Boy Out Falling

by E. C. Johnson

  Boy Out Falling

  When your friend is drop dead gorgeous and every guy looks her way. A girl would be happy if a guy only looks at her, but not me. It’s very different when a guy looks at me twice. It means most of the guys have had multiple dreams of me. Once they meet me they can't help but come up to me. I really don't understand it.

  It started around the time I was eighteen going on nineteen. I met a guy and thought this is great until we were in a store and he changed by looking a girl in the same aisle. I had a feeling it was over. The other eight after him ended the same way, but in different ways and places. I learned around the fourth guy that he had a dream about me. I went back to the first three and asked them if they had dreams about me. They had all said that they had dreams about me. Once number five came around I didn't see this all the same way. To me it became a business. Nine different guys, and six years later and still nothing permanent. My friend Meridith, the drop dead gorgeous one, she has a hard time getting with guys that won't cheat on her.

  Now I'm twenty-five and trying not to let any guy that has had a dream about me get into my life. It's been to exhausting to try and find the right guy.

  It's the hottest day of summer, Meridith told me that we had to go to the beach. She wanted to go to the canal in Long Beach. The beach wasn't that much fun for me. I don't go out in the sun as much as her. I'm a lot whiter than her and everyone else; I'm as white as a red head even though I can get dark.

  Meridith and I were walking back from a little store that sells ice cream. We were almost knocked over by some paparazzi. It was only six of them but they were aggressive. We looked over to see who it was. It was a singer from a band that we both listened to, Boy Out Falling, Steven Patrick. I was excited to see him close. I loved when his cheeks were pudgy but he lost weight and still looked hot. Meridith wasn't as excited to see him. She liked the guitar player, Westley Pete, more. A lot of girls did, I was more into the guys that didn't have a many girls liking them.

  I saw him look at Meridith the way most guys looked at her. He then glanced over at me as we walked by.

  “Miss.” We heard him yell.

  I whispered to Meridith, “Turn around.” She turned her head over her shoulder. She than tapped me on the shoulder to turn around. When I did he stared at me than started walking over to us. All I could hear was the clicking from all the cameras while he was walking over.

  “I know you from someplace,” He said once he was in front of me.

  “In your dreams?” Meridith said. I elbowed her in the side.

  “You know I think you're right. That means your name is Jen Erikson.

  I nodded my head. My mind was spinning. How could happen with someone who is famous.

  “Can I have your number?” He handed me his phone. I did type in my number, but not the last number. I handed the phone back. Right away he saw that it was missing a number. “There are only nine numbers. Did you type it wrong?”

  “No, if you really want to see me again you will figure out what the last number is.” I grabbed a hold of Meridith. We turned back around and walked back to our spot.

  We got back to our spot and laid out in the sun. I looked over and saw that some of the paparazzi had followed us and was taking pictures.

  “Meridith how did this get so far?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “This dream thing. Someone who is famous dreaming about me. I don't think I can go through the idea of always being photographed.”

  “You will do fine. It's a job remember you were the one that said it.”

  “I don't want to have to do this as a job.” I tried to relax but it was hard with the clicking from the cameras. It took a few minutes before it stopped. We were down at the beach a few hours later. We went back to Meridith's car. Right before I opened the car door my phone started to vibrate. I looked down and saw a text from another friend saying to go onto the famous tabloid's website. I didn't have a smart phone, but Meridith did and she went on.

  The headline was Steven Patrick goes to the beach and asked a girl for her number. There were about ten photos of me and him with the phone. Then about five of me lying out in the sun.

  “I want to change my number now.” I said as I buckled my seat belt. I didn't feel like helping him.

  “Jen you are over reacting.”

  I sat there.

  The next few days when I checked online everyone was talking about me in the tabloid even people at work. The tabloid hadn't put anything else up since that Saturday. I didn't like to go online since I didn't like what people were saying to me that I knew. My phone started to vibrate. I knew it wasn't Meridith she was still at work. I looked down it was a number I didn't recognized.

  I answered the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Is this Jen Erikson?”

  “You figured out the last number.”

  “This is your number. Now that I have it can I ask you out on a date?”

  “Mr. Patrick I have to say that you are not the first guy that has had those dreams about me. All I am is a step before you meet the right girl.”

  “You don't have to call me Mr. Patrick, just call me Steven. Please go out on a date with me.”

  “Does it have to be a date? I'm just not sure if I want to be out and have all those paparazzi be around. Everyone I know is going crazy about the beach meeting.”

  “I understand. I do want to get to know you better.”

  I started to laugh.

  “What is funny about that?”

  “The other nine guys said that the dreams tell you everything about me.”

  “Nine other guys?” He sounded shocked.

  “You make it sound like I've slept with all of them.”

  “You didn't?”

  “No, I'm not easy.”

  “I'm not saying you are. Now what are you doing in an hour?”

  “Nothing it's Friday night.”

  “You are now.”

  “But-.”

  “Don't say anything. I won't take you out. We can stay at your place. One of the things I don't know about you is where you live.”

  I gave him my address. Then he hung up. I text Meridith 911 and she text me back right away. She was on break. I told her to call me.

  “I don't know how I got myself into this.” When I answered the phone.

  “Calm down and keep the blinds closed.”

  “Meridith!”

  “I'm not saying to get into his pants. By the way he stared at you I don't think he would mind. You should know I mean so the pops don't look inside.”

  “I wouldn't be surprised if he's used to girls trying to get into his pants.” Meridith and I laughed.

  “My break is over. Now don't stress out over this.”

  That's all she left me with. How could I not stress out? I tried to stay calm until the doorbell rang.

  I hesitated when I opened the door. I was relieved when Steven was the only one at the door with no paparazzi.

  “Good evening.” He said. I moved aside to let him in.

  “Good evening.” I closed the door. “Let’s get this started.” He turned around and looked at me. “If you are going that way then you can leave. I'm saying for getting to know you.”

  “You could have done that online.”

  “No, there are things that aren't true. I would rather you talk about yourself.”

  “I feel like I'm being interviewed.”

  “It kind of is.”

  “You're joking.” His face looked shocked.

  “No, I'm not.”

  “Can we do this over a few days’, months even? Maybe throw a few years in there.”

  “A few months are okay since it takes a few weeks to months to meet the right girl.”r />
  “Are you sure I haven't already met her, and she is standing in front of me.”

  “Since you are talking about me then that is a no.” Then under my breath. “I never am.”

  “Why would you say you never are?”

  “Well that is something that wouldn't be on the internet super hearing.” I laughed.

  “You have a cute laugh.” he said as he stepped closer. I stepped back.

  “I don't want you to get close to me this is a job.”

  “Does that mean you don't find me attractive?”

  “I do but like I said I'm not the one that is going to be with you. Remember nine other guys before you.”

  “What if ten is your lucky number?”

  “It's eleven.”

  “Eleven. I guess I'll move aside for number ten so I can be your number eleven.”

  “Still not going to happen.”

  “Okay, I'll change the subject. I brought a movie.” He pulled it out.

  “We can watch it.” I looked at the time it was nine and I had to get up early. I wasn't sure if I would be able to stay awake long enough.

  Forty-five minutes into the movie I was leaning on Steven trying to keep my eyes open.

  I woke up the next morning in my bed by myself. I got up and dressed for work. I walked into the living room and to my surprised Steven was sleeping on the couch. I went into the kitchen. I grabbed an apple and wrote a note.

  Steven, I had to go to work. I won't be back until four. I'm not sure if you would rather go home than stay here.

  Jen

  I placed the note next to him on the table. Then I left for work.

  Work had gone by fast for when my first break. While I was on break I looked at my phone and saw a message from Meridith. She was asking how last night went. I told her about the movie and how I fell asleep during and waking up in my own bed alone. He was on the couch. My break was over as quickly was my work was. When I went back to work it started to drag. Lunch went by fast and no messages. The last part of work also dragged and I was happy when it was over.

  When I got home I was not happy that to see people parked outside of it. So many cameras. I was starting to wonder if Steven was still in the house or if he had left. I was about to find out.

  “Are you and Steven together?” One person yelled to my left. “Are you two now living together?” Another on my right shouted. I tried to stay quiet while I was walking up to the door.

  I opened the door and bolted it shut when I got inside. I looked around and Steven was gone, but this time he left me a note.

  Jen

  Thank you for leaving the note to let me know you had to go to work. Next time come over to my place like tonight or when you have time. Text me when you get this.

  Steven

  P.S. Are you sure you aren't the one.

  I didn't text him right away I wanted to shower. Right before I got in the shower my phone vibrated. It was from Meridith. Telling me that I was on the tabloid again. I just showered. Once I was out of the showered and dressed I went to look out the window. The cameras were gone. I felt like I was able to breathe again.

  I looked at my phone trying to figure out if I should really text him or not. I sat there looking at my phone for ten minutes. I grabbed the phone to text him, but I didn't know what to say. All I put was I got your note. I threw the phone to the other side of the couch. Then I realized that I wasn't treating this one like I normally did. I was acting like this one was the plague.

  I picked my phone back up and text Meridith. I told her if she didn't have the night off to get it off. Right after that was sent I got a text from Steven. He asked if I wanted to see him tonight. I wrote back that he could come over if he brought a friend for my friend he met at the beach. Right away he said yes, and he will be over soon. I text Meridith to come over there was going to be a guy here for her.

  Meridith got the night off and had rushed over.

  “I hope it's Westley Pete that he is bringing.” she was excited. I was surprised she was jumping around.

  “I think you are his type.”

  “I know I am his type.” She smiled.

  Every time we heard a car Meridith would look out window.

  “I think you're going to scare him away.” I laughed.

  “They're here.” She said as she ran to the bathroom.

  “Okay. I'll greet them without you.” I yelled to her as I went to the door. I opened the door before they reached the steps. “Hello.” I smiled.

  Steven went in for a hug, but I stepped to the side. I heard Meridith open up the bathroom door when Westley Pete stepped inside. I heard her gasp when I was closing the door.

  “Westley this is Jen's friend.” Steven started to say.

  “Meridith” She went in for a hug.

  “Hi, Meridith.” Westley said. I was walking around them and saw that he had a huge smile on his face.

  I walked into the living room and sat in the chair so I would be by myself. When they came in it didn't help since Meridith sat in Westley's lap. I saw Steven wanted something like that. I know I did, but I couldn't let myself open up to him. I knew this wouldn't last like he was thinking it would.

  “I was thinking you two should come visit us.” Steven said.

  “Yeah!” Meridith was enthused.

  I stayed quiet. I didn't like the idea. The whole night I stayed quiet. Which made Meridith upset.

  “Jen what is wrong with you.” When the guys had left.

  “Meridith you don’t understand.”

  “I must not, but I do understand that Steven Patrick likes you.”

  “It's not real it's the dream thing.”

  “Whatever.” Meridith grabbed her things and went out the door.

  A few weeks went by and I ignored all the text and phone calls from Steven. I was at work three weeks after that night and when I got to my desk in the morning my phone lit up. It was from Steven.

  “I keep telling myself I'm not the desperate type.”

  I grabbed my phone and put it in the desk drawer. I hadn't talked to Meridith in a few days. I left my phone there until Thursday. I looked at my phone at the end of the day and saw another text from Steven.

  “Don't pretend you will ever forget about me.”

  Then I thought he was right. I decided I would take him up on the offer to visit his house. It could help get him to that girl.

  I text Meridith. “I think we should go to Steven Patrick's house.”

  Her text was fast. “Yes. Let's go this weekend.”

  I then text Steven. “I'll take you up on that house visit.”

  I didn't get a text right away. I went home. I still didn't have anything when I was home. I sat around and had my dinner. I got ready for bed and laid down. I closed my eyes. Then my phone vibrated. I looked at it. The text was from Steven.

  “I would like you to come over tomorrow.”

  “I can make that, and Meridith is most likely going too.”

  “I'll let West know.” He text back.

  Meridith came over after I was off work. I heard the car pull up. I saw that it was the car picking us up. Meridith ran out to the car. I locked out the door before I headed to the car where Meridith was waiting impatiently.

  “Jen.” She hugged me. “I think you should just enjoy yourself. Let loose.”

  “That's easy for you to say. Guys want you to be loose.”

  She pulled back then smiled. She knew she was hot, but didn't show it off.

  We pulled into a gated community. Meridith and I had our eyes wide open looking at all the big mansions. The car turned to the right into a driveway, and into the garage. Right when the car stopped the doors opened. I saw Steven Patrick standing right on my side. He put out his hand for me to take. I grabbed it.

  “First thing we will do is give you a tour of the house.” He said as we were walking around the car. When he was saying that I was wondering why he was saying that until I saw Meridith. Her body was wrapped aro
und Westley's body. She whispered something into his ear.

  “Steve, I'm going to give her my own tour.” Westley had a smile on his face. They went into the house.

  “Now it's just us and don't worry I'll give you a real tour. “ He smiled and put his arm around my waist. I tried to pull away, but he had a tight grip on me.

  The down stairs had the kitchen, living room, and a huge music studio. The second floor had a game room, a few guest rooms, and Steven's master bedroom.

  “You know you didn't finish the movie. Do you want to finish it?”

  "We are going to be alone for a few hours.” I laughed. He let go of me and went to put on the movie. The only place he had to sit was the bed. I took off my shoes and climbed in. It was a king size bed I didn't feel like we were going to be that close. I was wrong he pulled me closer to the middle of the bed.

  There was twenty minutes left on the movie and the whole time he had me right next to him with his arm around me.

  When it was over he looked at me.

  “They are still busy?” He said.

  I nodded.

  “Then let’s figure out something for us to do.” He pulled me real close and kissed me. It sent a tingling shock of electricity through my whole body. The next thing I knew I was taking off his shirt and heading down to take off his pants.

  “I can't.” I said.

  He pulled back. “Is this too fast.” He seemed sad.

  I turned to get up. He moved and left the room. I got my things and fixed my hair to flatten the bed head. I walked down stairs to the garage. The car door was already open but the driver wasn't there. I got in the car and waited. The driver showed up ten minutes later and got into the car.

  Once we were out of the gated community I started crying. I knew I could have slept with him, but my memory I remember that the first three guys I slept with and the same week the girls were spotted. Meridith wanted me to have fun, but how could I if that would ruin it.

  The car pulled up to my house.

  “Miss Erikson this is for you.” He handed me a note. My heart dropped to my stomach as I took it. I opened it up.

  Jen. I know you have your reasons for not wanting to sleep with me. I hope this doesn't make you not want to see me again.

  Steven

  “Do you have anything to write with?” I asked him. He handed me some paper and a pen.