Waiting on Forever

by Ashley Wilcox

  Although him adding that not only am I hanging out with his friends that I don’t know, I’m hanging out with his best friend that he has known since elementary school, scares the living shit out of me. As freaked out as I am, I know it is all worth it when I hear how much it pleases him that I’ll be the one showing them around while he can’t be there. There’s something in his tone and the way he says it that comforts me with happiness.

  “It’s really not a problem at all,” I say with assurance.

  “Okay, so I just got off the phone with Collin, and he said that they’re gonna be leaving around 5 p.m. It only takes them about forty-five minutes to get here, so they should be at my house no later than quarter to six. Does that work for you?”

  Looking at my watch it’s almost 4 p.m. already, giving me less than two hours to gather myself and boost up my confidence before I have to face the music. Even though I wish I had more time, I know I have no choice.

  Taking a deep breath, I respond. “Sure. Yeah, that works.”

  “Awesome. I stopped at your dorm on the way down to the sports complex and left the key to my room in your mailbox. The front door is always unlocked and my bedroom is the third room on the left on the second floor. No one should be home, but feel free to hangout in my room until they get there or until I get home-whatever you guys want to do.”

  Just as I’m about to ask the most important question lingering in my head, he answers it for me.

  “I should be home no later than seven.”

  One hour and fifteen minutes of awkward entertaining. I can do this!

  “And Leah?”

  “Yeah?”

  “You’re the only girl that I’ve ever allowed in my bedroom, so don’t feel grossed out about sitting on my bed,” he adds with a chuckle. “I’ve gotta get going, but I’ll see ya later. Thanks again.”

  “K, see ya later,” I say before hanging up.

  Although I should be booking back to my room in preparation for my fun-filled evening, I’m frozen to the bench and trying to wrap my head around his last statement before he said he had to go.

  No girl has ever been in his room until me?

  All this time I’ve pictured Matt just like any other athlete–a drunken hornball player. Of course I never wanted to believe that it was true, but it is what it is and he is who he is, so it just seemed as though it should be the reality. But now, hearing him say that this picture I’ve drawn of him is false and he isn’t a perverted, all I want to do is get in your pants kind of guy, my feelings for him have just grown a little stronger.

  If that was even possible.

  Chapter 9

  After changing my clothes three times, I’m back to the outfit I’ve had on all day. I’ve combed my hair and rechecked myself in the mirror at least five times. My heart is racing and my nerves are off the charts as I make my way across campus and over to the football house. Although I’ve never been there before, I know where it is. I may not be much of a party goer, but knowing where all the sport houses are located is almost like a prerequisite for any girl on campus–popular or not.

  Just as I planned, it is five-thirty when I finally step foot in the driveway. My stomach drops when I see three cars parked in front. Matt had mentioned that no one should be home since they all have practice, so I’m crossing every finger and toe that they carpool together. Taking a deep breath, I place my hand on the knob, and turn it to walk in.

  The house is dark, silent, and looks empty as I take my first few steps past the entrance. In front of me are the stairs and to the left is a large living room with a bunch of mismatched couches and a huge flat screen TV on the wall. Flicking the light switch next to me, I decide now is as good as a time as ever to do a little snooping. Seeing an opening just past the living room, I walk in that direction. Although the house smells like sweaty men, I’m actually quite surprised at how clean it is. Don’t get me wrong. It’s definitely no Better Homes and Garden home, but for a house lived in by a bunch of college boys it’s not all that bad. After walking through the archway just past the living room, I’m greeted with a very large kitchen and eat in area. Again nothing matches and everything looks rather plain, but there’s not a dirty dish or crumb in site.

  Impressive.

  Noticing the time on the microwave, 5:35 p.m., I decide to make my way upstairs to Matt’s room where the real snooping can begin. I only have five minutes as I don’t want to get caught by his friends, so I put a little more pep in my step and take the stairs two at a time.

  Each door has a dry erase board attached, with doodles and notes written across them. I laugh, seeing some of the provocative pictures drawn on the first two, but my stomach drops and my eyes almost pop from my head when I read what’s on Matt’s board.

  Although the handwriting is different on both comments, and I’m sure someone else wrote the second one without Matt knowing, my stomach is doing somersaults just thinking about it. Surprisingly, it’s not anger that’s causing the movement in my stomach, but more like anxiety.

  Would I ever do something like that to him?

  Eww, no! Gross! I’ve never even seen a penis let alone put one in my mouth and I don’t have any desire to, either. The thought of putting my mouth over something that urinates is absolutely disgusting. Shaking my head of the thought, I take the key that Matt left in my mailbox and unlock the door.

  His bed is neatly made with a navy blue comforter and two matching pillows. It’s definitely bigger than the bed I have in the dorms, but not as big as the one I have at home. There’s not an article of clothing in sight and his dresser and desk, although they have a lot of miscellaneous things on top of them, are dust free and organized.

  I actually think his room is cleaner than mine.

  Looking through the items on his dresser, I find a stack of DVDs next to the small TV, a few body sprays and cologne, and two packs of gum.

  Hmm, don’t mind if I do.

  Just as I throw the gum wrapper in the trash can, I hear the front door open and a male’s voice yell, “Hello?”

  Oh crap, they’re here!

  Taking a deep breath and fixing my shirt that doesn’t need fixing, I walk across the hallway and down the stairs.

  The first thing I see is Collin. He’s a good looking guy with brown shaggy hair, eyes a perfect caramel, and the whitest teeth that I have ever seen.

  Yeah, he’s a little too perfect for my liking.

  What makes me sigh with relief, though, is the non barbie-like girl standing in front of me. Although she has the long blonde hair, she is dressed in casual jeans and a long sleeve shirt that says St. John Fisher College across the front. I smile, realizing her wardrobe selection is very similar to mine.

  Reaching out my hand, I greet them. “Hi, you must be Collin and Summer.”

  “Yes, you must be Leah,” Collin says, shaking my hand and giving me a warm friendly smile.

  “I am. It’s very nice to meet you guys,” I respond truthfully. Seeing that they are normal is almost enough to make me jump up and down like a giddy school girl, but of course I refrain.

  “We’re very excited to meet you,” Summer chimes in, giving me a sweet smile.

  I’m getting the feeling from their big smiles, and excited greetings, that they know more about Matt and I than I do. I so badly would like to sit down and start a Q & A session with questions about Matt and what they know, but I refrain.

  Thinking on my toes and seeing their bags at their feet, I decide I’d start with the whole ‘making them feel at home’ thing.

  “So, uh, do you want me to show you where Matt’s room is? So you can put your stuff in there?”

  “Yeah, that sounds great,” Summer answers with a sweet smile.

  Okay. So far, so good.

  After Collin picks up their things, they follow me up the stairs to Matt’s bedroom.

  “Huh. Maybe you should get some pointers from your friend,” Summer jokes, glancing around the room. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen
your room this clean.” She smiles at Collin.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Matt’s room this clean, either. Clearly he’s trying to gain some brownie points,” Collin responds to Summer, but winks at me with a smile.

  Instead of responding to Collin’s insinuation I just smile back, confirming that I know what he’s implying.

  Matt’s trying to impress me? Interesting.

  I did find it kind of odd that a house full of big smelly guys would be this clean, but what the hell do I know? I’ve never been to any of these houses around here before.

  “Well, although I’m not complaining about having two cute girls in a college guys bedroom, there’s absolutely nothing to do up here. Why don’t we go back downstairs?” Collin jokes before Summer playfully hits his arm.

  Cute? Good try.

  My heart swells seeing the obvious love between them. The way Collin looks at her, and the way she eats it up with just as much emotion, makes the butterflies that I get when I’m around Matt flap with a jealous flutter.

  “Yeah, as entertaining as it would be to see Matt’s face if he found us all cuddled up on his bed watching TV together, I’m thinking I need to get to know you guys a little better before that happens,” I respond with a joking grin.

  “Hmm…” Collins says with a devious grin, like he’s considering my statement.

  “Um, no,” Summer cuts in, looping her arm with his and pulling him in the direction of the door.

  “Hey, she said it,” he smiles as Summer drags him out the door.

  Laughing at their playful argument I follow behind them, making sure to lock Matt’s door after closing it.

  Once we get downstairs, I take a seat on the couch across from the one Summer has claimed and Collin finds the remote for the TV.

  “I’m gonna get a drink,” Collin announces, handing Summer the channel changer. “Do you girls want one?”

  Feeling a little parched, I say yes along with Summer.

  “So...um, they’ve got beer, beer, and more beer. What would ya like?” Collin shouts from the kitchen.

  “Sounds good,” Summer shouts back.

  Okay, so I’ve never had a beer before. I know, I know–what bridge have I been living under? The truth is, my dad drinks beer so I’ve gotten a few whiffs of it before and it smells absolutely repulsive. I’ve never had the desire to try it, but I’m not about to look like a loser. “Um, yeah. I guess I’ll have a beer then.”

  Summer laughs at my statement as Collin turns the corner holding three beers in his hand.

  “Cheers ladies,” he says after handing them out.

  “Cheers,” Summer and I respond, tilting our beers like we’re doing an air click with our bottles.

  Yuck! This is just as disgusting as I always presumed it would be.

  Swallowing the bitter, god-awful taste, I decide it is probably just better to hold my breath every time I take a sip. I read somewhere that as long as you don’t inhale the scent of whatever you’re eating or drinking you won’t taste it. Let’s hope that theory stands true.

  Summer starts flipping through the channels and I can see Collin’s annoyance spreading across his face. After the millionth channel she surfs by, Collin grabs the remote from her hand and turns it to ESPN. Although I’m not a fan of sitting around watching sports on TV all day, it is annoying watching TV with someone that can’t stay on one channel for more than two seconds.

  Sorry, Summer. I’m with Collin on this one.

  “Ugh. There’s more on TV than just Sportscenter,” Summer says in an annoyed tone.

  “Apparently not important enough to watch for more than three seconds,” he jokes, shooting her a grin.

  “Oh, whatever. I would’ve found something.”

  “Uh huh,” Collin responds, placing his hand on her leg and giving Summer a loving smile. The irritated look that is painted across her face instantly melts away, absorbed in Collin’s loving smile.

  Damn their cuteness!

  Two beers later, and feeling rather tipsy, the front door swings open with a bunch of sweaty loud college boys. Only one stands out for me, though. He instantly finds my stare and gives me a heart-throbbing grin.

  “Hey,” he says, walking over to me and bending over to kiss my forehead. “Look at you guys. Drinkin’ it up while I’m gone.” He makes his way over to Collin, doing some weird handshake with him, then leans over and gives Summer a quick hug.

  “Well, when beer is the only option…” I say, lifting up my already half empty beer.

  After holding my breath through the first one and a half beers, the others went down much smoother.

  “Ah, crap. Sorry ‘bout that, guys,” Matt responds, actually sounding apologetic.

  “Hey, beers fine with me,” Collin jokes.

  “So uh, let me just shower quick, then we can go do something,” Matt says to us, but smiles at me.

  God, he’s beautiful!

  “Holy crap. Leah Bennett?” One of the football players says, sitting down next to me on the couch. He looks familiar. Maybe in one of my classes?

  “Holy crap…?” I respond, waiting for him to fill in the blank with his name.

  He smiles. “Landyn. Landyn Michaels. You’re in my photography class.”

  Yes! Photography. Wait. A football player takes photography? Weird.

  “Oh, yeah. Are you a photography major?” I ask with probably a little too shocked of a tone.

  “I know, not the most manly major,” he smirks. “My mom’s a photographer, so I’ve kind of grown up around it.”

  “No, that’s awesome. Different, but awesome.” I make sure I sound more genuine than last time. It really isn’t a bad thing. He just doesn’t look like the normal photography nerd, like me.

  “We should go take pictures together sometime,” he says with a smile.

  I smile back. “Yeah, that’d be fun.”

  “Yo, Michaels! Get off my kool aid!” Matt jokingly interrupts, pulling me up off of the couch and next to him.

  Whoa.

  It’s been a while since I’ve stood and apparently the alcohol that I’ve consumed while sitting here is coming to my attention as my vision temporarily blurs and my legs feel a little like Jell-O. Not to mention, I’m a little unsteady from hearing Matt stake his claim on me against Landyn.

  Throwing his hands up in the air to prove his innocence, Landyn responds, “just being friendly, man.”

  “Yeah. Well, let’s not get too friendly,” Matt responds in a serious tone, but with a joking smile.

  Holy shit. He really is claiming me as his. This is fantastic!

  Getting control over my body, I smile up at Matt. He’s looking down at me with a huge goofy grin and I’m doing everything in my power to not press my lips against his. I can only imagine how wonderful it would feel to have my mouth on his.

  Those lips–oh my god!

  Every time he kisses my forehead, I can feel the cushion on them pressed against my skin and I can’t help but envision how they’d feel on other places of my body.

  I feel an unfamiliar pulse throbbing between my legs. Oh my!

  “You okay?” Matt asks. Obviously my facial expression has given away the shock in my head.

  “Um, yeah. I’m fine,” I answer with a forced grin, even though my head is a sloppy mess of alcohol induced hornyness.

  “So, what’s the plan tonight? I’ll pre-warn you guys, I can’t have any alcohol and our curfew tonight is 11 p.m.,” Matt says with disappointment.

  “You have a curfew?” I ask, confused.

  “Yup. Coach will have our asses if we’re up late drinkin’ before the game tomorrow.”

  “And how will he know?” I ask with a rebellious look.

  “Oh, he’ll be stoppin’ by tonight, I’m sure,” he says confidently.

  “Are you shittin’ me?” I blurt out.

  Laughing at my non filter, compliments of the alcohol, Matt answers, “Not at all, Ms. Drunkster.”

  “What? I’m not dr
unk. I’ve only had a few beers!”

  Total lie. I’m drunk!

  “Anyway…” he says with a grin, not believing my statement at all, “wanna go bowling?” He is looking back and forth between Summer, Collin, and I as he asks it.

  “As long as you don’t mind me kickin’ your ass,” I joke.

  “Oh, it’s on!” Matt laughs, cupping my hips with his hands.

  “I think we might have a throw-down at the bowling alley,” Collin adds to our playful fighting words.

  “Oh, there’s no competition here,” I answer. “He’s going to shit his pants when he sees my skills.”

  Okay, I definitely have no hold back when drinking. This could be bad.

  “You’ve got skills, huh?” Matt says with a flirtatious smile.

  “Ones I don’t think you’d be able to handle,” I whisper to him, feeling brave and standing on my tippy toes to make us eye level.

  “We’ll see about that,” he softly says with a wink.

  “Okay you love birds. Are we goin’ or what?” Collin interrupts.

  Love birds! What?

  I almost choke on my beer, completely shocked by Collin’s words. I plant my heels flat on the ground, and even take a step back away from Matt. Although I’ve been wishing and praying for something bigger and better to happen between Matt and I, the word love in context to Matt is like receiving a blow to the gut–not what I was expecting at all. By no means is it a bad thing–how I’d love for Matt to have feelings for me that run as deep as love! But hearing it sends a rush of nerves throughout my body that I was not expecting to happen, especially tonight.

  I can see the look of confusion on Matt’s face by my sudden blank, so I replace the straight face I’m wearing with a smile, hoping he doesn’t think that the reference Collin made freaked me out. Honestly, I’m just confused as hell. Nothing between Matt and I has ever been established and up until recently we’ve only talked online. This week has been a cluster-fuck of crazy and I have no clue where it all came from. I’m definitely not complaining. I’m just a little lost.

  Letting the alcohol take the wheel, I chug down the rest of my beer and loop my arm with Matt’s. “We’re ready.”