Breaking Boundaries

by M. A. Lee

  Grimacing, Isaac only shook his head and turned his attention back to his plate of food. “You all are insane,” he joked as he laughed off the scene before him.

  “Come on Lauren. You wanted me to get out of my depression. Now that I am, you don’t like it?” I asked, pouting my lips and trying for puppy dog eyes.

  I knew the look wouldn’t work with Lauren, but it was still fun to watch her squirm.

  “Whatever,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I have been trying to get you two idiots together since the day you met. Both of you acted like you were ok being friends, even though I knew better. Now, you all act like you can’t keep your hands off each other.” Huffing, Lauren took a sip of her iced-tea. Her expression twisted into a grin, as she couldn’t hide her own amusement any longer. “Just go ahead and maul each other like wild animals,” she joked.

  “Gladly,” Cole said as he lunged out of his seat and into mine.

  Pushing him off of me, I laughed as I watched other people in the restaurant give us dirty glares.

  “Come on Lauren, we have to get to the bridal shop,” I said, diffusing the situation before I allowed Cole to take me away to some far off land where we could be alone and together forever.

  ***

  “Here, Mel, try this one on,” Lauren laughed as she threw a hideous wedding dress at me. The puffy sleeves and large bow placed on the back of the dress were more than I could handle. We had both managed to escape from the epic lunch date without too many disgusting glares being thrown our way. Isaac and Cole had decided to take the opportunity and try on their tuxes for the wedding and then head to Lake Herrington to go fishing. That gave Lauren and I an afternoon with no boys and time to get back to the way our friendship used to be.

  “You need to get serious about finding a wedding dress or you will be walking down the aisle in jeans,” I joked back as I continued to search through the endless racks of wedding dresses.

  “Eww,” Lauren cried as she thought about the image. “I will find something, but I am not going to settle on just any wedding dress. My mom will be here in a few minutes and she will have her own opinions about what I should wear. I want to look at every single dress in this store before I even think of trying anything on,” she stated.

  I understood her concerns and even felt like I may be the same way one day with Cole. As if she had been reading my mind, Lauren turned to me as she pulled a mermaid fitted dress aside to glance at. “So, have you and Cole talked about marriage?” she asked, her eyes full of curiosity.

  Laughing, I pushed past her and began looking at dresses too. “Are you serious Lauren? We really just started dating. It is too soon to even think about things like that,” I said.

  “You are such a liar!” Lauren yelled, grabbing the attention of the sales associates at the front of the store. “Cole has been madly in love with you from the moment he first met you. And, whether you admit it or not, you have been in love with him too. I bet if you mentioned marriage to him, that boy would rush out, get you a ring, and drag you down the aisle,” Lauren said, as she continued to look through the massive rows of white, beige, and pink dresses.

  “Sure,” I said sarcastically. “I will just go ahead and book the church now,” I laughed.

  Truth was, the idea of marrying Cole didn’t sound as crazy as I pretended it did. Knowing Lauren, she could see straight through my act and that was why she was shaking her head and continuing to talk about the color and shape of the bridesmaid dress she would want for my wedding she was already planning in her head.

  Thankfully, the door buzzed as Lauren’s mom sauntered into the store. Her face lit up as she saw Lauren holding a long, fitted white gown in her arms.

  “Lauren, you haven’t tried on any dresses yet, have you?” she asked, hurt filling her eyes.

  “No mother,” Lauren began. “We were just looking as we waited for you. Melanie needs to find a bridesmaid dress too.”

  Nodding her head in approval, Lauren’s mom gave us both a hug before she set off on her mission to help Lauren find the perfect wedding dress.

  After three hours of trying on every single dress in the store, Lauren couldn’t settle on one. Even though Lauren still hadn’t selected a wedding dress, we did manage to decide on bridesmaid’s dresses. We texted pictures to Lauren’s two cousins and Kat who were all going to be in the wedding too. The dresses were long, cocktail length gowns that were a deep maroon color and perfectly simple yet classy. Kat of course fired back with hateful comments and threats, but finally agreed to wear the dress only for the wedding. She would change later, which Lauren and I agreed would probably be best anyway. The décor of warm colors would fit the fall wedding with beautiful and rich reds, browns, and yellows. With Lauren undecided about the date and location, her mother went ahead and made those plans for her. Her location at the Keeneland racetracks was already booked, and her honeymoon was planned thanks to her parents. Apparently, the perfect southern wedding would have to be at Keeneland and photographed for local magazines.

  I could just hear my own mother making the same demands and decisions as Lauren’s had. Even though Lauren was being very picky about her wedding dress, she hadn’t given much care to the actual location of the wedding. All she wanted was a beautiful dress and Isaac. I found myself envious of her simplistic views now. Love had transformed my high strung, sassy, and materialistic best friend into someone who only cared about being happy; regardless of what that meant.

  Later that evening after Lauren went to Isaac’s house, I found myself sitting in bed with Cole as we watched a movie. I didn’t know which movie stars were in the film or what the story line was even about. All I noticed was how I fit securely inside Cole’s strong arms. He held me close and I could feel his breaths tickling the back of my neck.

  “So, did you have fun today with Lauren?” Cole asked, turning now so that his face was angled toward mine.

  “Yes, she didn’t decide on a dress, but I found a bridesmaid dress,” I said, not sure why he cared about wedding shopping.

  “Did you like it?” he asked, his voice almost breaking with his words.

  Raising my eyes, I looked closely at Cole. “The dress? Sure, it is pretty. Why?”

  “Nah, I mean, did you like wedding dress shopping?” he asked as his eyes scanned my lips then my eyes.

  I licked my lips, a habit I somehow had formed from being around Cole too much. I wasn’t sure why he was asking me this and somehow the millions of butterfly’s that were now frantically fluttering inside my stomach didn’t either.

  “I guess,” I said, my voice full of curiosity. “Why?”

  “I don’t know. I guess I have been thinking about things a lot here lately. With Isaac and Lauren getting married, I’ve been thinking about my future; our future together. I used to think marriage was stupid, but now, I think it might be nice,” he finished, as he nervously glanced at me.

  Trying to hide the large smile that was growing on my face, I slipped out of his arms and sat up on my knees on the bed so I was directly facing him. “You want to get married?” I asked, my voice rising.

  Smiling, Cole grabbed my hands and squeezed. “Hell yes. I know you are not ready yet. You need to finish school and everything, but, you know it’s definitely an option,” he said, his smile gleaming and illuminating the room.

  “So,” I began. “Who are you thinking about doing this marriage thing with?” I asked coyly.

  Pulling me closer and then flipping me over on my back, Cole tackled me as he pounced on top of me. He ran his nose along my neck, up my cheek, before brushing his lips against mine. “Baby, you know I am going to ask you to marry me. Soon.”

  “Really?” I played along, as I trailed kisses along his jaw.

  “And, I am going to take you up on your offer to get wild in bed. I have some ideas to try tonight,” he teased.

  He jumped off of me and left me lying on the bed. I was out of breath as I struggled to breathe through his revelation. He wanted to
marry me. He wanted to marry me soon. As my mind raced to comprehend what had just happened, Cole stopped in the bedroom doorway and smiled.

  “Come on, let’s go get some dinner,” he said, as he smiled again and then left me.

  I wanted to squeal and yell as the excitement built inside of me. Instead, I sent a quick text to Lauren as I jumped off my bed and followed Cole to my kitchen. I guess she wouldn’t be the only bride for long.

  25

  March came in like a lion, roaring and covering the bluegrass state with four inches of snow in the first week of its arrival. My new relationship with Cole was picking up pace as we spent every single day together. After announcing marriage was something he not only considered, but planned with me, Lauren and I both had been on cloud nine. Lauren was practically living with Isaac now, even though she said she wouldn’t officially move in until after graduation. I didn’t mind though. I was starting to enjoy living alone. And besides, I wasn’t alone for long. Cole spent most of his free time with me just like when we were friends. Only this time, the benefits of his company were much, much different.

  It wasn’t until the second week of March that I started to notice a change in Cole’s behavior. Instead of coming over every night after work, he would tell me he was working later hours. He wouldn’t get to my apartment until after I was asleep. At first, this diversion from our normal routine didn’t bother me. However, after another two weeks of his absence I began to worry.

  It was unsettling to me how familiar this all seemed. As much as I tried to fight back the memories, it was hard to distinguish what Cole was doing from how Brody’s affair had begun.

  What was even worse, was that when I would question Cole about why he was always late, he would get nervous and change the topic. Fed up with the new routine, I decided to wait up and confront Cole. He had agreed to come to my apartment after he got off work, so I would know exactly what time he got off work that night.

  ***

  I put down my third cup of coffee and glanced at the time on my cell phone. It was after nine at night and still no call from Cole. My heart was beginning to ache as I remembered doing this exact same thing once before with a different boy who once held my heart.

  When my phone finally chimed, I looked down to see it was Cole calling me.

  “Where are you?” I asked, trying to listen for any sounds in the background that might give me clues to where he was. Instead, all I heard was the sound of the wind rushing in through his open car window.

  “I am just leaving. I will be there in ten minutes.”

  After fifteen minutes, Cole finally walked through my apartment door. Anger burst from my mouth as I began questioning him before he could even close the door.

  “Why are you working so late? The shop closes at seven.” I knew my tone sounded more accusatory then questioning, but I didn’t care. I was scared I would find myself traveling back down the same, depressed path if I didn’t confront him now.

  “Look, can we talk about this later? I am exhausted and I really missed you today.” He pulled me into him and began kissing my neck. A perfect move to turn my mind, and heart into mush. Normally this technique would have worked, but tonight, I was so amped up on caffeine and adrenaline nothing would change my focus.

  I pulled away from him and took a step back. “That isn’t going to work tonight. You need to answer me now. I want to know where you were.” I demanded, anger rising in my voice.

  “I already told you where I was,” he said, still avoiding my question and my gaze.

  “That’s not good enough. I don’t...” I couldn’t finish my sentence.

  “You don’t what?” he asked, anger seeping through his eyes. His black hair bounced as he shook his head back and forth. “I don’t believe this. I thought we were past all of this. You are supposed to trust me,” he yelled.

  “How can I trust you if you won’t be honest with me?” I countered back. “I am not stupid or naïve, Cole. You are working late hours after the shop is closed. You don’t answer my calls or texts until late at night. Something is going on and I need to know what it is.” My body shook as I tried to remain calm.

  Cole’s eyes fixed on mine, and I could see anger and hurt flash behind them. He opened his mouth, ready to shout back at me. But he thought otherwise. He slowly headed toward the front door. Before he walked out, he slowly turned to me and smiled. “I love you, Mel. And I wish you could believe me. I promise, I am not doing anything to hurt you. Trust me.”

  His words broke my heart. He was so calm as he left, not angry and full of fire like I was. I wanted to scream and chase after him. But I decided not to. Instead, I did something I had never done before. I put my faith and trust in my boyfriend. I would believe he wasn’t hurting me until he proved otherwise.

  I picked up my phone and sent him a short and simple text.

  Me: I love you.

  Cole: I love you too.

  I went to bed that night alone, but with a full heart. Cole may not be telling me the entire truth about what he has been doing after work, but my gut and heart were telling me it was ok.

  ***

  “What are you wearing?” Cole asked in a devilish tone. He had called as soon as I stepped out of the office to leave for the night. It was early April and a strong storm was fast approaching Lexington. Knowing my fear of storms, I was given permission to leave early. I had texted this to Cole earlier, so he must have known what time to call.

  Laughing, I held the phone to my ear as I adjusted my large Vera Bradley black and white tote bag. It had been a surprise gift from my very sweet boyfriend. A sort of thanks for being so trusting of him as he continued to hide his whereabouts over the last month. “I am wearing jeans and a shirt,” I shot back.

  “It looks more like a pair of tight jeans that make your butt look really good. And that black tee shirt is the same one you wore last weekend when we went to the movies.” Stopping dead in my tracks, I began to look around my surroundings. He had described my exact outfit.

  “Where are you?” I asked.

  “Look behind you.”

  I turned around and spotted Cole sitting on the front hood of a shiny silver Camaro. My eyes rose in delight and amusement as I took in the sight before me. This had to be a sin, for someone to look so good sitting on such an amazing car. Smiling I strolled over to him and ran my hands through his black, curly hair.

  “I am sorry. You must be confused. My boyfriend does not drive a car like this,” I joked.

  “Well, he does now.” He said as he pulled me to him and kissed my lips. The movement was so sweet and passionate, my legs turned to jelly.

  “What?” I asked as confusion set in.

  “I bought this car, with all of the extra money I earned working over-time at the shop.” He winked at me as embarrassment made my cheeks blush a crimson color.

  “Oh,” was all I managed to say. I looked down, unable to make eye contact.

  Placing two fingers under my chin, Cole lifted my face so that I was forced to look at him. “Hey, I like to look at that beautiful face.”

  Smiling sheepishly, I cringed inside. I had been such a brat to him as I allowed myself to believe he was being anything but truthful. “I am sorry for doubting you.” I managed to say.

  “Jump in and let’s take this bad boy for a spin. I have a few more things to tell you,” he said as he hopped off the hood of the car and walked to the driver’s side door. Following his lead, I opened the passenger door and slid into the gray leather seats that looked as if they had never been sat in before.

  “Wow, this car is really nice,” I stated as I inspected the interior. Not a scratch or blemish was found inside the car. I was impressed.

  “Yeah, I’ve been working on it. I bought it when it was run down and no one had any faith left in it. But, with a little love and hard work I was able to make it beautiful again.” He smiled again and I felt my body turning hot. Man, this guy had so much power over me.

  “So,
where are we going?” I asked.

  “Just sit back and enjoy the ride. You are about to see one hell of a surprise!” He bit his lip in such a seductive manner, I had to look away for fear I would jump him in this car. He revved the engine and pulled into traffic. The car drove with such ease it felt like we were floating on thin air instead of driving down a busy city street. I glanced out the window to see more dark clouds approaching. I could feel my anxiety rising, but then I saw Cole’s face and almost forgot about the looming storm just up ahead.

  Fifteen minutes later, we arrived in front of an old body shop that had been vacant for years. Someone had obviously been inside cleaning the windows and tidying up the inside. The trash that used to be floating around the interior of the building was now gone. A nice landscaping job had been done on the exterior with flowers and bushes planted along the front entrance way.

  Cole turned off the engine and turned to look at me with a wide grin spread across his face. “So, what do you think?” he asked, pointing at the shop.

  Glancing back at the small building I just shook my head. “Um, I’m sure it was a nice place ten years ago.”

  Cole laughed and then opened his car door and began walking toward the garage doors. Leaving me inside the car, the wind began to howl outside as more clouds threatened to overtake the sky. Thunder boomed far away, but just close enough for my ears to pick up the frequency. I wanted to get out of here and back to the safety of my apartment. Jumping out of the car, I raced after Cole.

  “What are we doing here?” I asked again, this time my voice more frantic.

  “I want to show you my new shop.” Cole announced as he fumbled in his front jeans pocket for a set of keys. Finally retrieving them, he unlocked the front door and led me into the dusty room. I could see a desk and a chair with a computer placed next to a phone.

  Several chairs were arranged in a seating area and a broom and dustpan leaned up against a far wall. The walls were lined with pictures of old cars and car parts advertisements. I noticed a sign propped against the desk, not yet hung. The words read C&M Auto Body and Mechanics.