Then & Now

by Karen A. Leppert

  “Is there anything I do that drives you crazy?” he asked.

  “Everything.”

  “Well, that narrows it down a bit.” He kissed her again. “I could do this all night.”

  “I hope it’s with me.” She brushed her tongue along his lower lip.

  He moaned and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’d better get you home. I’m not sure how long I can behave myself.”

  “You’re no fun.”

  “Let’s not go there.”

  Seth walked her to the front door just shy of seven o’clock. Sarah hoped for another kiss, but it was not to be.

  Molly, her face pressed against the screen door, yelled, “They’re home.”

  Sarah rolled her eyes. “Thanks again for a lovely day.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Oh, yeah, we have school tomorrow.”

  Seth kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you then.” He took her hands in his.

  “I can’t wait.”

  He waved goodbye while backing out of the driveway. Sarah stayed on the porch, not wanting to go inside.

  “Sarah, honey, is anything wrong?” Mom stood in the doorway.

  Sarah shook her head. Everything’s perfect. She turned and went inside, anxious for the night to be over…for tomorrow to be here already…to see him again.

  SHOW AND TELL

  SARAH

  After wolfing down a piece of leftover cake under the disapproving eyes of her mother, Sarah grabbed her bike and headed to school.

  “Isn’t it too chilly to bike to school?” Seth bolted from his truck and headed her way. “Want a ride?”

  With an eager nod, she said, “I would, but I need my bike this afternoon.”

  “We’ll put it in the back of my truck. I’d give you a ride home, but I have to work.” He reached her and they kissed. “Good morning.”

  Sarah’s nerves spiked when the school came into view. “Are you sure your taking me to school is a good idea?”

  “I do, but you apparently don’t.”

  “You sure are out of the loop when it comes to high school stuff.”

  “Yes, I am,” he said proudly.

  “Well, let me open your eyes. That is if you decide to go through with this.”

  “It can’t be that bad.”

  “Okay, okay. You just wait and see. If we pull up in your truck, people will know we’re dating, and it will start.”

  “What will start?” He feigned a fearful shudder.

  “People staring, whispering, gossiping about us.”

  Seth shrugged. “I’m used to people talking about me. It’s usually about getting into trouble. It might be nice to have them say something good for a change.”

  “We could keep this a secret if you want?”

  “Is that what you want?” His eyes grew suspicious.

  “What do you want to do?”

  A quick jerk of the steering wheel brought the truck over to the curb, and Seth kissed her deeply on the mouth. He put the truck in drive and eased back into traffic, smiling all the while. “Does that answer your question?”

  After leaving her bike in the rack and finding a parking spot, Seth asked Sarah to wait for him and headed for the passenger side. He opened the door and offered his hand.

  “If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it right.” He kissed her.

  Corin’s voice resonated in the distance. “Seth, Sarah?”

  Seth looked at Sarah and smiled. “I’m going to enjoy this.” He leaned in for another kiss.

  Corin came up behind them and gasped. “You’re together?”

  Here we go. It’s already starting. Everybody at school will wonder why Seth would ever want to go out with me. Seth doesn’t need to worry over the gossip—I do.

  Beauty and the Beast was playing right at her high school, and Sarah had the starring role…as the Beast.

  Seth broke through her worrisome thoughts. “Of course we’re together.”

  Corin shook her head. “I never would have thought…”

  “You better start thinking…”

  Sarah interjected, “Look, you two, the first bell’s about to ring. We better get into school.”

  “You’re right, Sarah. We should be going.” Seth grabbed Sarah’s hand and led her through the parking lot, inside the school, and to her locker, mumbling the entire way.

  Sarah shook her head while rummaging through her locker. “I told you so. You better get to your locker or you’ll be late.”

  “I don’t give a damn if I’m late for class. Do you have everything you need?”

  “Yes.”

  Seth slammed her locker shut and shouted, “The show’s over!” while glaring at the crowd.

  With speed and rage, he guided her through the halls, parting the crowd like the Red Sea. Sarah had trouble keeping up. The faces around them were a blur; even the voices seemed distant and incoherent.

  Seth stopped so abruptly when they arrived at her class, she ran into him.

  “Sorry,” he said. “See you at lunch.”

  He gave her a quick kiss and left. Sarah walked into the classroom in a daze.

  “Are you okay?” Johnny asked.

  “I think so. It’s been a rough morning, that’s all. I’ll explain at lunch.”

  When the morning announcements ended, Sarah headed into the hallway and right into Diane and Miranda.

  “Sarah, is it true? Are you and Seth Mathis dating?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us?” Miranda asked.

  “I’m sorry. We went out this past weekend. I planned to tell you.”

  They continued on to class, talking and making plans to meet at Diane’s to do homework that evening, which meant a gossip session. Sarah would be expected to tell them everything, and she couldn’t wait.

  Sarah met Seth at the cafeteria’s entrance at lunch period. “Aren’t you getting anything?” she asked while loading her tray.

  “I’m too angry to eat. I’m sorry about this morning. I guess I went a little too far.”

  “It’s okay, but you need to calm down. Why don’t you at least get something to drink?”

  Without waiting for an answer, she put two drinks on the tray. She paid the cashier and found Johnny, Matt, and Kyle. Seth followed, glaring at anyone who looked their way.

  Sarah sat across from Johnny. Seth looked at his friend. “Johnny, do you mind if I sit across from Sarah from now on?”

  “Sure.” Johnny got up and moved over to Seth’s old seat.

  “That’s better,” Seth said and sighed happily. “Thanks.”

  Johnny looked confused. “No problem.”

  Seth nodded and turned his attention to Sarah. “You were right. Three people asked me about us in first period alone. Crazy! What, am I not good enough for you?”

  Johnny, Matt, and Kyle stared at them. Sarah calmly removed the paper from her straw and listened to his rambling.

  “Isn’t there anything more important going on in this school than who’s dating who?”

  Sarah thought for a second. “It’s ‘who’s dating whom?’ I think. Anyway, you’ve made your point. Let me say this, though. You’re not helping the situation by kissing me in front of Corin and again in the hallway.”

  “They had it coming.” Seth leaned forward on the cafeteria table and grabbed a handful of her French fries.

  At least he’s eating.

  “What’d you expect me to do, shake your hand?” He shook his head and leaned back in the chair.

  Johnny, Matt, and Kyle had caught on. Johnny looked surprised, or maybe hurt.

  Seth must have noticed and said, “Look, Sarah and I went on a date. It’s no big deal.” His eyes darted to her, apologetic. “You know what I mean, Sarah. It is a big deal to you and me, but it shouldn’t be to the whole fucking school.”

  Sarah cringed. “First of all, can you stop saying that word? I hate it. Second, I know what you mean. My feelings aren
’t hurt.” She glanced back at Johnny, Matt, and Kyle.

  Johnny looked at Seth. “When did this happen?”

  “We went horseback riding yesterday. I didn’t tell you because…I don’t know why I didn’t tell you. I guess I wanted to see if there was something to tell.” He looked genuinely sorry. “And now there is…something to tell. Sarah and I are dating.” His face broke out in a broad smile.

  Sarah smiled back at him, happy his tantrum had ended. She covered Johnny’s hand with her own. “We’re sorry, Johnny. It wasn’t intentional.”

  “That’s cool,” Kyle said, and Matt nodded in agreement.

  “Thanks, guys.” Seth turned his attention to Sarah. “I don’t suppose your parents would let us get something to eat during my dinner break at the garage?”

  “It’s a school night, but I’ll ask.”

  The bell rang.

  Johnny looked at them. “I guess Seth’s walking you to class.”

  “No,” Seth answered. “My class is in the opposite direction.” He kissed Sarah’s forehead. “See you later.”

  Sarah and Johnny said goodbye to Kyle and Matt, who headed to their class.

  Johnny looked perplexed. “I had no idea Seth and you liked each other. You two fought all the time.”

  “I was just as surprised as you. I never would’ve believed Seth could like me.”

  “That’s not what I meant. Quite the contrary. You’re too good for him.” Johnny blushed and looked away.

  “Thanks, Johnny, but Seth’s been a gentleman.”

  “Really? Don’t get me wrong, I like Seth a lot, but he never struck me as a gentleman. In fact, he hasn’t dated anyone. I wasn’t sure he wanted to either.”

  “People change.”

  “I hope you’re right. If he hurts you, I’ll kill him.”

  “That’s sweet, Johnny, but won’t be necessary. I’m a big girl, but if he breaks my heart and I need a shoulder to cry on, I know who to come to, right?”

  “You know I’ll always be there for you.”

  The rest of the day passed without incident. Sarah went to soccer practice and took her frustrations out on the ball. The bike ride home helped clear her head even more, though not for long.

  She completely forgot about asking her parents’ permission to meet her friends to study and Seth for dinner. Mom and Dad had strict rules about going out on a school night, even if it involved doing homework.

  To her delight, she found Mom singing in the kitchen. This usually signaled a good mood.

  “Hey, Mom.”

  “Hey?” Mom asked.

  Sarah shrugged. “I mean, hello. How was your day?”

  “Good. What’s on your mind?”

  “Katie, Miranda, and Diane are meeting at the library to study for a test tomorrow.”

  “What subject?”

  “AP English,” Sarah answered, knowing Mom’s fondness for the subject.

  “And you’d like to go.”

  “Yes, please. And…”

  Mom stopped chopping vegetables and waited.

  “Seth asked if I could meet him for dinner.”

  Mom flinched. “I see.”

  “Seth’s working at the garage. I’d like to eat dinner with him before heading over to the library.”

  “And how are you planning to get there?”

  “Dad’s truck. I can pick Dad up when I’m done.”

  Mom sighed. “I suppose if your father…”

  She didn’t wait for Mom to finish but ran to the phone. As always, Dad asked, “What did your mother say?”

  “Mom said it was up to you.”

  “I guess it’ll be okay, but let’s not make a habit of this.”

  “No, sir. I’ll be by to get the truck after I shower.”

  “I’ll be here,” Dad said and hung up the phone.

  “Thanks, Mom.” Sarah managed a ladylike walk out of the kitchen before bolting up the stairs. After a quick shower, she rode her bike to the store to get the truck. She picked up a carryout order of burgers, fries, and drinks at the Chow Down Diner and headed to the garage. Seth sat on a bench outside the entrance. He hopped in and gave her a big kiss.

  I could get used to this.

  SETH

  While Seth waited for Sarah, the hellish day at school replayed in his mind. The unsolicited opinions from strangers baffled him, but his friends’ skepticism downright hurt. Even Derrick had grabbed him after school.

  “Everyone’s talking about you and Sarah Matthews.”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  “Brian Walters was going to ask Sarah out.”

  Seth winced at this bit of information. “Too late.”

  “I hope you know what you’re doing. This isn’t like you. You’re not a one-girl kind of guy. I’m not criticizing you; it’s just the truth. Anyway, you do remember Sarah and Pat are cousins? Pat’s already worried you’re going to hurt Sarah. I know this is probably selfish on my part, but I don’t need my brother’s love life affecting mine.”

  Seth shrugged. “I’ll just have to prove them wrong. You could show a little support for me, you know?”

  Derrick’s expression changed from concern to guilt. “You’re right. Just so you know, I took up for you.”

  “I appreciate it. I can’t explain it, and I certainly didn’t plan this, but Sarah does something to me.”

  “Just wait, little brother, just wait,” Derrick warned with a chuckle. “It only gets worse…and better, if you know what I mean. Some advice? Take it slow. This is a small town with large ears. Be careful…and if you and Sarah do decide to…well, you know…use protection. You don’t want to make a mistake you’ll have to live with the rest of your life.”

  “Haven’t I always been careful?” Seth asked. “You made sure of that by buying me condoms.”

  “Yeah, but this is different. Sarah’s not a girl you hook up with at a party. If she is to you what Pat is to me, emotions can get the best of you and things can happen. Believe me, Pat and I have had some close calls.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but it’s not an issue. Not yet anyway.”

  “Well, if it ever does become an issue, remember what I told you. And—this goes without saying—if you ever want to talk, I’m here for you, little brother.”

  Derrick rarely interfered in Seth’s business, and he rarely gave advice. Seth stammered a thank-you before extricating himself from more words of wisdom. He pointed toward the locker rooms. “You’re going to be late.”

  Derrick nodded. “Yeah. I don’t want to make Coach Carter mad. He might not play me, and scouts are coming to the next game. I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Okay, and thanks again.” Seth headed to work, his mind bogged down by the day’s events.

  Now he sat, anxiously waiting for the person who had caused such chaos in his life.

  Sarah showed up right at six, and he greeted her with a kiss. Her smile and moan under his lips settled his nerves and confirmed he’d made the right decision. Dating Sarah was the best thing that had ever happened to him, and he wasn’t going to mess it up.

  She had already gotten their food, so all they had to do was find a private place to eat. Seth could have suggested many but didn’t, for fear of Sarah asking how he knew the place.

  Apparently, Sarah had her own idea. She drove to a secluded dead-end street, which caused him to wonder how she knew of this spot. He fought the urge to ask.

  Best keep the past in the past.

  After all, if he started asking questions, she might ask questions too. He imagined he had more skeletons hanging in his closet than she had in hers. He hoped so anyway, even if it was unfair to expect Sarah to be less experienced than he was. He just couldn’t bring himself to think of her with someone else.

  Seth opened the conversation. “I guess I got a little crazy today.”

  “You think so?”

  He shrugged. “Or maybe I just acted like your boyfriend.”

  “I like the sound of that. Did yo
u get a chance to talk to Johnny? He looked upset about our dating.”

  “No, but I will. If anything, he’s probably mad at me, not you. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” Seth took her hand. “Can we focus on each other before I have to go back to work?”

  She put her cup down. “Yes.”

  “Thanks. I’ve been looking forward to this all day.” He kissed her a little too eagerly, and his conversation with Derrick came flooding back. After taking a moment to regroup, he stroked her cheek, hoping his hesitation remained hidden.

  Sarah leaned toward him and kissed him. “We don’t have time to waste.”

  “I like the way you think.” He kissed her again.

  Seth remained acutely aware of where his hands were at all times and found himself balling them into tight fists to maintain control. You can do this. Just concentrate on her lips. That was the problem. Her lips made him want more.

  Sarah must have felt the same way. She straightened up and sighed. “These feelings are new for me.”

  He took her face in his hands. “They’re new for me too. It’s nice to feel this way about someone and have her feel the same.”

  “Yes, it is,” she said and relaxed into him.

  The drive back to the garage gave them a chance to regroup. They checked the baseball scores and talked.

  “Do you want a ride to school tomorrow?”

  “That depends,” Sarah answered. “I don’t want a repeat of today.”

  “I’ll do my best, but can’t make any promises.”

  “I’ll take my chances.”

  Seth got out of the car and walked over to the driver’s side. He leaned through the window to give Sarah a kiss.

  “We’ll have to do this again,” she said.

  “Every chance we get,” he promised and reluctantly backed away from the car.

  NAUGHTY OR NICE

  SETH

  Thanksgiving had come and gone though it was still fresh in Seth’s memory, especially watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Sarah at her house.

  Seth didn’t give a damn about the parade. This was Sarah’s idea. Her parents restricted the amount of time they spent together, so they had to find creative ways to see each other. They often met during his dinner break or at a friend’s house for “homework” sessions. And there was the library. Seth discovered he loved the library, especially the section with the encyclopedias (Who used encyclopedias anymore?) which was always empty. He and Sarah spent hours there studying…each other.