Beautiful One (25 page)

****

The bus ride from the venue to home was quiet. It was late, and most of the kids were exhausted. For me, it was more mental than physical, although my feet still ached. I was thankful the night had come to a close and I hadn't seen Aidan again. I considered telling Mason and Melissa about what had happened, but I didn't want to ruin their night. Besides, what was the point? It was over… truly over.

I glanced a few rows back to look at Mason. His eyes were closed, and his arm was draped around Melissa. She was asleep nestled on his shoulder. Her hair was a mess, her crown was cocked to the side, but she still looked beautiful. Looking at the two of them made me smile. My eyelids grew heavy, and I leaned my head back. The hum of the engine lulled me to sleep.

“Liz, get up.” It took me a minute to realize I was still on the bus. I rubbed my eyes and glanced around. Most of the kids were already gone. Mason helped me up, and then the three of us walked to his car. “I'll drop you off and take Melissa home.”

“Alright.” I yawned.

Mason pulled into the driveway, and I got out of his car. Melissa smiled and waved to me through the passenger-side window. I waved back before they drove off. I made my way up the driveway. All I wanted was my bed. When I got to the front door, I gave the handle a shake.

Locked.

Maggie was whimpering.

“It's okay, girl.” I tried to soothe her. I went through the side gate to the back door.
Locked.
Slider,
locked.
I even tried the doggie door.
Nope.

For a minute, I considered waking up my parents. I checked the time on my cell phone: it was almost 2:00 a.m. I knew Mason would be right back, so I went to the front of the house, sat down in a chair on the porch, and waited.

I tapped out a text to Mason.

Hurry.

I'm locked out.

To pass the time, I started playing
Words with Friends
. I was putting in my final word for an easy win when I heard Spencer's bike. I tried not to imagine where he had been, but thoughts of him and Kara on some fabulous date tormented me.

I tried to camouflage myself behind one of my mom's large potted plants, but no such luck. The porch light above my head was like a beacon in the night. Spencer pulled his bike to the curb, got off it, removed his helmet, and slowly approached me. I got up and met him at the halfway point of the driveway. He looked like a sexy bad boy in his brown leather jacket and dark jeans. Before I knew it, I was smiling at him, dismissing the thoughts of Kara from my mind.

“All dressed up and nowhere to go?” He smiled.

His question made me giggle.

He sounded concerned. “What are you doing out here?”

“Locked out. Mason dropped me off, but he'll be right back. Tonight was our prom.”

“I figured that.” Spencer's eyes ran the length of my body. “You're beautiful.” His voice was warm and husky.

The scrutiny of his gaze made me blush. “Thank you.”

“Ya know, I never went to my prom.”

I glanced up at him, surprised.

“Yep.” He smiled and took a step closer. “Never got to dance with a pretty girl to some cheesy song.” Spencer closed the distance between us while he stretched his hand out for me to take it. He leaned in and began to hum.

A shy smile spread across my face as I placed my hand in his. “I've never slow-danced before.”

Spencer stopped humming to answer me. “There's nothing to it.” He inched forward. “I've got you.”

He placed his hand on the small of my back while my free hand grasped his shoulder. Spencer smiled and began to hum again. We swayed back and forth on the driveway. I couldn't help but giggle when Spencer twirled me around and then skillfully dipped me. He brought me back to my feet with grace then whirled me around the driveway. His lips brushed up against my ear. The sensation sent a shiver through my body.

The innocence of our dance shifted as Spencer's pace slowed, our bodies were barely moving, just a slight sway. He moved in close — so close I could feel the warmth of his body as it was perfectly wrapped around mine. I wasn't sure if it was because of the emotional drama of the prom or the comfort I felt in the strength of his arms, but I instinctively laid my head on his shoulder. A feeling of peace overwhelmed me while he continued to softly hum in my ear. In his arms I was safe. He made me feel whole. Being with him felt like home.

Suddenly my head woke from the hypnotic spell it was under. My thoughts began shouting this was wrong. As much as I wanted him, Spencer wasn't mine. I lifted my head from his shoulder, and when my eyes met his, I felt helpless. I couldn't resist him. Every rational thought I had was met with confusion. All I could focus on was I was in love with him. I didn't care about Kara. I didn't care about being the good girl or doing the right thing. All I cared about was him. I wanted nothing more than to feel his lips on mine.

I moved my hand from his shoulder and slipped it around his waist. His breath caught, and he stopped humming. The soft light from the porch was reflected in the heat I saw in the depth of his eyes. My heart was pounding. My lips parted in anticipation for what I knew was coming. Spencer's lips were so close I could feel his warm breath mingled with mine.

We were both so caught up in the moment we didn't hear the sound of Mason's car as it sped into the driveway. We broke apart as the headlights passed over us. Spencer pulled me out of the way just before Mason screeched to a halt, inches from hitting me.

Mason was horrified and sprang from the car. “I didn't see you guys. Are you okay, Liz?”

Spencer's arm was protectively wrapped around me, his eyes etched with concern.

My voice trembled while I replied, “I'm okay.” I left the warmth of Spencer's arms as Mason reached out and hugged me.

“I'm so sorry,” he murmured. He released me and glanced at Spencer. “Wait, what are you doing here?”

“I was on my way home and saw Elizabeth. I wanted to make sure she was okay.” Spencer glanced at me. He seemed closed off. “Well, since you're home now.” He took a few steps backward and walked toward his bike.

Mason placed his hand on my shoulder, and we walked into the house. “ What a night, huh?''

I heard the roar of Spencer's bike as I nodded, and Mason closed the door behind us.

Mason and I stood side by side, dressed in our cap and gowns while our dad proudly snapped pictures of us. Mason wore blue, and I was in silver… our school colors. I stared down at my neck draped with gold cords and a scholastic medallion for maintaining a 4.0 the entire four years of high school. I felt proud of myself, but a part of me wished Mason was as decorated as I was.

Mom had been tearing up on and off all day. Mason left my side to go and hug her.

“Mom, we're not even going off to school. We'll be right here at college… in town. Home every night for dinner.” He chuckled.

“I know. It's just, I can't believe you both are graduating high school. It went by so fast.” She sniffed.

I joined Mason, and we wrapped our arms around our emotional mother for a group hug. My dad blinked back a tear and took one last shot before we left for our graduation.

****

“Pomp and Circumstance” echoed through the high school stadium. Mason and I smiled as we walked in unison down the athletic field to our waiting seats in the distance. Since high school had been emotionally difficult for me, I didn't think I would be affected, but I was. While watching the chairs filling up with my classmates, my emotions were bittersweet. However they had treated me, good or bad, this time in my life was over. My mind wandered as the seemingly endless list of names was called.

Mason and I had taken Sunday off from our church activities, so I hadn't seen Spencer in almost a week. But that didn't mean I hadn't thought about him. I'd barely thought of anything else. Our night dancing on the driveway, how he'd sung to me, held me, and the way he'd looked at me. I wondered what it would be like when I saw him again. Would he say anything? Was it just me or did he want to kiss me too? I felt guilt for what had almost happened. Spencer had someone in his life, and there I was, practically throwing myself at him. Maybe I should just ignore everything, act like nothing happened, because, nothing
did
happen.

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard the name Aidan David Mitchell resonate through the speakers. Applause, met with howling from the females in the audience, was almost embarrassing. I rolled my eyes when I heard a group of coeds scream out, “We love you Aidan!” He seemed to take it in stride as he sauntered down the aisle. He scanned the crowd of blue and silver gowns. I hunched down, just in case it was me he was looking for. When the next name was called, I sat back up in my chair.

Mason fiddled with my gold cord as we stood in procession, waiting to receive our diplomas. “Such a nerd.” He teased then nudged me when the line started to move.

My heart pounded as Principal Fick called my name. “Elizabeth Katherine Ryan.” I walked toward him, and he glanced at my academic achievements that graced my gown. He gave me a wink and a smile, shook my hand, and gave me my diploma. I returned his smile and made my way past the podium to the steps below.

Cheers erupted from the graduating class when my brother's name was called. I had to laugh when Mason held up his fist in triumph. Howling continued as he made his way back to his seat, and I could have sworn I heard Melissa yell, “Yeah, baby!”

Mason and I smiled at each other when the principal announced our graduating class. We placed our tassel from the right side to the left as clapping and ear-splitting cries surrounded us. We both laughed and tossed our hats in the air. Seconds later, a sea of silver and blue graduation caps rained down upon us. Mason hugged me tight. I glanced over his shoulder and saw that Melissa was fast approaching. She grabbed us both for a group hug.

“We did it!” She squealed. Mason and I both laughed. She hugged me again and then grabbed my brother for a passionate kiss.

I left their side to go and retrieve my hat. I found one. It wasn't mine, but I guessed it didn't matter. I tucked it under my arm and glanced up to the bleachers. A parade of parents and grandparents were making their way to the field. I stood for a minute to take it all in.

A gentle tugging on my gown made me turn around. His blue eyes roamed over my face, gauging my reaction. All I could do was stand there. He picked up my gold cords.

“You always were too smart for me.” His smile was guarded, but beautiful just the same. I exhaled and tried to think of what to say to him, but it didn't make any difference. Several girls grabbed for his blue robe, pulling him away from me. He tried to resist, but I just walked away. When I glanced back, he was gone.

I turned when I heard Melissa shout my name. She was standing with my parents and Mason, near the exit of the field. “C'mon,” she yelled. “We're outta here!”

****

Maggie was panting when we made our way through the front door. I had run extra hard that morning, and she seemed to be paying the price for it. Knowing I was going to be practicing with the guys later, I'd felt the need to clear my head.

I unhooked her leash, and she bounded toward her water bowl in the kitchen. I was surprised when I heard Mason's voice greet her.

“You're up kinda early. I thought you'd sleep till noon, like you did the last three days.” I reached in the cupboard and grabbed a glass so I could fill it with water from the refrigerator door.

“The guys are coming to practice. Did you forget?”

Mason was waiting for his frozen waffles to pop up from the toaster.

“I thought it was tonight.”

“Spencer can't make it. Sorry, I thought I told you.” Mason grabbed his waffles, put them on a plate with some syrup, and started cutting into them with a fork. “Are you gonna be able to practice with us?”

I tried not to let my mind question why Spencer couldn't make it later. “Umm, what time is everyone coming over?”

Mason swallowed a large bite before he answered me. “Eleven.”

I glanced at the microwave oven clock. It was 10:15 a.m. “Yeah, I just need to take a shower.” I drank the rest of my water and hurried up the stairs. I almost didn't have time to think about Aidan and Spencer coming over… almost.

****

My heart rate picked up when I peeked out the front window. Spencer's bike. Aidan's truck. I tried to calm my breathing while I stood at the door that led to the garage. Glancing down at my white beach cover-up made me feel a little better. Knowing Melissa would be coming over and we were going to the beach assured me our practice time wouldn't take too long. I only had to run through the song a few times. It wouldn't be so bad, would it?

Mason was chatting with Spencer when I entered the garage. Aidan was tuning his bass. Kyle was scribbling notes on his spiral binder, and Derek was sitting behind his drums. I think he was admiring his newest tattoo. Glancing up, he saw me first.

“Lizzie's here,” he bellowed.

All eyes focused on me.

“Over here, Liz.” Mason placed me next to Spencer. “You've got the words down, right?”

“Yep, I think so.” I turned my attention to Spencer. I glanced up at him through downcast eyelashes. “Are you ready?” I shyly asked.

He took a step toward me and raised my chin to meet his gaze. In that moment, I felt like it was just he and I in the room. His eyes were kind and almost apologetic. His touch was soft and gentle.

“I'm ready.” He gave me an encouraging smile.

When his hand dropped away, I felt a loss from the physical contact.

Mason gestured to Derek to start. The guys all joined in, and I began. Spencer took a sidestep closer to me and sang his part of the song. His look was so heated and sexy I was having a hard time remembering the words. My thoughts kept spiraling back to our night on the driveway together. When I emerged from my hypnotic state, I tore my gaze from Spencer and looked at Aidan. He was staring down Spencer with so much hate in his eyes it was frightening.

Spencer joined me in the chorus and shifted his body so he was directly in front of me. There it was again, that magnetic pull that seemed to be between us. When Spencer finished out the last line of the song, he reached out and stroked my bare shoulder, causing my skin to tingle. I managed to back away before I lost all control and lunged myself at him.

“One more time,” Mason shouted.

Derek tapped out the beat to the song, and we began again.

Melissa drove up and waved as she entered the garage. After she plopped herself on the couch, her eyes ping-ponged from me to Aidan and then to Spencer. Finally her furrowed brow settled on me. I knew that look. Nothing got past her. I could almost see the wheels spinning in her head as she assessed the situation. I tried to keep my distance from Spencer while we finished out the last chorus together, but it was too late. Her raised eyebrow and knowing smile assured me she had figured it out.

When we closed out the song, Melissa stood and glanced at me with
the look
then made her way toward Mason.

He kissed her forehead then stepped back and looked at her short beach cover-up. He strummed his guitar a few times and crooned,
“My baby looks good in blue,”
a few times. Mason's affectionate display distracted her momentarily.

Spencer pulled his cell phone from his pocket and checked the time. He glanced at Mason, who was now sitting on the couch with Melissa on his lap.

“I need to take off, Mason, but I think we're good.” Spencer took a step toward me.

“How do you feel, Elizabeth?”

How do I feel? I feel like I want to wrap myself in your arms. I feel like I want to run my hands in your hair and feel your perfect full lips against mine.
“I feel good.” I looked away from his perfect face and cast my eyes downward.

Spencer crouched down so he could look into my eyes. “I'm glad you feel good.” His lips curved into a smile. “I feel good too.” He backed away and walked out of the garage. As I watched him leave, my mind was plagued with thoughts of why he had to leave so early, where he was going, and if he had a date with Kara. I flinched when I felt the sensation of warm lips near my ear.

“You used to look at me like that,” Aidan angrily whispered.

I whipped my head around to meet his gaze. His eyes were ice cold. “Don't even start with me, Aidan. You're the one that messed us up, not me!” I started to walk away from him, but he grabbed my arm and yanked me back.

“Seriously, Liz?”

“Don't twist this around and make it my fault.” I jerked my arm from his grasp just before Melissa approached us.

“Ready to go?” she asked. I was thankful she hadn't heard my exchange with Aidan.

“Yep, just let me get my bag.” I stepped away from Aidan, dismissing the twinge of guilt I felt for the feelings I had for Spencer. I knew I had tried with Aidan, and he had hurt me more times than I cared to count.