by Alisha Cole
“Okay, well, let’s get to know each other then. I am Ethan, I turn twenty-two in three months, and this is my last year at Eastdale University. Even though I have a passion for painting, I’m studying to be an architect. I’m also good with the ladies.” I give her an arrogant wink. She grins as she takes a sip of her coffee; she’s probably overthinking my bio. “Okay, what the hell—I’m Lyly, I’m twenty-one, and this is also my last year at Eastdale. I’m studying to become a registered nurse, but I enjoy taking pictures of important memories. Also, I’ve been with Jesse since we were twelve . . . he’s been my first everything,” she says the last part with despair. Wow, I thought maybe she only dated him in high school. I never—in a million years—would have thought that she had been with him . . . practically her whole life. All hopes of persuading her to date me—are gone. “Did I scare you off?” she guesses. “Not so much as scare me off, but I do feel like any chances of stealing you from him are extinct,” I tell her the truth, maybe just a little too bluntly. “Okay,” she coughs and rubs her fingers across her face. “Are you ready?” Her electric-blue eyes and soft voice pull me in closer. I didn’t see that coming. “Ready when you are, sweetheart.”
“Well . . . it’s pretty obvious that we fight, especially if we’re the life of the party. Anyway, ever since we started college—he’s changed. He drinks more, he even flirts with women in front of me, and has cheated prior to tonight. Which has led to fights, and then us breaking up and getting back together. Earlier, after you left me in the bathroom, I heard a knock on the door . . . I went to see who was there . . . I opened the door and found Jesse—with his tongue down his ex’s throat. Not to mention, she only dated him for a week!” she sneers, lifting further out of her seat. “Calm down, sweet girl. He doesn’t deserve you. No woman should ever have to deal with that shit.” I reach across the table and place my hand on hers. “No one will ever understand,” she complains. “Understand what? Make me understand.”
She rolls her eyes and sighs. “I have been with him my whole life. He was my first kiss; my first boyfriend and first love. That’s nine years of my life, Ethan. He’s all I know. Until college, he was my everything—my best friend and lover. It hurts to know what we had is slowly disappearing,” she confesses, holding back tears. “I can imagine the hurt you feel.” I pause and stare into her eyes. “But . . . I’m an honest guy, so before you jump at my throat—I have to tell you how I feel. I’m not gonna lie . . . you’re fucking gorgeous, but—if you want—I’d like to be here for you.” I gently squeeze her small hand. But now, she knows I have a crush; and she’s nervously looking around. “If he still loves you, he wouldn’t think about another woman—let alone touch one. Lyly, people change; they grow up and they grow apart. I think he loves you, but if he’s doing all these hurtful things—he’s not in love anymore,” I urge her to listen, but hope she doesn’t get upset. “You’re probably right. I mean, why else would I jump into a car with a hot stranger? Then, proceed to pour my feelings out . . . to you. Oh, my god—I’m a mess. I’m so sorry; I should go,” she apologizes, lifting up and removing my jacket.
“No, it’s all right, Lyly—please don’t leave,” I beg, putting my hand on her arm to stop her. But that’s when it hits, and her tears finally break through her weak barrier. I gently put the jacket back over her shoulders, throw a ten on the table, and then walk her to my truck. She’s quiet as I open the door and lift her into the passenger side. As I shut the door, I give her a half-smile and then walk around and climb into my truck. She covers her face as she weeps and huddles against the door. “Don’t cry, beautiful; it will be okay—I’m here.” I let her bawl into my chest, and gently run my fingers through her hair. I fight an urge to lean in and sniff her luring aroma. Stay cool, Ethan. “Will you take me home?” she sniffles, lifting her head up. Her eyes are swollen, nose is steadily running, and she looks miserable. “Sure, I can.”
We’re silent as we drive toward Eastdale. “Why don’t you live on campus?” she asks, breaking the awkward silence. “I don’t do the college scene, not my thing,” I say, stopping at the light that leads into the school’s entrance. When we park the truck, we notice that the party is still in full swing. “Great, do these things ever end?” she asks herself out loud. “Follow me, I will show you where my dorm is.” We step out of my truck, and I stay right behind her until we reach room 418. “This is me. Thank you, Ethan—for everything.” She kisses my cheek. “Can I see you again?” I insist with hopes that I’m not just some random guy who she pours her heart out to. “I’d like that, give me your phone.” I hand her my phone; she adds her number and then hands it back. She reaches for her back pocket and then hands me her phone. “Now put yours in mine,” she commands, with the cutest smile I’ve ever seen. Seconds later, I hand her phone back. Her smile leaves me in a daze as she nods and shuts the door. I swagger strut with a confident grin as I leave the building. Once I’m at my truck, I climb in and start the engine. Just as I go to put it into gear—my phone dings with a message, and I pull it out to see who it is.
Bathroom Buddy: Goodnight :)
This girl will be the death of me.
Me: You are too cute. Goodnight, Bathroom Buddy.
I park at my apartment complex, climb out and lock my truck before I march straight to my bedroom. Once I strip down to my boxers, I stretch out across my bed. Thoughts of her prey in my mind. She’s the perfect combo of sexy, sweet, and she’s even a smartass. We could fit so great together. Although her eyes are set on me, the problem is . . . her mind and heart still want him. I really know how to pick them. Shit, they kind of fall into my lap. I toss and turn for hours before I finally find the sleep that I desperately need.
*
I love test days—said no one ever. I knew the weekend would fly by fast, it always does. I roll myself out of bed to change. I’m already running late, so there’s no time to shower. I pull open a nearby dresser drawer and yank out the first shirt that I see. After I toss it on, and shrug into a pair of jeans. I have a feeling that this week will be long. I’m going away for the weekend. In the past, the week before weekend trips usually drags ass. I reach for my books and pile them into my backpack, sling it on my shoulder and then I’m out the door. Once I’m at my truck, I climb in but halt as I take in Lyly’s scent. It fills the air around me as her image dances through my head.
I wish I had the balls to steal her away, but that’s a losing battle. She’s not gonna leave Jesse, they have too much history for her to just write him off. I get like this with a lot of girls, and they always hurt me—the hopeless romantic. Ever meet a guy that’s everything you’ve always dreamed about? I’m that guy. I was raised in Happy Endings Resort, where everyone is friendly with one another. My mom had to be both parents to my five sisters and me. Living with six women rubbed off on me: I grew to be sensitive and respectful of women. I’ve always been a gentleman; and yet, most girls wanted someone who would treat them like shit.
Those women find me all the time, but Lyly . . . she’s different. I will figure her out, and she’ll see that I’m who she needs.
Chapter Three
Dazed & Confused
Lyly
What’s worse than my roommate waking me up from a sex dream? Dreaming of another guy, while my boyfriend beats on my dorm-room door. Ethan is everything Jesse’s not: sensitive, a good listener, and smart. I’m not saying Jesse’s stupid, but he does have a tendency to do dumb shit. Such as last night, when he left me waiting while he did what he wanted—and what he wanted was his ex. I know Jesse loves me. But it’s just like Ethan said, the spark is gone. While Jesse pounds away at the door, I sit here wondering if I should open it. My pulse quickens, as I know that once I open the door . . . our lies and burnt out flame—will end.
“Are you going to get that—or do I have to?” My roommate, Jessica rolls her eyes. She also knows what’s behind the door. Jessica is use to my constant drama with Jesse. I tell myself to fight the tears and the pain he ke
eps causing, and to finally put an end to us. This is the biggest decision I’ve ever had to make, and it’s harder than I imagined it would be. As I sluggishly get out of bed and walk to the door, I take a deep breath and then unlock it. I don’t have enough time to turn the door knob before the door swings opens. “We need to talk—now.” He takes my hand and pulls me out the door. Same shit—different day. “Lyly, I don’t know what I was doing last night. Tommy gave me some shit, and I didn’t even ask what it was—I just took it. Please believe me. You know I feel nothing for that girl.” His endless excuses make me sick to my stomach. He thinks he’s going to get away with it every time, like I’m going to ignore his lies and take him back. I would believe that too, since I’ve done it in the past.
“No. Not this time, Jess. I can’t do this with you anymore. I love you so much, I always have, and I always will. But this . . . Us—” I point to him and then place my hand over my heart, “we’re over.” I have to be brave, and end us. “You’re done? Just like that? You’re gonna just walk away from this—after all we’ve been through because of one mistake? What happened to forever, Lyly? What happened to that, huh?” One mistake—is he kidding me? “Jesse, this isn’t the first time you put pieces of yourself—where they don’t belong. You know what happened to forever? You ruined it! Today I realized . . . my forever . . . doesn’t end with you.” As I struggle to hold back tears, his fight for us leaves his face; and all that’s left is the loss of us. It hurts, but it pains me even more to watch him be with someone else. He lets my hand go, and without another word—he turns and walks away.
“Bout time you stood up for yourself.” Leaning against the doorway, Jessica gives me a meek smile. Her interest in my breakup surprises me. Especially, since she usually keeps to herself: she dresses weird and uses her headphones to ignore the world. “Yeah, I guess,” I say, hugging myself. “Lyly, I’ve watched you for three-and-a-half-years now, and your relationship with him is nothing but drama. He doesn’t deserve you. We could have been friends a lot sooner, if I’d known you could stand up for yourself. I, however, wouldn’t have held my tongue—if we were friends. That’s why I never wanted to talk to you. But now . . . I want to help you get through this.” What a strange start to my day. “Come on—let’s skip class.” She smirks. I guess she’s not as weird as I thought.
We chat most of the day, and she shares why she always wears headphones: she wants to produce music. “I hate college guys and most of the girls too, so that’s why I keep to myself. I’m a homebody,” she laughs, as we make it to the table at the Mom and Pop Diner. Being back at the diner makes me think of Ethan. Even though my heart still yearns for Jesse, maybe Ethan can win me.
As we walk into our dorm, Jessica returns to her music. And now, I’m alone to think about everything: I hurt more than I’ll ever admit. When I ended us, it felt as if I ripped my heart out. How he walked away, without even fighting for us—crushed me. When I no longer want to waste my tears on him, I realize that it’s time to let him go. But letting go of him is a change my heart is having issues understanding. I thought it would be easier if I broke up with him. But starting over is never easy.
*
What do I do with myself, when I have to alter my entire life by becoming my own person? The first thing on my list is to make friends. After I shrug into my jacket and sling my purse over my shoulder, I step out and shut the door. I lean against the wall in the hallway as I scroll through my contact list, and quickly realize—I have no friends. All of them I met through Jesse. Well, except Jessica and Ethan. When I think of Ethan, warmth surrounds me. He makes me laugh and the connection I feel with him is intense. I tap on his number and listen to it ring twice before I get nervous and hang up. Who talks on the phone anymore? What if he hates talking and likes texting better? I mentally battle with myself—until his call interrupts my thoughts. Taking a deep breath, I answer. “Hello?”
“Prank calling me are you?” He laughs. His comment makes me blush, and I’m a mute idiot because I feel stupid for calling him. “Lyly, you there? Is something wrong?” he asks, serious this time. “Yeah, um . . . I’m here. Are you busy?” That wasn’t supposed to happen—crap.
“Could you meet me at the diner?” I ask without mentioning my breakup. He agrees to meet me, in an hour, at the diner. I shouldn’t bring him into my mess. It’s not fair to him, and yet, right now—he is the only person I want to see. Am I leading him on? I need to be away from the campus and Jess, and reduce any chance of running into my ex.
Of course my plan fails, since as I step into the diner—I see Jesse . . . with the same girl from last night. It stings, and my stomach tightens with jealously as my face heats up in pure irritation. He quickly moved on . . . as if I never existed. As a reflex of being in love with him—all my life—I can’t help it and my legs march towards them. His eyes widen as he blurts out, “Ly?”
“So everything you said—was it all a lie? I didn’t think . . . I could hurt any more—than I did this morning. But you definitely proved that theory wrong,” I mumble, battling the tears as long as I can before they spill over.
“Lyly, stop! You just show up at a bad time—every time I see you. I swear it’s not what it looks like. Will you tell her, Melissa—fuck. I was upset, and came here for something to eat; we’re not on a date. She just happened to show up.” He throws his hands in the air as he pleads. But I can’t listen anymore, so I turn to leave and rush through the glass door. People whisper and stare, but I don’t give a shit. I don’t care what he says . . . because none of it matters. His actions keep proving that I’m right—and it’s like a slap in face. I run as fast as I can because walking will only allow him to catch me. I need to forget him.
Chapter Four
The Plan
Ethan
It shocks me to get Lyly’s phone call. I thought that she had made up with her boyfriend and that I’d be long forgotten. So as her sweet hello pours into my ear, I know something’s wrong. I offer to go out with her again, even if it’s a bad idea for my emotions.
After I shower, and wash my nerves away, I step out and wrap a towel around my waist. Urgent knocking lures me out of my bathroom. I wasn’t expecting company . . . It’s probably just a cyber purchase. As I attempt to open the door—Lyly pushes me in and closes the door behind her. She catches me off guard when she jumps in my arms and wraps her legs around my waist. Lyly grabs a handful of my damp hair and forces my mouth on hers. Her lips are sweet like cotton candy, and the taste makes me shiver. As my dick stirs under the towel, I know I have to stop myself. If I don’t I’ll use the living room couch to devour every inch of her tight body. I slowly kiss her, nipping at her full-bottom lip as I pull away. But then, she bites my neck, making it impossible to control myself. “Woah . . . Lyly—slow down,” I huff as she slides her hand under my towel and up my thigh, but then I jolt away from her.
She goes scarlet red in embarrassment or rejection; I can’t really tell which one—maybe both. “I should go . . . I’m so sorry, Ethan. I . . . didn’t mean to . . .” she stutters. She climbs off me and takes a few steps back, looking at the floor and then turns to leave. Before she reaches the door, I grab her right arm and turn her around to face me. When her eyes meet mine, I see that they’re overflowing with tears. Without a word, I pull her into my arms until her tears release on my bare chest. “He . . . was with her—he didn’t even care,” she cries in between sniffles. This guy is about to meet me, and it’s not going to be pretty. “It’s okay, sweet girl. There’s plenty of men out there that would love to have you. Don’t waste your tears on him: he isn’t worth it,” I try to comfort her. “I’m sorry that I keep coming to you to cry; you shouldn’t have to pick up the pieces he’s scattering. I just feel like . . . you care about what I say when I talk, and you actually listen to me. You’re the first person I thought of—so I ran to you,” she admits. Damn. When she puts it like that, it makes sense. She truly doesn’t have any friends.
“It’s just
been one thing after another. First, Jesse and I broke up, then I had an odd girl date with my roommate. And just now, when I went to wait for you—I found Jesse . . . with what’s her face.” He just keeps lying, and needs to stop stringing her along; his lack of love for her is obvious. Then there’s her damn near raping me . . . to get back at him. That’s something I have to set straight. “You came here to forget, didn’t you?” I bluntly ask. The shame on her face says it all. “You know it wouldn’t have gone any further, right? Because I’m not that type of guy, Lyly. I won’t take advantage of you while you’re hurting.” I did it again; I made her feel like shit while she already felt like no one cared. I pull her closer, looking into her sad-blue eyes “Do you want to get him back?” Confusion spreads across her face. “The best way to get back at him is to go out with me, and experience something new . . . someone new. I can’t promise that you won’t fall in love with me, though.” I playfully nudge her shoulder.
My towel shifts, so I mention dressing myself. Her blush and smirk return as she drifts her gaze to where my towel barely conceals. I imagine her hand wandering up my leg. If she had reached an inch further to where she desired—our night might have gone an entirely different way. As I make my way to my room, I lick my lips and can taste her mouthwatering lip gloss. “Fuck. . .” I whisper to myself.
When I come back out, she’s sitting on my couch staring at me with a smile. “Are you better now? You’re not gonna try to kiss me are you?” I joke. “Very funny, thank you for listening, Ethan. Seriously—I would be a mess without you,” she says, standing up to hug me. A strange low rumble causes me to look down at her. “Did you just growl at me?” I grin as she releases the cutest fucking giggle I’ve ever heard. “I haven’t eaten all day.” Her full pout and playful stare form. I cock an eyebrow and say, “Well, let’s not let Jesse ruin the date we had planned, shall we?” She answers by placing her arm in mine.
