Tag You're Mine

by Catherine Charles

  The grin spreading across Presley’s face is beautiful. I’m continually finding out new things about her that make me appreciate her more and more. She sets her flashcards down and throws her hands on the table. “Well, count me out!”

  “Wait! What?” Olivia yells out, and I’m as equally curious to hear her reasoning. She hasn’t mentioned anything to me about not going, but I haven’t asked her to go with me either. I just assumed we would all go together as a group.

  “It’s opening weekend of deer season.”

  “And?” Heather asks in a somewhat annoyed tone.

  “And I’ve got eight tags to fill this year.”

  Trey and Marcus look at her like she’s the hottest thing around, which of course, she is. But they don’t get to look at her like that. God, I can't wait to make this official, I hate hiding my feeling for her.

  “So what, are you gonna go kill Bambi’s mother?” God, Heather is so whiny. How have I never noticed this before? Her actual voice is worse than nails on a chalkboard.

  “And father, if I’m lucky.”

  “There’s no way you hunt.” I can see the images floating around in Marcus’s head as he questions Presley.

  She smiles as if it’s no big deal. “My gramps took me on my first hunt when I was five; we’ve been going ever since. He has a blind a couple of hours from here, and we spend the whole weekend camping out there, just the two of us. I can almost taste the venison now. Chili, burgers, steaks, nothing better than meat you kill yourself.”

  Trey pretends to wipe the drool off of his chin, “You’re killin’ me, Pres.”

  Heather rolls her eyes and mumbles under her breath, “Sounds disgusting.”

  “Sounds delicious to me,” Presley shoots back. “I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t eat meat.”

  “Well, I’m a vegan,” Heather announces rather proudly.

  Presley pinches the bridge of her nose and closes her eyes as if she’s trying to fight back a headache before looking at each member of the table, shocked that Heather is that dumb. “My point exactly,” she mumbles.

  Everyone laughs, except Heather, and I have to fight the urge to kiss Presley’s temple. It’s about damn time someone put her in her place, and I’m so proud that it was my girl. They say karma can be a bitch.

  “Please don’t let me not being there ruin y’alls fun.”

  There it is again, that southern twang. Now the image of her dressed in camo has my mind headed to a place that will only increase my level of frustration.

  “Maybe for prom, we can do the whole color-coordinating thing, Olivia.” Presley offers Liv a genuine smile, and her squeak echoes throughout the cafeteria.

  “You can’t back out of it. You promise?”

  “I promise,” she smiles and dips her head off to the side.

  I take the opportunity to whisper in her ear, “You know you just made her entire year.” She nods back at me. “I’m glad you and Liv are friends. She’s a great one to have.”

  A loose tendril falls over my lips, and I quickly take the opportunity to kiss her cheek before brushing it off her face and tucking it behind her ear. Olivia is smiling at us; the others are too busy lost in their conversations to notice our exchange of affection.

  “All right, Pres, I’ve gotta know. What’s your largest trophy kill?” Trey leans over the table, waiting with bated breath for her answer.

  She glances at me and then looks back at Trey. “A thirteen-point buck. I was eight. It was a sloppy kill. I was working through some issues, and the poor deer happened to be in the wrong place at the right time.”

  Before anyone can ask any more questions, the bell rings, and everyone scatters from the table; I hold onto Presley’s hand.

  “I’m sorry, Pres.”

  “It was a long time ago, Robert.”

  “Can we tell them yet?”

  “Almost.”

  *****

  It is so cold; I can see my breath thick as smoke, as Gramps and I carry the buck I shot back to our camp. The cold November air pierces my lungs as I trudge forward, dead leaves crunch under my waterproof hiking boots as the treads grip the wet ground. The forest’s canopy acts as an umbrella, warding off the rain that’s been falling for the last few hours, but I’m still soaked to the bone. “Character is built in moments like these,” my dad would say, but as I adjust the rifle slung over my shoulder, I want to tell my dad to go screw himself.

  “Great job out there today,” Gramps offers encouragement.

  I’m feeling chilled, and mutter back, “Three down, five to go.”

  “You know there are four more weeks of hunting season. We don’t have to fill all these tags today. It’s miserable out here; why don’t we head back early, and you can go to that homecoming dance with the other kids.”

  “Gramps, we don’t have to. This is our weekend, always been, always will be.”

  “I know peanut, and as much as I love spending time with you, I want you to enjoy your senior year with your friends, not hanging out with this old man. There will always be other years for hunting, but your senior year only happens once. Besides, your Gram will have my hide if I come home sick and she has to do chores by herself. I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  Smiling back at him, I adjust my grip on the buck’s front half before tossing it in the back of the old rusted maroon pickup truck. “Come on now; I’ll drop you off at the high school on the way through town. I’m sure Brice wouldn’t mind driving you home.” He waggles his brows, and I can't help but wonder how I ended up in this family. All of them are no better than horny teenagers, and here I was the one feeling like the prude of the bunch. Gramp’s goofy expressions cause me to laugh, leaving me speechless, a mere headshake is all I can muster.

  “Thanks, Gramps.”

  We manage to get the truck packed up in the next hour and then make the four-hour drive home, long enough for my clothes and hair to dry. I’m calling this style, fresh from the field. I have no one to impress, and Robert’s already seen me at my worst years ago. Only his opinion matters, and to him, I know I’m beautiful.

  It’s late when we pull through town, and Gramps drops me off in front of the high school gymnasium. Still clad in my waterproof boots, fleece-lined mossy oak camo pants, and bright neon orange hunters’ jacket, I pull my hair up in a loose ponytail while making my way inside to search for Robert or Olivia. After a few moments I notice that everyone has stopped dancing and seems to be staring at me. I guess showing up to a dance in full hunting gear wasn’t the best idea, but at least I now have everyone’s attention.

  A group in the center of the floor parts, and Robert makes his way towards me. He flashes that sexy grin I’ve gotten so used to seeing, the one he has when he’s delighted, the one only meant for me, the one that causes butterflies in my stomach and causes my heart to beat about a million times per second.

  “Hey, beautiful. You made it.” He leans in for a kiss but quickly stops himself.

  “Surprise?” I say hesitantly but with a little giggle. Over his shoulder, I notice Heather in a knee-length, red sequined dress, blond curls draping over her shoulder, eyes rolled back in her head with her hands firmly planted on her hips. “You’re not wearing red?”

  “Well, neither are you.” His hand slides into mine as he turns us towards the exit.

  “Who even shows up to a dance in camo? So. Trashy.”

  “Shut up, Heather. You’re just mad everyone’s eyes are on her instead of you.” Marcus winks at me as Robert moves us towards the exit. His hand firmly grips mine as his walk transitions to a sprint. Music fills the gym once again.

  “Slow down there, turbo. You’re gonna rip my shoulder out of its socket.” It’s too hard to contain my laughter, but the minute I’m pressed against his truck, there’s nothing funny about the way his thumbs brush against my cheeks as he cups my neck, the way his eyes drink me in and the shortness of his breath as his hands settle against my collar bone. He presses his lips to mine with intens
e fire, holding for a three-count before gently pulling away from me.

  “You’re not allowed back in there. We’re leaving now.” There’s a dominant growl behind his words.

  “And why’s that?”

  His voice sounds riled and agitated, “Because Presley, every guy in there was staring at you like you were a piece of fucking meat. They were all ready to pounce. I was saving you.” He’s cute when protective.

  “So?” I bat my eyes at him, while my fingertips run down his abdomen, hooking under his belt buckle. “You know no one would mess with me if they knew I belonged to you.”

  His eyes search mine frantically, looking for any sign of hesitation. “You’re serious. No more hiding?”

  “No more hiding. Me and you.”

  His forehead rests against mine, his lips peck my nose as we breathe in the last remaining seconds of our little secret.

  “Thank you.”

  We make our way back into the dance, hand in hand. Robert immediately takes me out onto the middle of the dance floor, spins me around before pulling me tightly to him. His lips crash against mine, his tongue dips into my mouth twice before he leaves it there, swirling together as we committed ourselves to one another in front of the entire school. My fingers rake through his mussed hair, as a smile threatens to separate us. This intoxicating, hungry man, leaves little room for doubt. He’s staking his claim and I’m his willing victim.

  Cheers, claps, and whistles, pull us from our bubble, and three tiny pecking kisses signify the end of our announcement. Some of the girls offer up dreamy sighs before swatting at their dates, and a few of the guys clap Robert on the back and shoulder, all while he keeps me snug against his chest. Olivia is beaming; Heather is fuming, eye daggers aimed straight at me.

  Everything is absolutely perfect.

  Chapter Nine

  It’s the week of Thanksgiving, and I’ve been spending my week out of school helping Mom and Gram get food ready for the soup kitchen. The extra meat we have from Gramp’s and my hunting trip will also be donated once it’s processed.

  I stand at the kitchen counter kneading dough for a pie while Gram works on a batch of stuffing, and Mom chops vegetables.

  “Hey, Mom, what if we invite Diane and Robert over for Thanksgiving? It’s only the four of us here, and they don’t have any family around. It could be fun,” I ask casually. The last thing I want is my mother making this out to be more than it is.

  Mom walks over to me while drying her hands on her apron, “It’s already done, dear. Now, why don’t you tell me what’s going on between you and Robert.”

  Shocked, she would bring him up, and not wanting to dive into our newfound relationship, I brush it off. “There’s really nothing to tell. He’s my tutor. I like him, and he likes me.”

  “Well, are you two dating? Diane says he’s been over the moon crazy ever since the homecoming dance.”

  “Yea. I mean, I guess we’re dating.” I don’t know why, but the idea of talking about my dating life with my mother, let alone anyone in my family, bothers me.

  “Honey, you know I love you, but I want you to be cautious. His dad—”

  “Mom,” I cut her off and am suddenly incredibly protective towards anything to do with Robert. “He told me all about his dad and the awful things he did. He told me why he and his mom disappeared. It was incredibly difficult for them. He’s nothing like his father. He’s kind and sweet and gentle. He encourages me and believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself.” Tears begin to pool in my eyes. Quickly I brush them off. I refuse to let her doubts about him get in the way of what we have.

  “It sounds like you might even love him.”

  Quickly I raise my eyes from the dough.

  “I remember what it was like to be young once; be careful, dear, it’s all I’m asking.”

  I go back to my pie while Mom finishes chopping the carrots for a stew later on in the week. At least the conversation wasn’t as bad as I thought it would have been.

  “Do you have any condoms, dear? I can pick some up from the grocery store next time I’m in town.”

  Oh, holy hell! “Mom!” Forget what I just said about our conversation not being so bad.

  “Well, you can never be too careful.”

  Gram lets a mmhmm slip out, “That’s how your mother was conceived. Your Gramps begged for a quickie, said it would only take two minutes, and well, your mother was created, and I learned Gramp’s two minutes are about the same as mine when he’s rushing me out the door.”

  Not the image I want in my mind. “Can we please not talk about this?” I beg to continue working in silence.

  “Well, it’ll be too late to talk about it once you’re pregnant, dear. I’ll pick some up for you. Your father would kill me if he came back home to the news that he was gonna be a grandpa.”

  “Mom! Please stop. Yes, I’m still a virgin. Do I want to have sex? Sure. But I’m not in a rush to give it up. Jesus Christ! We’ve only been dating for a couple of weeks. Y’all may be like horny rabbits, but I’m not, and I want my first time to be special.”

  “And it will be honey, but you have to remember you and Robert have known each other for much longer than the two of you let on.”

  “Oh my God! I cannot believe I’m having this conversation right now! And with my mother and grandmother of all people.”

  “And what conversation are we having, exactly?” Gramps walks into the kitchen and reaches for a few diced carrots and places a kiss on Gram's cheek before she swats him away. “Something smells delicious, by the way.”

  “Oh, you know, the one about condoms and our sweet little Presley losing her virginity.”

  Dear Lord, please take me now. I’ve lived a good life. Met a great guy. It’s a shame I won't be alive much longer for us to enjoy our time together, but I’m sure he will understand my passing from extreme mortification. I pray he finds someone else, not Heather though, or I’ll haunt him until he takes his last breath.

  “Well, you’re awfully quiet there, peanut. Anything you want to say?”

  “Kill me. Please. Someone kill me now.”

  “Presley, quit being so dramatic. You didn’t have to grow up listening to your parents go at it.”

  I swear it’s a hundred degrees in the house, and I’m beginning to feel incredibly claustrophobic. I want to curl up in a ball and disappear.

  “Ehhh. Use them or not; that’s how I trapped your grandma here. One of the best decisions I ever made.” He plants a kiss on Gram's lips and reaches around her to grab her butt.

  I can't stay here another minute longer. “I DO NOT want to know about my grandparent’s sex life!”

  The three of them are in hysterics; my irritation likely spurs them on as my uncomfortableness is obviously the source of their entertainment. I’m almost willing to bet the three of them had a bet on how long I would last in the current conversation. I’m sure Gramps was only there to ensure I broke. I swear my family has a gambling problem.

  The doorbell rings, and Mom stops her terror, “Hon, be a dear and grab that will ya? It should be Diane. She said she would stop by to help with the food. Maybe she brought that handsome son of hers along with her.” She smiles and waggles her eyebrows.

  I can't take being in the kitchen a minute longer. I roll my eyes and walk to the door. The conversation in the kitchen continues and I’m anxious for the distraction. Surely Diane isn’t as bad as Mom, but then again, who am I kidding, they’re best friends; I can almost guarantee today is only gonna get worse.

  *****

  “Come on, Robert. I told Tina we would be there to help them get the food ready for the soup kitchen.”

  I help Mom carry out a couple bags of groceries and load them into the back of my truck before opening the door for her.

  “So, how’s it going with you and Presley? Are you two finally a couple?”

  Mom has been my best friend for most of my life. I couldn’t talk about much with outsiders, so I always confide
d in her. “Hey Mom, how do you know if you’re in love?”

  Turning in her seat, she gives me a mile-wide smile accompanied by happy puppy dog eyes. “My little boy is growing up.” She pats my chest a couple of times and then situates herself back in the passenger seat.

  “Love is a different feeling for everyone. Do you think you love her?”

  “I don’t know. I know when I’m not with her, I want to be. I want to make sure she’s happy and safe. And I can't seem to kiss her enough; it’s as if she’s a drug, and I need a daily fix. Being around her is easy. She makes me want to be a better person. She makes me want to step up to the plate and be a man, and not any man, but hers. The kind of man she deserves. She’s seen what a good husband and father look like, but I don’t know if I can ever give her that, I don’t know if I’m capable.”

  “Robert West! Don’t you sell yourself short. That girl doesn’t care about where you came from. She only cares about where you’re going. If she makes you happy, if she makes you better, then I’d say you found your girl, and that’s all a mother can ask. You’re thinking and living for her, not for yourself anymore. Remember that your actions will have an effect on her, and you’ll be just fine.”

  We arrive at the ranch, and I grab the stuff from the back, following Mom up to the house. I can hear Presley inside yelling, but the loud billowing laughter coming from Gramps eases my tension a little. At least it’s nothing too serious. Mom rings the bell, and the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen greets us. Mom gives me a smirk before taking the groceries from me and squeezing past Presley. I can't seem to put my hands on her fast enough.

  Her hair is thrown up in a messy bun with a few loose tendrils framing her face. She’s wearing her glasses, and there is baking flour on her cheeks and nose. Her cheeks are still beet red; I can only assume what the conversation going on has been about. Her modesty is one of the many qualities that attracts me. She’s quiet and reserved in front of others, but when it’s just the two of us, there’s an entirely different side to her. One only I am privy to.