Authors: Brooklyn Taylor
When my dad dropped me off, Cannon was waiting at the door to meet me. He was a perfect gentleman. He had on a navy blue Hollister shirt and khaki shorts with his Van’s. I was wearing blue jean shorts and an Abercrombie shirt that had lace on the back. I wanted to dress comfortable so I wouldn’t feel nervous but still wanted to be a little dressy. It was my “official” first date after all.
We got into the movie theater and after saying hi to a bunch of friends that Cannon knew, we took our seats. My knees had finally stopped shaking since I arrived. I kept looking over at his handsome face as he was sitting beside me. He himself could do an ad for Hollister or Abercrombie. His smell… yep, definitely Hollister. The previews had already started, and it occurred to me this was the first time I had been in the dark with a boy. I was hoping tonight would be different since it was an official date compared to the party. I had assumed he understood that.
Cannon put his arm around my shoulder, and I leaned in a bit to feel him. This felt good, nothing forced, just natural.
A third of the way through the movie, he moved his arm and reached for my hand, then a few minutes later he let go and put his hand on my thigh. I almost jumped and spilled my popcorn when I realized what he was doing. I sat there and froze while my mind was no longer on the scary movie but more on what Cannon might do next. I was more afraid of what move he was going to try next than the next scene in the movie. I was well aware of his advancements and how many girls whom he had dated not by choice mind you. I had heard the rumors. But I didn’t think I was like any of the other girls. I was totally different in fact and assumed he understood that.
He leaned in as if to whisper something to me but instead kissed my neck lightly right under my ear. That time I did jump.
I jumped back and whispered, “What are you doing, Cannon?”
He didn’t look near as shocked as I was while giving me an answer to the question I wasn’t sure I wanted answered.
“Shhhh, don’t be so loud. I just wanted to make out a little…”
I had never even kissed a guy and he is trying to make out. I’m not really even sure what that entails but I knew I didn’t want to find out tonight.
“Look, that’s just not me. This is our first date, Cannon. My first date ever.”
“So?”
“So, do you normally make out with girls on your first date?” I was getting upset.
“Sometimes… You are just so pretty, Reese. You’re different than the other girls.”
“You bet your ass I am different. I have never even kissed a guy before.”
He just stared at me shocked by my confession. I’m once again embarrassing myself.
And the Academy Award goes to Reese Owens for the most embarrassing moments!
When he didn’t say anything I hightailed it out of the movie theater and to the ladies restroom. I splashed water on my face and tried to calm myself down. Not only now did I reject him but I also humiliated myself. I was so not ready for this.
I walked out of the restroom and Cannon was waiting for me by the door.
I just smiled and walked towards him.
Here goes nothing
. I had to wonder how did I continue to get myself into these situations?
“Reese, if you aren’t ready for that, I’m cool with that. For now anyways.”
“Thanks.” For now?
Fat chance in hell.
We watched the rest of the movie and I pretended to concentrate on it hoping he wouldn’t try anything else. And he didn’t but it was too late. I already had my guard up and I wasn’t loosening up anytime soon.
I waited outside for my dad alone. Cannon had already left not concerned I was standing outside in the dark without anyone. Alone. I knew if I was with Garrison tonight he would’ve waited until I was safe.
When my dad pulled up I was happier than I thought I would be.
Definitely not an ordinary night.
Chapter 6
Reese
At lunch, Cannon came marching up with his few friends by his side. I hadn’t seen him since that night at the movies. The only conclusion I had come to regarding him was that since we had been friends for so long I needed to try to look disregard his ways as hard as that might be at times. To be honest, I hadn’t thought of him further than that though. Only Garrison. I keep thinking of us on that Ferris wheel and thinking of what could have happened. What I wanted to happen even though I really wasn’t sure what “it” was.
“Hey, Reese.” He sat down beside me like he owned the place.
“Hi, Cannon, have a seat.” I rolled my eyes and huffed.
“Some friends are coming over to my house on Friday to watch some movies.”
“Really? Like who?”
“Ryan and Autumn are supposed to come. Where is she?” He looks around knowing she is normally right beside me.
“Detention.”
“That sucks.”
“I’ll come only if we aren’t watching scary movies!”
“I think I can arrange that.”
“Cool. What’s your address?”
“Hand me your phone and I’ll enter it under my name.” He winked, and his dimples were showing more than ever as I handed my phone over. Dang he was cute. And very conceited; more than he had the right to be.
He hands back my phone then stands up.
“Be there around nine. My parents will be gone till at least one.”
“Okay,” I muttered. No parents? How was I going to convince my parents that I was going to a house movie party with no parents?
~ ~ ~
Autumn walked home with me after school today, and we began our plan for the movie night with Cannon and Ryan. I was going to have to stay the night at her house again otherwise I wasn’t going to be able to go. I knew I would have to lie again about where I was going because there is no way my parents would go for it. It was the only sure way to pull it off.
“I still can’t believe he invited me.”
“Why wouldn’t he?”
“Look at me, Autumn. Let’s not pretend I am a hot girl! He could get tons of girls that are a lot prettier than me. Why me? I have already rejected his advances. He knows he’s not going to get anywhere with me.”
“Reese, you don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re very pretty. I've always told you that. Anyway, he must like you to keep inviting you.”
“Yeah, but I mean, body wise. I am nothing like some of the girls that drool all over him. I see them around him all day at school.”
“Stop it. Maybe he just likes you for you. What’s wrong with that?”
“I don’t have much experience and look what a fool I made of myself with Garrison the night at the carnival?”
“Garrison is an idiot. He definitely has issues. Those are his not yours.”
“He might have issues but he is… Garrison. I want to kiss Garrison and he doesn’t want to kiss me. Cannon wants to kiss and do Lord knows what with me and I don’t want to. Explain that to me!”
I paused and then started back up. “What if Cannon wants something I won’t do? I’m not like you Autumn.”
“What in the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“I don’t mean that. I mean I’m not comfortable like you are with your body. You’re confident. You’re experienced in dating. I don’t even think I feel that way anymore about him anyway.”
“Relax would ya? Stop acting like this. Be confident. Let’s change the subject anyway. Is Cannon not freaking hot?”
“Yeah he is, but so is Garrison. Did you see Garrison today?”
“Why waste your time even thinking of Garrison? He said he just wants to be friends.”
“Yeah I know…”
We didn’t talk the rest of the way home. My wheels were turning in my head. There was only one person on my mind. Garrison.
~ ~ ~
We arrived at Cannon’s right on time. Autumn’s mom dropped us off around the corner and we walked the rest of the way. Her mom was so cool and always did what Autumn asked. I was jealous on nights like this. It seems like her mom trusted her more than mine did. I was glad Autumn didn’t want to drive tonight seeing as she isn’t the best driver in the dark.
“Hey, baby, glad you’re here.” Cannon came up to me and kissed my cheek. Baby?
Autumn went up to Ryan and jumped up to hug him wrapping her legs around him. He started laughing and then laid a kiss on her. I turned when I saw the kiss wasn’t ending.
Cannon walked me towards the kitchen and the contraption they had in there. It smelled like beer, more like armpit to me. Apparently they had a keg, something I had never seen before. They were drinking beer and from the looks of it had been drinking for a while now.
“You want a drink?”
“Yeah, a Dr. Pepper would be great.”
He starts laughing at me. “How about a drink that a kid doesn’t drink.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Beer, wine, wine cooler, I think my mom has some of those girlie drinks in here.”
“Water would be fine. I really don’t like to drink. You saw what happened last time. Or do you remember?”
“Yeah I remember.” He starts laughing.
Okay he is kinda making me mad now… he may have remembered, but he sure didn’t care.
“Let’s get the movie started.” He took my hand and led me to the living room where there was a huge TV. It was the biggest TV I had ever seen in a house. Ninety inches I think. It took up almost an entire wall with the speakers and gadgets all around it.
Autumn was sitting on Ryan’s lap and there were a few other guys and two other girls sitting around the room. Some were in deep conversation, some kissing, and some just sitting there quietly, while some were under a blanket.
Yuck!
Get a room!
I sat on the couch beside Cannon and he shook his head at me and patted his lap.
“Sit here.”
“Okay.” Doesn’t seem like it would be very comfortable but what do I know? It’s not like I have ever sat on a guy’s lap. Other than I guess my dad’s lap when there weren’t enough seats somewhere when I was younger. Totally different though.
The movie has started and he had his arms around my waist. We were watching “Dumb and Dumber.” I loved this movie and was thankful it wasn’t a scary movie. Jim Carey was such an idiot you couldn’t help but laugh.
I was concentrating on watching the movie when Cannon started to push my hair to the side and then nibble on my ear. I guess it was supposed to feel good but I only felt irritation. I pulled back and then he sighed.
A few minutes later, I guess he decided to make another move and ran his hand up my thigh close to the top of my shorts. I jumped and stood up to sit beside him.
I got a few looks from the people around me and Autumn looked over at me to make sure I was okay.
He cuddled into me and I finally let out a deep breath hoping to get to watch the rest of the movie. Cuddling I could do. No harm in that.
Halfway through he decided to start to rub my back. It was soft and honestly felt good. It was soothing, and I didn’t think anything of it. I started to relax and breathe normally. I smiled from the feeling of someone’s touch of showing affection.
Then I felt my shirt started to move and then a hand, skin on my skin. I slowly sat up a little more thinking it was just by accident. I felt Cannon’s hand at my bra strap and that is when I flipped out.
“Cannon?”
“Shhhh, everyone’s watching the movie.”
I pulled his hand out from under my shirt. “That’s not going to happen tonight.” I turned to him so he could see I was serious.
“Reese, come on. I’m not trying to have sex with you. I was just trying to touch your skin.”
“Did I give you some sign that I wanted to be touched?”
“How the hell old are you? You are acting like you are twelve.”
I stood up and took off towards the front door. I passed Autumn and she was making out with Ryan.
Gross.
“Autumn, I’m leaving.”
She doesn’t say anything and ignores me or chooses not to respond. I walk out the door and slam it as hard as possible.
Great! I’m walking home on a Friday night alone… I have a feeling I won’t be invited to another party again with Cannon, and truthfully I couldn’t give a shit. The only thing I could think of was to call my parents who would be mad at me for sneaking and I would get grounded. I decided to take the walk and think everything over. Anything to get out of there.
Garrison
Tonight was a total drag, for a Friday night that is. The band had a gig, and then I came straight home. It was a long week. I can’t seem to get Reese out of my mind. Friends. Great.
I’m thrilled
. The one girl I have met that I want to be more than friends and I label it as friends.
Slick, Rick
.
Mom was working tonight so she wasn’t home. She seems to be really working hard this time to stay clean but for me it doesn’t change anything. I can’t wait to finish my senior year and go to college. I already have everything planned. That’s one thing I can say about living the life I have lived. It forces you to grow up faster than most, faster than you should.
My mind is really racing tonight and every time I close my eyes, I see one person. Reese Owens.
I convince myself I can text her, what will that hurt?
Garrison:
Hey Reese.
I wait for a response but don’t get one immediately. Maybe she is asleep, it’s kind of late.
Reese:
Hi.
Garrison:
You busy?
Reese:
Walking home…
Garrison:
At almost midnight?
Reese:
Yeah, don’t ask. I’m pissed about it.
Garrison:
You want me to come get you?
Reese:
No, I’m good. I’m almost there.
Garrison:
Where are you?
Reese:
Little Elm St. I’m about 4 blocks from my house.
Garrison:
I’m off Broadmede. I’ll walk out and see if I can find you.
Reese:
It’s cool. I’m fine really.
Reese:
Are you there?
Reese:
Are you ignoring me?
I see her walking around the corner and walk up to meet her.
“I didn’t know you lived so close. Why are you walking so late? That’s not exactly safe for a girl.”
“It’s not safe for anyone.”
“Yeah I guess.”
“Are you okay?” I knew she wasn’t okay. I could tell she had been crying, and it looked like she was shaken up.
“Other than being groped and having to walk home because my best friend is too busy making out with a guy yeah I guess.”
“Who groped you?”