by JJ Ross
I pulled the throw blanket off of the back of the couch and wrapped it around me, stopping the chill that settled in the room. As I listened to the rain pound against the windows, I felt my eyes get heavy. I finally gave in and felt my muscles relax, inch by inch, as I drifted to sleep.
I heard the knock lightly at first. I wished it away as I snuggled further into the couch. Then it came faster and louder. I groaned and whispered “Shhh,” into the darkness.
The knocking persisted and grew louder.
I sat up aggravated and my eyes shot open. I was surrounded by darkness, and the dim light of the TV illuminated the entire room. I heard the knocking again. It was coming from the French doors in the den that led to the backyard. It could only be one person.
I sighed as I pulled myself off of the couch and slumped to the back door with the couch throw wrapped around me for warmth. I pulled the door open slightly. Chance pushed the door open further to let himself in and then pulled the door closed behind him. He bent down to take off his wet shoes as he looked up to me.
“It took you long enough. Were you going to let me stay out there all night?”
I shrugged slightly, “I guess I had fallen asleep. Sorry. Why don’t you just come right on in?” I said a bit sarcastically. I was grumpy from being woken up.
“I figured as much. I tried to text you, and you didn’t reply. That was about an hour ago. I was going to grab a bite to eat after I took Ashley home but I wasn’t sure what you might want…”
“Sorry,” I tried to smile. I shuddered as a chill hit my shoulders. Chance reached over and pulled the throw back over my shoulder, hesitating a moment and then he quickly dropped his hand.
“So,” he started as he walked toward the couch, “about last night. I mean, I cannot stop thinking about us. This is good, right? I just don’t want to ruin our friendship,” he sat down and looked at me. I didn’t know how to respond. I quickly walked over and sat next to him. I intentionally left enough space between us but he quickly filled the gap, scooting closer to me.
I sunk into the couch as I chose my words carefully, “I don’t know Chance. I mean, I know we have been friends forever, so I don’t want to ruin a great friendship, either. I have loved you my whole life, but…” I felt my ears burn with the last part. Had I said too much? Would that push him away?
“You do? I mean, I feel the same way, I just thought that, well, I just thought you didn’t see me like that,” he shook his head.
I felt as if I wanted to jump up and down, but I remained calm. How I remained calm, I have no idea. He felt the same way. I smiled up at him through my eyelashes,
“I have always liked you and not just as a friend,” I swallowed hard. I watched his face carefully for a reaction.
I saw him raise an eyebrow as he processed that. He nodded slightly, and then he reached over and cupped my face as he leaned me back into the couch. His mouth was warm all over my neck and face. He slowly pulled my shirt over my head as he continued to kiss me passionately. His hand ran up and down my side, slightly tickling me, causing to me to quietly giggle. He grinned as he pushed my curls from my face and kissed my mouth slowly.
I closed my eyes and let him surround me. Things were moving fast, but I didn’t care. This was Chance. I wanted this and I wanted him.
He pulled me closer and just as I began to sink into the moment, I heard a car door slam. I felt my heart race as I panicked and jerked up, gently pushing Chance away. I could see the look of fear on his face as I quickly pulled my shirt back over my head. I straightened my hair rapidly by combing my hands through it and Chance moved away from me.
Just as my hands dropped from my hair and as Chance picked up the remote control to change the channel, my mother walked into the den.
“Hey guys!” she smiled as she glanced down at Chance and to the TV. There was a home renovation show on.
“Hey, mom! How was bingo?” I asked casually trying to slow my racing heart as I took a deep breath.
“Nothing as usual, but we had fun. Same ‘ole game, same old ladies fighting over bingo,” she laughed slightly, “So are you two staying out of trouble?”
“Always, Mrs. Schneider,” Chance smiled and turned back to the show on TV. My mother raised her eyebrow and smiled.
“Right,” she said sarcastically. She smiled and walked out of the room. I felt my ears turn hot as my face turned crimson. It felt as if she knew that seconds before she had walked into the room, Chance and I had been in a compromising position.
Chance turned to me. He smiled that perfect smile as he leaned over to place a quick kiss on my cheek.
“I have to get going. It is getting pretty late and I have a long walk home,” he said as he glanced up to the clock on the wall. It was right after 10 p.m. I giggled lightly at his lame joke.
“Okay….so…. I guess I will see you tomorrow?”
“Yeah,” he stood up.
“So, Chance, how does this work?” I asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, us. What happens now?”
“I don’t quite know. We will just take this slow.”
“I just want to be with you...” I finished quietly.
“I know. Me too…” he was actually blushing, “I gotta go. I really would stay if I could, but I have to get going.”
“I know,” I said as I reached up and pulled his face to mine, “sweet dreams.” I leaned into him and wrapped my arms around his neck as I kissed him. It was a bold move for me, but worth it. He kissed me back slowly and then pulled away slightly.
“I really have to go. See you in the morning,” he whispered into my hair. I nodded slightly as I dropped my arms. He walked to the back door, slipped on his shoes, and then he was gone.
I was in a dream. That’s what it felt like, anyways. I never thought that we would actually tell each other anything about how we felt, let alone, make out. I could still taste him and feel his mouth on my neck. I sat on the couch for a few more minutes wallowing in my moment and then finally found motivation to pull myself out of my daydream.
I sighed as I walked up the stairs.
“Sonny?”
I stopped halfway up the staircase and turned, “Yes ma’am?” I asked as I turned to look at my mother at the foot of the stairs.
“Umm, good night sweetheart,” she said. She had said it as if she had something more to say. Did she know?
I waited a moment more and then replied “Good night mom. I love you.”
“I love you too sweetheart,” she replied. I smiled and then ran up the rest of the stairs and into my room.
I threw myself on my bed, smiling the whole time. I don’t even remember falling asleep that night, but I remember dreaming about him and replaying our special moment all night, over and over again.
**********
I was a bit anxious to get ready to go to school the next day. I couldn’t wait to see him. I felt like we had been apart for weeks. Wow. This is what love does to you. It makes you crave someone. Not that I hadn’t always craved him and treasured all of our encounters, but there was something different now. He had acknowledged that he felt the same way I did. By doing that, he had sparked something more, something inside of me that I couldn’t explain.
I decided today was the day I would actually dress like a girl. I wanted him to notice me, not that he didn’t, but I wanted all of his attention. I think it had to do with Ashley and proving to myself that I was just as desirable. My usual attire consisted of a pair of jeans and a t-shirt or hoodie, with my hair in a ponytail. I decided today would be different.
I stepped out of the shower and let my curls hang loosely as I brushed the tangles. I left my hair down to dry as I looked for clothes and finally decided that leggings with a fitted sweater dress, and knit boots were going to be the outfit for today. I might get some attention from the rest of the school, but this was about Chance. I wanted him to see that I could be “that girl.” I needed him to know that I could be the girl
that he could show off to the world. I wanted him to watch me the way he had watched Ashley, before.
I quickly swept on mascara, a tinted lip-gloss, a spritz of my new perfume, and I was out the front door.
Chance was in the driveway waiting, so I quickly jumped into the Jeep. I took note of Chance’s face as I turned to close the door. He still had not put the Jeep into gear. He was sitting there gawking at me and all I could do was grin with satisfaction.
Was it that much of a change? Maybe I should run inside and change? Maybe I should pull my hair up, or maybe…never mind. His face was worth the outfit and possible stares when we got to school.
“You look…wow, Sonny,” he said as he turned to the steering wheel.
“Thanks Chance,” I said quietly as I blushed.
“And you smell amazing,” he said quietly under his breath, as he pulled out of the driveway.
“Thanks.”
The whole drive to school he continued to steal glances my way as I tried to focus on the road as if I didn’t notice, but beamed the entire time. I had his full attention. After all this time, a Mitchell brother was completely focused on me.
When we got to school, I became self-conscious. I suddenly began to question myself again as I scanned the school parking lot filled with small clusters of students lingering. Did I really need to dress up for him? What would people think? Chance and I have known each other our whole lives.
Then when the stares began, I got worse. Well, when I noticed them anyway. I could feel people watching me as I emerged from Chance’s jeep. I guess that is what I get for being plain Jane most of the time.
Chance walked up and stood next to me at the back of his jeep, facing the parking lot, “I don’t think they’re looking at me, Sonny,” he whispered with a grin.
“I guess not,” I whispered through a smile, “Here goes nothing.”
I began to walk toward the school building with Chance beside me, holding my hand. Then Ashley walked up to the two of us, before we were even able to open the door.
“Wow Sonny, you look great,” she looked me up and down, then she turned all her attention to Chance, “So, has Chris talked to you yet?”
“No, why?”
“Oh, nothing,” she turned to me, explaining, “his parents are good with us having a party. Are you good to keep Drew occupied while we get everything ready or did you want to be at the house to help with food and stuff?”
“I can keep Drew company. No problem,” I assured them.
“Thanks babe. He’ll be home a little later tonight, so I don’t know what you’re going to do with him tomorrow to get him there.”
“I don’t either,” I laughed. What would I do to get Drew to hang out with me, without his brother? Chance laughed and kissed my cheek before we parted ways and I headed to my locker.
I was spinning the combination on my locker when I felt as if someone was staring at me. I turned to my left and almost screamed.
“Oh my God, Mags, you scared the mess out of me!” I gasped as I had my hand on my heart taking a big breath.
“I’m sorry Sonny. I didn’t mean to scare you. So, umm, I have a question for you? Why are you dressed like that? Like you should be over there?” she asked as she nonchalantly waved her hand toward the group of jocks that was headed down the hallway.
“I don’t know. I just felt like I wanted to be cute today.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Why are you worried about how I dress all of a sudden?”
“The question is, why are you worried about how you dress?” she rebutted.
“I just…I just wanted to look nice today.”
“Whatever. It’s cool. I don’t care. You look really nice,” she smiled as she gave me the once over again. She was being a little weird. I shrugged.
I grinned back, “I cannot wait until lunch; I have so much to tell you.”
“About what? Tell me now!”
“Not yet. Lunch. Deal?”
“You’re cruel. Fine, I guess. See you later, okay, hot stuff?” she teased.
I smiled as I nodded and headed to class.
**********
“You did what?!” Maggie was in disbelief. I could feel my face change color as I nodded.
“I really thought my Mom caught us. She was looking at us like she didn’t believe us, or maybe it was my imagination because I was paranoid. What do you think?”
“You’re probably just paranoid,” she grinned, “Wow! You and Chance. So where is Prince Charming?” she asked as she looked across the room at his usual lunch table.
“I don’t know,” I said following her gaze to where Chance normally sat. Suddenly, someone came up behind me and covered my eyes with their hands. He leaned forward, letting his warm breath tickle my ear.
“Guess who?” his whisper sent chills down my back. I grinned.
“Drew?” I teased, pulling his hands from my eyes and looking to him.
“How is that remotely funny?” he asked, pretending to be appalled.
“Hey you,” I blushed. He kissed my cheek and planted himself next to me.
“We were going over the dance stuff, Chance. Stop distracting my best friend!” Maggie scolded him, playfully.
“Hey now. Your best friend, you say? Don’t you know boyfriend trumps bestie?” he smirked, his blue eyes twinkling. Boyfriend? I melted.
“Not on your life, buddy,” she teased.
“Wanna bet?” he challenged.
“Okay, you two. Enough. Maggie and I have a lot to talk about. If you want to be bored by student council crap, you’re welcome to stay,” I teased. He shook his head and got up slowly. He sweetly kissed me on my forehead.
“I’m good. See you after school, babe.” I watched him walk off and turned back to Maggie to get serious.
“What?” I asked Maggie who was grinning at me.
“You two are so cute,” she giggled. I agreed but tried my hardest to get the stupid look of love off my face.
“Shush. Anyhow, enough about boys, I have work to do. Well, we have work to do. Where are we with the dance?” I asked as I began to pull out my planner. Maggie laughed and pulled out her planner too.
Chapter 4
Drew had gotten home last night and I was pacing trying to figure out how to get him alone and distract him long enough for Chance and them to get everything ready.
I finally pulled out my phone and called him. On the first ring, his deep voice answered.
“A phone call, huh? No text?
“Hello to you too, Drew.”
“Hey, kid. What’s up?”
“So, I have a request.”
“Okay,” he said skeptical.
“For student council, we are trying to help the yearbook committee by getting candid pictures of seniors. Well, I was thinking, how cool would it be to have pictures of you on the ball field and then pictures of Chance to show him like, following in your footsteps?”
I heard him chuckle, “I really hope you’re just not trying to get me alone to make out with me.”
“Drew Mitchell! How dare you!” I laughed.
“Fine. I’m game. Where do you want to shoot?”
“On the ball fields. I think if we get out there at the right time later today, the sunset will give me even better pictures.”
“Sounds good to me. So what is your boyfriend gonna be doing while I’m with you?
“Drew, what….”
“Don’t act like I wouldn’t know,” he laughed.
“Fair enough. I’ll meet you out front in a little bit, okay?”
I stopped in my tracks. Dramatic? A little. But I was looking at a more grown up, filled out version of Drew. A man. I sighed. Did I just really sigh? I shook my head. I couldn’t let myself get distracted by this more handsome version of Drew. But, oh if he didn’t do something to me. My body betrayed me and tingled just thinking of being alone with him. What was wrong with me? I was dating his brother. This was wrong. I took a deep breath and walke
d to my car. I needed to drive. It would force me to focus on the road, and not the hot guy next to me.
“Hey beautiful,” he said, pulling me into a tight hug, crushing me into his hard chest. Dear Lord. I was not ready for that. Did I just close my eyes and breathe him in? Yes. Yes I did.
“Hey back,” I pulled back looking up into his amazing hazel eyes. He let me go and started to walk to the passenger side.
“We better get going before the ‘perfect lighting’ is gone. You know, since you’re trying to get me alone at sunset and all,” he winked. Darn if I didn’t focus on his dimple as he ducked into my car.
We both slammed the doors to my car in unison as we got out and looked across at the baseball fields. The baseball fields were a good half mile behind the high school and the four of them were laid out in a square with the score boxes all in the middle.
I couldn’t remember the last time I was even on the fields. I think it was for a game to watch Chance last summer. I looked across the field looking at the sun starting to set. These pictures really would look great.
“Man. It’s been a long time since I came out here,” he said over my shoulder, as he walked up behind me.
“I bet.” I said, keeping my distance as I walked toward the dugout.
“Maybe I can get a few shots of you on the pitcher’s mound and maybe the dugout and home plate…” I trailed off as I got excited pulling out my camera.
“How about this?”
I turned to see him posed on the bench of the dugout with the most seductive ‘come hither’ look on his face, his perfect face propped up on his hand. He grinned and the light caught the hazel of his eyes.
Stop it. Just stop it! With your amazing features. Those Mitchell genes were perfection. I pulled my camera up and snapped the picture before he could get up.
