The Awakener

by Amanda Strong

Eden half-hoped Andrew wouldn’t be in class on Friday—the week had been a long one—but he came in right after her and Jessie. Eden caught his scent as they all sat down.

  Geez, he not only looks goods today but smells good too.

  “So, still good with studying?” he asked, leaning back in his chair.

  “Sure. Where’d you want to meet?”

  “How about the football bleachers?”

  “Ok,” she replied as the teacher flipped on the overhead projector. Eden tried to concentrate on the lesson, knowing she was going to have to try to explain it to Andrew later. She felt pretty confident she knew the stuff.

  After class, Andrew got up, saying, “See you later.”

  Once he was gone, Jessie turned to Eden. “Meeting you on the bleachers! I was so right, admit it.”

  “Whatever. It’s not like that.”

  “Eden, I don’t think you realize you’re a pretty girl and—” Jessie began.

  “Jessie, please don’t give me the ‘you’re a pretty girl speech’! I know what I am, and pretty isn’t how I’d describe myself. But thanks for being nice,” she added with a smile.

  Jessie shook her head. “You’re hopeless.”

  “Sorry, I’m late,” Andrew called as he jogged up the bleachers. He tossed his backpack down next to her, and sank down on the bench.

  Spying her trig book open on her lap, he asked, “Were you waiting long? Chase was yapping at me.”

  “No, just got here,” she lied. She didn’t want to admit she’d been waiting ten minutes. Did he say Chase?

  “Is Chase your friend?”

  “Yeah, you know him?”

  “No, not really, just met him once.” She zipped her jacket up. Who studies outside in February?

  He noticed. “Guess it’s kind of cold, huh? Are you ok? We could go inside. Maybe the library’s open.”

  “No, I’m fine. We should get started.” It wasn’t just the chill making her uncomfortable. Boys were not familiar territory for her.

  “Sure.” He pulled his book out. “But I’m warning you, I’m not as smart as I look.” He winked at her. Forty minutes later, they were done.

  “What a relief,” Andrew sighed. “No homework for the weekend.”

  She glanced over at him. He was leaning against the bench behind them, with both hands behind his head.

  “You know, I don’t think you really needed my help.” She cringed inwardly. Why did I just speak my thoughts?

  He chuckled. “Ah, busted. You really are too smart for your own good, you know.”

  She stared back at him, lost.

  He sat up, his green eyes dancing. “You’re right. I didn’t really need your help. But I wanted it.”

  She pulled her legs to her chest, wrapping her arms around her knees, trying to get warm. She resisted the urge to push her glasses up; it was a nervous habit.

  “I don’t understand.”

  He stared down at the football field, cleared his throat, and then glanced her way.

  “Chase is throwing Willow a surprise birthday party next weekend.”

  Chase and Willow, both names filled her with dread.

  “Oh.”

  “And, I sort of wanted to know…” He hesitated and she realized he was just as nervous as she was. “If you wanted to go with me, you know, like a date.”

  She swallowed hard to keep from gasping. She could only imagine how loud Jessie would crow about being right if she’d been here.

  “Sure,” she said finally. She could feel the heat coming off her face.

  Andrew’s eyes lit up and he grinned. “Awesome.”

  Gathering their belongings felt awkward. She was reeling that he was actually interested in her. All the teasing, the looks her way, had meant something after all.

  I’m not good at reading body language. Maybe I had better listen to Jessie more. She’s in drama—maybe they teach that stuff there.

  “Do you need a ride?” Andrew asked as they bound down the steps.

  “No, my mom’s coming. How about you?”

  They’d reached the field. He held up his keys and grinned. “Got my license in October. When’s your birthday?”

  The question seemed casual, but she couldn’t help but notice his direct gaze.

  “March 10th. So no keys for me.”

  He grunted. “I know the feeling. My friends are all older than I am, so last year didn’t suck too bad ‘cause I just rode with them. But my dad and I started restoring my Bronco.” He glanced at her. “It’s a ‘69, blue, chrome trim, all-leather bikini top, nice rims, all-terrain tires.”

  He stopped and she decided he thought she should be impressed. “Sounds nice.” No idea what he just said.

  “So I was chomping at the bit for my license this year. I’ve got a sweet ride now.”

  Again, he peeked at her.

  “Cool,” she confirmed.

  He grinned. They were passing the tennis courts now. She could see across the front lawn that her mom’s SUV was idling in the bus loop, waiting to pick her up. Glancing at the students parking to the left, she spied a blue, jeep-looking thing. Must be his Bronco.

  They’d come to a parting of ways.

  Andrew spied her mom’s car too. “Thanks for the help.”

  “No problem.” She wanted to flee before he might bring up their date.

  “So, see you Monday?” he asked slowly.

  “Yep, see ya.” She was turning on her heel, ready to bolt, when her body lunged forward instead. In one step, she was face to face with him.

  His emerald eyes opened wide and then she was hugging him, almost knocking him backwards.

  What the heck! She detangled herself, backpedaling as fast as she could. What’s wrong with me?

  He grinned widely, masking his surprise. He gave her a wink. “See ya, Eden.”

  Then he jogged away, leaving her smoldering in shame.

  It’s like my body has a mind of its own, hugging everyone and their dog.