Because of You

by Maria E. Monteiro

  “Of course you are,” Logan spits out reminding me how much he hates my relationship. “When are you gonna realize what an asshole that guy is?”

  My face crumples. A few minutes ago he was being so nice and caring now he’s treating me like public enemy number one.

  “I like him, Logan. Why can’t you understand?”

  He shakes his head in anger. “Because I can’t. Just go be with your fucking asshole and leave me the hell alone"

  I bite my bottom lip to keep from crying. He words are like a sharp knife piercing my heart. I spin around and run away.

  I rush into Austin’s arms and just bury my head into his chest. “Are you okay?” he asks.

  “Can we just get away from here?”

  “Yeah, come on.”

  He grabs my hand and begins to lead me to the other side of the beach. The further we walk away the easier it is to hear the sound of the ocean. We finally find a spot where the only light is from the crescent moon. It looks so beautiful over the black ocean.

  Austin sits on the sand and then pulls me down to sit between his legs. His arms quickly wrap around me, bringing me warmth from the cold air, He digs his chin into my shoulder and asks, “What happen back there?”

  “Just dealing with Logan. Whatever. I’m just glad you’re here.”

  “Me too. This is what I’ve been waiting for all day.” He plants his lips on my cheek and gives me a kiss removing all the piercing pain from my heart.

  “You really were amazing tonight.”

  “Thanks. My dad didn’t think so, but then again he never does.”

  “Is your dad ever supportive?”

  “Not really. He doesn’t really bother me about going out and my personal life, but with school and sports he’s like a drill sergeant. He takes all the fun out of playing football or any kind of sport.”

  “Are you planning to play next year in college?” I ask looking out to the horizon.

  “Hell no. I mean I could if UT wanted me for football, but I rather not. My dad would probably fly out to each one of my games to torment me. I think that’s why Blake doesn’t play either.”

  “University of Texas? Huh! I can’t believe you still wanna go there.”

  “Yeah. I guess it’s in my blood. My dad went there, and so did his brothers. The only thing Blake didn’t do perfect was go to Braden University instead of UT.”

  “Did he get into UT?”

  “He didn’t apply. My brother followed his high school girlfriend to Braden. My dad was furious and almost didn’t pay for his school. But in the end he caved. I guess it all worked out because Blake is succeeding there.”

  I can’t believe Blake followed a girl to school. He doesn’t seem the type. I didn’t even know he had a girlfriend in high school. In fact I always thought he was a commitment-phobic. I guess I was wrong. “Are they still together?”

  “Nah. They broke up two weeks after he started school. But trust me my brother bounced back.” He hugs me tighter. “I don’t wanna talk about him anymore. I just wanna enjoy being with you.” I turn around to meet his brown eyes glowing as he stares at me. “You are so beautiful.”

  I turn my whole body around digging my legs under his arms. All these emotions running through me are really starting to scare me. I don’t want to believe I’m just a game but at the same time theirs a part of me that is scared to fall completely for him, especially knowing this time next year he’ll be so far away. “This is still so weird.”

  “What?”

  “Us being together. I keep expecting for you to tell me it’s all a joke.”

  He shakes his head. “What am I going to have to do to prove I’m really into you?”

  “I want to believe you, but when I keep having people warn me about you, or tell I’m just the flavor of the week I get scared.”

  He furrows his brows. “Who told you, you’re just the flavor of the week?”

  “It doesn’t matter.” I drop my gaze.

  He puts his hand on my chin and lifts my face up forcing me to look at him in the eyes again. “I’m here with you because I want to be with you, and not just for a week or two. Can’t you see I’m falling for you? I want you to be my girlfriend.”

  “Huh?” He wants me to be his girlfriend?

  “I want you to be my girlfriend. What do you say?”

  I spring the corners of my mouth into a huge smile. There’s nothing I want more. “Yes.”

  His eyes light up as he lowers his mouth to mine in a gentle kiss. A wind sprays us with a cold salty mist. I shiver in Austin’s arms, but I’m not sure if it’s because of the wind or his kiss.

  His soft lips part and his tongue enters my mouth. I quickly bring my tongue to his and follow his rhythm. A small sigh escapes his lips making me smile as I continue to kiss him.

  Austin’s hands travel up my back until they are in my hair bringing me in for deeper kiss. This time he allows my tongue to enter his mouth. I explore his whole mouth with my tongue. He sighs some more. I want nothing more in life than to be here at this moment kissing him.

  A loud scream from the other side of the beach breaks our embrace. We both look at each with our eyes wide open. Laughter quickly follows prompting us to laugh too. “Sounds like they’re having fun,” he says.

  “Yeah.

  “You wanna go back and see what we’re missing?”

  I don’t really. I rather keep him to myself for a little while longer, but I also don’t want to keep him from his friends. So I nod yes.

  He leans in and presses his lips on mine one more time before getting up. He gives me his hand and helps me up.

  I take a few steps before I have to stop to empty my sneakers, which are now full of sand.

  “Are you okay?” he asks me.

  “Yeah, just trying to get all the sand out of my shoes.”

  “Well here,” he says scooting down. “Jump on my back.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah. I’ll give you a ride back.” I smile and jump on his back wrapping my arms around his shoulders. He takes a hold of my legs and begins to walk back.

  My body bounces up and down with each step he takes. I try to see if he’s grunting or having trouble breathing, just in case I’m too heavy for him, but he’s not. Instead he’s carrying me as if I weighed nothing.

  I lean forward and plant a huge kiss on his cheek. Even from behind him I can see his deep dimples appear.

  Without warning he begins to run. I can’t help but scream, as I hold on tight. I can feel my body begin to slip off his back. Everyone looks our way and starts to cheer for Austin. He stops short and I fall backwards onto the sand.

  “Oh shit, I didn’t mean to do that,” he says, lifting me off the floor as everyone around us laughs.

  I stand up straight and begin to chase him trying to hit him. “I hate you,” I joke.

  He stops running and curves his arm around my waist bringing me closer to him. “Well, I really like you.” He plants his lips on mine and begins to kiss me as if no one is around us.

  “Stop making us jealous!” someone calls out. Making us both laugh with our lips still glued to each other. I never want this night to end.

  20

  Surprise Done Right

  The last few weeks have become a blur of moments with Austin. In school people have given us the nickname Austade. At first I thought it was kind of stupid, but now I love the name. That’s who we are. We are Austade. Never in my life did I think I could be this happy when everything around me can seem so broken.

  I hardly see my mother. She’s been so busy I haven’t even had a chance to tell her I’m now dating Austin. I doubt she would even care. All she cares about is Carrie, her clients, and Tony. I keep hoping he goes away but instead he seems to be around more, which makes me look forward to escaping to my father’s house.

  Actually, spending the weekends at my father’s has become easier. It’s a house I just sleep in. I spend most of my weekend with Austin. My d
ad hasn’t really noticed. He’s been busy with work and dealing with Trisha.

  You would think being a child of divorce my parents would do anything they could to spend time with me, but instead they can care less about me. Austin really did come into my life at the perfect time.

  They are not the only ones ignoring me. Things with Logan have only gotten worse. He hardly talks to me and when he does he seems to always have an attitude. He’s always making unwanted comments about Austin. He tries his best to remind me of all the girls Austin’s been with. I’m getting really sick of it and I’m not sure how much more I can put up with. I want to confront him about it, but every time I see him he’s hanging out with Garret. I hate that they’re friends.

  Farrah on the other hand, has been nothing but supportive. It helps that she’s been seeing Josh. I’m so happy he didn’t just sleep were her and then walk away. He seems to really like her, which is great. All I want for her and Logan is that they’re as happy as I am.

  “You know how much I like seeing you smile,” Austin says, walking me to my last class.

  I can’t help but smile wider. “Am I gonna get to see you after football practice?”

  “Actually, I was hoping you come to practice. I have something to show you,”

  “Your coach won’t get mad if I stop by?”

  “Not at all. Do you think you can meet me there by three thirty?”

  I nod.

  “Don’t forget three thirty, not a minute earlier.”

  “What are you up to?” I ask crinkling my forehead.

  “You’ll see,” Austin says with a bright smile, making his dimples melt my heart.

  I spend the next forty-five minutes trying to figure out what he’s up too. My mind can’t even phantom what it could be. My heart races faster with each minute that passes.

  When the bell finally rings I race to my locker hoping to see him. I need to know what he’s planning to do.

  He’s not there by the time I arrive. Damn, I still have another twenty-five minutes to wait. What am I going to do until then so I don’t go crazy with anxiety?

  “What’s up?” Farrah asks meeting me at my locker. “Austin wants me to meet him at the football field at three thirty.” “Why?”

  “He says he has something to show me. My head has been spinning trying to figure out what it is.” A sly smile appears on her face. “You know what it is!”

  “I’m not saying a word. My orders are to make sure you make it to the football field by three thirty. Not one minute earlier.”

  “Just tell me what it is.”

  She shakes her head no.

  “Come on. I promise I’ll act surprised.”

  “No. Trust me you won’t be upset.”

  “I can’t believe now Prince Charming has us doing tricks for you,” Logan growls, stepping up to me with his face twisted in anger.

  “What does he have you doing?” I ask more confused than ever.

  “He has us...”

  “Don’t you dare tell her!” Farrah screams pressing her finger into his chest. “I swear Logan I will hurt you bad if you ruin this.”

  “Ruin what?” I can’t take this anymore. I begin to walk towards the metal doors.

  “Where you going?” Farrah calls out.

  “To the football field to find out what this is all about.”

  Farrah speeds up and jumps in front of me spreading her arms out. “No! You only have twenty more minutes to wait. Please Jade.”

  “Fine,” I pout. Logan stomps past us out the door. I wish he would get over his grumpy mood.

  I spend the next twenty minutes listening to Farrah talk about Josh. She tells me how she made out with him behind the bleachers all of seventh period. I’m really trying to listen to her, but all I can think about is what Austin is up to. A million thoughts run through my mind, but none of them make any sense. I really have no clue what it could be.

  Farrah looks at her phone and produces a huge smile. “It’s time. Are you ready?”

  “Will you just tell me what’s going on?”

  “You’ll see,” she sings leading me to the football field.

  The cool October air makes me quickly button up my denim jacket. I rub my arms to keep warm as my heart beats faster with each step I take.

  We arrive on the field just in time to see all the players running around in their practice gear, while the cheerleaders are off to the side practicing. I don’t miss cheerleading at all, especially on chilly days like this.

  Austin spots me heading towards him and runs to whisper something in his coach’s ear. My stomach fills with bouncing bubbles.

  “Alright guys, lets do this,” his coach calls out. He then turns to Austin. “You got five minutes, so hurry up.”

  “No problem. Lets do this. He hands out large white poster boards to eleven football players. They all rush to the fifty-yard line and start to run in place as though they are going to charge and attack me. The first player grunts and holds up the poster board with the letter H. Each guy takes his turn holding up his card. As mad as Logan seemed before, he actually gets into it and holds his card with the letter O higher then everyone else. Garret is not part of the line-up, instead he’s by the cheerleaders talking to Cara. I’m so happy Austin did not include him in this.

  When they are all done the letters H-O-M-E-C-O-M-I-N-G-? are displayed in front of me. My stomach begins to shake as the bubbles become larger. I’ve heard of girls being asked in romantic ways, but I never thought I would be one of them.

  Austin appears from behind them with a rose and approaches me with the cutest smile ever. “I’ve been so happy since you came back into my life. I would love for you to go to the homecoming dance with me. Jade, will you go to homecoming with me?”

  I fight the tears trying to escape my eyes. He really is wonderful. I nod my head and rush into his arms. He gives me a warm sweet kiss, while everyone around us begins to cheer.

  “Okay guys, lets get back to practice,” the coach calls out.

  “Sorry, but I gotta get back,” Austin says, still holding on to me.

  “No problem.”

  “Are you gonna be home?”

  “Yes,” I say getting excited to see him again.

  “Can I come over?”

  I nod as he brings his face closer. I close my eyes and enjoy his lips touching mine one more time.

  He pulls away with a huge smile and then turns to head back to join the rest of the team.

  “So, were you surprised?” Farrah asks, waking me up from my daze.

  “Yes. I still can’t believe he set this whole thing up.”

  “Don’t be so flattered. Every year one of them does it. The exact same routine,” Leah says intervening into our conversation. “Last year Robbie Coaler did the same thing for Lisa Belter. Just ask her.”

  “I don’t care if every football player does it for everyone of their girlfriends.

  I’m just happy he asked me in such an amazing way,” I retort, turning around and stomping away with Farrah right next to me.

  Farrah waits until we are off the field before she begins to laugh. “That was great! I especially like the way you said ‘girlfriends.’ Her jaw almost hit the floor.”

  “Good. I’m sick of her trying to ruin this for me.”

  “Hey do you think Josh will ask me to homecoming?” she asks looping her arm into mine.

  “If he knows what’s good for him he will.”

  “I hope you’re right. I don’t wanna go with a friend again this year.”

  “You won’t. I can ask Austin if you want?”

  She opens up her green eyes and jumps up and down with excitement. “Will you?”

  “Yeah, I’ll ask him today when he comes over.” I really hope my mother has to work late today. I just want to be alone with him.

  21

  Getting Closer

  I’ve been sitting in my room trying to do my English homework for the past hour, but I can’t consecrate on Gatsby a
nd Daisy’s forbidden love affair right now. All I can think about are Austin’s dark eyes shining as he asked me to homecoming.

  I really think I’m falling hard for him, and I’m not even one bit scared of it. I want to dive into the ocean without thinking about it first. Ever since he’s walked into my life everything feels better, taste better, and even sounds better. He’s the first person I think of when I wake up and the last person I think of before I fall asleep. I never thought a boy would affect me this much.

  The Allmans Brothers Band music pours in through my closed window and I immediately know it’s him. I rush to kneel on my bench and peek out. Austin parks his car and runs inside his house.

  My insides begin to shake as each long minute passes. His front door finally opens again and he walks out looking so good in his orange hoody and jeans. He lifts his head up and looks at my window. I quickly duck. Hopefully he didn’t see me. I don’t want him to think I’m spying on him

  I run my finger through my hair and apply Chapstick just as the doorbell rings. I skip down the stairs and stop right before I open the door to take a deep breath in. I need to calm my rapid heartbeat before it explodes.

  “Hey,” he says leaning in to give me a soft kiss. He’s just so beautiful.

  “Hi.”

  “Is your mom home?”

  “No, she’s working late.”

  The corners of his mouth raises higher making his dimples indent further in. I grab his hand, turn around and begin to walk upstairs. “Where are we going?”

  “My room,” I sing in a tease.

  “Sounds perfect.” He grabs my waist and whips me back around. His eyes twinkle as he pulls me in closer. “So we’re really all alone?”

  I place my hand on his chest to prevent him from moving any closer. “Get those dirty thoughts out of your head. We’re going up there because I have tons of homework, and I need your help.”

  He groans as he follows me up.

  The last time Austin was in my room was when he was ten years old. We used to hang out up here all the time. I remember wishing one day he would look at me as more than a friend. I guess wishes do come true