Love Notes

by Heather Gunter

  I couldn’t help, but throw my head back and laugh. Leave it to him to not only lighten the mood, but also make me feel like I accomplished exactly what I meant to. Score for me! I couldn’t help but feel inwardly pleased with myself.

  Dinner was so nice and easy. We walked out holding hands and I may have had a very smug smile on my face, when we passed by the waitress.

  Me, gloating? Okay, maybe just a little. And I enjoyed every bit of it.

  We spent the rest of our evening at Lookout Point. It’s not exactly what you may be thinking either. Well it is. but it isn’t. It’s a beautiful overlook, that shows the town. The lights are gorgeous down below at night. It’s also a great place to talk and yes maybe kiss a little.

  We did do a lot of talking. There was also some kissing involved. There really isn’t anything I enjoyed more, than initiating ‘It’ and shocking the shit out of him. Maverick never expects it. I’ve always been timid around guys, but I’ve never found anyone that I felt so very comfortable around, or one I wanted to kiss so much.

  I grabbed him by his shirt collar and yanked him close. I couldn't help but chuckle the minute our noses collided. I took the opportunity to lick the tip of his nose. I was just playing around, but all of a sudden, his eyes darkened and the storm raging in his eyes was unmistakable. “You know, you just started something right?” I, of course, played innocent. “I’m not sure what you're talking about.” I tried not to laugh, but couldn't help it. He started to say something, but in the moment, I decide to silence him and render him speechless. I threw my arms around his neck and kissed his ear, then his cheek and then his jaw. I started my path to his chin and back up to his lips. His breathing started to get a little erratic. I loved this feeling. The feeling of empowerment and knowing that I was the cause. The minute our lips touched, it was on. On, like Donkey Kong ' as Tori would say.

  He put his arms around my back and pushed me towards him. The problem was, we were in a car. A car with no room. I was feeling brave, so I stopped him, told him to hold on and scooted over the console. I sat right in his lap sideways. I was in a skirt after all. His eyes looked as if they would bulge right out of his head. I loved it. I resumed kissing him, but instead of the pace we had left off at, I start back achingly slow. He pulled me close with his left hand around my waist, but placed his right palm on my face. It was like heaven. No other way to describe it. His tongue made its way into my mouth and I opened willingly, giving into the kiss, everything I had. Then he moved his lips and tongue down my mouth and to my jaw line. Teasing me, like I had done to him earlier. Except this time, it sure wasn’t funny. Lord have mercy we needed to stop, but my body didn’t want to.

  As if sensing my thoughts Maverick stopped suddenly and sighed. “Charlie, we need to slow down. I’m not ready for this and I know you aren’t either and certainly not like this. Although I could kiss you every damn day of my life.”

  How had I fallen head over heels for a guy this quickly? One who knew me better than I knew myself?

  Chapter 38-Charlie

  I wake up to the sound of a bell. Mentally shaking my head, the feeling of dread washes over my body. I know what’s next–class with Maverick. God help me. I feel like my heart is going to burst out of my chest. I walk out of the room and start walking to the dreadful “history” class. I immediately stop myself and give myself a pep talk. “You can do this. You can do this and you handle worse every day. Sure it will be uncomfortable but that’s to be expected. Apparently I say the last part out loud because Will and Tori instantly flank my side and I hear, “You talking to yourself again girlfriend?” My moral support has arrived. “If you must know, I was giving myself a pep talk. You weren’t supposed to hear it.”

  Tori stops and throws her arms around my shoulder, “You're one of the strongest chicks I know, you just don’t know this yet. Do me a favor though…” Before I can even answer her she says, “Make him think you are fine without him . It will make him miss you more.” Will then chimes in not to be out done and hugs my other side. “Charlie my friend, he’s an idiot. He will eventually get over this it just may take a while. The sad thing is you may not be around when he finally does.”

  I’m definitely not ready to move on, but he’s right. And then just like that we are here. I throw my shoulders back, head up and without saying anything, walk into class. This is certainly harder than I even thought it was going to be, because there he is sitting in his seat and who is sitting right beside him but the “bitches”, lovely. I walk into the room avoiding any and all eye contact with either of them. I walk past and am about to sit in my seat when I hear a snort of laughter between the two. Time to say something and start taking up for myself because I am over this shit. I've put up with enough. One step at a time and this will be my practice run. “I’m sorry Ashley do you need a tissue or some Affrin for that nose problem thing you have going on.” If looks could kill I would be dead but I sure slapped that smirk right off of her face. Inside I’m beaming like a fool. Not because I really said anything that smart or profound but because I actually stood up and said something. 'Ha, take that bitches', I scream in my head.

  No sooner do I feel my sense of accomplishment when I hear an all too familiar voice and one I’ve haven’t heard directed to me in weeks. “Hey Charlie, we really need to talk? I'm sorry we haven’t talked in a while.” I turn to face him. I may as well get this over with. I don’t want to appear snappy but damn it I’m hurt. “Maverick, I really don't have anything to say to you. Please just leave me alone. This isn't the time or the place.”

  “Please, Charlie. We really need to talk.” Looking at him I can tell he’s sincere but haven't we been down this road before? My heart can't take it. I have been through so much, more than anyone else knows. I turn around and ignore him. Thankfully our history teacher walks in and puts a stop to Maverick talking.

  The one thing that continually runs through my mind is this, isn't it my own damn fault that no one knew? Nobody can help you unless you talk to someone about it. I know the feeling of embarrassment is a huge part of it but it had gotten so bad. I had seen how Maverick's family was, didn't I? I should know that how I am treated is definitely not normal.

  I contemplate this through the whole class. My mind running in several different directions and before I know it class is over. I rush out as fast as I can to avoid him. The part that broke my heart a little bit more is I could have sworn I heard Maverick's voice calling out to me as I ran away from class.

  Chapter 39-Charlie

  This is the first time I’ve ever skipped school. I just can't stand the thought of seeing him again in Choir class. I know Tori and I need to practice but I’m not worried. I know the song like no other. I only decided on it based on what I was feeling at the time and what I'm still trying to convince myself to do. It's like a mantra. Tomorrow is the night of the performance.

  As I pull into the driveway, I immediately text Tori just to make sure she doesn't worry. My mom isn't home, but I just don't care anymore. I don't doubt she will be home soon, but I will deal with the outcome when it comes. I know that I need to deal with everything eventually. Sooner, rather than later, there’s going to be a come to Jesus talk, and it won't be pretty.

  As far as I’m concerned, my mom and I had already had our discussion back when Maverick was in the hospital. This talk will need to be with my dad and it needs to be done once and for all. I’m scared out of my mind, but I need to find out why he hates me so much. There has to be a reason and I need to know. Damned be the outcome. Tori has been telling me how strong and great I am all along and it is about time, I start to believe it.

  I love being home when there is no one else here. It’s the only time I ever feel at peace in his house. Just like a ritual, I put my iPod on the player and put my play list on. I have several different play lists for different moods. This mood of mine, requires a little bit of encouragement for the show down that I’ve finally decided, needs to happen this evening. It is inevit
able. Besides, I’m sure my parents will be receiving a call this afternoon, telling them that I’ve left school.

  I’m so damn tired of feeling like this. I know I’m a good daughter. I never get into trouble and I'm respectful. I keep my room clean, help with dishes (maybe not all of the time) and I do my homework and hardly ever go out anywhere. Most of the time, I feel like I’ll get into trouble for leaving the house. Hell, I have only met Tori's mom once and that was it.

  I must have been listening to one of my favorite bands Imagine Dragons for at least an hour before I hear the front door open and hear my parents walk in. Huh, I'm thinking to myself, they are together. Kind of strange and definitely not normal for them.

  My dad wastes no time and barges in without knocking. Crap this is bad. “What the hell are you thinking with skipping school Charlie? You know better. Are you stupid or what? What would ever possess you to skip school?”

  The word stupid hurts, not gonna lie. My eyes start to water.

  I'm not going to cry. I'm not going to cry.

  I have to remember that I can do this, and that I have received much, much worse from him.

  Okay, I tell myself. Pep talk. You aren’t stupid and you can do this and you can’t and will not be treated like this anymore. Dad or not. Start out simple and try to explain why. Who the hell am I trying to kid? He's not going to get it regardless.

  As I open my mouth to speak, my voice comes out stuttering and sounding scared, “Maverick came back to school today. He was released from the hospital and I couldn't take it. I needed to leave. I couldn't face him again.”

  My dad starts laughing, as if this is the funniest thing he has ever heard. “Are you kidding me? This is over Maverick? He didn't want you to begin with. He broke up with you. He didn't want you, and really Charlie, why would he? You stupid, stupid girl. You're fat and certainly not the prettiest girl. He could be with a much prettier girl, so why would he choose you? You are just a joke.”

  As he continues with the degrading remarks, I can't help it, the tears fall and they begin to fall hard. Maybe this is what I need to hear, to give me some confidence. I feel it building. Albeit slowly. I think between seeing Maverick today, which hurt so much and my dad, I’m about to explode. I have reached the point of no return.

  “Why?” I scream out, “Why? Why do you hate me so much? What have I ever done to you? You have never had a kind word to say to me. Never.”

  His face is turning red and he has this shocked look on his face. But I’m not done, not by a long shot and my voice is reaching an all-time high. “I have tried so hard to be the “perfect” daughter. I tried to do everything right. But it doesn't matter. You’ve said the most hateful & degrading things to me. I know this now. No father should ever talk to his own daughter the way you talk to me. It's wrong. It took me a long time to see it. It took me seeing Tori with her mom one time to see what a mother and daughter relationship really looks like. Just once. Don't get me started on seeing Maverick with his parents who actually like each other and treat each other with respect.”

  Finally my dad finds his voice as he roars, “You will not speak to me this way!”

  I think to myself, I've done this much damage, why not go all of the way. “Why?” I yell. “Respect is earned and it is surely something you have never shown me.”

  Quick like lightening, my dad is right in front of me, raises his hand in the air and slaps me hard, right across the face. The sound is deafening and something I will never in a million years, ever forget. It resonates and continues to echo in my ears. I place my hand upon my cheek and in complete and utter shock stand stock still, staring at him.

  I look past him and see my mom standing in the doorway with tears in her eyes and her hand on her mouth looking mortified.

  “It's about time you knew the truth Charlie. I'm not your father. Thank God. Your father was a nobody that your mother had an affair with at her job. I did her a favor by staying with her. For a long time we weren’t even sure if you were his or mine. But look at you, there’s no damn way my child would look like you. It doesn’t take much to figure out that we look nothing alike. I don’t want you and I never have.

  With his last parting words, he leaves the room, with my mom trailing after him. I stand in a state of shock. Not only is my dad not really my dad, but my mom left me here and went after him.

  She–Left–Me

  Here I stand, in a state of shock and with what I’m sure is a slap mark across my face and she goes after him. I can't stay here. I’m done. I don't think. I just act. I start throwing my clothes in a bag. I only grab the essentials, the things I truly cannot leave without, because I have no plans of ever returning.

  I know of a place where it may be okay for me to stay, even if only for a little while. I run out of the house with my small bag of possessions and jump into the Jeep.

  My–Jeep.

  I look back and see my dad who isn't really my dad start running after me and almost reaching the door. I throw the car in drive as quickly as I can and push on the gas. He reaches the door enough for his fingers to skim the handle, but I’m quicker. Before he knows it, I’m gone and he just stands there in the middle of the street. I continue looking back and watch him get smaller and smaller, all the while my burdens seems to get lighter and lighter.

  Chapter 40-Charlie

  As I drive away, the place I steer Lexie to, is Tori's house. Her mom was so nice the first and only time I’ve seen her in person. As I near her house, I know it’s time to come clean and explain everything. They deserve to know. Tori deserves to know. I’ve kept quiet long enough. I pull into the driveway and sling my bag around my shoulders as I walk up to the door. I ring the doorbell and try to pat my hair down, so I don't look like a nutcase the minute the door is opened. The minute the door is opened, I realize I never even took the time to assess the damage done to my face. Oh, my.

  The minute the door opens and Tori looks at me I know it must be bad, the look on her face says enough.

  “Oh, my gosh Charlie, what happened?”

  “Well, my dad's hand made it’s way across my face.” I respond.

  She steps to the side and grabs my hand, carefully pulling me inside. She’s being extra careful with me, like I might break at any second. What she doesn’t realize is that I’ve learned something about myself tonight. I’m a lot stronger than I ever thought possible. If I can deal with this, then I can deal with anything.

  “Charlie what happened that he would ever raise his hand to you? No one deserves this ever. Mom,” she hollers, “We need you in here please.”

  Without so much as a question, in walks Tori's mom, Shelby. The moment she walks in, she immediately stops in her tracks and gasps, “Oh, my gosh Charlie, what happened?”

  “Well it's a long story, you may want to sit.” Tori immediately pops up from the couch. “Nope, we have got to get you ice girl. Have you even looked at yourself yet?”

  All I can do is shake my head. “Come on, follow me. We'll stop in the bathroom so you can look and then we’ll head into the kitchen for an ice pack..

  I had stopped crying on the way over to Tori's. I think I was somewhat in shock to be honest. However, the moment I walk into the bathroom and look at my reflection, I start crying all over again. Not bawling, but silently crying. It’s red, puffy and swollen as all get out. In fact, he hit me so hard, that he left a massive imprint of his hand and it’s starting to turn different colors. It’s in the first stage of bruising and it is only going to get worse. I don't want to look at myself anymore, so I immediately turn around and follow Tori into the kitchen.

  As soon as we are settled back onto the couch, I start my tale. My long depressing tale. I tell them of the abuse that I had finally realized wasn't normal. How I had taken the name calling and the blatant ugly and weight comments longer than I ever should have, and for as long as I could remember.

  Tori muttered, “Well that sure explains it.” She doesn't even have to embellish, becaus
e I know exactly what she means.

  Meanwhile, Shelby sits there horrified beyond belief and reaches for my hand, holding it the whole time. She never looks at me with pity though. Only caring. I get to the confrontation that I had with mom when I was in the hospital and how she had nothing to say and never batted an eyelash. Shelby is listening intently and silently crying for my pain. I think the worst part for them was hearing about my dad slapping me. Telling it to Shelby caused her to start shaking her head and she started to get really pissed. The kicker of the whole story for Tori's mom was hearing about my dad not being my biological father and how my mom reacted.

  Shelby immediately tilts my head up to look at her. “Charlie, I met you just one time. One time. That's all it took for me to see how special of a girl you are. I am so glad that Tori has befriended you. You are such a beautiful, smart and sweet girl and why they can't see that is their problem. Not yours, but theirs. You aren't going back to that house that's for sure.”