“I don’t know, what do you guys think we should do, there is plenty of daylight left” I observed looking out the window.
“I think…” said Lance lingering on his words before he picked me up princess style carrying my outside to our backyard when I realized where this was going.
“Don’t Lance!” I screamed hitting his arm with all my force “Please I can’t, don’t oh Lance this isn’t funny” I exclaimed flailing in his arms. He stepped up to the edge of the pool. He laughed to himself and I became increasingly infuriated. All of a sudden we both went flying into the water. I kicked with all my fury and gasped for air but didn’t stay up long. I was under again in seconds flailing about in a panic trying to get the surface. A strong grip took hold of my wrist pulling me up. My head broke the surface and I clung to my savior as I gasped for air. Lance swam us to the side and I was pulled out. I sputtered and coughed and to my joy found Lance looking somewhat remorseful but so did Adrian.
“You idiots she can’t swim!” Grace enveloped me in a hug. I clung to her still breathing heavily.
“I… I’m so sorry Blake I forgot” Lance whispered. I sat up to face him.
“I begged you not to” I said coldly.
“I thought we were just kidding around” he said a pleading look of guilt was overwhelmingly present in his eyes.
“I’m fine no harm done” I smiled weakly unable to be angry any longer. I stood a little wobbly still.
“Sorry B I pushed you both in” Adrian admitted in a small voice.
“It’s fine” I smiled at him. “I should go shower and put some dry cloths on” I mused aloud.
“Okay well Grace and I were going to catch a show at the old theater later want to come?” Adrian asked Lance and I.
“I am actually pretty exhausted” I noted casually.
“Maybe cause these two idiots nearly let you drown” Grace laughed at her own joke so did I.
“True, so to make it up to you I’ll stay in with you tonight I’ll even provide dinner Lance piped up. I laughed and shook my head at his proposition.
“Well suit yourselves but Grace we should get going” Adrian smiled I think secretly pleased it would be just them two. He stood to go waiting for Grace who I had detained by grabbing her wrist.
“I expect details” I whispered in her ear she giggled and stood up.
“Ditto” she called to me as she walked away winking.
“And then there were two” Lance chuckled
“Who headed inside to shower because they reeked of chlorine” I smiled getting up. Lance followed me into my house through the back sliding glass patio doors and up the stairs. I saw a yellow sticky note on the mirror that read:
“Be good bear, no wild parties, take care of my girl Lance”
I blushed crumpling the note in my hand before Lance even had the chance to read it. I grabbed his hand and led him up to my room. The walls were a pale yellow but they were barely visible under the hundreds of pictures that were plastered all over them. They were mostly of Grace Adrian and I, some of family, a few of my dad and I and one from years and years ago that Lance and I were in playing on the playground park. I sat down on my bed and motioned for Lance to join me, he willingly obliged.
“Can I ask you something” I hesitated.
“What's on your mind?” he asked openly inviting my question.
“There is no good way of putting what I want to know but you wanted me real with you and I really don’t understand something” I stalled looking at my knees that I hugged in front of my body.
“Go on” Lance’s face was mildly amused.
“It’s about Marcie. You guys dated for so long and than it was just over and now we, well we… and I don’t understand how your feelings could completely change not that I didn’t enjoy it when we… its just I don’t…” I struggled trying to express my concerns. His face was serious, in contemplation. I waited impatiently counting each breathe until he spoke.
“It was wonderful at first, freshman year it felt like I was on top of the world” He started smiling at the memory and that hurt a little but I didn’t let it show. “My future in high school was set, I was dating an awesome girl, who seemed to be very wanted, sports were a breeze and academics were passable. Things progressed and my priorities changed from when we were friends. I wasn’t sure I always liked it, sometimes it felt like things were askew but I shrugged it off. When my mom got sick things changed” his face hardened as if he resented her for it. “Things with Marcie were fine at first, but I started seeing things in a new light. I was told that happens when things drastically change in your life. Any way I struggled for the next two years to understand her. Somewhere in there is that sweet girl I met freshman year. Things changed and I had no idea.” He sighed shaking his head.
“I wish there were words that could make things right” I sighed in the impossibility of it.
I saw a tear slide down his face and he blushed red. I wiped it away and kissed his cheek softly. “You still love her” I smiled my heart crushed a little inside. His eyes opened wide as he looked at me incredulously. “Despite everything, you fell in love with her some time during it all, I see it in your eyes when you think about her” I still smiled despite how I ached with disappointment.
“No I don’t, that’s just it I don’t think I ever did” he cried now and I held him as he wept silently.
“Shh its okay, things will work out I’m sure you both can find a way to work it out” I said trying to sooth him. When he pulled away from me sharply I was taken a back.
“Your not listening I DON”T love her B, I never did, what a terrible person I was I told her I loved her after we made love, but it was a lie, I held her in my arms and when she said she loved me I said it right back but I didn’t mean it I never did” he ranted. I listened in surprise.
“I’m sorry” I muttered in a small voice “I just I thought” I wasn’t sure what to say. I looked up at him as he came towards me lowering his head to my level. His lips were on mine like a wildfire to a forest. I was taken by surprise again and was left defenseless as my body took over my mind shutting down completely. I pulled him closer and he fell on top of me the pressure of his body on mine was not unwelcome. His hands winded through my hair as his tongue dove into my willing mouth. He pulled back slightly to plant small kisses along my jaw that made my back arch into him. He grinned obviously pleased with himself but I wanted his lips back on mine. He tasted like the hot summer air that constantly surrounded us, but better. He pulled back breathless sitting up.
“Does that feel like I’m in love with some other girl?” he asked breathing heavily.
“You get one chance” I whispered, he looked confused as I expected he would be. “You get one chance with me, with this, I want to believe you I do, but inside its harder than that. I am giving into you this once. I trust you don’t screw it up” I finished pulling him back down on me. He kissed me with force as if trying to prove his point. The straps of my shirt started to slide down my shoulder. I turned my check and he pulled back.
“Did I do something wrong?” he asked I saw the concern in his eyes.
“No, but I think I should tell you something” I whispered using all my will power to push against him. He got the hint and rolled over and sat up to face me.
“I’m listening” he smiled.
“I’m not the girl who will go all the way with you, I…” I hesitated feeling stupid saying this aloud “I am saving my self for marriage, I know that may sound silly to you, but being able to tell my husband that he is the first… my first…I would love to give him that” I whispered trying to explain. I looked up and he was laughing.
“Oh Blake, I’ve just gotten you, you can’t get rid of me that easily” he smiled. My heart lifted up immediately. A smile appeared on my face. He kissed my check. I smiled as I sat up.
“I’m going to shower your welcome to use the guest bathroom down the hall” I said as I walked towards my bathroom. He nodded and I disappeared behind the door. I leaned my back against the door and sighed. I stripped the still damp close that clung to my body. After I showered I dried my self off and pulled out a pair of sweat pants and a hoodie. I walked downstairs to the family room where Lance was sitting. He looked up when I came in.
“Took you long enough” he teased. I stuck my tongue out at him like a five year old and sat down next to him.
“What shall we watch?” I asked looking over at him.
“Saturday Night Live is on soon” he said casually picking up the remote. He was right. As we watched it I curled up next to him, my body fit so nicely with his, so naturally. My eyes were heavy, the dim glow of the TV lit the room so everything was just barely visible. I felt my self drifting off but didn’t bother trying to stay awake. I knew things weren't going to be perfect, that things had changed but that was something to worry about tomorrow because all that was left in this moment was to fall asleep in the arms of a boy I cared so much about.
The End!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Chapter 9
“Hey daddy” I smiled rinsing off my dishes.
“Is Lance coming back to help with the boat?” he asked cheerfully.
“If that’s okay” I felt myself smiling still.
“That would be great the more the merrier, if you two want to start I’ll be out soon bear” I smiled and walked out back to the shed. I opened the two big doors rolling them to each side. I looked at the unfinished boat. Its underside was still unpainted completely
I grabbed a brush with the blue paint and laid on the wheelie board that slid me under the boat I began painting. Each stroke even, going the same way just nice subtle strokes. I stated singing to myself aloud because no one else was there.
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let you heart be light,
From now on our troubles will be out of sight.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us” I sang one of my favorite Christmas carols.
“Its ninety eight degrees and you’re singing Christmas songs?” Lance’s voice came from the door. I jumped trying to sit up resulting in my head colliding with the bottom of the boat.
“Ow” I muttered lying back down. He walked over and pulled me from under the boat.
“Let me see” he said and helped me sit up. He examined my forehead. “I think you’ll live” he chuckled.
“I was perfectly justified in sing Christmas carols, it’s December” I huffed.
“Yes but it’s nearly one hundred degrees” he argued back.
“The weather doesn’t effect the date” I responded. “It’s supposed to cool down later this week” I said defensively.
“You watch the weather channel” he laughed not asking but stating. I looked down embarrassed.
“At least I’ll be prepared if it rains” I muttered. Lance lifted my chin with his finger.
“Did the weather channel predict this?” he murmured his free fingers slid over my eyes closing my lids. Than I felt his press softly against mine, they were warm and soft. Before I could do anything my lips were cold and alone. I opened my eyes and saw Lance sitting back further gauging my reaction.
“You kissed me” I said softly. I wasn’t sure why but I felt if didn’t say it, it would be like it never happened, now things were changed.
“I did, I’m sorry” he whispered
“Why?” I asked.
“It just seemed right” he sighed.
“No I meant why did you apologize I didn’t stop you” I said smiling a little.
“I just didn’t know if the forecast was mutual” he said and I couldn’t help it when my lips curved upward into a full scale smile.
“Well don’t just sit there we have a boat to paint” I said playfully standing up. He followed suit standing and walking towards the paint. My dad walked in wearing his painting overalls.
“Lets get to work” he said clapping his hands together. We painted for hours, stained the deck multiple times and than we were through for the day. I loved this boat it was beautiful with its blue and white stripes and maple wood. It was a thing of beauty.
“I think we can call it a successful day” I sighed smiling at our handy work.
“I agree bear, I should go get cleaned up though I am taking your mother out tonight to real fancy dinner. She needs a break don’t you think?” he asked smiling proud of his idea I’m sure.
“That a great idea daddy she’ll love it” I beamed at him.
“Good, well don’t worry about Luce she is going to Annabel’s for the night” he smiled at me knowing I would enjoy not having to baby sit tonight.
“Thanks dad” I smiled appreciatively, he smiled than turned his attention to Lance.
“You’re welcome to stay and keep my little bear company as long as you protect her from those spiders” my dad laughed at his wit and I blushed.
“Thanks sir I might just do that” he smiled, and with that my stomach dropped to my knees. I wiped the little beads of perspiration from my forehead with a rag. My dad walked out of the shed and I turned to face the boy who was making me feel week in the knees. He looked down at me in return a sly grin on his face.
“You look highly suspicious” I laughed breaking the tense silence. He chuckled as he snaked one arm behind my waist pulling closer. With that one arm he lifted me onto the wooden crate that was just seconds ago behind me. I stopped giggling as he drew closer. His lips were in one swift smooth motion on mine again, this time I leaned into him slightly. Our lips moved slowly against each other taking in every detail of the other. His tongue traced my lips softly looking for a way in. I parted them ever so slightly, a gut reaction. He took the opportunity to plunge his tongue into my mouth and I let him, I let him explore as our tongues danced in pleasure. I felt every nerve in my body tingle with excitement. I pulled away to take a breath of air.
“Ahchem” I heard the clearing of a throat I turned to look at the door my eyes flew open as did Lance’s. I turned a deep scarlet and looked down at the floor.
“Hey Ace” Lance smiled not looking at all chagrined by the circumstances. In fact when I took in the expression on his face, he was happy and he was taking no care in being discreet.
“Hey man” Adrian laughed. I looked at Grace who was smiling in that kind of ‘I knew it’ way she does. I got up off the crate and walked over to her taking her by the hand walking out of the shed.
“So you’re just going for a run huh?” she laughed at me.
“I can’t explain, I just… I realized that ugh alright fine you win I like him I really like him” I grinned glad that it was she was the only one I was confessing to though I’m sure Lance had figured it out by now. She laughed hugging me in response.
“So, what are we doing for the rest of the day?” she asked hanging an arm over my shoulder as we walked back in the shed to find the boys laughing about something.
“Is Lance coming back to help with the boat?” he asked cheerfully.
“If that’s okay” I felt myself smiling still.
“That would be great the more the merrier, if you two want to start I’ll be out soon bear” I smiled and walked out back to the shed. I opened the two big doors rolling them to each side. I looked at the unfinished boat. Its underside was still unpainted completely
I grabbed a brush with the blue paint and laid on the wheelie board that slid me under the boat I began painting. Each stroke even, going the same way just nice subtle strokes. I stated singing to myself aloud because no one else was there.
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let you heart be light,
From now on our troubles will be out of sight.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us” I sang one of my favorite Christmas carols.
“Its ninety eight degrees and you’re singing Christmas songs?” Lance’s voice came from the door. I jumped trying to sit up resulting in my head colliding with the bottom of the boat.
“Ow” I muttered lying back down. He walked over and pulled me from under the boat.
“Let me see” he said and helped me sit up. He examined my forehead. “I think you’ll live” he chuckled.
“I was perfectly justified in sing Christmas carols, it’s December” I huffed.
“Yes but it’s nearly one hundred degrees” he argued back.
“The weather doesn’t effect the date” I responded. “It’s supposed to cool down later this week” I said defensively.
“You watch the weather channel” he laughed not asking but stating. I looked down embarrassed.
“At least I’ll be prepared if it rains” I muttered. Lance lifted my chin with his finger.
“Did the weather channel predict this?” he murmured his free fingers slid over my eyes closing my lids. Than I felt his press softly against mine, they were warm and soft. Before I could do anything my lips were cold and alone. I opened my eyes and saw Lance sitting back further gauging my reaction.
“You kissed me” I said softly. I wasn’t sure why but I felt if didn’t say it, it would be like it never happened, now things were changed.
“I did, I’m sorry” he whispered
“Why?” I asked.
“It just seemed right” he sighed.
“No I meant why did you apologize I didn’t stop you” I said smiling a little.
“I just didn’t know if the forecast was mutual” he said and I couldn’t help it when my lips curved upward into a full scale smile.
“Well don’t just sit there we have a boat to paint” I said playfully standing up. He followed suit standing and walking towards the paint. My dad walked in wearing his painting overalls.
“Lets get to work” he said clapping his hands together. We painted for hours, stained the deck multiple times and than we were through for the day. I loved this boat it was beautiful with its blue and white stripes and maple wood. It was a thing of beauty.
“I think we can call it a successful day” I sighed smiling at our handy work.
“I agree bear, I should go get cleaned up though I am taking your mother out tonight to real fancy dinner. She needs a break don’t you think?” he asked smiling proud of his idea I’m sure.
“That a great idea daddy she’ll love it” I beamed at him.
“Good, well don’t worry about Luce she is going to Annabel’s for the night” he smiled at me knowing I would enjoy not having to baby sit tonight.
“Thanks dad” I smiled appreciatively, he smiled than turned his attention to Lance.
“You’re welcome to stay and keep my little bear company as long as you protect her from those spiders” my dad laughed at his wit and I blushed.
“Thanks sir I might just do that” he smiled, and with that my stomach dropped to my knees. I wiped the little beads of perspiration from my forehead with a rag. My dad walked out of the shed and I turned to face the boy who was making me feel week in the knees. He looked down at me in return a sly grin on his face.
“You look highly suspicious” I laughed breaking the tense silence. He chuckled as he snaked one arm behind my waist pulling closer. With that one arm he lifted me onto the wooden crate that was just seconds ago behind me. I stopped giggling as he drew closer. His lips were in one swift smooth motion on mine again, this time I leaned into him slightly. Our lips moved slowly against each other taking in every detail of the other. His tongue traced my lips softly looking for a way in. I parted them ever so slightly, a gut reaction. He took the opportunity to plunge his tongue into my mouth and I let him, I let him explore as our tongues danced in pleasure. I felt every nerve in my body tingle with excitement. I pulled away to take a breath of air.
“Ahchem” I heard the clearing of a throat I turned to look at the door my eyes flew open as did Lance’s. I turned a deep scarlet and looked down at the floor.
“Hey Ace” Lance smiled not looking at all chagrined by the circumstances. In fact when I took in the expression on his face, he was happy and he was taking no care in being discreet.
“Hey man” Adrian laughed. I looked at Grace who was smiling in that kind of ‘I knew it’ way she does. I got up off the crate and walked over to her taking her by the hand walking out of the shed.
“So you’re just going for a run huh?” she laughed at me.
“I can’t explain, I just… I realized that ugh alright fine you win I like him I really like him” I grinned glad that it was she was the only one I was confessing to though I’m sure Lance had figured it out by now. She laughed hugging me in response.
“So, what are we doing for the rest of the day?” she asked hanging an arm over my shoulder as we walked back in the shed to find the boys laughing about something.
Chapter 8
I woke up in the morning throwing on my running gear. I headed down the stairs surprised to find Lance there and waiting for our run.
“Morning sleeping beauty” he laughed my dad chuckled as well.
“Morning to you too sunshine” I said sarcastically. I popped a strawberry in my mouth as I went for the door.
“Coming slow poke?” I grinned. Lance fallowed I waved my parents off and began to set the pace at a nice jog.
“I was under the impression we were running today man I must have been mistaken” Lance was on my last nerve. I sped up, passed him and kept going with all I had. I stopped at my bench to find Lance several feet behind. A little boy came running up to me just as the week before: Blake duh.
“Hey Blake” I waved my fingers his smile doubled in response.
“Who is that?” he pointed a finger towards Laurence.
“A friend, his name is Laurence” I said “you can call him Lance” I smiled down at him. Lance finally caught up.
“Lance this is Blake, Blake Lance” I introduced the two.
“Lets play” Blake grabbed one of my hands and one of Lance’s hands. We played with him for an hour or so before he began to tire. It was fun, it was like being a little kid again. Blake left with his mom, she thanked us generously. We waved goodbye and started to walk back towards my house.
“Sorry about that, I forgot I had made plans last week” I laughed a little
“I had fun” he laughed too. “You never told me how popular you were” he grinned at me.
“Shut up” I said in an admittedly a girlish way laughing a little. “Hungry?” I asked still laughing.
“Depends on what’s for breakfast” he grinned stepping into my house. I led the way to our small kitchen. I opened a cabinet to find we were out of cereal.
“Hmm we seem to be out of cereal, pancakes?” I asked turning around. To my surprise Lance had been right behind me, now he was right in front of me. While in the midst of my shock Lance took the pancake mix from right hand that was still raised.
“I’ll take that, go shower you smell” he laughed and the moment was much lighter again I punched his arm he flinched and moved out of my way.
“Oh thanks you’re so sweet” I stuck out my tongue before I flounced out the room and bounded up the stairs, my mothers voice caught me mid-way up.
“Is Laurence in the kitchen?” she asked smiling.
“Yes, I think he is going to cook something, imagine that” I said sarcastically. My mother laughed and spoke again.
“I am glad to see him over again such a nice boy” she smiled and went back to papers. I went to my room stripped my cloths threw them in my hamper and went into my bathroom I showered washing all the sweat and grim off my body. When I stepped out I wrapped a white fluffy towel around my body before opening the door to my room.
“Ahh!!!”I screamed nearly dropping my towel. A large brown spider was on my white carpet crawling towards me. I froze out of fear. I was barely aware of shouts coming from downstairs.
“Are you okay?” Lance yelled as he bust through my door. I pointed frantically at the creature with to many legs that sat on my floor. He sighed relief chuckled a little and called down the stairs.
“Its just a spider I got it” he called over his shoulder. I heard my dad laugh and say okay. Why was everyone laughing this was not funny. Lance grabbed a paper cup from the guest bathroom down the hall and caught the spider in it.
“B you seriously need to man up, it was a spider” he laughed.
“Easy for you to say you’re not terrified of the thing” I scowled at him. He walked to my window opened it tossed the spider out than shut it again. I looked at him incredulously.
“That’s because it’s smaller than my palm” he raised his hand to show. I turned away from him going to my dresser.
“I hate spiders” I said firmly sifting through my shirts finding a light pink camisole. I grabbed a pair of white jean shorts from the drawer below.
“Duly noted” he said stifling a laugh while exiting my room and shutting the door behind him. I changed towel dried my hair and scrunched it a little with some gel. I skipped down the stairs catching a whiff of syrup and whipped cream.
“Smells delicious” I said taking a plate from the cupboard handing it to Lance than taking one for my self. I put on a couple pancakes; than put strawberries and whipped cream on mine and walked to the dinning room table.
“What did you do to the poor pancakes I made?” Lance sat across from me his pancakes drizzled with syrup.
“Made them better” I joked. He faked a hurt look. My dad came in from outside, sweat beading down the side of his face from mowing the grass, but he was smiling brightly. He took great pride in caring for the lawn.
“Mr. Renaldo you look like you could use a bite, there’s plenty extra in the kitchen” Lance gestured to our food.
“Good to see you Lance” he smiled waved casually and walked into the kitchen.
“So what are we doing today?” Lance asked taking large bites of his breakfast.
“I am going to work on the boat with my dad, what are you doing?” I asked grinning.
“What a coincidence I was going to work on a boat with your dad, wonder if it’s the same boat” he smiled wickedly with a gleam in his eye.
“Oh really, well not to offend you, but you kind of smell, maybe you could manage a shower before than” I suggested in a fake snotty tone that made Lance laugh, I couldn’t help joining.
“I think I can take care of that” he said getting up taking his plate.
“Leave it I can get it” I offered as I took another bite.
“Thanks B” he said putting the plate down “See you in twenty” he winked at me as he walked towards the door.
“Is that a threat or a promise?” I asked.
“You choose” he said lightly shutting the door behind him.
“Morning sleeping beauty” he laughed my dad chuckled as well.
“Morning to you too sunshine” I said sarcastically. I popped a strawberry in my mouth as I went for the door.
“Coming slow poke?” I grinned. Lance fallowed I waved my parents off and began to set the pace at a nice jog.
“I was under the impression we were running today man I must have been mistaken” Lance was on my last nerve. I sped up, passed him and kept going with all I had. I stopped at my bench to find Lance several feet behind. A little boy came running up to me just as the week before: Blake duh.
“Hey Blake” I waved my fingers his smile doubled in response.
“Who is that?” he pointed a finger towards Laurence.
“A friend, his name is Laurence” I said “you can call him Lance” I smiled down at him. Lance finally caught up.
“Lance this is Blake, Blake Lance” I introduced the two.
“Lets play” Blake grabbed one of my hands and one of Lance’s hands. We played with him for an hour or so before he began to tire. It was fun, it was like being a little kid again. Blake left with his mom, she thanked us generously. We waved goodbye and started to walk back towards my house.
“Sorry about that, I forgot I had made plans last week” I laughed a little
“I had fun” he laughed too. “You never told me how popular you were” he grinned at me.
“Shut up” I said in an admittedly a girlish way laughing a little. “Hungry?” I asked still laughing.
“Depends on what’s for breakfast” he grinned stepping into my house. I led the way to our small kitchen. I opened a cabinet to find we were out of cereal.
“Hmm we seem to be out of cereal, pancakes?” I asked turning around. To my surprise Lance had been right behind me, now he was right in front of me. While in the midst of my shock Lance took the pancake mix from right hand that was still raised.
“I’ll take that, go shower you smell” he laughed and the moment was much lighter again I punched his arm he flinched and moved out of my way.
“Oh thanks you’re so sweet” I stuck out my tongue before I flounced out the room and bounded up the stairs, my mothers voice caught me mid-way up.
“Is Laurence in the kitchen?” she asked smiling.
“Yes, I think he is going to cook something, imagine that” I said sarcastically. My mother laughed and spoke again.
“I am glad to see him over again such a nice boy” she smiled and went back to papers. I went to my room stripped my cloths threw them in my hamper and went into my bathroom I showered washing all the sweat and grim off my body. When I stepped out I wrapped a white fluffy towel around my body before opening the door to my room.
“Ahh!!!”I screamed nearly dropping my towel. A large brown spider was on my white carpet crawling towards me. I froze out of fear. I was barely aware of shouts coming from downstairs.
“Are you okay?” Lance yelled as he bust through my door. I pointed frantically at the creature with to many legs that sat on my floor. He sighed relief chuckled a little and called down the stairs.
“Its just a spider I got it” he called over his shoulder. I heard my dad laugh and say okay. Why was everyone laughing this was not funny. Lance grabbed a paper cup from the guest bathroom down the hall and caught the spider in it.
“B you seriously need to man up, it was a spider” he laughed.
“Easy for you to say you’re not terrified of the thing” I scowled at him. He walked to my window opened it tossed the spider out than shut it again. I looked at him incredulously.
“That’s because it’s smaller than my palm” he raised his hand to show. I turned away from him going to my dresser.
“I hate spiders” I said firmly sifting through my shirts finding a light pink camisole. I grabbed a pair of white jean shorts from the drawer below.
“Duly noted” he said stifling a laugh while exiting my room and shutting the door behind him. I changed towel dried my hair and scrunched it a little with some gel. I skipped down the stairs catching a whiff of syrup and whipped cream.
“Smells delicious” I said taking a plate from the cupboard handing it to Lance than taking one for my self. I put on a couple pancakes; than put strawberries and whipped cream on mine and walked to the dinning room table.
“What did you do to the poor pancakes I made?” Lance sat across from me his pancakes drizzled with syrup.
“Made them better” I joked. He faked a hurt look. My dad came in from outside, sweat beading down the side of his face from mowing the grass, but he was smiling brightly. He took great pride in caring for the lawn.
“Mr. Renaldo you look like you could use a bite, there’s plenty extra in the kitchen” Lance gestured to our food.
“Good to see you Lance” he smiled waved casually and walked into the kitchen.
“So what are we doing today?” Lance asked taking large bites of his breakfast.
“I am going to work on the boat with my dad, what are you doing?” I asked grinning.
“What a coincidence I was going to work on a boat with your dad, wonder if it’s the same boat” he smiled wickedly with a gleam in his eye.
“Oh really, well not to offend you, but you kind of smell, maybe you could manage a shower before than” I suggested in a fake snotty tone that made Lance laugh, I couldn’t help joining.
“I think I can take care of that” he said getting up taking his plate.
“Leave it I can get it” I offered as I took another bite.
“Thanks B” he said putting the plate down “See you in twenty” he winked at me as he walked towards the door.
“Is that a threat or a promise?” I asked.
“You choose” he said lightly shutting the door behind him.
Chapter 7
“Hey B” Lance said as he came up behind me.
“Hey Lance” I smiled when he fell into step with me. I laughed when he tried to slow down. His legs made such long strides compared to my dainty steps.
“It wouldn’t be an issue B, if you took bigger steps” he said trying to be serious but he chuckled anyway.
“Right” I laughed “because height plays absolutely no role in how large my steps can be” I said sarcastically and rolled my eyes. He laughed it off.
“So what are you doing tonight?” he asked I eyed him suspiciously.
“Nothing, why?” I asked cautiously
“Well my parents are away tonight so I was thinking you could come over and maybe watch a movie or something-” I cut him off before he could finish
“I’d rather not” I hesitated now thinking of how to put what I wanted to say “It’s just that if your parents won’t be there I” now he cut me off laughing.
“No I didn’t mean it like that” he said still laughing I looked at him now unsure of what he meant. “I meant that yes they are out of town so the house will be quiet no arguing. They went to see a doctor in Arizona” his voice sadder towards the end.
“Oh” was my brilliant response my mind went into overdrive “I’m still not sure if that’s such a good idea” I hesitated my father wouldn’t like it at all. He laughed again I looked at him what was so funny?
“It’s okay you don’t have to say yes I didn’t think about it that way” he said calming me down.
“You’re welcome to come over to my house my parents would love to see you” I smiled. They would my dad liked Lance. He asked always asked why Lance never came around anymore. I told my dad we sort of just grew apart I knew he would love to Lance again.
“Really? Missed me have they?” he laughed I did too.
“Actually my dad asked about you a couple weeks ago” I smiled he looked a little surprised like he hadn’t actually believed me.
“What’d you tell him?” Lance asked curiously
“That we grew apart” I smiled shyly. Gratitude was fervent in his eyes but for what I wasn’t sure. “So do you want to come?” I asked again.
“Sure but I have to get to bed pretty early I have plans in the morning” he winked at me I laughed.
“It’s my turn to make dinner, since your coming over you have just been enlisted in helping me” I smiled he laughed
“Oh my, what are we making?” he asked
“Homemade pizza, I have to go the mini mart to get some things after school” I mused aloud.
“I’ll come with you” he said but before I could say another word the bell rang so we rushed to our separate classes. School passed surprisingly quick. I headed to my locker to put my books away. As I approached I saw Lance waiting there.
"Hey B” he greeted with a warm, inviting smile. I rather liked it, more than I probably should. I sighed aloud on accident.
“Hey” I blushed from my thoughts.
“What?” he laughed. I smiled in attempt to cover up my embarrassment.
“Nothing ready to go to the store?” I changed topics. He looked at me suspiciously for a moment but answered anyway
“Sure” his voice was smooth. ‘I shouldn’t be noticing these things.’ I thought to myself. Lance followed me out to my car. I put my school bag in the back and unlocked the passenger door as I climbed in.
“We have to pick up my sister first” I remembered.
“Awesome” he said casually. He put in a CD he found in his bag. We listened in a comfortable silence. I liked the music it had a smooth beat with a bit of flair. I found myself smiling when we pulled into the middle school. Lucy saw Laurence and took the back seat.
“Who’s this?” she asked in a rather rude tone Lance chuckled.
“You remember Laurence from next door” I smiled she did too.
“You’re Laurence?” she was obviously shocked.
“Yes, do you know me?” he asked confused
“I know all about you, you only like the coolest guy ever. Everyone knows who you are but what are you doing with Blake?” she asked with disgust clear in her voice.
“Thanks Luc” I said my tone a little edgy, maybe because I hadn’t quite figured that out either. Lance laughed.
“Well tonight we are making dinner” he answered simply. I knew that’s not the answer Lucy had been looking for. I grinned internally at that. I pulled up to the drive to let her out.
“We have to go to the mini mart, I figured you wouldn’t want to come?” I asked when she continued to sit in the car. She tilted her head to the side slightly I assumed deliberating.
“You were right later” she said hopping out of the car eyes still glued on Lance. Inside I felt selfishly a little satisfied that she now thought better of me for having Lance as a friend.
“Your sister is nice?” he somewhat asked.
“One could say that” I grimaced playfully he chuckled. We pulled up at the mini mart. As we walked in the sliding doors I pulled out my list. Lance laughed again.
“What?” I asked confused.
“You would have a list” he said putting emphasis on the ‘would’.
“Is that a problem?” I asked serious in my tone.
“No I just forget how perfectly you live in this little box” he said his tone a slightly harsh I recoiled a little.
“What do you mean?” I tried to keep my voice calm giving him his chance to speak even though I admit the words stung.
“Like this, normally people would be offended by my comment or at least my tone. I am sure you were but instead you give me the chance to explain, your parents are still together you have two great friends who love you for who you are. You have never screwed up never been drunk, brought home a report card filled with C’s and D’s never let an ounce of self control slip its unnatural” he ranted I let him.
“I…” I struggled to put together a response.
“It’s like you have never even stepped outside your own safe perfect box, to face temptation head on. You have never had to be strong. You have it so easy” his voice was envious.
“I have had strength you just were never there to see it. Maybe I don’t step outside my box because I am content where I am. Perhaps I like studying and those friends of mine know better than you my obvious faults. I judge to quickly. I hate people who lie. I speak my mind. I love to dance but am terrified of joining our schools team. I struggle every day in my faith. In fact I’m sure you didn’t know” I let out exactly how I felt not holding a thing back. Being so honest and bold seemed to come so easily. His response was a small smile.
“Be so real with me all the time please, I don’t want the perfect version of you” a twinkle in his eyes made me think he saw something I didn’t.
“Fine as long as I can still have my grocery list” Now I was smiling trying to keep the new found light mood.
“Deal” he grinned.
“Hey Lance” I smiled when he fell into step with me. I laughed when he tried to slow down. His legs made such long strides compared to my dainty steps.
“It wouldn’t be an issue B, if you took bigger steps” he said trying to be serious but he chuckled anyway.
“Right” I laughed “because height plays absolutely no role in how large my steps can be” I said sarcastically and rolled my eyes. He laughed it off.
“So what are you doing tonight?” he asked I eyed him suspiciously.
“Nothing, why?” I asked cautiously
“Well my parents are away tonight so I was thinking you could come over and maybe watch a movie or something-” I cut him off before he could finish
“I’d rather not” I hesitated now thinking of how to put what I wanted to say “It’s just that if your parents won’t be there I” now he cut me off laughing.
“No I didn’t mean it like that” he said still laughing I looked at him now unsure of what he meant. “I meant that yes they are out of town so the house will be quiet no arguing. They went to see a doctor in Arizona” his voice sadder towards the end.
“Oh” was my brilliant response my mind went into overdrive “I’m still not sure if that’s such a good idea” I hesitated my father wouldn’t like it at all. He laughed again I looked at him what was so funny?
“It’s okay you don’t have to say yes I didn’t think about it that way” he said calming me down.
“You’re welcome to come over to my house my parents would love to see you” I smiled. They would my dad liked Lance. He asked always asked why Lance never came around anymore. I told my dad we sort of just grew apart I knew he would love to Lance again.
“Really? Missed me have they?” he laughed I did too.
“Actually my dad asked about you a couple weeks ago” I smiled he looked a little surprised like he hadn’t actually believed me.
“What’d you tell him?” Lance asked curiously
“That we grew apart” I smiled shyly. Gratitude was fervent in his eyes but for what I wasn’t sure. “So do you want to come?” I asked again.
“Sure but I have to get to bed pretty early I have plans in the morning” he winked at me I laughed.
“It’s my turn to make dinner, since your coming over you have just been enlisted in helping me” I smiled he laughed
“Oh my, what are we making?” he asked
“Homemade pizza, I have to go the mini mart to get some things after school” I mused aloud.
“I’ll come with you” he said but before I could say another word the bell rang so we rushed to our separate classes. School passed surprisingly quick. I headed to my locker to put my books away. As I approached I saw Lance waiting there.
"Hey B” he greeted with a warm, inviting smile. I rather liked it, more than I probably should. I sighed aloud on accident.
“Hey” I blushed from my thoughts.
“What?” he laughed. I smiled in attempt to cover up my embarrassment.
“Nothing ready to go to the store?” I changed topics. He looked at me suspiciously for a moment but answered anyway
“Sure” his voice was smooth. ‘I shouldn’t be noticing these things.’ I thought to myself. Lance followed me out to my car. I put my school bag in the back and unlocked the passenger door as I climbed in.
“We have to pick up my sister first” I remembered.
“Awesome” he said casually. He put in a CD he found in his bag. We listened in a comfortable silence. I liked the music it had a smooth beat with a bit of flair. I found myself smiling when we pulled into the middle school. Lucy saw Laurence and took the back seat.
“Who’s this?” she asked in a rather rude tone Lance chuckled.
“You remember Laurence from next door” I smiled she did too.
“You’re Laurence?” she was obviously shocked.
“Yes, do you know me?” he asked confused
“I know all about you, you only like the coolest guy ever. Everyone knows who you are but what are you doing with Blake?” she asked with disgust clear in her voice.
“Thanks Luc” I said my tone a little edgy, maybe because I hadn’t quite figured that out either. Lance laughed.
“Well tonight we are making dinner” he answered simply. I knew that’s not the answer Lucy had been looking for. I grinned internally at that. I pulled up to the drive to let her out.
“We have to go to the mini mart, I figured you wouldn’t want to come?” I asked when she continued to sit in the car. She tilted her head to the side slightly I assumed deliberating.
“You were right later” she said hopping out of the car eyes still glued on Lance. Inside I felt selfishly a little satisfied that she now thought better of me for having Lance as a friend.
“Your sister is nice?” he somewhat asked.
“One could say that” I grimaced playfully he chuckled. We pulled up at the mini mart. As we walked in the sliding doors I pulled out my list. Lance laughed again.
“What?” I asked confused.
“You would have a list” he said putting emphasis on the ‘would’.
“Is that a problem?” I asked serious in my tone.
“No I just forget how perfectly you live in this little box” he said his tone a slightly harsh I recoiled a little.
“What do you mean?” I tried to keep my voice calm giving him his chance to speak even though I admit the words stung.
“Like this, normally people would be offended by my comment or at least my tone. I am sure you were but instead you give me the chance to explain, your parents are still together you have two great friends who love you for who you are. You have never screwed up never been drunk, brought home a report card filled with C’s and D’s never let an ounce of self control slip its unnatural” he ranted I let him.
“I…” I struggled to put together a response.
“It’s like you have never even stepped outside your own safe perfect box, to face temptation head on. You have never had to be strong. You have it so easy” his voice was envious.
“I have had strength you just were never there to see it. Maybe I don’t step outside my box because I am content where I am. Perhaps I like studying and those friends of mine know better than you my obvious faults. I judge to quickly. I hate people who lie. I speak my mind. I love to dance but am terrified of joining our schools team. I struggle every day in my faith. In fact I’m sure you didn’t know” I let out exactly how I felt not holding a thing back. Being so honest and bold seemed to come so easily. His response was a small smile.
“Be so real with me all the time please, I don’t want the perfect version of you” a twinkle in his eyes made me think he saw something I didn’t.
“Fine as long as I can still have my grocery list” Now I was smiling trying to keep the new found light mood.
“Deal” he grinned.
Chapter 6
“Blake!” my mom hollered. I groaned mentally, as I pushed my covers off my body. My shower was cold because someone had used up all the hot water, hint her name starts with a ‘L’ and ends with and ‘ucy.
I found a white collared shirt that I put with a cute jean skirt and of course my converse. Maybe it won’t win my any fashion awards but I liked it. I hurried out the door, than remembered I was missing something key: Lucy.
“Lucy come on!” I yelled outside hoping she would hear. Instead I heard laughing. I looked around to find Laurence in his drive way getting ready to leave as well. “Sorry” I muttered as I started back in my house to get my dawdling sister.
“Don’t be I had brothers I remember” he laughed. I on the other hand, had forgotten he had brothers since they had left for college a while ago. He waved before he climbed in his truck. I opened my front door to see Lucy standing in the front hall looking in the mirror. ‘What a terrible place for a mirror’ I thought absentmindedly. I grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the door.
“Jeez B what’s wrong with you I was just checking to make sure I did it right” she huffed at me. I took a better look at her. She did look older in my things. The make up was a little over all, but she looked nice over all.
“You did” I smiled so did she “Now let’s go before we’re late” I said rushing her into the car. After dropping the dress up queen at her school, I pulled into my schools parking lot. When I stepped out of the car, I saw Laurence pulling in next to me. I admit I was surprised because he left before me and didn’t have a sibling to drop off. I guess my curious expression showed on my face as Laurence started speaking.
“You looked a little frazzled this morning so I got you some coffee” as he said this I noticed there were two cups in his hands. I smiled a bit.
“You’re jus trying to butter me up so I won’t kick your ass running Saturday” my voice was amused his face looked faux shocked.
“Miss Renaldo I am shocked you would think me to stoop so low” he bowed his head in pretend shame. I couldn’t help but laugh. He looked up laughing as well. I took the coffee from his hand tasted it. Eck it was so bitter I accidentally spit it back out in his face. My cheeks burned scarlet.
“I am so sorry” I tried to get out with a straight face I wanted to laugh so badly. A giggle escaped my lips my face burned brighter. He wiped his face off, but he was chuckling so I let out my laugh and he did too.
“I’ll have to get you back for that, but in the meantime try your coffee” he handed me the other cup. I took a sip gingerly, tea nice mild Chi tea. I glared at him
“You lied you told me it was coffee” I rebuked him playfully.
“I was going to get you coffee but I recalled a similar incident so I got you your retched tea” he laughed.
“Thanks Lance this tastes great” I smiled. I took another sip as Laurence grabbed my hand in his. I was about to object when he shot me a sly smile.
“You owe me” he was right I had just spit coffee all over his face. So I let his thumb caress my hand and our fingers interlock. As we walked to our hall a very shiny girl named Amelia walked towards us or more towards Laurence.
“Hey Laurence” talked to him only this wasn’t lost on me “You’re coming to my party on Friday right?” her girly voice straining hard to stay casual I noticed other people stopped to listen. He smiled in what looked like an apologetic manner.
“Sorry I can’t I have something going on Saturday morning early so it’s probably not a good idea, but I am sure it will be an awesome time I wish I could go” he smiled rejecting her as nicely as I could have thought it done. After we walked away I realized I was the something early Saturday.
“You could have gone Lance I mean we could do it any Saturday she looks really sad” I whispered looking back at Amelia.
“I knew she was having a party Friday long before I made plans with you, now I just have an excuse to get out of going” he laughed quietly. Laurence walked me all the way to my class.
“Thanks for the tea” I smiled as I went to sit down my Grace whose jaw was slacking a little.
“Anytime” he laughed and walked away. I turned to Grace who still looked flabbergasted.
“What was that?” she demanded but the bell rang saving me. The lecture was boring and the rest of the morning seemed to pass with out a spare minute to really talk about anything that had to do with Lance. When lunch came around I knew I was in for it until two minutes after I sat down with Grace and Adrian, Lance started towards us with some of his friends. I noticed two were from Adrian’s baseball team and the other was on Lance’s soccer team.
“Hey Blake mind if we join you guys?” Lance asked casually Grace answered for me.
“Sure!” she was far too excited I rolled my eyes and laughed at her.
“Apparently not” I laughed as the baseball boys greeted Adrian.
“What up Ace” the large red head said the other one nodded as he slid next to Adrian. Brian the soccer player sat him self next to Grace who seemed thrilled by this turn in events.
“Smooth move Striker” I said using Lance’s last name.
“No idea what your referring to Renaldo” he smirked. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed another shiny girl coming towards us, this one I recognized, Marcie. I nudged Launce who looked up to see who was coming.
“Shit” was all he muttered.
“Hey Lance” Marcie’s perfect voice greeted him. I wondered how civil this would stay.
“Hi Marcie” he responded coldly even if they were on a break she had been his girl for years, he must still care.
“Can I join you guys?” she looked around at us. I was about to say she could, when Lance’s hurtful words beat me.
“Its kind of crowded all ready Marce” again his voice was so harsh. I looked up at Marcie to see tears forming in her perfectly made eyes. No girl should be humiliated like this I knew people were listening.
“Here Marcie take my seat Grace and I were just leaving” I shot her warm smile. She smiled graciously back. Grace took my queue and stood up to leave with me. A few feet away she stopped me.
“Please can I go back-” she started when the soccer player who was talking with her caught up with us.
“Hey Grace let me walk you to your next class” he said smiling she looked questioningly at me I smiled in encouragement. When I turned around Lance was standing right in front of me.
“What was that?” he hissed at me. I looked up at him angrily now.
“You should be ashamed of your self, treating a girl so coldly. I don’t care if you are on a break or not she was about to cry all she wanted was to talk with you how could you be so cruel?” I let him have a piece of my mind. He looked surprised by my little rant his wide eyes looked back to Marcie who was now slumped forward with her head in her hands.
“I…” he seemed to be at a loss for words “Why do you care anyway? She was never nice to anyone else so why does she deserve that kindness?” he asked and I thought I detected a slightly bitter note to his tone.
“Because she’s still a person with feelings and she doesn’t deserve to be humiliated by you in front of the whole school simply because she was trying to be the bigger person and come talk to you” I said trying desperately to explain. His face changed into a look of comprehension.
“Your right” he sighed. I smiled
“Now go listen to what she has to say at least” I instructed he nodded and walked back towards the table. I left him to his business heading for my history class.
After that day Lance and his buddies sat with us every day, Marcie was welcome but she never came again. I did occasionally see her looking over. I would give her a warm inviting smile that she returned always with a smile and a head shake ‘no’. The rest of the week went by in a blur. I never thought Lance and I would be friends again, the idea had seemed like a lost cause since high school started. At first people were a little surprised I suppose I didn’t really pay attention its not as if any one had parted the red sea. Ace loved the change, more guys to the group especially his baseball buddies were a good thing. Grace didn’t mind surprised as she was, still she spent most of her time with Ace or I. Ace liked that too. Lately I had been thinking of Adrian as Ace. I suppose it comes with the territory when you have boys around all the time who only refer to him as Ace. I quickly learned Grace and I were really the only ones who still called him Adrian. It was Friday in no time.
I found a white collared shirt that I put with a cute jean skirt and of course my converse. Maybe it won’t win my any fashion awards but I liked it. I hurried out the door, than remembered I was missing something key: Lucy.
“Lucy come on!” I yelled outside hoping she would hear. Instead I heard laughing. I looked around to find Laurence in his drive way getting ready to leave as well. “Sorry” I muttered as I started back in my house to get my dawdling sister.
“Don’t be I had brothers I remember” he laughed. I on the other hand, had forgotten he had brothers since they had left for college a while ago. He waved before he climbed in his truck. I opened my front door to see Lucy standing in the front hall looking in the mirror. ‘What a terrible place for a mirror’ I thought absentmindedly. I grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the door.
“Jeez B what’s wrong with you I was just checking to make sure I did it right” she huffed at me. I took a better look at her. She did look older in my things. The make up was a little over all, but she looked nice over all.
“You did” I smiled so did she “Now let’s go before we’re late” I said rushing her into the car. After dropping the dress up queen at her school, I pulled into my schools parking lot. When I stepped out of the car, I saw Laurence pulling in next to me. I admit I was surprised because he left before me and didn’t have a sibling to drop off. I guess my curious expression showed on my face as Laurence started speaking.
“You looked a little frazzled this morning so I got you some coffee” as he said this I noticed there were two cups in his hands. I smiled a bit.
“You’re jus trying to butter me up so I won’t kick your ass running Saturday” my voice was amused his face looked faux shocked.
“Miss Renaldo I am shocked you would think me to stoop so low” he bowed his head in pretend shame. I couldn’t help but laugh. He looked up laughing as well. I took the coffee from his hand tasted it. Eck it was so bitter I accidentally spit it back out in his face. My cheeks burned scarlet.
“I am so sorry” I tried to get out with a straight face I wanted to laugh so badly. A giggle escaped my lips my face burned brighter. He wiped his face off, but he was chuckling so I let out my laugh and he did too.
“I’ll have to get you back for that, but in the meantime try your coffee” he handed me the other cup. I took a sip gingerly, tea nice mild Chi tea. I glared at him
“You lied you told me it was coffee” I rebuked him playfully.
“I was going to get you coffee but I recalled a similar incident so I got you your retched tea” he laughed.
“Thanks Lance this tastes great” I smiled. I took another sip as Laurence grabbed my hand in his. I was about to object when he shot me a sly smile.
“You owe me” he was right I had just spit coffee all over his face. So I let his thumb caress my hand and our fingers interlock. As we walked to our hall a very shiny girl named Amelia walked towards us or more towards Laurence.
“Hey Laurence” talked to him only this wasn’t lost on me “You’re coming to my party on Friday right?” her girly voice straining hard to stay casual I noticed other people stopped to listen. He smiled in what looked like an apologetic manner.
“Sorry I can’t I have something going on Saturday morning early so it’s probably not a good idea, but I am sure it will be an awesome time I wish I could go” he smiled rejecting her as nicely as I could have thought it done. After we walked away I realized I was the something early Saturday.
“You could have gone Lance I mean we could do it any Saturday she looks really sad” I whispered looking back at Amelia.
“I knew she was having a party Friday long before I made plans with you, now I just have an excuse to get out of going” he laughed quietly. Laurence walked me all the way to my class.
“Thanks for the tea” I smiled as I went to sit down my Grace whose jaw was slacking a little.
“Anytime” he laughed and walked away. I turned to Grace who still looked flabbergasted.
“What was that?” she demanded but the bell rang saving me. The lecture was boring and the rest of the morning seemed to pass with out a spare minute to really talk about anything that had to do with Lance. When lunch came around I knew I was in for it until two minutes after I sat down with Grace and Adrian, Lance started towards us with some of his friends. I noticed two were from Adrian’s baseball team and the other was on Lance’s soccer team.
“Hey Blake mind if we join you guys?” Lance asked casually Grace answered for me.
“Sure!” she was far too excited I rolled my eyes and laughed at her.
“Apparently not” I laughed as the baseball boys greeted Adrian.
“What up Ace” the large red head said the other one nodded as he slid next to Adrian. Brian the soccer player sat him self next to Grace who seemed thrilled by this turn in events.
“Smooth move Striker” I said using Lance’s last name.
“No idea what your referring to Renaldo” he smirked. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed another shiny girl coming towards us, this one I recognized, Marcie. I nudged Launce who looked up to see who was coming.
“Shit” was all he muttered.
“Hey Lance” Marcie’s perfect voice greeted him. I wondered how civil this would stay.
“Hi Marcie” he responded coldly even if they were on a break she had been his girl for years, he must still care.
“Can I join you guys?” she looked around at us. I was about to say she could, when Lance’s hurtful words beat me.
“Its kind of crowded all ready Marce” again his voice was so harsh. I looked up at Marcie to see tears forming in her perfectly made eyes. No girl should be humiliated like this I knew people were listening.
“Here Marcie take my seat Grace and I were just leaving” I shot her warm smile. She smiled graciously back. Grace took my queue and stood up to leave with me. A few feet away she stopped me.
“Please can I go back-” she started when the soccer player who was talking with her caught up with us.
“Hey Grace let me walk you to your next class” he said smiling she looked questioningly at me I smiled in encouragement. When I turned around Lance was standing right in front of me.
“What was that?” he hissed at me. I looked up at him angrily now.
“You should be ashamed of your self, treating a girl so coldly. I don’t care if you are on a break or not she was about to cry all she wanted was to talk with you how could you be so cruel?” I let him have a piece of my mind. He looked surprised by my little rant his wide eyes looked back to Marcie who was now slumped forward with her head in her hands.
“I…” he seemed to be at a loss for words “Why do you care anyway? She was never nice to anyone else so why does she deserve that kindness?” he asked and I thought I detected a slightly bitter note to his tone.
“Because she’s still a person with feelings and she doesn’t deserve to be humiliated by you in front of the whole school simply because she was trying to be the bigger person and come talk to you” I said trying desperately to explain. His face changed into a look of comprehension.
“Your right” he sighed. I smiled
“Now go listen to what she has to say at least” I instructed he nodded and walked back towards the table. I left him to his business heading for my history class.
After that day Lance and his buddies sat with us every day, Marcie was welcome but she never came again. I did occasionally see her looking over. I would give her a warm inviting smile that she returned always with a smile and a head shake ‘no’. The rest of the week went by in a blur. I never thought Lance and I would be friends again, the idea had seemed like a lost cause since high school started. At first people were a little surprised I suppose I didn’t really pay attention its not as if any one had parted the red sea. Ace loved the change, more guys to the group especially his baseball buddies were a good thing. Grace didn’t mind surprised as she was, still she spent most of her time with Ace or I. Ace liked that too. Lately I had been thinking of Adrian as Ace. I suppose it comes with the territory when you have boys around all the time who only refer to him as Ace. I quickly learned Grace and I were really the only ones who still called him Adrian. It was Friday in no time.
Chapter 5
When I woke up next to Grace I thought maybe last night was all a dream. Surely it was, I thought as my eyes closed again for a few more minutes of sleep. Suddenly I was being shaken.
“What?” I said groggily
“Why did your phone just get a text from Laurence saying that he would out run you?” she exclaimed with to much energy for the morning. I let my eyes adjust to light as Grace shoved my phone in my face. Sure enough I had a text from Laurence.
“Cause we’re going for a run Saturday” I answered simply her face fell slightly. After all it was a very innocent text like something I would text her or Adrian or my dad even.
“Oh” was all she could muster for her witty response. I rolled my eyes and looked over to Adrian.
“I think I should get going I promise my dad I would help him at the museum today” I said getting up. My dad loved to volunteer at the local Honeybrooke Museum. Our town, Honeybrooke, was almost only houses, and had about four thousand people. There was one high school, one park and one museum. Apparently Honeybrooke had history. Honestly there wasn’t much there it was maintained by volunteers and funded by a charity called the Honeybrooke Hall of Fame.
“Have fun Blake” Adrian yawned. I folded my blanket over the couch that was still pushed out of the way. I hugged Grace.
“I’ll text you later babe” I promised Grace “bye Ace” I called to Adrian. As I was driving home I thought about the day everyone came to know Adrian by the name of Ace. Handsome and a talented baseball player he was a double threat from the start of freshman year. I was at a game as was what seemed to be the rest of our high school when Adrian as a freshman started in the first varsity game of the season. Since baseball was our schools best sport this was a huge ordeal. He hit three homers and was known as Ace from than on. How I ended up being close friends with him is a mystery to me still.
“Hey daddy” I said when I walked in the door seeing him comb his hair in the mirror. As immature as ‘daddy’ sounds I never outgrew the term as most other children do. “Let me go change” he groaned “I’ll be quick I promise” he laughed and nodded. I ran up to my room showered in a rush, threw on some jeans and a pink fitted t-shirt. I hurried down the stairs, skipped the last two and landed with a thud.
“Oh you nearly gave me a heart attack” my mom huffed from the kitchen table where her work was all spread out in messy stacks.
“Sorry mom” I said looking abashed. She looked up from the largest stack
“It’s okay dear I am just on edge this case is enough to drive me insane” she let out an exasperated laugh. My dad came in behind her and kissed her cheek in encouragement. After all this time, after me, my sister, my parents seemed very much in love.
“Ready to go Bear?” my dad asked me. I smiled as I nodded yes. I followed him out the front door. He hoisted himself into his truck as I climbed in the passenger seat. The drive to the museum was quiet, but that’s how it was sometimes. It was never a bad silence though, merely relaxing. We arrived at the museum where dad pulled into his usual space next to his buddy Stan’s Toyota. When I entered through the automatic sliding doors (last year’s donation from the Honeybrooke Hall of Fame) the smell of freshly polished wood washed over me. We went to work checking and cleaning each display with intimacy. As he always did, my dad told me stories at each exhibit explaining it all through his family’s stories. Four hours passed in the blink of an eye.
“We stayed a little late today Bear, how bout some ice cream from the shop for a good days work?” he suggested grinning he wanted the ice cream more than me I think. I laughed.
“Sounds great” I said giving him a bear hug. This would be where I received my nickname. My dad and I had always been closer than my mother and I. My sister and my mom clicked so well. We naturally divided a little. Ironically our looks followed suit. I looked more like dad and Lucy had mom’s exotic beauty. For as long as I can remember Lucy went with mom and I with dad. When we were little, Lucy would go shopping with mom, while I went with dad out of town to a big baseball game. So different yet all together my family was the best a girl could hope for, not to say we got on well all the time. Ha, especially Lucy and I. When dad and I arrived home I went up to my room to find my cloths strewn all over my bed across my floor, even in my bathroom. My bathroom, oh jeez my make up was every where.
“Lucille Rosemary Renaldo!” I screamed my sister’s full name with volume. My mother came running into my room but stopped dead in her tracks as soon as she saw I was just in my screaming. Lucy came sauntering in. “What did you do to my room?” I spat venom in my voice now my mothers look was disapproving while I had the right to be upset I did not hold the right to speak so violently to Lucy who flinched at my words. I tried to soften my face but I couldn’t, still glowing with anger.
“I needed to borrow something for school for tomorrow” she shrugged nonchalantly. I almost screamed again, but this time my mother interjected.
“Lucille I am very disappointed in you. I want you to apologize right now young lady and with out a bit of lip. You were in the complete wrong here little miss. Than I want you to straighten this mess up do you understand me?” my mothers cold tone was worse than venom or so I thought, apparently so did Lucy.
“Sorry Blake I’ll clean it up” a tear threatened to dribble down her face. I sighed I couldn’t stay mad at her.
“It’s okay I’ll help it shouldn’t take too long” I gave her a weak smile. I knew she appreciated it. As soon as I calmed down mother fallowed suit and sighed.
“That is very kind of you Blake, your lucky your sister is so understanding” mother said before she left the room.
“Thanks for helping me, you didn’t have to you know?” Lucy sighed.
“It’s fine, what were you looking for any way?” curious what of mine she could have wanted.
“I don’t know that’s why your room looks like this” her face looked sad and now I was more confused than before I asked the question.
“What's up Luce and don’t BS me I know something is” I sat down next to her on my bed.
“I just wanted… never mind it’s stupid any way” she mumbled I turned her towards me
“Just spill” I demanded “you owe me” I reminded her.
“I was just looking for something that would make me look more grown up like you. My friend Jess borrows her sisters cloths and so I thought it would work for me but you have boobs and I don’t so all your tops fit wrong and you have hips that I also lack so your jeans were wrong too. I can’t figure out your make up and I all I wanted was to look more like you” her words came tumbling out so fast it took all I could to keep up with the girl. I took in quickly and gave Lucy a quaint smile.
“Don’t try and grow up so fast kiddo I promise it’s not that fun” she sighed and though that was the best advice to be had I knew what would make her feel better. I took her hand pulling her up and into my closet. “Here try this shirt it’s a little small for me. Put it with this skirt” I smiled she did too for moment than frowned at the white skirt.
“It’s too big” she huffed frustrated again.
“Wear it higher around your natural waist put your gold belt with it. Trust me it will do the trick now for make up” I took into my bathroom. I took out a sheer gloss a light powder and a rosy blush.
“Since your freckles are so light and I have seen you cover them up, brush this powder over your face when you’re done covering your freckles” I demonstrated on her face “than dab a little of this on the apples of your cheeks. Lastly don’t mess with the Renaldo lips” I wiped of the red goop from her lips “just extenuate them with this” I handed her a clear gloss.
Lucy beamed as she left my room. We had finished cleaning and I was exhausted sleep came easily to my nearly dead body.
“What?” I said groggily
“Why did your phone just get a text from Laurence saying that he would out run you?” she exclaimed with to much energy for the morning. I let my eyes adjust to light as Grace shoved my phone in my face. Sure enough I had a text from Laurence.
“Cause we’re going for a run Saturday” I answered simply her face fell slightly. After all it was a very innocent text like something I would text her or Adrian or my dad even.
“Oh” was all she could muster for her witty response. I rolled my eyes and looked over to Adrian.
“I think I should get going I promise my dad I would help him at the museum today” I said getting up. My dad loved to volunteer at the local Honeybrooke Museum. Our town, Honeybrooke, was almost only houses, and had about four thousand people. There was one high school, one park and one museum. Apparently Honeybrooke had history. Honestly there wasn’t much there it was maintained by volunteers and funded by a charity called the Honeybrooke Hall of Fame.
“Have fun Blake” Adrian yawned. I folded my blanket over the couch that was still pushed out of the way. I hugged Grace.
“I’ll text you later babe” I promised Grace “bye Ace” I called to Adrian. As I was driving home I thought about the day everyone came to know Adrian by the name of Ace. Handsome and a talented baseball player he was a double threat from the start of freshman year. I was at a game as was what seemed to be the rest of our high school when Adrian as a freshman started in the first varsity game of the season. Since baseball was our schools best sport this was a huge ordeal. He hit three homers and was known as Ace from than on. How I ended up being close friends with him is a mystery to me still.
“Hey daddy” I said when I walked in the door seeing him comb his hair in the mirror. As immature as ‘daddy’ sounds I never outgrew the term as most other children do. “Let me go change” he groaned “I’ll be quick I promise” he laughed and nodded. I ran up to my room showered in a rush, threw on some jeans and a pink fitted t-shirt. I hurried down the stairs, skipped the last two and landed with a thud.
“Oh you nearly gave me a heart attack” my mom huffed from the kitchen table where her work was all spread out in messy stacks.
“Sorry mom” I said looking abashed. She looked up from the largest stack
“It’s okay dear I am just on edge this case is enough to drive me insane” she let out an exasperated laugh. My dad came in behind her and kissed her cheek in encouragement. After all this time, after me, my sister, my parents seemed very much in love.
“Ready to go Bear?” my dad asked me. I smiled as I nodded yes. I followed him out the front door. He hoisted himself into his truck as I climbed in the passenger seat. The drive to the museum was quiet, but that’s how it was sometimes. It was never a bad silence though, merely relaxing. We arrived at the museum where dad pulled into his usual space next to his buddy Stan’s Toyota. When I entered through the automatic sliding doors (last year’s donation from the Honeybrooke Hall of Fame) the smell of freshly polished wood washed over me. We went to work checking and cleaning each display with intimacy. As he always did, my dad told me stories at each exhibit explaining it all through his family’s stories. Four hours passed in the blink of an eye.
“We stayed a little late today Bear, how bout some ice cream from the shop for a good days work?” he suggested grinning he wanted the ice cream more than me I think. I laughed.
“Sounds great” I said giving him a bear hug. This would be where I received my nickname. My dad and I had always been closer than my mother and I. My sister and my mom clicked so well. We naturally divided a little. Ironically our looks followed suit. I looked more like dad and Lucy had mom’s exotic beauty. For as long as I can remember Lucy went with mom and I with dad. When we were little, Lucy would go shopping with mom, while I went with dad out of town to a big baseball game. So different yet all together my family was the best a girl could hope for, not to say we got on well all the time. Ha, especially Lucy and I. When dad and I arrived home I went up to my room to find my cloths strewn all over my bed across my floor, even in my bathroom. My bathroom, oh jeez my make up was every where.
“Lucille Rosemary Renaldo!” I screamed my sister’s full name with volume. My mother came running into my room but stopped dead in her tracks as soon as she saw I was just in my screaming. Lucy came sauntering in. “What did you do to my room?” I spat venom in my voice now my mothers look was disapproving while I had the right to be upset I did not hold the right to speak so violently to Lucy who flinched at my words. I tried to soften my face but I couldn’t, still glowing with anger.
“I needed to borrow something for school for tomorrow” she shrugged nonchalantly. I almost screamed again, but this time my mother interjected.
“Lucille I am very disappointed in you. I want you to apologize right now young lady and with out a bit of lip. You were in the complete wrong here little miss. Than I want you to straighten this mess up do you understand me?” my mothers cold tone was worse than venom or so I thought, apparently so did Lucy.
“Sorry Blake I’ll clean it up” a tear threatened to dribble down her face. I sighed I couldn’t stay mad at her.
“It’s okay I’ll help it shouldn’t take too long” I gave her a weak smile. I knew she appreciated it. As soon as I calmed down mother fallowed suit and sighed.
“That is very kind of you Blake, your lucky your sister is so understanding” mother said before she left the room.
“Thanks for helping me, you didn’t have to you know?” Lucy sighed.
“It’s fine, what were you looking for any way?” curious what of mine she could have wanted.
“I don’t know that’s why your room looks like this” her face looked sad and now I was more confused than before I asked the question.
“What's up Luce and don’t BS me I know something is” I sat down next to her on my bed.
“I just wanted… never mind it’s stupid any way” she mumbled I turned her towards me
“Just spill” I demanded “you owe me” I reminded her.
“I was just looking for something that would make me look more grown up like you. My friend Jess borrows her sisters cloths and so I thought it would work for me but you have boobs and I don’t so all your tops fit wrong and you have hips that I also lack so your jeans were wrong too. I can’t figure out your make up and I all I wanted was to look more like you” her words came tumbling out so fast it took all I could to keep up with the girl. I took in quickly and gave Lucy a quaint smile.
“Don’t try and grow up so fast kiddo I promise it’s not that fun” she sighed and though that was the best advice to be had I knew what would make her feel better. I took her hand pulling her up and into my closet. “Here try this shirt it’s a little small for me. Put it with this skirt” I smiled she did too for moment than frowned at the white skirt.
“It’s too big” she huffed frustrated again.
“Wear it higher around your natural waist put your gold belt with it. Trust me it will do the trick now for make up” I took into my bathroom. I took out a sheer gloss a light powder and a rosy blush.
“Since your freckles are so light and I have seen you cover them up, brush this powder over your face when you’re done covering your freckles” I demonstrated on her face “than dab a little of this on the apples of your cheeks. Lastly don’t mess with the Renaldo lips” I wiped of the red goop from her lips “just extenuate them with this” I handed her a clear gloss.
Lucy beamed as she left my room. We had finished cleaning and I was exhausted sleep came easily to my nearly dead body.
Chapter 4
When I reached Adrian’s things were already set up. The couch was pushed out of the way blankets in its place. After three movies I stretched yawning as I looked at the clock. It was two in the morning. Adrian and Grace had fallen asleep but I found my self unable to do the same becoming more restless with each second. I took the small blanket I was using wrapping it around myself so that I was still able to walk. I left the house undetected. Adrian’s house was half a block from the park so I went over to a swing. I sat for bit just looking up at the bright heavenly stars.
“Hey” I heard a chuckle from behind me I jumped nearly falling out of the swing. I turned to find Laurence.
“You scared me” I sighed relief.
“Sorry bout that” he laughed again than just looked at me.
“What?” I asked, wondering if I had a piece of popcorn stuck in my teeth or something of that sort.
“I was just thinking back to when we were little” he sighed and looked away.
“That seems like a century ago” I smiled though I am sure he couldn’t tell in the darkness, still he laughed.
“You say the funniest things” he said recovering from his laughter. I wasn’t sure what I had said but as I looked at him a question became present in my mind.
“What brings you here on a Friday night?” I asked admittedly a bit random but that is how I tended to be.
“Needed out of the house, I can’t stand listening to my parents argue” his voice was hard. I wondered where the sadness was.
“I’m sorry. I remember when we were younger your dad would take us, just us two for ice cream” I laughed at the memory. I couldn’t think of anything else to say in regards to his parents. When I knew him his parents were still crazy in love. He laughed a little.
“Chocolate chip with a cherry, and you could tie the stem in knot with your tongue” I could hear the edge to this happy memory. I was surprised he remembered exactly what I ordered.
“I don’t understand I remember them so differently” I mused than realized this was none of my business. “Oh sorry” I whispered.
“It’s okay sometimes I forget what it was like before my mom got sick” he sighed. I was shocked I had no idea his mom was ill.
“I…” I had no words.
“It’s okay I don’t blame you for not knowing no one does and you and I haven’t spoken in years” I could hear the smile in his voice. He had grown up so much.
“Not even Marcie?” I was taken aback. “Sorry the filter between my mouth and my brain seems to be malfunctioning due to a lack of sleep” I muttered. Laurence laughed so hard he snorted. Here I was under the impression I wasn’t funny. Once he was able to speak again he responded.
“No” was all he said and I was about to accept that as his entire answer when he began to talk again. “I almost told her today in the park, but we decided to take a break instead” than he laughed this was a dark hollow laugh nothing like before. I looked over at him now. His face contorted in some type of snarl. “Just for the record I have missed you” he said I took in a gulp of fresh night air.
“I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed you as well” I said speaking honestly a grin appeared on his face.
“So how has high school been treating you?” he asked sounding genuine. I thought a moment before I answered.
“Well I suppose. I have great friends my parents are happy and well. My sister is learning and I am…” I could not say because I discovered I was not sure exactly how I was.
“You?” he questioned with eye brows raised.
“I don’t know” I sighed. He looked at me before speaking.
“So the girl with eloquence is at a loss of words?” he smirked. I nodded no, not letting him have the satisfaction of correct assumption. “No? than what is it?” he asked.
“Merely lost in translation” Now I was the one smirking.
“What happened to us B?” he asked his tone suggested regret.
“Life, dealing with it in our ways” My voice was sad now too.
“We used to be great together you and I inseparable” he muttered.
“I remember it was nice” I felt myself smile.
“If I could take time back…” he trailed off.
“Would you really do it different?” I wondered aloud he was quiet this time. “Would you have chosen to spend Saturday nights watching movies with me instead of partying with your team mates?” I asked curiously.
“I …” he started but he was being honest tonight why change that now “maybe not, but I didn’t realize what I was losing” he said with the sad tone I had been expecting to find when he talked about his parents.
“I assumed you had found someone else to confide in” I felt guilty now as if I had given up on him when I should have tried harder.
“I would have made it seem that way” he laughed “but really it’s a big load of crap” he left it at that. “I saw you running in the park yesterday” Laurence looked at me “I didn’t know you still ran” I could hear a grin in his voice.
“Of course” I laughed “Every Saturday” my tone was wistful. An idea came out of my mouth before I could stop it, damn filter. “You should come next weekend” I blurted out. I stayed silent blushing and glad he couldn’t see it.
“Don’t be embarrassed” he laughed maybe he could see my blush “I like that idea” his light airy voice relaxed my tense muscles.
“Me too, but I should go back before Adrian or Grace catch me missing” I smiled.
“Right that wouldn’t be good than you would have to explain why you snuck out just to see me” Laurence laughed at his joke.
“No you would have to explain why you kidnapped me.” I stood up to leave “night Lance” I called him something I hadn’t thought of him as for years. When we met Laurence was particularly hard for me to pronounce so I decided he would hence forth be named Lance.
“I have missed you, night B” he said.
“Hey” I heard a chuckle from behind me I jumped nearly falling out of the swing. I turned to find Laurence.
“You scared me” I sighed relief.
“Sorry bout that” he laughed again than just looked at me.
“What?” I asked, wondering if I had a piece of popcorn stuck in my teeth or something of that sort.
“I was just thinking back to when we were little” he sighed and looked away.
“That seems like a century ago” I smiled though I am sure he couldn’t tell in the darkness, still he laughed.
“You say the funniest things” he said recovering from his laughter. I wasn’t sure what I had said but as I looked at him a question became present in my mind.
“What brings you here on a Friday night?” I asked admittedly a bit random but that is how I tended to be.
“Needed out of the house, I can’t stand listening to my parents argue” his voice was hard. I wondered where the sadness was.
“I’m sorry. I remember when we were younger your dad would take us, just us two for ice cream” I laughed at the memory. I couldn’t think of anything else to say in regards to his parents. When I knew him his parents were still crazy in love. He laughed a little.
“Chocolate chip with a cherry, and you could tie the stem in knot with your tongue” I could hear the edge to this happy memory. I was surprised he remembered exactly what I ordered.
“I don’t understand I remember them so differently” I mused than realized this was none of my business. “Oh sorry” I whispered.
“It’s okay sometimes I forget what it was like before my mom got sick” he sighed. I was shocked I had no idea his mom was ill.
“I…” I had no words.
“It’s okay I don’t blame you for not knowing no one does and you and I haven’t spoken in years” I could hear the smile in his voice. He had grown up so much.
“Not even Marcie?” I was taken aback. “Sorry the filter between my mouth and my brain seems to be malfunctioning due to a lack of sleep” I muttered. Laurence laughed so hard he snorted. Here I was under the impression I wasn’t funny. Once he was able to speak again he responded.
“No” was all he said and I was about to accept that as his entire answer when he began to talk again. “I almost told her today in the park, but we decided to take a break instead” than he laughed this was a dark hollow laugh nothing like before. I looked over at him now. His face contorted in some type of snarl. “Just for the record I have missed you” he said I took in a gulp of fresh night air.
“I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed you as well” I said speaking honestly a grin appeared on his face.
“So how has high school been treating you?” he asked sounding genuine. I thought a moment before I answered.
“Well I suppose. I have great friends my parents are happy and well. My sister is learning and I am…” I could not say because I discovered I was not sure exactly how I was.
“You?” he questioned with eye brows raised.
“I don’t know” I sighed. He looked at me before speaking.
“So the girl with eloquence is at a loss of words?” he smirked. I nodded no, not letting him have the satisfaction of correct assumption. “No? than what is it?” he asked.
“Merely lost in translation” Now I was the one smirking.
“What happened to us B?” he asked his tone suggested regret.
“Life, dealing with it in our ways” My voice was sad now too.
“We used to be great together you and I inseparable” he muttered.
“I remember it was nice” I felt myself smile.
“If I could take time back…” he trailed off.
“Would you really do it different?” I wondered aloud he was quiet this time. “Would you have chosen to spend Saturday nights watching movies with me instead of partying with your team mates?” I asked curiously.
“I …” he started but he was being honest tonight why change that now “maybe not, but I didn’t realize what I was losing” he said with the sad tone I had been expecting to find when he talked about his parents.
“I assumed you had found someone else to confide in” I felt guilty now as if I had given up on him when I should have tried harder.
“I would have made it seem that way” he laughed “but really it’s a big load of crap” he left it at that. “I saw you running in the park yesterday” Laurence looked at me “I didn’t know you still ran” I could hear a grin in his voice.
“Of course” I laughed “Every Saturday” my tone was wistful. An idea came out of my mouth before I could stop it, damn filter. “You should come next weekend” I blurted out. I stayed silent blushing and glad he couldn’t see it.
“Don’t be embarrassed” he laughed maybe he could see my blush “I like that idea” his light airy voice relaxed my tense muscles.
“Me too, but I should go back before Adrian or Grace catch me missing” I smiled.
“Right that wouldn’t be good than you would have to explain why you snuck out just to see me” Laurence laughed at his joke.
“No you would have to explain why you kidnapped me.” I stood up to leave “night Lance” I called him something I hadn’t thought of him as for years. When we met Laurence was particularly hard for me to pronounce so I decided he would hence forth be named Lance.
“I have missed you, night B” he said.
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