X-Treme Measure (28 page)

I took a little chunk of her hair, twirled it around my finger and winked before drawing back and leaving.

This day had started out so ordinary. But there was just something about her that just clicked right in my brain. This girl brought out a side of me I didn’t know existed.

Chapter 3

Penelope

The bad boy in town was being nice to me. He rescued me. I was in one of his classes in school. Algebra. I sat in one corner in the back as he sat in the other. Always last to enter and always first to leave.

Of course he never noticed me. I was a freshman. He was repeating his senior year for skipping too much last year. Although he had a reputation before I ever saw him. He was a ‘miscreant’, my mother said. A ‘good for nothing’, my father said. Maybe he was just misunderstood.

I took me a good minute or two to stand up, my body ached something fierce. I unbuttoned my top, and since my bra was just as damaged and damp, I took it off too. I slipped on the surprisingly soft shirt with the tattoo brand on it when I heard a choking sound.

I popped the top over my head quickly to see Deke standing there, his mouth wide open and his eyes wide like saucers as they zeroed in on my chest.

“SORRY!” I quickly turned and hurried the shirt over my head. “Stupid.” I whispered to myself. More tears bubbling in my eyes. “Stupid. Stupid.” I was scared out of my wits to turn around. I showed the shirt down and refused to turn. Naturally he had to come in at that exact moment. I was half freaking naked and he saw all my chub. And my big boobs. I felt the flush of embarrassment rise all over. Why was I being such a watering pot?

“I’m so sorry, Penelope. I should have knocked. It was my fault. I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t see…much.”

A harsh laugh ripped from my mouth. Sure he didn’t see much. My gigantic boobs were totally out on display. Sometimes I wish they were small. So no one made fun of me or made sick jokes behind my back. I didn’t think I was fat. Not really. I was a size ten. My mother had hips, and boobs. Although I think mine were bigger than hers but I wore big enough clothes that they didn’t really notice. At least my parents.

I heard his heavy steps walking towards me. I tried to make myself smaller but that was not happening. Deke was taller than me, a whole head and then some above my whole five foot two.

“Yeah, didn’t really convince you? But I promise I didn’t mean to do that. It was disrespectful and like I said I should have knocked. However, that little laugh right there, makes me think you have an issue with your body.”

“Uh, hello. I’m a girl. I’m not exactly little and you’re the only person who has ever seen my…my…” I gestured to my boobs, which of course jiggled as I moved. I rushed to cross my arms and I peeked up Deke to see his expression. He was looking at my face with those warm grey eyes of his. “What?

“Yes. I’m sorry. I did see. You are gorgeous.”

I couldn’t control the roll of my eyes. “Thanks. I think I’m better now, Deke. Thank you.”

“I mean it. Don’t take it the wrong way. I’m not hitting on you.”

That seemed to make me feel worse. So I wasn’t even attractive. Not that I should even care about that but the only guy that was ‘attracted’ to me was Jimmy. Geoffrey’s little brother. And I didn’t’ even want his attention. He wasn’t who I’d thought I’d go for. I mean, of course Deke wasn’t hitting on me. He was older, he was seriously good looking with his jet black hair and grey eyes that seem to notice way too much. He’s probably had tons of girls. While me, the little ugly duckling could only grab the attention of an acne infested, unhygienic, greasy boy who thought of only being with me for one thing. He had been a friend once. But it was like my body grew over night and then he started asking me out and wanting things. I mean, hello! We were only kids for one. And two, when he ‘grew’ overnight, it was like he became this ogre. I remained friends with him because he’d been my only friend.

When I rebuffed him, that friendship faded into nothing and all I’ve had for the last two years were Netflix, and my flute. Hardly any real company.

“Penelope? I didn’t mean to offend you. You’re what? Thirteen? Fourteen?”

I glared daggers at him. Really?

“I am fifteen, almost sixteen. We share Algebra for goodness sakes!”

“Wow. I—wow. Well, I’ll be nineteen in January. Still too old for you.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Alright, little brawler.”

“Stop calling me that. I didn’t do anything. I tried fighting you, remember? I couldn’t even. I tried but he…”

My words caught off. I didn’t want to remember what he did. What he could have done. Would have done if Deke hadn't shown up. I felt a warm hand on my cheek and he lifted my face tenderly.

“I know. We’ll work on it.”

“You don’t even know me.”

“So. I know this sounds probably ridiculous, but I feel connected to you. Like I was at the right place at the right time. It had actually been another artist’s break but he got held up. So I took mine. Penelope, I don’t believe in coincidence.”

“Neither do I.”

He nodded and reached over to the couch to grab my backpack.

“Will your parents be mad if you’re not home for dinner?”

“Oh, no. They might worry, but…” I couldn’t help but falter in my explanation that this wasn’t the first time I missed the bus. That I ran late from my last class.

“You can tell me. I’m not exactly a gossip monger.”

That made me smile. He was just as alone as I was. “This isn’t the first time—

“They’ve fucking messed with you before?”

Deke’s rage was palpable. He turned and he slammed his fist into a locker. “I knew I shouldn’t done worse to those sorry mother fuckers. Fucking—

“No! Not that. What happened earlier was the first time that’s ever happened. I meant the whole walking thing. I usually take the bus, but I ran late. It’s happened a few times already since school began. Both my parents work six to six.”

“So you’re home alone? At night? By yourself?”

“Yeah. That’s what home alone means. My dad was laid off a while back. He took a serious cut in pay and my mom well, she couldn’t find a day job so they took shifts that were similar.”

“I don’t like that. That’s dangerous.”

“Can’t be helped. I haven’t had any trouble. I normally play my flute. Or I watch Netflix.” And I couldn't help but mutter under my breath, “I have etix iction.”

“You have what?”

“Netflix addiction. I love watching Netflix.”

His chuckle was warm and gentle as his breath cascaded over my face. His cinnamon smell wafted over me and my sigh was one of contentment.

“I really should get going. I do have homework and I’m trying to get a solo in band for the Christmas play.”

“Sounds serious.”

“It is. Music is my passion. I love playing my flute. The sound of it just brings me peace. It’s therapeutic. Even when everything else feels wrong, that feels so right.”

“You make it sound like nothing compares.”

“Nothing does. At least, nothing yet. I have yet to find something that takes my entire focus like that does.”

“I like that. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I’d like to walk you home. Just to keep an eye on things. Make sure nothing or no one jumps out at you.”

A blush of excitement crept up my face at his offer to escort me home. “That would be really nice. Thanks. But I don’t want to take you from your work. I’ve done that enough.”

I stuffed my ruined clothes in my bag and I was about to slip it on my shoulders when he took it away and slipped it on one of his. His knuckles caressed the flesh at my jaw making my eyesight hazy. He really was terribly good looking.

“It’s okay, Penelope.”

“Penny. How many times do I have to tell you to call me Penny?”

“I like Penelope. Penny sounds like a little girl’s name.”

I burst out laughing at the comparison. Deke had a funny side. His smile was warm and I felt it all the way to the bottom of my stomach.

“Everyone calls me that.”

“Well, sweetheart. I’m not everyone.”

On that I wholeheartedly agreed. He was unlike anyone I had ever met

I shrugged because being this close to him made my skin prickle with awareness. I felt flustered when I shouldn't feel anything. This boy was way out of my league. Not only that, he was a bad boy. He had tattoos all over him. He had a reputation. My parents would not approve of him.

His finger tipped my nose and he walked around me, making me fall in behind him.

And the few from back here? How can a boy of eighteen look so…so…not like a boy? His jeans were thin and fit him really well.

Gutter brain. I followed him to the front where he was in deep conversation with his boss, Johnny. He looked scary. Tall, broad, bald and menacing. He had ink all over him. He looked as if he was in a motorcycle gang.

The man flickered a look at me, sympathy and a slight anger waged behind his eyes and it made me wrap my arms around myself, doing my best to make myself appear small. I let my head down, not wanting any of the other workers to notice my state of bumped and bruised.

“Ready, sweetheart?”

I nodded without looking up at him. It felt weird being in here. I've never stepped foot in a tattoo parlor before. My parents would probably flip out if they knew I've come in here.

Deke’s hand went to the small of my back as he gently pushed me forward, walking me to the front door.

“Johnny told me to make sure you got home and stayed safe. Which I already planned doing, so the question is Penelope, how do you feel about bikes?”

“I've never ridden a bicycle before.”

His laughter rang loud and the sound captured me, heart body and soul.

“I like your laugh.”

He got real quiet, and lifted my chin up so I could once again get lost in those grey eyes.

“Thank you. And I meant motorcycle. it's okay. I don't drive recklessly, I don't have a record. Well for bikes. I am a safe driver. You will be safe with me.” Shrugging, I tried not to look in his eyes. “Penelope, I promise.”

“Okay.”

I was crazy. Certifiably, incredibly insane. A small smile tilted up his lips and he led me outside, where not too many people milled around. It was probably going on six o'clock; time for dinner.

There was a small parking lot to the side and the motorcycle he led me to was massive.

“I don't know Deke. That looks a little scary.”

“If you want, I will walk you but I'll have to come back for my bike and I don't want to leave you alone too long. Especially knowing those creeps might be waiting for you.”

“You think they would wait?!” My voice squeaked as I began to panic again.

Deke placed both of his hands in my shoulders and said, “No one. And I promise you, no one is going to get to you without going through me, Penelope. I promise. Breathe, sweetheart.”

I breathed in and out, trying to calm down. “Okay. Okay. And I'm riding on a bike. Okay. This is okay. Right?”

“Don't worry, sweetheart.”

He grabbed a bulky helmet and slid it over my head. He clicked the strap and tightened it. He slid on and held out a hand for me.

“I don't think I can widen my legs enough to straddle this thing. It's huge.”

His eyes widened and then he shook off whatever he was thinking. “Here.” He stepped off and lifted me once again, easily placing me on his motorcycle. “Now put you other leg on the other side and I'll get on.”

I did as he asked and he praised my following directions. “Good girl. That's good. Now, you're going to have to hold on. It won't take but a few minutes to get to your house. Where do you live?”

“On Fairmont Avenue.”

“It's close then.”

He was careful as he straddled the bike, making sure not to hit me. He looked back and said, “Hold on.”

“To what?”

He straightened and his hands reached back to grab a hold of mine. He pulled me in close and whispered, “Me of course, Penelope.” Then he turned his head and turned the throttle. The bike jumped, vibrated against my legs and butt and it felt funny. I laughed and he looked at me with curious eyes.

“Everything okay?”

I nodded and he pulled me in closer, making me twine my hands together. I laid my head against the soft heather of his shirt and he backed up, and like he said, it was a smooth ride to my house. It took no time at all.

I looked in the drive and both my parents’ cars were gone already.

He turned off the ignition and helped me off. I was still feeling he shake from the bike and standing proved difficult. If Deke hadn't reached out to grab me, I'd have face planted.

And naturally where he reached out to me, his arms went around my waist and his other hand jostled and landed on my braless boobs.

“Shit. Sorry, Penelope.” I knew it was an accident because as soon as he set me straight, he removed his hands.

“It's okay.” Although embarrassment flamed over my face. I looked around to see if anyone was out and around but luckily no one saw my clumsiness. “I'm just clumsy.”

“Sweetheart, being your first ride on a bike, I'd blame it on the bike. It could be scary and disorienting. You okay now?”