Authors: Maria E. Monteiro
“Thank you. Are you really not going to let Dad walk you down the aisle?”
“No. I don’t want him there.”
“As much as I can’t stand Dad it kind of breaks my heart he won’t be there. I totally understand not allowing Trisha to come, but not Dad. I mean he’s our dad.”
Her eyes turn dark as she says through gritted teeth, “Dad fucked things up with me. And I don’t mean just emotional, but also things with Jeff. Do you know how hard it is still to want to get married after what dad did to mom? He’s made hard for me to trust anyone. I don’t want him at my wedding reminding me what I don’t want my relationship to be.
“But...”
“My mind is made up and I don’t care what you think.”
I swallow hard and don’t say another word. I totally understand why she’s mad at him, but at the same time I don’t think I could omit him from my life completely, especially on such an important day.
“Carrie!” My mother screams walking in. Carrie races over and slings her tiny arms around her as if she hadn’t seen her in months instead of three weeks. “Tony, this is my daughter Carrie.”
“Nice to meet you,” Tony says, shaking her hand. Why is he here again? I swear this guys never spends time in his own home.
“You too,” Carrie says smiling brightly.
“I’m so happy you came in tonight. I was worried about you having to drive in so early tomorrow morning.”
“Me too, that’s why I decided to head out right after work. And I also needed to see you.” She gives my mom another hug.
“I needed to see you too.” My mom pulls away from Carrie and finally acknowledges I’m in the room too. “How was dinner at Farrah’s?”
“I didn’t go.”
“What? I thought that was the whole reason you couldn’t join us.”
“Something came up. Well, it’s late and I have to go to school tomorrow. Good night. Carrie, I’m glad you’re home.” I give her a quick hug, and then run out of the kitchen before my mother orders me to say goodnight to Tony again.
I’ve been a mess all morning long. I’ve been digging in my closet since I jumped out of bed two hours ago. Should I wear a skirt or jeans? What about my hair? Should I straighten it or leave it wavy? I hate dressing for someone else. All I keep thinking is what will Austin like on me.
I finally decide on a short black shirt and a lacey cream top. I think I look good.
My phone buzzes just as I finish running my flat iron through my hair. I look over at the lit screen and see a text message from Austin.
Do u want me 2 meet u @ my car or @ ur front door?
I know if I tell him to meet me at my door my mother will not only question me, she’ll also question him. I quickly text him back,
Meet me @ ur car
.
I run down the stairs and try my best to open the front door before anyone sees me. Knowing Carrie I’m sure she’s already told my mother all about Austin being over last night.
I grab the cold chrome doorknob and begin to turn it. Just before the latch is completely all the way back into the door I hear footsteps approaching behind me, and my mother say, “You’re not even going to say goodbye?”
I slowly pivot and put a big smile on my face. “I thought you already left.”
“No. I was just making breakfast. Come in the kitchen and eat some of it.”
“You made breakfast?” I raise my eyebrows in doubt.
“Well I cut up fruit for the cereal.” That’s what I thought.
“I’m sorry, but I really have to get to school.”
“Okay, well then I’ll give you a ride. I wanted to talk to you anyway. Let me go get my keys.”
Of course she’s going to make this harder than it has to be. “Mom, it’s cool. I already have a ride.”
“Farrah?”
“No.”
“Then with who?”
“Umm...umm.” Damn her!
“Is it Austin?” she asks widening her grin. I knew it. I swear Carrie has the biggest mouth ever.
I nod. Please don’t let her make a big deal out of this.
“Yes. I heard he was over here last night when I wasn’t home. Is there anything I need to know?” She folds her arms tightly under her chest as she raises her eyebrows
“No. We’re just friends.”
“Since when? Because the last time I checked you despised him.”
“I don’t any more,” I sigh. Mom, can I go now? He’s waiting for me.”
“Why doesn’t he come to the door to get you?”
“Oh God, Mom! He’s not my boyfriend. He’s just a friend, who happens to live across the street and is giving me a ride. It’s not a big deal. I need to get out there before he’s leaves me.”
“Fine. But I’m keeping my eye on you,” she teases. “Have a good day at school.”
Right before I turn back around I see Carrie walking down the stairs with a satisfied grin on her face. “Tell Austin I said hello.” Both my mom and her begin to laugh.
“Shut up!” I snap right before I walk out the door. Nobody in this family can mind their own business.
I saunter out to another warm day. Fall begins this week but it feels like summer is fighting hard to stick around a little longer, which is fine by me.
I look across the street and see Austin leaning against his car. My legs can’t move fast enough to get to him. All I want to do is jump into his arms but at the same time I know I can’t, at least not in front of my house.
“Hi,” he says, bringing his arms towards my waist.
Right before his hands reaches me I step back and see his brows furrow. “I’m sorry, but I know my mom and sister are staring out the window right now and I don’t want...”
“Say no more. I get it. Do you want me to open your door?”
“No. But thank you.” I smile and walk to passenger side of the car. I still can’t believe this is all happening. I never thought I would be getting in a car with Austin excited for the moment he kisses me again.
He turns the car on and drives away fast. At the top of our street he makes a left turn and pulls over. “What’s wrong?” I ask confused.
“I can’t wait another minute to kiss you. Especially when you look so beautiful.”
The butterflies in my stomach begin to knock into each other as they go crazy. He leans in and brings his sweet lips to mine. This is all I’ve wanted to do since he left my side last night. It’s perfect.
Austin pulls away and puts his car back into drive. “I’m not sure I can make it to school without pulling over again.”
“Well you have to. I don’t wanna be late for school.”
He groans interlacing his fingers with mine. I have to fight everything I have not to tell him to pull over right now. I can’t wait to kiss him again.
The minute Austin parks his car my muscles begin to stiffen. Should I hold his hand or should I walk ahead of him? Is he going to want me to act like nothing is going on between us? I don’t know what to do. All these thoughts are running through my head making me feel like I’m new at all of this?
“Thanks for the ride,” I say getting out of his car.
“No problem.”
“I’ll see you later.” I rather be the one to walk away first that way it doesn’t sting when he does it.
He grabs my arm. “Wait. Where are you going?”
“To school.”
“Why can’t I walk with you?”
“I don’t know. I mean Austin what’s going on between us? What are the rules?”
“Rules? There are no rules. We both like each other. Right?”
I nod.
“That’s it. We both like each other and we’re getting to know each other again.” He takes my hand in his. “Can’t we just take this one day at a time?”
“Yeah. But if people see us together they’re gonna jump to conclusions. They’re already talking about us.”
“I don’t care what people think. Do you?”
I shake my head. This is the Austin I wished for back when I was ten years old. This is the Austin I was falling for.
“Good. Come on lets go to school.”
It only takes seconds for everyone’s heads to whip around to look at us walk down the hallway. Whispers quickly follow. The girls are all probably wondering how I landed one of the most wanted guys in school, and I’m sure the guys are wondering what’s so special about me. They almost certainly think I’m sleeping with him. I try my best to ignore all of their stares.
“Now was that too hard,” Austin says, leaning against the locker next to mine.
Is he kidding? Did he not see everyone looking at us? “It was fine.”
“Damn this sucks.”
“What sucks?” Is he already regretting all of this?
“It’s almost time for class.”
“It won’t be that bad,” I say shoving my textbooks into my backpack.
“Yes it will. I won’t get to see you ‘til lunch.” He stands in front of me. “I guess I’m gonna have to get enough kisses now to hold up until then.” He steps closer forcing my back against the cold green lockers. He places his arm above my head as he leans in and presses his soft lips against mine. It’s only takes seconds for me to get lost in his lips.
We continue to kiss in the middle of the hallway as everyone walks by. At this moment I don’t care what anybody thinks. He pulls away and says with a sexy smile, “I might have to walk you to class so I can kiss you again.”
“I’d like that,” I whisper, feeling my cheeks burn. I really can’t get enough of him.
I can most definitely be one of those girls that makes out in the middle of the hallway if it’s Austin’s lips I’m kissing. We turn around just in time for me to see Garret glaring at us.
My relationship with Garret has been over for over a month, yet seeing the way his grey eyes are full of anger makes me feel guilty. I lower my gaze towards the ground. I don’t know why I’m feeling this way, it’s not like Garret waited to be with someone else. He hooked up with Cara as soon as he could.
Austin also notices Garret’s glare and lets go of my hand only to wrap his arm around my shoulders, as we walk past him. I hate feeling like I’m doing something wrong.
By the time my first class is ends it’s all over the school that Austin and I are dating. Farrah fills me in how everyone is talking about it. She’s upset I didn’t tell her myself and she had to find out through other people.
“For the last time we are not a couple,” I explain, walking down the hallway to our next class.
“But he kissed you in front of everyone. If he’s not your boyfriend then what’s going on?” Farrah eyes widen as a million thoughts run through her head. “Are you and him only hooking up for...”
“No! We’re just talking right now. It might lead to more and it might not.”
“Who gets to decided that?”
She’s right, who does get to decide that? Do I want to be in a relationship with him? Sure things seem to be going good right now, but if guys have taught me anything is that they can’t be trusted. Then again I don’t think I can control what I’m feeling in my heart.
I turn the corner and spot two beady eyes glaring in my direction. “Well if it isn’t the flavor of the week,” Leah mocks with an evil smile. Her friend Ariel stands behind her ready to watch Leah destroy me.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Farrah asks stepping towards them.
“Jade knows what I’m talking about.” Leah raises her eyebrows as she cocks her head to the side. “If you think Austin wants anything more than just a couple of days of hooking up with you, you’re crazy.”
“I’m not anyone’s flavor of the week,” I correct her hoping I’m right.
“Sure. Keep telling yourself that. We all know his record.” She pushes her head back letting out an obnoxious laugh. “That’s what Austin does. He makes you believe you’re the girl who’s really captured his heart and then crushes you. I’ve been his friend for years and I’ve seen girls like you come and go. Each one of them thought they were going to actually make him their boyfriend. Oh well, enjoy your week.”
“Just because he doesn’t wanna be with you, because lets face it the boy has taste, does not mean he really doesn’t...”
“Forget it Farrah,” I interrupt her. “Let’s just...” My phone buzzes with a text message. I look at the screen and see Austin’s name. My heart begins to race. With a big smile I wave my phone in the air and gloat, “Excuse me. I have to get this, its Austin.”
Leah narrows her eyes tighter as her lips pout in anger. She turns around and storms off with Ariel right behind her.
Farrah begins to laugh. I want to laugh too and really believe I won that confrontation but a bigger part of me is scared she might be right.
I look at the words,
Can U meet me @ my locker rt now?
light up my screen.
“I gotta go,” I tell Farrah, and rush to the other side of the school to meet him. I wonder what he wants? Has he already heard the rumors of us dating and is now upset? My body trembles the closer I get to his locker.
“Hey, what’s up?” I ask reaching him out of breath.
“I can’t meet you for lunch.”
“Oh.”
“I have a meeting with my counselor about applying to schools.”
“Wow. That’s exciting, but why didn’t you just text me.”
“Because I wanted to see you, and do this.” He sweeps me in his arms and begins to kiss me. My legs become weak under his spell. I have to believe I’m not just a game for him.
I move my head back and scan the hallway to see who might be looking at us. “What’s wrong?” he asks.
“People are already talking about us. Saying that we’re dating.”
“So. I already told you I don’t care what anybody says.” He leans in again and tries to kiss me, but I stop him.
“They think we’re dating. Don’t you care that girls might think you’re off the market?”
He laughs making those irresistible dimples appear. “I’m not on the
market
anymore. Don’t you know all I wanna do is be with you? I don’t care what anyone says. If they all think you’re already my girlfriend, well then good. Cause the way this is heading that’s what I want.”
My stomach spins with joy while I secretly wish Leah had heard what he just said. This time I lean forward and kiss him. I trust him completely.
It’s been three hours since I’ve seen Austin and I can’t wait to see him again. I wish he didn’t have football practice. All I want to do is be in his arms and have his lips on mine.