turn red.

  “I have to go in,” he shared, before asking, “Do you think we’ll have a chance to talk to after the dinner?”

  Shrugging, I questioned, “Is something wrong?”

  Shaking his head, he smiled, saying, “It’s more about things being right. But I really need to get in there.”

  Nodding, I kissed his cheek for good luck and watched him jog to the gym doors. Turning before he walked in, he smiled wide at me as I gave him a little wave.

  I stood in the parking lot for a few minutes, wondering what it was Jackson wanted to talk to me about, until Mr. and Mrs. Thomas walked up. After hugs and greetings, they asked me if I would like to sit with them. As I happily accepted, we made our way inside. We found a spot for the three of us and as the game started I immediately started cheering for my two favorite players.

  Looking around Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Thomas asked, “You like basketball?” with a wide smile.

  Shaking my head, I replied, “Not really.”

  He made a strange expression before Mrs. Thomas nudged him, saying, “Honey, it’s not the game she likes.”

  He gave her a blank stare at first then started laughing.

  As the game continued, Jackson received a hard foul that sent him flying across the floor and caused his mom and me to jump up and gasp. When it was clear he was alright, we sat back down waiting for him to take his free throws. I watched him glance at us then shake off a smile and start to fidget slightly. It appeared as though he was trying to concentrate.

  Leaning to Mrs. Thomas, I quietly asked, “Do you think he’s hurt
?”

  Shaking her head, she whispered, “I think he’s nervous.”

  Mr. Thomas broke in, disagreeing, “They’re up by six and he can make these all day.”

  I couldn’t see her expression but I heard Mrs. Thomas softly comment, “You know he only does that when he’s really nervous.”

  Not as quiet, Mr. Thomas questioned, “His twitchy thing…Why would he be?” then after a second he blurted, “Oh…” and I was sure Mrs. Thomas had mouthed something to him.

  Recalling the times I noticed him fidget, I asked, “He does that when he’s nervous?”

  With a light sigh, Mrs. Thomas shared, “He used to do it a lot when he was little. We ended up sending him to a specialist, you know how mean kids can be. Now, he only does it when he’s really nervous.”

  “Like when you said I was special?” I questioned.

  Smiling, she replied, “Yes, but honey he is very self-conscious about it.”

  Nodding at her, I assured, “Yes ma’am, I won’t say anything.”

  Mrs. Thomas was pleased at my comment and I was more than pleased at his twitching. Whatever his reason for doing it now, was irrelevant. I made him nervous. When I claimed him by marking his jacket and when he asked for me to be his girlfriend. I made him nervous.

  When the game was over I couldn’t wait to see Jackson. Standing to the side, while Mr. Thomas recounted the highlights and Mrs. Thomas looked him over, I waited for my turn with him. She told him she loved him, to be careful and not stay out to late before hugging him goodbye.

  The second his parents stepped away, I asked, “Are you okay?”

  “You sound like my mom,” he laughed before asking, “Are you gonna wait for me?”

  Shaking my head, I explained, “I can’t. I need to get to the Roberts’ so I can dress for dinner. I just wanted to make sure you were okay first.”

  Jackson kissed my cheek, saying, “I better hurry then,” then winked at me as he headed to the locker room.

  I stood there smiling for a moment before Emerson tapped me on the shoulder.

  Giving him a hug, I asked, “Ya ready?”

  He nodded and we walked to the parking lot together.

  The moment we arrived at Emerson’s house, we rushed into the house. Emerson handed me my garment bag and carried my duffle upstairs with him.

  The second Mrs. Roberts saw me she frowned slightly, saying, “You are not dressed.”

  Giving a polite smile, I held my garment bag up assuring, “I brought a dress.”

  With a slight sigh of relief, she asked, “I thought it would be nice to take pictures this evening, do you mind?”

  “Oh, no ma’am, I just need to change first,” I answered, waiting for her to tell me where to go.

  “Of course dear,” she chirped before offering, “You may change in the guestroom. It is next to Emerson’s room.”

  Nodding, I started to walk through the living room wondering if she knew I had stayed in Emerson’s room with him. Otherwise, wouldn’t I have known where it was? Awful thoughts of what she must think of me formed, until I saw Hert. He was sitting up straight with his hands in his lap but his eyes were closed. Laying my garment bag across the back of a chair, I quietly walked up behind him.

  Finding it incredibly hard to resist, I threw my arms around his neck from behind, blurting, “Wake up!” with a laugh.

  He jerked slightly before turning his face to mine and smiling.

  Out of nowhere, Mrs. Roberts snapped a picture saying, “This will be a good one.”

  Both Hert and I were startled. As I pulled back, I noticed, he was wearing a suit and tie. I waited for Mrs. Roberts to leave the room before walking around to face Hert.

  “Well don’t you look all spiffy,” I said with a smirk.

  Raising an eyebrow, Hert questioned, “Shouldn’t you?”

  With a slight huff, I pretended to be offended, saying, “I look good no matter what I wear.”

  Hert gave me a ‘Sure’ look before I stuck my tongue out at him, grabbed my garment bag and darted up the stairs.

  Standing in the guestroom, I glanced around thinking for such a big room it was awfully plain. I hung my garment bag on the closet door and unzipped it, still wishing I had a different dress to wear. Once I put it on, I felt a little better. My dress was slightly shorter than I remembered but the blue made my normally blah grey eyes really stand out. I looked around and remembered Emerson had my duffle with my makeup and shoes in it.

  Outside Emerson’s room, I knocked on his door and heard him say, “Come in.”

  Slowly opening his door, I walked in asking, “Do you have my bag?”

  Nodding, he complemented, “You look really pretty.”

  Smiling wide, I replied, “Thank you, you look very nice too.”

  After slipping his suit jacket on, Em left his room and headed downstairs while I touched up my makeup and added more hairspray to my up-do.

  Sliding my sandals on, I glanced in the mirror one last time before heading to the top of the stairs. The living room was full this time. The Roberts’, Hert, Emerson and Jackson stood there visiting as I made my way down.

  In true Mrs. Roberts’ fashion, Mrs. Roberts smiled saying, “Rennillia dear, you are just lovely,” before announcing to the room, “Doesn’t she look gorgeous!”

  Feeling a bit put on the spot, I forced a polite smile.

  Mr. Roberts was first to agree, saying, “She always does,” with a slight nod.

  His comment made me feel good about myself as I glanced over at Hert thinking ‘see’.

  Emerson was next, stating, “I told her she looked pretty,” as he stared at his mother.

  Appearing put out, Hert quickly griped, “Yes,” as if he felt he had no choice but to agree.

  After, making a face at him, I looked at Jackson. There was no need for him to answer, I could tell how he thought I looked by the expression on his face. Slowly smiling, I made my way next to him.

  Everyone, with the exception of Jackson and I, made their way into the kitchen. Feeling a bit nervous, I stepped a little closer to Jackson’s side.

  Reaching down, I slid my hand into his, saying, “You look good.”

  With a serious expression, Jackson said, “You…a…” before he nudged me a little, sharing, “I’m kinda sore and you like to hit.”

  Not being able to control my smile or the flush on my cheeks, I stepped in front of him, sliding my free arm into his suit jacket and around his waist.

  Leaning his head down, he whispered, “You wanna bail on dinner?”

  At the moment I did, however, I forced myself to reply, “I can’t.”

  “Let’s go in with everybody else before I kidnap you then,” he informed in a low tone.

  Smiling, I walked hand in hand with Jackson into the kitchen.

  Dinner was pleasant. Mr. Roberts sat at one end while oddly enough Hert sat at the other. Emerson sat at Mr. Roberts’ right, next to his mother and Jackson and I were on his left. Aside from Mr. Roberts sharing, he would be back down in a week for meetings, there was some small talk but nothing important. Since they were leaving first thing in the morning and it was already late when we started dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts excused themselves as soon as Mrs. Roberts forced us to take pictures in various combinations. As the rest of us stayed in the dining room, I felt a little more grown up. While the four of us laughed a little talking about nothing, I wondered if it would be like this when we were all grown up too.

  Glancing back and forth between the three of them, I couldn’t imagine my life with one of them missing from it. As a ping of reality struck me, I started to feel sad. My countdown goal seemed to be working against me now. For the longest time, I couldn’t wait to turn eighteen and graduate. Now I wanted to hold on to what I had for as long as possible, feeling as we grew up our time was limited.

  Distracting me from my thoughts, Jackson nudged me, saying, “Hey, I need to get going.”

  Nodding, I offered, “Do you want me to w
alk you out?”

  Smiling wide, he nodded back and we stood up. Purposely avoiding eye contact as I passed Hert, I could feel his unhappy glare as Jackson walked behind me with his arms around my shoulders.

  We only made it a few steps out of the back door before he pulled his jacket and tie off. Appearing happy to be rid of them, Jackson wrapped one arm around my shoulders as we walked to his truck. He opened the driver’s side and tossed the jacket and tie onto the seat. Turning to face me, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.

  Smiling wide, Jackson asked, “What time do you want me here tomorrow?”

  “I think around noon would be good,” I answered before asking, “What did you want to talk to me about?”

  Taking a breath, he questioned, “Are we going to sleep together?”

  Caught off guard, I started to pull away fussing, “Seriously?”

  Smiling, he clarified, “I mean in the same room, tomorrow night.”

  Wishing the subject had come up before now, I replied, “I don’t think that would be the best idea.”

  Appearing sad, he asked, “Why not?”

  Knowing he knew I slept in the same bed with Emerson before, I tried to explain, saying, “Because, you’re my boyfriend.”

  As he nodded at me I could tell, although he was disappointed, he could see the difference.

  Trying to make him feel better, I smiled before standing on my tippy toes and kissing him. Suddenly his arms were tight around me and he was purposefully kissing me back. Unsure if it was, knowing I made him nervous or the fact that he ask for us to sleep in the same bed with no reference to sex, his kiss felt different. It was making me lose focus and I did not want him to stop. The longer he kissed me, the more it felt deep and meaningful and less like a means to an end. Before I realized it, my arms were just as tight around him as I pressed myself closer.

  Keeping his hold on me firm, Jackson barely moved his lips from mine breathing, “Let’s go somewhere.”

  Whether it was his kiss, what he said, or the way he said it, my whole body warned me, feeling like it was being turned inside out.

  Sliding my hands to his chest, I could feel how fast his heart was beating as I tilted my head away urging, “I think we should call it a night.”