by Nicole Marsh
“Aren’t you going to open it?” Collin asks, his voice still coated in sleep.
“Is this from you?” I ask in lieu of answering.
“Of course,” he replies with a laugh. “It’s an early birthday present. Open it,” he urges in a light, joyful tone.
He doesn’t have to prod me again. I excitedly rip into the wrapping paper, tearing off the bow and shredding the paper to get to the box underneath. I can hear Collin laughing at my savage unwrapping, but I don’t turn to acknowledge him. My gaze is fixated on the gift in my hands.
“Is this an iPhone?” I ask, finally pulling my mystified eyes away from the fancy box in my palms to look at Collin’s face.
His expression is smug, and he shrugs. “I thought my girl deserved a phone from this century.”
“This is way too much,” I half-heartedly protest as I open the top of the box to see the clean, sleek phone nestled inside. I’ve seen iPhones before, so many kids at school have them, but holding one meant for me, feels different. I’m unable to tear my eyes away.
Collin drops a kiss on my forehead. “I want you to have it. Part of its selfish, I want our picture on your lock screen so everyone knows you’re mine.” He punctuates the half-joking words by moving his hands to my sides and digging into the ticklish spots he found during his last fiendish assault.
I plop the box with the phone still safely nestled inside onto the soft mattress, so I don’t drop it in my attempt to ward him off. I’m gasping for breath, when I finally surrender. I hold my hands up in front of me for the universal sign of “back off, I give up”.
“Okay, okay,” I say between deep inhales, attempting to regain my breath. “I relent; I’ll keep your ridiculously expensive early birthday present. Just don’t expect anything this big from me for your birthday,” I warn, shooting him some serious side-eye. There’s no way I could afford to reciprocate a gift of this magnitude, even with my new and improved tutoring pay.
“I would never, Scout’s honor” he replies, solemnly, placing a hand in front of him, with his middle three fingers up, and his thumb and pinky connected in front of them, as if it reinforces his words.
“Good,” I reply, with one last side-eyed glance for good measure, then I pluck the box from the bed.
Removing the iPhone reverently, I flip it back and forth between my hands not knowing how to power it on. Holding the upgraded piece of tech makes me want to transition from my old phone immediately. I dump the rest of the gear from the box, searching for an instruction manual that doesn’t seem to exist.
As if he knows exactly what I’m doing and why, Collin pauses my movements by placing a gentle kiss against my lips. The touch is a light caress, with affection and warmth lingering in his gaze as he moves away and our eyes connect. Like the kind, thoughtful soul he is, he suggests, “Why don’t we both get dressed, then I’ll help you set up your new phone before school?”
“Sounds good,” I reply, giving him a lazy grin as I set my new phone and all its components onto the nightstand.
Collin returns the smile, then stands and ambles towards the door. My gaze stays fixated on his broad form as he exits the room. The second the door closes, I release a deep sigh, then pluck the box off the table, removing the phone from the thin cardboard and turning it over in my hands.
An iPhone.
The gift is extravagant. Too extravagant, but I know Collin would never accept me returning it. Guilt tries to weasel its way into my thoughts along with a whisper of, “You need to tell him the truth”.
I shove the words and feeling aside, rising from my bed that feels less temporary every day and go to the closet for the distraction, and necessity of finding my clothes for the day. Pulling open the white, wooden door, I grab my cheerleading uniform. Donning the blue and black gear still fills me with as much excitement as when I was told I made the squad, a mere seven days ago.
With extra pep, infused by my uniform and my morning interaction with Collin, I tie my dark hair back with my team-colored scrunchie, then slide into my sneakers. I add a few swipes of makeup, feeling a little extra, but loving it.
This feeling, this giddiness is how life is meant to be.
At least that’s what I tell myself to assuage the last lingering tendrils of guilt.
Collin slips back into my room dressed in a pair of dark jeans and the royal blue and black jersey he’ll wear in the game tonight. Like the cheerleaders with their uniforms, the footballers are expected to wear their jersey to school when there’s an event happening, whether it’s an assembly or a game.
He grabs my new phone while I’m fixing the lipstick I swiped on. I discretely observe his reflection through my mirror, using the time to slyly watch his handsome face. His concentration is evident in his furrowed brow and pouted lower lip, as he clicks a button on the side of my new iPhone and presses a few things on the screen as he plugs it in.
I’ve never considered myself to be the kind of girl that loses all her sense over a guy, but Collin brings out a different side of me. I fight the urge to strut across the room and straddle him, as my eyes rake over his attractive features.
“I couldn’t keep your old number. I hope that’s okay,” Collin drawls, interrupting my fantasy as his emerald gaze connects with mine in the mirror.
Transitioning to the new train of thought, I nod. I wasn’t overly attached to my old phone number, so the thought doesn’t bum me out. “Are they going to mail me the bill or what?” I ask, curious how the gift of a phone works exactly.
Collin looks sheepish. “I paid for the first six months, but yeah, after that the bill will come to your trailer.”
I hope the plan he chose isn’t too expensive but knowing Collin he thought of everything before he purchased the gift, including cost. Since he’s aware of my situation, he probably chose something reasonable and I shouldn’t worry.
“I don’t even know how I can thank you. It’s so much,” I say. Then I add, “But I love it. It’s amazing, you’re amazing.” I punctuate the words, by twirling to face him, wearing a huge smile. I wish I knew a better way to communicate my gratitude, but this will have to do for now.
Collin grins at me, the rarely dim sparkle present in his eyes. He shoots me a quick wink, then return his gaze to my new iPhone. I watch as he presses against the screen periodically, for another couple minutes. When he finishes the set-up, his eyes sear into mine and he drawls, “Okay, it’s ready for you. How about we take a selfie to celebrate?”
I laugh but join him on the bed, cuddling into his side and grinning at the phone extended in his left hand. The shutter sound punctuates the first photo of both of us smiling. Before he can snap another shot, I grab his far cheek, holding him in place while I lightly kiss the one closer to me. The phone makes the shutter noise and I release him.
Not to be outdone, Collin grabs the back of my neck, using his grip to tug me closer. The shutter sounds as his lips touch mine, but I tune it out. Deepening the kiss, I brand Collin. Using my lips to convey my appreciation for all he’s done for me. More than that, I want to express how much I care about him, and consider him mine.
Even if it may not seem that way, when I finally work up the courage to tell the truth.
Chapter 28
Stands for the Golden Oaks High Warriors are packed, teeming with a combination of rowdy students and proud parents. The night has gone seamlessly for Collin so far. His golden arm landing every throw in the hands of his wide receiver. Each successful pass has amped up the crowd even further, and this late in the game, it’s unclear if the cheerleaders are pepping up the fans, or the crowd is feeding off its own, infectious energy.
The game has flown by as I jump up and down, chant, and cheer for my team, but also, mostly, for Collin. Not one to be outdone by my guy’s success, I’m ultra-focused on making my own night a win. I’m working extra hard, to ensure my pep-filled body lands every cheer and move required. Wanting to show the rest of the squad I deserve the opportunity I’ve been gi
ven.
Now, during the last few minutes of the game, the crowd’s screams echo around us, anticipating a victory as our team is up fourteen points. I’ve never felt so alive or had so much fun.
Taking another peek at the scoreboard between chants, I realize the minutes of the game have dwindled down further than I thought. The large red digits start to countdown the final sixty seconds of the game; the numbers appearing and reappearing rapidly, as each second ticks by.
Summer rallies the squad and begins to step her feet over each other, side to side, in a grapevine-like motion. She shouts the first word to our school’s fight song, “Fight.”
I fall in step with the rest of the girls, mimicking Summer and together we echo the word, “Fight.”
She stops her feet and yells, “Dominate.” Then performs a flawless toe-touch mid-air.
The crowd joins in this time screaming, “Dominate” while the rest of us mimic her toe-touch to varying degrees of perfection.
My attention leaves Summer for a brief second, just in time to catch the Warriors run their final play. Eyes laser-focused on Collin, watching as he throws the football into a high arc towards the end zone. The wide receiver, already in position, leaps into the air, cradling the ball in his fingers as the buzzer sounds across the stadium.
Our side of the bleachers goes nuts. Students and parents cheer, clap, and stomp, the noise thundering across the grass, making it feel like the whole stadium might collapse under the weight of their enthusiasm. Dragging my eyes away from Collin as he celebrates in the end zone, I join the rest of the squad, jumping, shrieking and waving my pom poms in the air. Despite screaming at the top of my lungs, the words are barely audible past the sounds of the crowd.
Abandoning the fight cheer, she started, Summer shouts, “Go Golden Oak Warriors!!!”
The rest of the squad and I copy her, yelling our team’s name. I add a loud “Wooo” to the end, jumping with the all the girls in a circle, our arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders.
We did it. Our team won!
Collin won!
While screeching for our victory with the squad, I slyly eye the footballers as they huddle at the sideline listening to their coach. Almost everyone in the group is wearing a massive smile, clearly stoked over their killer start to the season. A pair of emerald eyes briefly connect with mine, and Collin shoots a wink before moving his attention back to his team.
I remain on the sidelines, loitering next to the cheer risers with the rest of the squad, as the stadium slowly empties. Some fans also linger, as if lurking will provide them the opportunity to personally congratulate the players. The team is engrossed in their coach’s words though, and eventually even the most die-hard fans file out.
When the players finally grab their bags from the team bench, the squad begins to move towards the locker rooms as well, our movements synced with the guys. As he passes, Collin grabs my palm and gives it a brief squeeze and release. My steps slow, but Collin doesn’t stop to chat, he just continues his trek to the boy’s locker room. Lingering for a few seconds longer, I watch as his firm backside, clad in tight spandex, disappears from view.
Regular Collin is attractive, but Collin in football gear? He’s a total jaw dropper.
Once he’s completely out of sight, I glance around, surprised to find myself alone in the tunnel leading out of the stadium. I swiftly scurry towards the girl’s locker room and yank open the door separating me from the squad, wary of being in the abandoned area by myself.
Katie attacks me with a hug just inside the doorway. “You were sooooo amazing!! You’re a total natural, I’m so glad you’re on the squad. Ahhh!”
I return her tight hug wearing a grin so huge, it’s making my cheeks ache. “Thanks girl, we all did great.”
“Yes! Let’s grab our bags then I’ll wait in the parking lot with you. For Collin.” She sings Collin’s name like she’s going to break out into a chant or a song. The one that starts with “First comes love, then comes marriage…” immediately pops into my head.
I hurry across the locker room away from her to my snag my gym bag, hoping if I’m far enough away, she won’t start. Her giggle follows me as I sprint in the opposite direction, clearly reading my intentions of escape and finding it hilarious.
Ignoring her, I turn the combination dial on my locker. I scoop up my cheer bag from the inside, and shut the door. Spinning the lock to clear it, I complete the motions on autopilot while thoughts whirl in my head. Her teasing honestly doesn’t bother me, I’m too amped up to feel anything other than happiness. Plus, I like a good joke as much of the next girl, but I am also one hundred percent not ready to talk about my quickly manifesting feelings for Collin Franzen.
Thankfully, Katie seems to get the hint. When I return to her spot near the door she flits out, silently holding it open by the outside handle. She drops the subject entirely, becoming deep in thought.
I don’t interrupt, keeping my mouth shut as we make our way to the parking lot. We reach Collin’s SUV and the two of us lean against it in sync. All the cheerleaders filter by as we wait, with varying reactions. Isabelle sneers at me, which is no surprise and Heather just waves.
“Bye, see you ladies tomorrow,” Summer calls as she passes, one of the few to verbally say goodbye.
My attention shifts away from the rest of the squad without registering their parting words. Instead, my eyes focus on the exit from the locker rooms, waiting for Collin. Soon it’s just Katie and I remaining. I’m grateful for both my new friend and my new phone as we wait in the empty, dark area with shadows looming ominously in the silent night air.
Katie’s words startle me as they slip out in a whisper, “Do you think Alex likes me?”
“Like Alex from tubing?” I ask, not expecting to have a sudden bout of boy talk.
Katie giggles and smacks my arm. “Oh my gosh and from the football team. You’re like totally oblivious to all other boys besides Franzen, aren’t you?”
A light flush graces my cheeks at the truth of her words, but I simply shrug and divert. “Well, I haven’t paid much attention to Alex, so I’m not sure,” I reply, answering her original question. “Why do you ask?
“I think I’m going to text him tonight and see if he wants to be my date to my party tomorrow.”
My head whips towards Katie’s in surprise. It’s not that I didn’t expect her to date, but this is the first time she’s mentioned Alex, to my knowledge. I feel like a terrible friend for not knowing more about her love life and I’m also astonished she thinks someone wouldn’t like her. Katie is rich, pretty, and nice. Girls like her are on a different level than girls like me; she’s a total catch.
Katie is oblivious to my shock, she’s too busy worrying her lower lip between her teeth; her eyes appearing distant as she stares across the parking lot. Tapping her arm lightly to get her attention, I respond, “I think you should ask him. There’s no reason not to. If he can’t see how great you are, then he’s a total idiot.”
“Thank you,” Katie says, immediately snapping out of her funk and jumping to her tiptoes to give me a quick hug. She pulls out her phone, then continues, “You’re so right. I’m going to text him now before I lose my nerve! Maybe he’ll respond from the locker room or by the time I make it to my car.”
I don’t bother to reply, as her attention is completely focused on her phone screen. Her fingers fly across the glass front as she types her message to Alex and then waits for a response. I rest against Collin’s SUV again, wondering what’s taking the boys so long.
Collin finally emerges from the locker room ten minutes later, no longer dressed in his gear and hair still damp from a shower. He’s walking swiftly, making a beeline towards his SUV where I’m posted with Katie. The rest of his team straggles out behind him, but he pays them no mind, his intentions clear by his long strides and determined expression.
When he reaches us, he tucks me into his side, laying a soft kiss on my forehead and whispering, “Hey
, you girls did great tonight.” His gaze moves from my face to fully acknowledge Katie and he asks, “Katie, do you have a ride home?” His eyes don’t move away from her, but he slowly begins inching us towards the door, his hand resting on the handle before she replies.
“Yeah, I drove myself,” she responds, her tone filled with mirth.
Collin drawls, “Okay cool. Well, we’re headed out now.” He punctuates the words by ripping open the passenger side door. I find myself hiding a smile at Collin’s sudden rush to get me alone. Well that, and Katie’s super dramatic wink over Collin urgently wanting to get me home.
A few of the footballers finally reach the parking lot and they begin catcalling Franzen as they see me wrapped up in his arms. Collin just flips them off, taking my bag before hoisting me inside the car. I hear the trunk open within seconds, indicating he ran to the back. Directly after, I hear the noise of Collin swiftly tossing both our bags inside before he joins me in the front.
“What’s the hurry?” I ask, teasing Collin as he buckles his seatbelt and immediately turns the key, starting the ignition.
Collin’s heated stare finds mine, before flitting back to the windshield as his SUV flies down the road. “The rest of my family is out of town tonight for my brother’s soccer game tomorrow… I thought we could enjoy having the entire house to ourselves without having to worry about being interrupted.”
“Oh.” Collin is rushing us home to be alone.
Like completely alone.
In his giant house.
With a lot of empty beds.
The line of thought has a combination of heat and trepidation blooming low in my belly. Before an emotion can win the fight and take over, we pull into the driveway of the Franzen house, making record time with Collin’s sudden lead foot.
I slowly prep myself to get out of the car, but Collin has no patience left. He yanks open my door and sweeps me up bridal style, carrying me into the house, and bounding up the stairs three at a time, even with my body cradled in his arms. Collin doesn’t let my feet touch the ground until after I hear the click of his door latch.
