Andy motioned for me to come in after the fact. “Yeah sure come in.” He muttered.
“Were you taking a shower?” I asked as I placed the bag on the counter. He obviously was, he smelled fresh and wonderful.
“Don’t you have friends or something you can do this with?” He asked annoyed.
“I’m going to ignore your rude comment and pretend you welcomed me warmly into your house.” I said.
Andy sighed and went to the kitchen. He took out two plates. “I’m not a charity case.” He said angrily.
“I know, you’re my friend.” I answered casually as I opened a fortune cookie. I was too busy with my cookie to notice that Andy had stopped and was staring at me. He looked to the ground and carefully placed the plates on the counter.
I crumpled up the fortune and stuffed the cookie in my mouth.
Andy looked at me weird.
“What?” I asked my mouth full of the cookie. I loved those things, so delicious.
“You just look like the type of person who would like to read their fortune.” He said.
I laughed. “Shit, I make my own future, I don’t need a cookie to tell me.”
Andy smiled and took out a cookie. He opened it and took out the fortune. I reached for his cookie. I had a feeling he wasn’t going to eat it.
“A beautiful dark stranger will enter your life. Don’t resist.” He read.
I was in the middle of chewing. What? I grabbed his fortune and read it. A Beautiful dark stranger will enter your life. Don’t resist. I laughed and ate the rest of the cookie. “You know they’re talking about me right?” I joked.
“You’re already in my life…maybe they’re talking about your older sister.” Andy said slyly.
“What?!” I screamed. Andy chuckled as I ran to him and wrapped my hands around his neck and shook it. “You can’t use my weakness against me.” I said. Andy laughed. He brought his hands up and removed my hand. Since I was behind him, he didn’t see me pause as I looked at his wrist. I didn’t mean to but my eyes just drifted there and he wasn’t wearing his bracelet. I mean I wasn’t an expert on cuts and bruises on Andy’s body but I was pretty sure that these were a couple fresh looking wounds. As in a couple days old. As in recent cuts. My heart started beating fast. Was I overreacting? He didn’t still do that did he?
“Are we eating?” Andy asked turning around to me.
I nodded, recovering quickly. “I’m starved.” I said as I went back to the counter. “I didn’t know what you wanted so I got a little of everything.” I said.
“Cool.” He said reaching for the lo mein. I pretended not to notice when he quickly retreated his right hand.
“What do you want?” I asked lifting up several platters. Andy was rubbing and covering his right wrist.
“Uh…I’ll have a little of everything…I’ll um…I’ll be back.” He said. Without waiting he left the kitchen. I paused from taking the food out and sighed. What can I do for this kid?
Andy came back upstairs with a long sleeve black shirt that covered him all the way up to his thumbs. Dinner was still fun. I babbled on and on and then complained that he didn’t listen to me because he didn’t respond. I quickly shut up when he calmly repeated everything I said about Bri, Jaz and Nico 15 minutes ago.
“You’re like the gay guy friend that every girl wants.” I said.
Andy smirked. He didn’t respond as he ate the rest of his lo mein.
“You wanna know why people think you’re gay?” I asked.
“I don’t know Ornelia, why don’t you tell me?” He said sarcastically.
“Ignoring the sarcasm.” I said loudly. “Anyways, it’s because you’re pretty. You’re so skinny and fragile looking. People associate that with girls. Also your hair is long and you have bangs and stuff covering those gorgeous blue eyes.”
“Don’t talk about my eyes.” Andy said.
“Gorgeous blue eyes.” I repeated ignoring.
“Ornelia.”
“Gorgeous. Blue. Eyes.” I said slowly. “They’re actually a different color from Susie’s.” I kept going. “Which one of your parent’s eyes do you have?” I asked as I played around with my lo mein. I looked up to see Andy staring intensely at me. I didn’t know if it was resentment, fear, hurt or…maybe a little of everything.
Andy dropped his chopsticks and sighed.
Maybe I went too far,
“I’m the other child.” I said. I put a lo mein in my mouth. “Fucked up right? I’m a middle child and an illegitimate one.” I don’t know why I told him, but I felt I could trust him. I mean Brit knew but that was it…well now he did too.
“Why’d you tell me that?” He asked
I shrugged. “I don’t know, I thought if I said something, you’ll be obligated to say something too….or forgive me for prying.”
“I’m not.” Andy said.
“That’s fine. Didn’t really expect you to, just felt like telling you.” I admitted. Fuck, why did I just do that? I felt my chest closing in out of fear. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Why would you think he cared? Of course he wouldn’t care. Get out of here before you embarrass yourself some more. I stood up quickly. “I should go.” I said smiling at him. “I have a photography assignment, I fucking forgot.” I hit my forehead. “I’m so dumb.” I said chuckling.
Andy watched me. His blue eyes seeming to peer straight to my soul. I held his gaze and smiled.
“Okay.” He said slowly as he stood up. “Let me pack----”
“No.” I said cutting him off. “I’m fine, I can’t eat anymore.” I grabbed my keys. “But I’ll call you or see you or whatever. We’re leaving tomorrow so be excited.” I laughed as I hugged him tightly.
I let go of him and took a step but Andy grabbed my arm. I laughed nervously. His grip was tight.
“What?” I asked as I tried to pull away but he wasn’t letting me go. Um…should I be scared right now? Andy cocked his head to get a better angle on my face. I took a step back feeling as if he could read my innermost thoughts. What the fuck was he doing? His stare was unmoving. It wasn’t cold or distant. It was warm, inviting, curious…whoa wait a minute those were not Andy characteristics.
I pulled my arm roughly out of his hold. “Stop staring at me like that, it’s creepy, Mr. Weirdo.” I said jokingly to lighten the mood. Could’ve sworn I saw a smirk on Andy’s face as his look turned to that of a person slightly amused. He backed away from me, and put his hands in his pockets.
“Have fun with your math assignment.” He said slowly.
“Yeah wish me luck.” I said quickly as I all but ran out the door. I still had a smile on as I got in my car, waved goodbye and drove off. Halfway between his house and mine I pulled over. I took a couple deep breath, practically panting. I gripped my steering tight as I hit my head against it as I felt the tears well up. I sniffled as the tears fell and scorched my cheeks. Remember how I said I never cry in front of people if it was important and really means something to me. Yeah this was one of them.
“What the fuck? Pull yourself together girl.” I said jokingly as I got some napkins out the glove compartment and wiped my face. I sniffled and smiled as I fixed myself. Why did I do that to myself? Why bring up something that hurt so much? What kind of dumbass was I to spill something like that?
“Stop lying to yourself.” I said as I wiped the dripping mascara away. I didn’t spill that part of me out by mistake. I knew what I was doing, I had just miscalculated his reaction. He really was harder to figure out than I thought. Just when you think you’re making progress with him, you find yourself thrown 50 paces behind. I shook my head. This was seriously one of the hardest ‘case’ I ever took on. But it was a mistake on my part. Don’t worry it won’t happen again. Next time the only person pouring their heart out will be him, and for that I’m positive. Andy had no idea how persistent I could be. Over the past week and a half, I showed him different sides of me. Unlike most guys he didn’t seem to react to the highly emotional I-got-problems-too
part that I showed today, nor the I-want-to-rip-your-clothes-off-while-still-being-sweet part of Saturday. It seemed I got more out of him when I was calm and not expecting it or when I was excited about a particular thing.
I took a deep breath. Okay I can do this…operation fix Andy’s life phase 2 now in progress.
My phone rang and I picked up. “Hello?” I said sweetly as I wiped the remnants of tears on my cheek.
“Hey beautiful, how about movies tonight before break?” Zeus said hopefully.
I opened my mouth to say no. Come on cut the guy a break Ornelia. “Why not.” I said happily. I needed it. I fucking needed to occupy my mind with something else…or in this case someone else.
“Really?” He asked shocked.
“I’m coming over to your house right now, get ready.” I said suggestively.
I smiled when I heard him holler excitedly. I heard Pierre in the back congratulating him. Zeus came back to the phone. “O.J. I just want to say that I really lo---”
NO! Don’t say that.
“Okay bye.” I said quickly and hung up. I sighed and dropped my phone on the seat. I turned on my car and hit the steering wheel angrily.
“Fuck! He said math.” Andy played me. I’d lied about the photography assignment to leave his house and he told me good luck on a subject I wasn’t even taking. That asshole knew I was lying. I chuckled and shook my head. I drove back on the road. Don’t worry Andy I invented this game. I love this game…I play it all the time.
Chapter ten
I groaned as I pushed my shades further up the bridge of my nose. My head was ponding and the sun was too bright. Was this really November? I drank my ginger ale and took a bite of my snickers bar. My remedy for a hangover. I lifted the trunk higher as I waited for Andy to come out the house.
Susie wasn’t here to see him off because she had some sort of advisor meeting, but she’d texted me. Seriously thank you, for getting him out the house, I owe you. I smiled as I remembered the text at 7:00 in the morning. Actually that was the text that woke me up…way early. I needed more sleep to wear this off.
“Andy!” I yelled and regretted it immediately. My voice felt like thunder in my ears. Shit.
Andy rolled his eyes as he closed the door behind him. He had a really small suitcase. He was wearing tight grey skinnies, brown moccasins and another black band shirt that I didn’t even attempt to read because that would require using my brain which was already pounding in my head.
“I’m ready so calm down. You’re the one who’s 2 hours late.” He said making his way to the car.
“Stop yelling.” I said covering my ears. What happened to the guy who always spoke just above a whisper?
“I’m not yelling.” He said confused.
“You’re really loud right now.” I said fixing my shades and combing my fingers through my hair.
Andy paused and stared at me.
“What?” I snapped. “Come on…put your stuff in the trunk.” I said motioning for him to move.
“I don’t think you’re in any position to drive.” He said slowly. He didn’t move an inch as he watched me.
“That’s fine. You can drive but we gotta go.” I said turning around and going to the passenger seat. I was grateful he suggested it and I didn’t need to ask him. What I needed right now was sleep, a little bit of sleep then I’ll be good.
It took a while for Andy to finally move and put his suitcase in the car. I knew he was debating heavily whether it was smart of him to go home with me. I slouched down in the passenger seat when after what seemed like an eternity, he finally opened the driver’s door and slid in. His legs were much longer than mine so he had to adjust the seat. I put my ginger ale in the cup holder and demolished the rest of my snickers.
“What time did you get home last night?” He asked as he put on his seatbelt. I noticed his voice was much softer than before.
5 a.m. I thought, as I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.
“Who said I wasn’t home the whole night?” I asked turning to him and smiling innocently.
“Wild guess.” He said sarcastically. He looked me up and down. He reached behind him and fastened his seat belt. He turned on the engine and the GPS came back on. “Directions to your house?” He asked.
“Hey, I’m horrible with directions.” I said defensively.
Andy seemed amused as he put the car in reverse and backed out the driveway. “Put your seatbelt on.” He ordered.
“I’m fine.”
Andy harshly pressed his foot on the brake and stopped the car. “Put your seatbelt on.” He repeated in a serious tone.
Not in the mood to argue, I rolled my eyes and reached over to fasten my seat belt. “Please be careful with my baby.” I said settling back in my seat.
“She’s in good hands.” He said as he put the car in drive and made his way down the street.
“He.” I stated.
Andy turned to me and looked down at the steering wheel. “It’s definitely a she.” He said.
“She’s a He.” I said smirking. “I only ride boys.”
Andy shook his head and stared at the road. “Go to sleep.”
“What? I was just getting started.” I said sexily.
Andy ignored me and stared out the window as he waited for a car to turn.
“Fine. I’ll sleep, but only because I have to…not because you told me to.” I said childishly. I resisted a yawn as I leaned my chair further back. I closed my eyes and faster than I had in a while, I drifted off to sleep and didn’t even hear Andy’s soft goodnight.
“So I told him, I rather rent something from the Redbox instead of going to the movies, he was blown but we still ended up doing that.” I said as I bit into my donut. I’d started recounting to Andy last night’s adventures, which really wasn’t much of an adventure just several incidents put together. “So after all that it was like 11 when we started the movie and the other guys wanted to watch but he was like ‘oh no it’s just us…blah blah blah.’ But I was like let’s just all watch it and stuff it’ll be funner.”
“Funner is not a word.” Andy said as he leaned back in the seat. I took note of how relaxed he was behind the wheel. Almost second nature to him. The one thing I realized is that he had a tendency to grip the steering wheel tightly and then let it go as if he hadn’t realized he was doing it and then he would turn to me to see if I noticed. I acted like I didn’t but I made a silent reminder to myself to ask him about it later.
“Well excuse me Mr. English major.” I said jokingly. “Anyways…it would be more fun…so to make a long story short, halfway through the movie Rigo and his girlfriend show up and Lark invited one of his little sluts and then there were drinks and we started playing all these games and next thing I know it’s like 4:30 in the morning and I’m like shit we’re supposed to drive home today.” I said as I ate the rest of my donut. “I got like 2 hours of sleep, then your sister texted me and I was like ‘ah man.’ I couldn’t go back to sleep cause I had this massive pounding headache you know.”
“What did she say?” He asked
“Who?” I asked taking a sip of my drink.
“Susie.” He said matter-of-factly.
I shrugged. “Thanks for getting you out the house and stuff like that. Anyways at the end of the day I realized that Zeus might be a little too clingy for my taste. What do you think?” I asked offering him an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie.
He shook his head.
“Take the cookie.” I said ignoring him.
“I’m not a sweet fan.” He said politely shaking his head again.
I stared at him like he was crazy. I kept the cookie outstretched in front of him until he snatched it from my hand Andy took the cookie and took a bite. “Happy?” He asked.
“Yes.” I said waiting expectantly for the results.
He took another bite and shrugged. “It’s okay I guess.” He finished the cookie.
“There’s nothing wrong with indulging yoursel
f in mouthwatering pleasure.” I laughed. “These are the best cookies in the whole world, I can’t get enough.” I said taking one for myself. I handed him another one and he took it. “So anyways, I like Zeus and all, but I like…I’m not looking for like a boyfriend you know…its’ just too much drama and blah blah blah.”
Andy didn’t respond.
“Am I boring you? Am I talking too much?” I asked suddenly feeling a little self-conscious.
“No you’re fine.” Andy said shaking his head. He gave me a small smile and returned his attention on the road.
I smiled. “So yeah…I don’t know.” I said shrugging. “You would think most guys would agree to not being tied down you know…I mean do you want to be tied down?” I asked throwing my hands in the air.
O.J. Page 16
