Hope's Chance

by Jennifer Foor

  When we got to the table I noticed that Hope’s seat was empty. She finally came running down the stairs and came around the corner entering the dining room. Buffy had a huge smile on her face as Hope walked in. She must have lent her one of her outfits. She was wearing a light gray skirt and a thin silk shirt that was see through, revealing a lace bra underneath.

  I noticed her father’s face from the corner of my eye, and quickly turned my head so that he couldn’t see me admiring his daughter. Once again it took everything I had for me to not look at Hope. The table was a large rectangle. Buffy and Mark were at both ends and Hope and I on either side. I stared down at my plate as we ate our salads. When Buffy passed the bread around, she reached the tray across the table to me. For just a moment our hands touched. I felt a jolt of electricity running from my hands all the way down my legs. For that instant our eyes met and I could feel the passion between us.

  As quick as it started, it had vanished. Hope looked toward her father and started talking about his cholesterol and what he should and should not eat while they were away. He rolled his eyes, but promised he would try to pay attention to what he ate.

  Buffy talked about how long the bread took to knead. When Mark praised her good cooking, she blushed. I could tell she was beside herself with happiness. She had dated such losers for as long as I could remember, but Mark was different. I knew he admired her, and I never got the pervert vibe from him like I had with the many other guys she dated in the past.

  Mark treated her like a princess. He had picked her up when she’d hit rock bottom and given her a new life. The day he and I went through those clothes and got rid of them, I knew he cared more about her than how she looked. Even when he gave her the money for the boob job, he specifically told her to do whatever made her feel happy with herself, and that if she didn’t do anything at all, he would be fine with it.

  She was so happy, which in turn made me happy. Our mother died at such a young age. We had each other now and I would do my darndest to stick around and make her proud of me.

  When dinner was all finished Mark and Buffy started clearing the table. I jumped up from my seat and grabbed the plates from their hands. “I think that Hope and I can take care of cleaning up dinner tonight. Right Hope?”

  She gave me a dirty look, but put on a smile when she turned to face her father. “Sure, it’s a great idea.”

  “Oh Thank you guys. I still have so much to pack.” Buffy admitted.

  “Thank you both for helping. She really out did herself tonight didn’t she?” Mark said as he followed my sister upstairs.

  As soon as they were on the steps I felt Hope burning a hole through me with her stare. “What?”

  “Don’t ever make decisions for me without asking first.” She exclaimed.

  “Excuse me. I thought it was the least we could do. Did you not enjoy the meal my sister spent all day on?”

  “The meal was great. It was the company that made my stomach hurt.”

  I grabbed a couple more dishes off the table. “Can you be civil for a half hour so we can get this mess cleaned up?”

  “Whatever Chance.”

  I couldn’t take her attitude. “What is your problem? What have I done to you since you have moved in that is so horrible?”

  She gave me a dirty look, and part of me thought that a bowl of marinara sauce was going to be flung at my head. “Obviously whatever you touch turns to shit. Isn’t that why you live in a pool house?”

  I felt like I was going to throw up, but instead I held my ground. I swallow my pride and headed into the kitchen where I immediately started filling the dishwasher. I wasn’t going to let that little bitch see that her words had affected me.

  Hope came in from the dining room and instead of her lips being scrunched up in anger they were relaxed. She had a sorrowful look in her eyes. She set the rest of the dishes on the counter and started to grab my arm. “Chance, I..”

  I pulled away from her touch. “Don’t touch me Hope. Don’t you ever fucking touch me again. I take it you can handle the rest of this. I’m out of here.” I said as I walked out the kitchen door and headed to the pool house.

  Chapter 12

  Hope

  I had made a terrible mess of things. How could those words have come out of my mouth? Never in my entire life had I said something so hurtful to another human being. There was no way Chance would ever forgive me. I didn’t know if I could even forgive myself.

  I took my time finishing the dishes. I cried the entire time, hoping that my father wouldn’t come downstairs and ask why. When I finally turned on the dishwasher and threw the table cloth in the laundry room I peeked outside. Chance was standing outside the pool house door smoking a cigarette. He was leaning against the house with his hand covering his face. My hand touch the door as I considered going out there and apologizing, but I heard someone approaching from behind me.

  I turned around to see my father walking to the fridge. “Hey sweetie. Did you finish cleaning up already?”

  I pretended to yawn so he would think my watery eyes were caused from that instead of tears. “Yeah, I just finished. I was thinking about swimming, but I can’t stop yawning. I think I am just going to call it an early night.”

  “Well give me a hug. We are probably going to head out before you wake up tomorrow. “ He reached over and pulled me into his chest.

  “Please tell Buffy that dinner was amazing.”

  “I will sweetie.” My father said as he headed back upstairs with a tall glass of milk.

  I turned off all of the lights and followed behind him. I just wanted to bury my head in my pillow and forget how I had made things ten times worse that they already were.

  When I got to my room, I noticed my cell phone blinking. I had missed three calls for Rylee.

  I called her back as soon as my body hit my bed.

  Hey Ry, Did you call me?

  Yes. I have some news.

  What is it?

  Tyler is taking me to the beach to meet his family. Isn’t that awesome?

  Yeah I guess. Did you tell your parents about it?

  Hell no! Are you kidding me right now? They would flip out if they even knew I was dating him.

  You are crazy Rylee. How are you going to get away for an entire weekend without them knowing?

  Well, that is why I called my best friend. I figured you could cover for me.

  Oh!

  So will you?

  I guess. I mean my dad is going away for the weekend anyway.

  Yay! I can’t wait to tell Tyler. Thanks Hope. I owe you big time. Bye!

  Before I could even tell her goodbye I noticed she had hung up. Talk about feeling worthless. Even my own best friend would rather do something else than hang out with me.

  At least I hadn’t pissed her off so bad that she wished I was dead, like I had with Chance. Tomorrow I was supposed to go to the hardware store to look at paint colors. Instead of Chance going with me, like I had wanted, he would probably tell me to “go to Hell”.

  I grabbed some pajamas into my hands and walked into the bathroom. Luckily this place came with great bathrooms. The large soaking tub had been calling my name for over a week and tonight was as good as any to put it to use.

  The window that sat against the back of the house didn’t have curtains. The house behind my father’s was way too far away for someone to see inside, but the pool house wasn’t. I climbed over toward the edge of the corner tub and looked down. Chance had turned out all of his lights. He probably went out, or to bed. Both would be my fault.

  I considered trying to hang towels over the windows, but there wasn’t anyone outside that could see me. The water in the tub started to get warm so I poured in some bubbles and started to take off my clothes. I located a hair tie and got my hair high above my head, then slowly stepped in the tub. The water was a bit hot so I had to stand there until I could cool it down. Finally, it was perfect. I sat down and closed my eyes, trying to forget all about to
night.

  Chance

  I don’t think I ever wanted to hurt someone as much as I wanted to right now. I know I had been a total dick to Hope for weeks now, but she didn’t have to go there. She had no clue how hard my life had been in the past year. I was lucky to not be in jail. The pool house was fine with me, and I kind of liked it. I didn’t need a big fancy house to make me happy. I needed my family, my sister.

  I knew I needed to get out of that house before more was said. My father had been such a nasty bastard, and for a second I felt like I sounded exactly like him. The thought made me cringe. I had gone into the pool house long enough to grab my smokes. When I came back outside I turned off the lights in case she got a hair up her ass and tried to speak to me. Hopefully she would think I was sleeping.

  I was standing outside my place leaning against the wall when I happened to see a light upstairs come on. It was pitch black outside and the brightness caught my eye immediately. Within a moments time I saw her looking out. For a second I thought she saw me too, but she just kept moving around.

  My mouth dropped when I saw her disappear and come back with nothing on. I took another drag on my cigarette and watched her standing there topless. I couldn’t see past her waist, but the top was fine enough for me. She wasn’t doing anything erotic, just standing there. Finally she ducked down and disappeared. I had hoped she would make another appearance, but after ten minutes I gave up and went back inside.

  Was she taunting me again? Was this some sort of game she was playing with my mind? I wished I could say that it wasn’t getting to me, but it was. I needed to blow off some steam; to get out of here for a few hours and unwind.

  I grabbed my keys off the counter and headed out.

  There was nothing more relaxing than being on my bike. It was loud and prevented me from hearing people talking about me or yelling at me. I was free when I was on it. I drove all around those long dark roads, until finally I ended up a few towns over at a local dive bar.

  The front lot was filled with motorcycles and people outside smoking cigarettes. I removed my helmet and immediately lit up. The music wasn’t what I normally listen to. They were playing country and as I entered inside I noticed people line dancing in the center. I headed to the bar and ordered a beer.

  I never turned around to watch the people dancing. I didn’t talk to anyone, including the bartender, unless it was for another drink.

  After I had ordered my third beer, a woman approached me. “I haven’t seen you around honey. Are you just passing through?”

  The woman was about forty years old. Years of alcohol had caused wear and tear on her body and I was certain at one point she was probably a great time. “Just passing through, yeah.”

  “That’s too bad. I could have used the company tonight.”

  I gave a quick laugh. “I am giving up on women.”

  “Well that would be a damn shame. You are quite the looker. Someone must have really done you wrong.” She suggested.

  “Yeah you could say that.” I said as I took another sip of beer.

  She grabbed my arm. “If you want to talk about it, I am a good listener.”

  I let her keep her hand there. I wasn’t into her, but I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. She was obviously just trying to be nice. “Thanks for the offer. I just don’t feel like talking. I came here to forget, ya know?”

  “Honey we are all here to forget something.” She admitted.

  “Well cheers to that.” I said as I held my bottle up and clanked it against hers.

  I ended up buying the woman a drink before I decided to hit the road. I had already pissed off enough people in my life. I didn’t need to make any more enemies.

  When I finally arrived back home it was after two. The lights in the main house were all out. I was quiet as I made my way to the pool house. Once inside, I stripped down to my boxers and got in bed. As much as I tried to not think about it, Hope flooded my mind. When I succumbed to sleep I dreamed of her all night long.

  Chapter 13

  Hope

  I didn’t hear my father and Buffy leave this morning, but after I looked at the clock, I knew they had. I stayed in bed as long as I could, until I heard noises coming from downstairs. I managed to get myself up and dressed before deciding to go ahead and take a trip to the hardware store alone.

  My father had left me his credit card, as well as fifty bucks in case I wanted to have friends over and order pizza. He knew I wasn’t into having parties, so there was not a question of trust there.

  After my long bath last night I had finally relax. When I started to drift off while still in the tub, I climbed out and went straight to bed. I worried that I would be restless after my confrontation with Chance, but I slept through the night without waking up.

  Once I was dressed and pulled my hair up in a ponytail, I headed downstairs to grab some fruit to eat before I headed out. I found Chance in the kitchen reading the newspaper while eating an apple. At first, I ignored him, as I looked in the fridge for something to eat and drink. When I realized he was eating the last apple I felt frustrated.

  “Thanks for eating my breakfast.” I announced.

  He looked down at the half eaten apple and tossed it across the counter. “Help yourself princess. I lost my appetite.” He said as he walked out of the back door.

  I stood there shocked. Did he really just throw an apple at me? Furthermore, did he just call me princess?”

  The blood was boiling in my body. I rushed out behind him leaving the door wide open. “What did you call me?”

  “You heard me.”

  “Say it again Chance. I dare you!”

  He laughed at me. “You dare me? What are you going to tell your daddy? I’m so scared.” He threw his hands up in the air. “I don’t have time for this shit today.”

  “Wait! How dare you talk to me like that?”

  He walked up to me, his eyes never leaving mine. When he grabbed my arm I tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t let go. “Talk to you like that? What about you talking to me like that. It goes both ways Hope. Maybe you should practice what you preach.”

  Tears filled my eyes when I remembered what I had said to him last night. “Chance wait!”

  He kept walking away from me. “Chance?”

  After I waited at least two minutes and he didn’t come back, I headed back into the house and grabbed my keys. I cried the whole way to the hardware store. It took me about three seconds to pick a color for my room. I waited as the guy mixed it for me and then paid for it. I took my time getting home, stopping by a drive-thru to get a milkshake.

  I wasn’t in a rush to go home, or to paint. My best friend was away with some strange new boyfriend and I was stuck home alone with the douche bag.

  Perfect.

  When I pulled up at the house I noticed Chance on a ladder. He had removed his shirt and sweat glistened all over his back. Even as mad as I was at him, I couldn’t help but stare at his perfectly sculpted back. Every muscle was perfectly defined. I tilted my glasses down to get a better look, but as I did he turned to look my way.

  I grabbed my purse and the paint stuff and pretended like it never happened.

  When I reached the front door he had already gotten back to hammering away at something. I walked directly into my room and started covering everything with plastic. Once I got the paint out and started working on the corners, I lost track of time. I had my IPOD hooked up to speakers and I sang along to the music as I painted.

  A few hours had passed and I was already done all of the cutting in. The edges and the corners were all painted with two coats. I had chose a grayish blue color and it went perfectly with my black and white comforter set. I didn’t want my father to have to buy me a new one when mine was in fine shape still.

  I poured more paint into the pan and started rolling the walls. A song that I loved came on and I began singing it, belting out the lyrics. I was facing the window when I heard someone laughing. I jumped so high as I tur
ned around and saw Chance leaning against my doorway. He had his arms folded against his chest and a smile on his face. I ran toward the IPOD and turned off the music.

  “You should think about trying out for America Idol.” He joked.

  “What are you doing in here Chance?”

  “Well, I came inside to make a sandwich, but when I heard you singing I had to check it out. I didn’t know you were singing. It kind of sounded like you were in excruciating pain. God knows I was after hearing it.” He laughed.

  I picked up a paint brush and threw it straight at his face. Before he could even duck, blue paint slapped against his cheek. He took his hand and ran it across the wet paint on his face. “You little bitch. Did you just throw a paintbrush at my face?” He asked as he started walking in the room toward me. He had me cornered. I couldn’t run. I was pressed up against the wall.

  “Chance I am sorry. Really I am. I swear.” I pleaded.

  He kept my body pressed against the wall. His teeth were tight together and he looked so pissed. He grabbed my wrist and squeezed until I let go of the roller I had in my hand. Once he was holding it, he held me tight against the wall with one hand and rolled the paint from the top of my head down to my chest.

  I closed my eyes and screamed, but nobody could hear me. Once he was satisfied, he let his guard down and I grabbed the roller out of his hand, flinging the paint toward him. He didn’t bother wiping it off, but instead came running at me knocking me down onto my plastic covered bed.

  I expected him to hold me down and torture me, but instead he stared at me. With one hand, he moved a piece of hair out of my face while keeping his eyes on mine. We were both breathing pretty heavy from the chase and him being this close to me made me forget why I was mad at him in the first place. When he brushed his lips against mine I let out a quiet moan. Our faces were covered in paint, but our mouths didn’t care. Chance’s bare chest was pressed against me and once his tongue found mine, I couldn’t keep myself from touching him. He started to pull away, but I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him back. I couldn’t stop kissing him. I didn’t want to stop kissing him. He tasted like salt and heaven and I wanted more.