Young Annabelle Series: Young Annabelle, The Truth About James, What My Heart Wants

by Sarah Tork

  But not me.

  “Thanks for the dance, it was nice.” I murmured softly and walked away off the dance floor towards Jenna, leaving Dean by himself, dumbfounded and frozen. At least I hoped he was dumbfounded and frozen. I was almost in the home stretch, just having to bypass a few dancing duo’s before making my way back to Jenna’s safe haven.

  But I was clearly out of all luck, because my foot stumbled abruptly across the carpet and I went tumbling down with my eyes closing from the surprise. Something strange happened, because I didn’t feel the floor. What I did feel, was a pair of hands strongly gripping both of my arms instead. I opened my eyes, relieved that the embarrassing scene was diverted, all thanks to a hero. I grabbed the strong hands holding me still and looked up at my hero’s face, ready to declare my ever loving thanks for saving me from a moment I wouldn’t be able to forget for a while.

  All I saw was green eyes, beautiful soft green eyes. Green eyes that soon became hard and full of fury once I realized whose they were.

  James!

  CHAPTER 17

  It was finally here, the moment I feared the most happening.

  Running into James.

  Following my instincts, James’s green eyes hardened as I attempted to jerk my arms off his tight grasp. He was too strong and hilariously, my arms barely moved an inch.

  “Get your hands off of me.” I hissed sternly, staring into his beautiful green eyes as they desperately searched mine for the girl from the library at lunch today. He squeezed my arms, caressing the skin with his coarse fingers, as if he were trying to send me a message. Someone should have told him humans didn’t have Bluetooth’s inside of them, because that would be the only way I could ever understand his stupid code.

  Message failure!

  Practically smirking, the bitterness inside me was sneakily making its way out, and for the good of the entire party, it would be for the best if we separated right now.

  “Let go of me James.” I demanded quietly, but just as fiercely, albeit more civil than my previous tone. His jaw clenched, twitching from obvious anger that this girl right here, she was over it, over him.

  Cute Baseball player James, be gone now!

  His fingers unclasped around my arms, the skin glowing red, highlighting a trail of his desperate fingertips. I’d have to slap them out of my skin later. An entirely red arm was better than a clearly bruised one. I knew he didn’t mean to actually bruise my skin, but because he deserved to be tortured a little (maybe a lot), I was going to shove this little memento from him in his face.

  Make it sting just like he made my heart sting after school today.

  “Thank you.” I whispered, shaking my head. I jerked my arm towards him, showing him what he did. “Thank you so much!”

  Connecting the dots in lightning speed, James’s eyes widened, seeming shocked from the accusation I was bestowing on him. He was lucky I practically whispered it. If I didn’t, then this party would have become a bit crazier. Shaking his head like he couldn’t believe he was getting this shit from me, he turned, quickly disappearing off the dance floor.

  What just happened? As my heart ran at a dangerous rate, I searched for Jenna’s eyes, fearing she was in the midst of exploding in her front row seat. The back of her purple sundress instantly brought my heart rate down a peg. I’d never been more relieved.

  Wiping hot sticky sweat off my forehead, I made my way towards Jenna’s group, joining them next to the refreshment table as they waited in line with red plastic cups. Jenna’s arms caved around my waist, hugging me tightly. “Wow, he was so cute!” She whispered into my ear.

  I laughed immediately, desperately trying to hide any visible distress from my face.

  “Yeah, he was pretty nice.” I sighed.

  “How’d that happen?” She asked excitedly, her eyes lighting up. “You were so supposed to join us, and then when I couldn’t find you I thought you ran off. But much to my surprise…. my girl here! Was doing a little dance with a cutie! Dude I’m so proud of you!”

  I flinched as her high pitched squeals destroyed a few cells in my ear.

  If only you knew….. I ‘grinned’ widely, shaking my head at her hyper encouragement. It was easier to go along and pretend that I wasn’t affected by the quick reunion. Any sensation I still felt from dancing with Dean had been all but obliterated by the encounter with James. For the first time in a long time, I felt happy and carefree. But it was quickly ruined by that conniving, selfish prick who couldn’t handle the fact that I wasn’t waiting quietly in the wings for him anymore. He was obviously watching while I danced with Dean.

  Was he jealous?

  And what happened to Dean after I left him? Did he see James grab me?

  All of a sudden my lungs felt enflamed and I desperately wanted a paper bag to hyperventilate in. I glanced around the overcrowded room, having space to breathe seemed impossible by the state of it.

  “Where’s the bathroom?” I asked the chatty group. I was pointed in the direction of the bathroom and I told Jenna I’d be back soon. Dancers spilled off the floor blocking my way, making it difficult to get across. I finally entered the long hallway and I knew I was going in the right direction when I saw the long line leaning against the wall.

  Great! I thought, taking my place at the end of the line. Well at least it was somewhat quieter and I wasn’t required to speak here, so there wouldn’t be any questions on my sudden silence.

  I’d just chill here quietly till it was my turn, relaxing a little even though I didn’t need to use the bathroom. The minutes in total seclusion would be enough to calm my nerves back to normal.

  But what if I ran into James again?

  What if I ran into Dean asking me why I ran off?

  Would I need another trip to the bathroom to calm down?

  I shook it off.

  It was best not to think about it. The only thing I could do was be wary of the both of them from here on out. The line quickly progressed and soon enough it was my turn, but by that time, I was almost back to normal. A normal heart rate that is. I used the bathroom quickly, checking my reflection and washing my hands. When I walked out, there was no more line. Taking a deep breath I headed back to the party. As I exited the hallway, the music changed back to a slow song.

  As I walked around the dance floor, I noticed the floor was even more crowded and that was because a certain King and Queen group had decided to take part in some sort of mating ritual on the dance floor.

  Really that’s how close their bodies were.

  I stifled a smile and was about to look away when familiar shoulders took my sight hostage. Red painted nails clasped tightly around those shoulders and as if on cue they turned so I could see who they were.

  James….and Donna.

  Her baby pink strapless mini dress rode up her thighs as they smothered against his crotch area. His long muscular arms trailed down to her lower back and held her closer into him. She giggled squeakily at him, looking deep into his eyes with the few inches that separated their perfect faces.

  That’s just great! I hoped that they were happy together, as long as I was left alone from their drama.

  I didn’t need that stuff in my life anymore, especially every time he laughed loudly making a stupid remark and then I’d have to remind him that he was being an asshole.

  Again.

  Yeah I wouldn’t miss any of that. From now on it was Donna who would tell him off when he thought he was being smart. But knowing Donna, she wasn’t going to say anything to him. She probably would agree and laugh along with him, letting him get into trouble. I mean at least I tried to teach him that it was wrong to say stupid things.

  Stop it…..he’s going to be with Donna now.

  As if on cue, James eyes met mine. He snickered and curled his body closer around a very eager Donna, bringing his lips closer to hers. I stumbled a little, but regained my footing in time. I looked back at them and Donna leaned up abruptly, plastering her lips onto his. It caught
him off guard and his hands unclasped around her waist, moving to her shoulders, trying to hold her steady. She let go of his shoulders and slid her hands up into his wavy hair, massaging his scalp. His Baseball cap fell off, and that was enough to break the kiss. James pulled away from their kiss, laughing and eyeing his boys as they egged him on. Donna, however, was oblivious to all of the banter as her fingers were still raking through his hair. She was trying to have a moment with him, where her eyes would meet his as she smoothed back his hair in that intimate gesture.

  Bitch.

  As they looked for his Baseball cap on the floor, James looked up and his eyes met mine again, I quickly looked away, pretending I wasn’t just watching that painful sight. I rushed back to Jenna who was standing with a small scowl on her face and her hands to her hips. She was eying me as I joined her.

  “What are you doing?” She hissed as I stood beside her. “Stalker much!”

  My eyes widened. “I was just caught off guard. He was making out with her right on the dance floor. I’ve never seen him kiss anyone, but me.”

  Her eyes softened. “It caught you off guard?”

  “Yes, can you understand that?”

  She looked at the dance floor, then back at me. “Yeah, okay. But just try and steer clear of him. He turns your brain cells into mush whenever you’re too close to him.”

  I nodded in agreement and inhaled deeply as I glanced back at the dance floor. My heart skipped a beat when I caught the back ends of Donna and James walking off the dance floor, her arm around his waist, and the worst bit, she had his Baseball cap on.

  Backwards.

  That bitch!

  Pretending like I saw nothing, I looked away, becoming increasingly fascinated with the floor and the garbage on top of it.

  Damn that floor was dirty!

  I met Jenna’s eyes again and they were narrowed on me. “Yeah, totally caught you peeking again.”

  She burst into a fit of chuckles and nudged her shoulder hard into mine. “What am I going to do with you my little love sick puppy of a best friend!” She said quietly, but clearly amused.

  I broke out a grin. “I’m not love sick, I’m just briefly affected. It’ll pass. I mean it has too…right?”

  “I hope so, for your sake.” Jenna murmured, looking concerned.

  I was getting tired of this, feeling like I was being judged all the time. If I stared at James and Donna, it was because it was an accident. One that was kind of hard to look away from. I’d need at least a few seconds to regain my composure before I had enough strength to look away.

  I was human. I wasn’t a robot.

  “Let’s go dance, I wanna dance!” Jenna exclaimed, all of a sudden hyper again. Her friends behind us agreed happily. She turned to me, waiting for me to agree as well.

  “I’m going to sit on the couch for a few seconds.” I told her and she narrowed her eyes again. “I’ll join you guys later, I just need to sit.”

  Jenna rolled her eyes. “Whatever girl, you know where to find me.”

  Great, now she’s tired of me too. “Alright.”

  I headed to the couches as Jenna and her crew entered the dance floor. I sat on the end of one of the long couches. The other end was filled with three people, sitting closely and having a conversation about getting high.

  God! Now drugs! I really am at a high school party now! I thought. As I chuckled to myself, I felt the cushion next to me sink in.

  “What’s so funny, cute girl!” A familiar voice whispered into my ear. I gazed to my side, finding Dean sitting very closely with a small smile on his face.

  Cute girl! I smiled back at him. “Nothing much, cute boy.”

  The term of endearment made him smile wider, and he leaned in closer. “Why are you sitting here all alone?”

  “I’m just a little tired.” I told him.

  He looked confused. “Tired? Of what?”

  “Of stuff.” I replied, adding nothing more. He didn’t press on the matter and nodded as if he understood.

  “I get it. I’ve been there. Sometimes you just need a breather. Did you want to be alone?” He asked hesitantly.

  Did I? I thought as I stared into Dean’s blue eyes. He wasn’t bothering me. Well, not if you counted the butterflies in my stomach.

  I shook my head. “No, I’m fine with how things are.”

  Relieved, he smiled again. “That’s great. I’ll honest with you. I’ve been eying you since you arrived.”

  Really? Oh my God! I was scouted, by a cute guy. “Really?”

  He smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, I was pulling up with Peter’s cousin Dan and saw you and your friend walking up to the driveway, you guys were hitting each other but in a funny way. I was like I need to meet that girl, and the fact that you were really cute was a plus. God I’m lucky!”

  I turned away, feeling my face heat again, probably turning a deeper shade of crimson.

  Oh my God! Wow! He noticed me even before I’d entered the party.

  “Really?” I squeaked out again, unable to compress out a coherent sentence.

  Dean leaned in closer and whispered. “Yeah, really.”

  I stared at him stunned, now really unable to speak.

  “That’s nice, sort of, I think.” I gulped. I should talk about something. To show him I was more than a timid cute girl.

  “So Baseball right?” I asked, feeling a sense of Deja view.

  James! Stop thinking about him.

  A huge smile broke across his face. “Yeah, I love that sport, love watching it. I could watch it for hours, and trust me it can go on for hours.”

  “I’ll be honest. I don’t watch many sports, except for the odd swimming match.” I confessed.

  “You’d think most girls wouldn’t be interested in Baseball, but our games are always packed with screaming ladies!” He exclaimed knowingly. And here was the cockiness coming out.

  “Oh so you get a lot of the ladies as fans huh?” I teased, making him blink.

  “No, that’s not what I meant, I meant I do have some girls that are fans that like to come and watch us, but_”

  “But what?” I interrupted him, teasing him more. I pointed at random girls in the room. “Are any of your lady fans in here too?”

  I smirked, looking away, but stopped when I felt his hand grasp my elbow, pulling it down into his embrace.

  I felt my cheeks heat at the gesture. I slowly met his eyes again and pulled my arm, which he was reluctant to let go of, but he did, one finger at a time.

  He didn’t want to let go of me!

  “You’re cute, you know that?” Dean said with a half-smile. “And you’re funny.”

  “Thank you.” I whispered, not knowing what else to say. “Um, you’re nice too.”

  He leaned closer, smiling warmly. Maybe he’s drunk?

  “Well thanks.” He said animatedly, making me laugh at his delivery.

  “You’re funny too.” I grinned.

  “Duh!” He blurted, funnily. Feeling all warm and fuzzy now, I rested my head against the couch cushion and faced him.

  Maybe it was the punch?

  “Annabelle?” Dean whispered, leaning his head back, resting it against the couch cushion next to me.

  “Yeah?” I replied softly, meeting his pretty blue eyes again.

  “Please tell me you don’t have a boyfriend?” Dean asked, sounding hopeful.

  James! I thought instantly, but quickly disregarded it. James wasn’t my man, he was Donna’s. James made it clear who he wanted to be with after their little public display of affection earlier.

  I was a free woman.

  I shook my head slowly, smiling. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

  My answer turned Dean’s hesitant expression into a happy one. His handsome face lit up as if I just told him he’d won the lottery.

  Oh my God, I was the reason he looked so happy right now!

  “Best news I’ve heard in a while.” Dean said, smoothly. His eyes narrowed, lowering down to my
lips, my breathing altering as a result.

  “Really?” I asked in disbelief. Was he serious?

  “Really.” He leaned closer, caressing the side of my face with the side of hand.

  “Dean?” I said meekly, his hand opening and my face now resting in his palm.

  “Yeah?” He said breathily.

  “You’re nice you know that.” I told him softly.

  “Just nice?” He asked as his eyes quickly hardened.

  “Nice is good.” I replied, smiling.

  “Nice isn’t boring?” Dean asked, hesitantly. He curled his hand away from my face and I leaned back, shaking my head.

  “No, nice isn’t boring. In fact it’s a quality that’s actually redeemable. I’ll take nice over anything else any day of the week.” I explained seriously, resting my head back on to the cushion.

  “Nice.” Dean whispered to himself, sounding bitter. He leaned farther away and inhaled deeply through his nostrils.

  Was he frustrated right now?

  I needed to fix this! Before I ruined whatever this was.

  “Well actually_” I began to say but stopped as Dean got up all of sudden.

  No!

  What did I do, he’s leaving!

  He took a few steps forward before turning his head, meeting my eyes. “Nice talking with you Annabelle.”

  Then he disappeared inside the crowd, and I was left wondering what the hell just happened. I thought we were talking, connecting.

  Was it because I called him nice?

  Honestly I didn’t think ‘nice’ was a bad thing to be called.

  I guess maybe nice wasn’t the right word to call him? He probably wanted something more along the lines of wild and sexy, and all man.

  I mentally gave myself a ‘Nice’ slap across the forehead.

  Moron!

  You practically called him boring and dull. No wonder he walked away.

  Scowling and extremely pissed off at myself, I got off the couch and headed towards the refreshment table.

  I needed a drink.

  After waiting in line for a few minutes, the punch and I become well acquainted with each other again. I took the first sip of my fresh cup on my way back to Jenna and the rest of ‘her’ friends.