Not Like Her

by H K Christie

  She took a seat at a table for two and nursed her drug of choice. She supposed she could be consuming far worse than a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino. She stared at her drink as she sipped from the green straw. She was tired. She was pissed off. She’d missed her test and hoped Alida would arrive soon so that she could go home and get some sleep.

  She would’ve told her to meet her at school the next day, but she wanted Alida’s notes from their shared classes and some insight on their AP Chemistry test for when she took the makeup exam. Assuming she could take the makeup. Her mother would have to write her a note to excuse her absence, which meant they’d have to have an actual conversation. She couldn’t wait. She twirled around her straw but froze when she heard a semi-familiar voice. “We meet again.”

  Selena glanced up, straw still in her mouth. He was cute. Had he been this cute the night before? He continued. “You’re Ms. Not Interested, right?”

  Funny too?

  Was it her exhaustion that was finding this man child somewhat appealing? At the very minimum it was clouding her judgment. She really needed to get some sleep. Against all of her common sense, she said, “Actually, it’s Selena. Not Interested is my middle name.”

  He slid into the chair she’d reserved for Alida. His eyes twinkled. “Nice to meet you, Selena. I do think you look much more like a Selena than a Not Interested. I’m Zeek.” He extended his hand across the table.

  Selena hesitated but eventually gave in and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.” Was it?

  “No books today?”

  “Not today.” She sipped her beverage and stared skeptically into his pale blue eyes.

  He tapped his finger on his chin. “Let me guess, you’re a senior at Grapton Hill High?”

  “Guilty.” Not impressed. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out considering that there was only one high school in town.

  “I’m at Cal State East Bay. I’m majoring in computer science with a minor in business. I love it. College. Having my own apartment. It’s the best.”

  That was Selena’s dream. Zeek was living the life she wanted. She couldn’t wait to be done with high school. Done with her mother. Done with this crappy town. Zeek was the first guy she’d ever met who seemed to have goals beyond trying to break their beer pong record. A college man. Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all.

  Before Selena could ask him any questions, her best friend approached, hand on hip. “Hey, I thought you were saving me a seat?”

  She was about to explain when Zeek slipped off the chair and said, “It’s my fault. I’m so sorry. I was so captivated by your friend here, I had to talk to her. I had no idea she was saving the seat for you. Please, sit and forgive me. I don’t want to intrude.”

  Alida eyed Zeek and then Selena before accepting the seat. “Uh-huh.”

  He gazed at Selena. “It was great meeting you.”

  She tried to suppress a smile as she waved.

  He took a step and then turned around. He beamed at Selena. “If you’re here tomorrow around six, maybe we can talk again?”

  Selena felt her cheeks burn as she attempted to be coy. “I might be here.” I’ll definitely be here.

  “I hope you are. Tuesdays are a terrible day for heartbreak.” He winked and sauntered out of the coffee shop.

  Selena watched him leave. He was confident, she’d give him that.

  Alida waved her hand in front of Selena. “Earth to Selena.”

  “Oh, sorry. Were you saying something?”

  “No, but did you just make a date with some random guy? He’s cute but a little, I don’t know, slimy.”

  “You think he’s slimy?” Had she been too tired to notice?

  “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe just a bit eager for my taste. He seems to be quite enamored with you, though.”

  She might just be a little enamored with him too, though she didn’t know why. There was just something about him that made her body tingle all over.

  4

  Selena applied gold shadow on her lids, accentuating her light brown eyes, before dabbing on a thin layer of peach lip gloss and smacking her lips together. Her dark chestnut hair flowed past her shoulders and she wore a tight sweater and pair of skinny jeans with flats. She grabbed her coat from the entryway closet and slipped it on, glancing over at her mother sitting on the sofa watching television. Her face was now a mish mash of blue, purple, yellow, and green. It wasn’t a good look for her. Or anyone. They hadn’t talked about the incident, mostly because they didn’t talk about much. She pondered for a moment what it was like to be Debbie. A string of drunk boyfriends that beat her up, working at a dead-end job with a kid who despised her. Most of the time. Selena waved. “See you later.”

  Her mom wiggled her fingers on the sofa and nodded. Selena supposed the television show she was watching was quite important. Life or death. Every time her friend Alida left the house, her parents asked her where she was going, who she was going with, and when she was coming back. Selena had witnessed the line of questioning on numerous occasions. Selena couldn’t remember a single time anybody had given a shit about her whereabouts.

  She shut the door behind her and locked it. She tucked the key in her jeans and headed down the street toward Starbucks. It was dark out, so she was vigilant. Rules of walking alone: No eye contact. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep keys accessible to gouge out eyes, if needed.

  As she approached the coffee shop, her stomach went all aflutter. It hit her that she was going on a date with a college guy who was hot and had his own apartment. He was definitely someone worthy of her precious free time. He was someone who had plans and goals, he was going somewhere in this world. A perfect match for her. He wasn’t some drunken loser like Fox.

  She opened the door to the coffee shop and it jingled the usual tune. She stepped in and spotted Zeek sitting at a table. He had obviously been watching the door since he stood up as soon as she’d entered. He hurried over to her. “Hi. I’m so glad that you were able to make it.”

  She smiled nervously. “Yeah, well, I was planning to be here anyway.”

  It wasn’t true, but he didn’t know that. She even had to change her shift at work so that she could meet up with Zeek. Zeek. What kind of name was that? It sounded cool and sophisticated. She liked it.

  He said, “Well then, I suppose it’s my lucky night. Shall we?” He ushered her over to the register and told the barista, “Hello. I’ll have a cappuccino, and what would you like?”

  It was definitely a date. He was buying her a drink. Selena wondered if she should order something more grown-up than her usual. Nah. She said, “I’ll have a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino.” It was fifty degrees outside, but she didn’t care. It was her favorite and it was only around for a limited time. She had to get her fix when she could.

  After paying, Zeek ushered her over to a table in the corner. Her nerves continued to rattle as she sat down. She hoped she didn’t look nervous. That would be too embarrassing.

  Zeek dusted off the crumbs on the table onto the floor and then sat down. He stared at her intently. “You look beautiful tonight. I like the way you have your hair. You’re like a goddess, all you need is a golden crown and the look would be complete.”

  Her cheeks burned. “Thank you.”

  She didn’t know what to talk to him about. College? She usually kept her head down and avoided contact with the opposite sex, but there was something about Zeek. Something different, yet familiar.

  “Did you have school today?” she asked.

  “Yep. I had econ and a few of my computer science classes. Econ is super boring, but I love comp sci. I’m minoring in business too, that’s why I have to take econ. I’d like to start my own business one day.”

  So ambitious. I love that. “What kind of business do you want to start?”

  “Something in technology. I don’t know, maybe in marketing for a tech company or a tech startup. I really like tech. I write my own software code, but I don’t want to be a c
oder. I’d rather be on the business side in management. I feel like my destiny is to be a CEO. I’m majoring in computer science so that I can understand the products I’ll oversee.”

  Selena watched him intently. “That’s so cool.” No guys in high school ever talked about wanting to go into business management or becoming a CEO. Most of her female classmates dated stupid jocks or guys who thought they were too cool for school and preferred drinking and drugs to studying or planning for the future. None of them were like Zeek. He clearly had a plan.

  He said, “How about you? What are your plans after graduation?”

  “I really like my psychology classes, but I also like chemistry and biology, so I was thinking maybe I would go in as a science major. Maybe biology and then maybe become a doctor or a nurse or a psychiatrist. I want to be able to help people, you know?”

  She also wanted to make a lot of money and never have to live in a dumpy apartment ever again. She didn’t want to worry about how the rent was being paid or how she would procure her next meal. She wanted to be secure physically, mentally, and financially.

  “That’s great that you know what you want to do at such a young age.”

  Such a young age? How much older was he? “I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately since I’m having to apply for schools next month. What year in school are you?”

  He sat back. “Well, my third year, but I’m a little bit older because I took time off after high school to backpack through Europe. I just turned twenty-two.”

  Twenty-two? She never dated anybody that old before. That must be why he was so mature and different than the other guys.

  Both of them instinctively turned their head toward the counter after the barista called out their order. He said, “I’ll get it.”

  Selena felt like she had somehow found the one diamond in the dark and dreary cave that was Grapton Hill, California. She couldn’t believe she had blown him off the first time they’d met. He was the kind of guy she’d only dreamed about. He was a little older, but it was fine, she’d be eighteen before she knew it. Plus, she was mature for her age, everybody always told her so. It was perfectly logical that she’d date someone older. Why hadn’t she figured this out before?

  He returned with their drinks and for the next hour, she sipped and watched him as he talked about his future aspirations, hopes for his first job out of college, and maybe one day settling down and having a family. It was so refreshing and inspiring.

  She slurped the last bit of her drink. Zeek almost immediately asked her to dinner. She accepted, and they walked a few doors down to the local pizza place. He held the door for her and she walked in and inhaled the scent of baked bread and tomato sauce. She’d thought she’d stepped into heaven. The restaurant itself was rather large, but only a few patrons were sitting around the picnic-style tables. At the counter, they ordered a cheese pizza to share and Zeek ordered a beer.

  Seated at the table, he sipped his beer and said, “My god, you’re even more beautiful in this light. How do you do it?”

  “Just luck, I guess.” He’d been complimenting her all night. Selena didn’t object. It made her feel special and desired.

  “You want a sip?”

  She scrunched up her face. “No thanks. I’m not into beer.” Or any alcohol.

  “That’s cool. So tell me something about you that nobody knows.”

  Something nobody knows that was appropriate for a first date? “I hate mushrooms.”

  He threw his head back and laughed. “Wow! Don’t tell me all of your deep dark secrets at once. You’ll scare me away.” He winked at her.

  “You tell me something nobody else knows.”

  He glanced up to the right. “Hmmm.” Before he could answer, the server set down their cheese pizza. He said, “This looks delish. I’m starving.” He grabbed a slice and plopped it on his plate. Selena supposed she wouldn’t be hearing about any of his dark secrets tonight.

  After finishing off the entire pizza, Selena checked the time on her phone and said, “It’s almost eleven. I should probably get going. I have school tomorrow morning.”

  He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I don’t want to keep you out too late. School is the most important thing. Do you want a ride home?”

  How did he know she didn’t have a car? He must’ve seen her walk to the Starbucks. “Sure, that would be great.” What a gentlemen.

  As they exited the restaurant, he reached for her hand and she let him take it into his. They were holding hands. On a first date. Was that cheesy or romantic? The jolt of electricity racing through her body screamed romantic. Was she falling for him already? She wondered how he felt about her. She didn’t want to be one of those girls who hounded him with stupid questions like, “What are you thinking?” or “How do you feel about me?” No, she’d play it cool. He opened the car door for her and she slid into his new Honda Civic. It still had that new car smell.

  She was excited to be dating a guy with a car, a nice car, not some POS. He started the engine and heavy metal blasted through the speakers. He turned it down and said, “I’m so sorry. I like to rock out.”

  With a reassuring smile she said, “ It’s cool.” She sat with her hands in her lap as she watched him drive the half mile down the street to her apartment building.

  As they drove she wondered if he’d judge her based on where she lived. It was a dump. There was no other way to describe it. She now knew he was from a good family with a mom and a dad and a brother and a sister. And he was dropping her off at the shit hole that was barely habitable. She wondered if he’d break it off with her after he saw where she lived. She hoped not. She said, “This is me right here.”

  He parked the car and she exited the vehicle. He hopped out and insisted on walking her to the door. And here I thought chivalry was an urban legend.

  At the door, he said, “I had a wonderful time with you. I hope you let me see you again.”

  She gazed up at him and grinned. “I had a good time too. Of course you can see me again.”

  He cupped her cheeks in his hands and kissed her lightly on the mouth. Electricity buzzed through her. She thought, And he’s a good kisser.

  He stepped back. “Have a good night. Dream of me, because I’ll definitely be dreaming of you.”

  She waved. It was a little corny, but kinda sweet too. She opened the door and tried to hide her obvious happiness from her mother. She shut the door behind her and waved to her mother, still on the living room sofa watching television, and hustled back to her bedroom.

  Nestled in the privacy of her room, she smiled and gleefully screamed into her pillow. Tonight, she’d had the best first date of her life. Things were looking up. A few minutes later, the buzz of her phone pulled her away from the pillow. It was a text from Zeek.

  Hi beautiful. I had a great time tonight. Missing you already.

  Laying on her stomach, she texted back. Me too.

  What are you wearing?

  Same outfit as ten minutes ago.

  Tease me.

  She shook her head. Uh-huh. Not so fast. She texted. Goodnight.

  XOXO.

  She put away her phone, changed into her flannel pajamas, and crashed on her bed, very much hoping to have dreams filled with Zeek and his soft lips.

  5

  Three weeks later

  Selena sat across from Alida at lunch. “How did you do on the test?”

  Alida pulled back her dark curly hair and tucked it behind her ear. “I did okay. Maybe B plus or A minus. How about you?”

  Selena had been going out with Zeek every free night she had. She couldn’t help it, she had a new addiction to add to her Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos and his name was Zeek. He made her feel beautiful and special and loved. It was the best feeling in the world. But dating him did mean she had less study time, and she feared she hadn’t done very well on the exam. “That’s cool. Not sure I did so hot, but we’ll see.”

  “I wouldn’t worry, I’m sure you did fine. E
nough about boring old chem. How are things with the new boyfriend?”

  “Things are great.”

  Selena glanced at her phone. Another text from Zeek popped up on her screen. She loved how he texted her all day, every day. It was so sweet.

  Alida said, “Zeek again?”

  Selena nodded. “Yeah, he’s so sweet. And so hot.”

  Alida smirked. “Well he certainly likes to text a lot. I don’t know if I’ve seen you in the last three weeks when you weren’t feverishly texting him.”

  “It’s what you do when you’re in a relationship. I think it’s because he’s older. Older guys are better at communication than high school boys.”

  Alida seemed skeptical, but Selena shrugged it off.

  “Well, I hope he’s not taking too much of your time. How are your college applications going?”

  Selena looked away. She hadn’t started. The deadline was in two weeks. Maybe she should tell Zeek that she needed to cut back their time together? She wasn’t doing a good job managing all of the things that she needed to get done. Maybe they needed to take a mini break. She was sure he’d understand. He knew that she was college-bound and had goals and aspirations. Just like him. She would talk to him about it. She was sure he’d be supportive, but it would kill her to be away from him for too long. She finally said, “I haven’t really started, but I plan to work on them on Saturday. I already know what I’m going to write about in my essays, I just need to do the first draft this weekend and then revise the week after that. It’ll be fine.”

  Alida shook her head. “You’re so much more calm than I would be. If I didn’t already have my apps in, I’d be freaking the freak out. But I’ve always been more cautious than you.”

  Was that true? Selena always thought she had played it safe. No drinking. No drugs. Good grades. Part-time job. Why would Alida say such a thing?