by Lind, Valia
"Thank you, Chance."
"Thank you, Brooklynn! It's about time, too. How long have you had this costume in mind?"
"Why does everybody keep asking me that? Am I really that much of a nerd? Go be a pirate or something." I push him away from me, laughing. I was right about his costume. Chance makes a great Jack Sparrow. I glance over to Dakota, finding her eyes on him and I suppress a smile. Chance follows my gaze, his face transforms to that wicked streak of his as he lets his eyes roam over Dakota.
"Well ahoy thar me sweet." He turns on his pirate talk with a flare. "Ye lookin' mighty fine tonight."
"Keep it in your pants, Chance," Dakota growls, pushing past him but I catch the look of pleasure on her face before she ducks around us. Chance glances at me and I give him a thumbs up. I’m pretty sure his night is officially made as he follows after Dakota.
"When are those two gonna realize they're meant for each other?" Grayson asks from beside me and I’m pleased I’m not the only one thinking this.
"Hopefully sooner rather than later. It’s mostly Dakota and her world renowned stubbornness. They drive me nuts."
"He's right though," Grayson comments as we head inside the house. He continues when I give him a puzzled look. "About your gorgeousness." I shake my head a little, trying to suppress a smile and failing. "Have you really never worn Princess Leia for Halloween before? I remember she was your favorite."
I stop suddenly in the middle of the room, turning to put a hand out so he doesn't run into me. "You remember that?" I ask, bewildered. I seem to be asking him this question a lot, but he never ceases to amaze me. I can feel his heartbeat through my hand, the steady rhythm of it echoing my own. I know I should remove my palm, but for some reason I don’t.
"Of course I remember. I've always wanted to be Han Solo." He gives me a little self-conscious smile, before placing his hand over mine. We stand like that for a moment, completely lost in our own world, the beat of our hearts joined, just like our hands, over his heart.
"Oops, my bad," I hear behind me as a body slams into mine with a vengeance. If Grayson hadn’t been in front of me, I would've face-planted for sure. I’m not even surprised to see Tamela, who lo and behold is wearing a sexy maid outfit. Big shocker there. Even though both of us are wearing high heels, she towers over me, her chest in my face, and I take another step back, placing myself firmly in Grayson's arms. His hands ease around my waist, keeping me close to his side as I wait for Tamela to make whatever nasty remark she’s prepared.
"What are you supposed to be?" she asks me. I stare at her dumfounded, before realizing she’s not kidding.
"Are you serious?" I finally manage. I notice her shift uncomfortably. "I'm Princess Leia." Blank look. "From Star Wars?"
"I know who Princess Leia is," she snaps. I know I shouldn't laugh, but I can't help it. Only someone like Tamela would have no proper cultural upbringing.
"These are not the droids you're looking for," I say, keeping my voice monotone and receiving another blank look from Tamela.
"These are not the droids I'm looking for?" she parrots.
Grayson loses all control then, busting out in the loudest laugh I've ever heard from him. He stirs me away from Tamela, snorting because he’s laughing so hard, as she stares after us, and I join in on the fun.
"Well, that went well," I say when I can breathe again. Grayson reaches for my hand, guiding me away from the center of the house and to the backyard. When we finally collapse on one of the lawn chairs, he raises the hand he's still holding and gives it a big smacking kiss. I freeze at the contact, but he's totally oblivious.
"That was classic! You deserve a trophy for that one." He's enjoying this entirely too much, as he leaps to his feet. "Chance, Dakota get over here. You’ve gotta hear this." My two best friends make their way over to us as I try to regain some composure. I can still feel his lips on my skin, the sensation so sweet I fear my heart will burst out of my chest. I don't listen as Grayson repeats our little Tamela adventure to the other two, but I hear them join in on the amusement a moment later.
"You are the queen!" Chance's voice brings me back to earth as I watch him bow before me. Apparently, there is nothing like a good Star Wars joke to set the mood.
"Whatever dork," I reply standing up and making myself focus on the people in front of me. "Can we please go dance now before I shoot you?" I state, reaching for my gun. Chance raises his arms in surrender before extending his hand in an offer of a dance. Almost automatically, I reach back, wrapping my hand around Grayson's and drawing him along with us, with Dakota close behind.
We stumble into the sea of bodies and I lose myself as the drumming beat washes over me. I close my eyes as I feel Grayson close behind me, letting the moment radiate in my mind. I’ve surprised myself, and I kind of really like that feeling.
TWENTY - SIX
The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'That's funny...' - Isaac Asimov
There’s something exhausting about taking risks and pushing yourself.
It's about one o'clock when I finally decide I've had enough. I'm not much of a partier anyway, and staying out till one is a pretty big accomplishment for me. We've been playing Apples to Apples for the past thirty minutes, my head pounding to the beat of the music that's still on in the backyard. Dakota and Chance are in full on competition mode and while they're hilarious to watch, I'm ready to lie down.
"Hey guys," I say as we finish another hand, "I'm going to go. It's getting late. And yes, before you say it, I'm a grandma so sue me." I stand to the sound of protests, but my friends know better than to argue. Grayson rises to follow, but I place a hand on his shoulder and push him back down.
"I'll take you home," he says.
"No, it's okay, stay. One of the girls from my math class is leaving and she said she'll take me. We talked earlier." His face falls a little at that, and Dakota jumps in.
"Don't take it personally, Grayson. Brooklynn always has a plan to escape early." She’s right, but it’s not about to sway Grayson.
"Well, I brought you here so I'll take you home. I'm ready to go anyway."
Dakota catches my eye, giving me a knowing look but I pretend to miss it.
I walk over to Chance, placing a kiss on top of his head. "Happy birthday, knucklehead." He gives me a good squeeze around my waist and I ruffle his hair a bit. He lost his Jack Sparrow wig sometime during the night, and his hair is a mess of dark spikes sticking out every which way.
"Behave yourselves!" he calls as Grayson and I walk away.
We’re quiet as we get in the car.
"You always leave early?"
"I don't think one in the morning counts as early." I smile, looking briefly in his direction. "You don't think it's because of you, do you?" He gives me a small shrug before focusing on the road and I realize he does.
"Grayson, I'm not big on parties. I only ever go to Chance and Dakota's and I never stay late." I try to think back to the way I’ve acted, and perhaps I’m more confused than I realize. I don’t mean to play with him, but maybe that’s exactly what I’m doing. His next words tell me that I’m right.
"I thought," his voice is soft, unsure. "I thought you wanted to get away from me."
"We're friends Grayson. I wouldn't do that." He gives me another look then, but I can’t read whatever is written there. He starts the car, pulling out of Chance’s neighborhood as we grow quiet again and I wonder if I offended him. I'm not really good at these relationship games people play. I haven't actually ever been in one. The ride to my house is quiet, because I’m not sure how to fix whatever I’ve just broken. I don’t mean to be inconsiderate. I wish I could just tell him that.
We pull up in front of my house, parking in the driveway and I unbuckle my seatbelt.
"I had a great time tonight, Han Solo." He smiles as he turns to me.
"I had a great time tonight as well, Princess Leia." He says it like he means it.
"Grayson, I—" but I don't know what to say. I can't read him, I never can. Instead, I stare at him until he finally sighs. I feel the air grow electric, filled with a power that seems to be ever present between us. My eyes shift to his lips, ever so briefly, and I wonder if he’ll make that first move again, because I’m not brave enough to do it, to finish what we started weeks ago in his room. I catch a glimpse of an emotion I don’t understand, before he breaks the spell.
"Have a good night, Brooklynn." his voice is soft and he won't look my way. My heart clutches in disappointment, but I try not to let it show. Fine. I get out of the vehicle before he can come around to open the door for me. I don't say anything as I walk past him, stopping before I reach my door. I can’t leave like this, so I circle around, finding his attention already on me.
"I really did have a good time, Grayson," I say quietly, hoping to get back to that easy comradeship we seemed to have developed, especially tonight. He stands in front of his car, the headlights outlining his beautiful body, his shoulders slumped. I wait for him to say something, and when he does there is a hint of bitterness in his voice.
"I'm glad you did."
"Grayson," I call as he turns to get back into his car. "What did I do?"
"Nothing, you did absolutely nothing."
I stand there until his headlights turn around the corner. I messed it up. I always mess it up. I turn with a sigh, reaching for my keys and freeze.
My front door is open.
Reaching for my phone, I take a step back, knowing it's better to let police handle it before I go inside. I dial 911 as I make my way to the other side of the street.
"Phoenix 911, where is your emergency?" I give the operator my address, advising her I haven't been inside and don't know if anyone still there. After making sure I'll be waiting outside and call back if I see anything suspicious, she tells me this is a priority call and police will be on their way, so I disconnect. Sitting down on the curb, I hug my arms around my knees, feeling the steady beat of my heart. I stare at my house as if willing for someone to come out. I doubt anyone is still inside, it's not like Grayson and I were exactly quiet when we pulled up. A part of me wants to rush in and check the house myself, but the more rational part knows that's not my job.
I dial my parents next, my hands shaking a little. I try my mom first, then my dad. No answer. I'm not surprised since I knew they were going out of cell service and the number for their hotel is in the house. I leave a message anyway, making a mental note to call when I'm inside. I'm trying to stay calm, but the idea that someone could be in my house terrifies me. I watch the house, but see nothing from across the street.
About ten minutes later I see flashing lights down the street and stand to meet the officers. I introduce myself and let them do a sweep of the house. The officers come out a few minutes later, advising that no one is inside and nothing seems to be disturbed. I make my way into the living room, my eyes trying to find anything out of order.
"Honestly miss," one of the officers says from behind me, "It doesn't look like they made it inside the house. They might've been spooked before they got in and didn't even know they got the door open. You'll have to go through everything and see if anything was taken." I nod in response, not knowing where to start.
I grab my phone and dial my parents' number while the officers fill out their paperwork. My dad is the one to answer and I briefly explain what happened. He's calm, but I can hear concern in his voice and it makes me feel a bit better.
"We'll be home tomorrow morning," he says, but I wave him off.
"No, Dad. I'm fine now. I'll make sure to lock everything up and have someone come stay with me, okay?" I know he doesn't like it, but he can tell I've made up my mind. I hear him exhale in frustration and Mom's quiet voice in the background.
"Are you sure, Brooklynn?"
"Yes. I know you have a meeting tomorrow. You always do when you're there. I'll be fine." I sound braver than I feel, but I really don't want my parents home. As crazy as it sounds, I was really looking toward them being away for a few days. I'm not going to let some burglar ruin that for me. We talk for a few moments longer, with me reassuring them that I'm fine about fifty times, before I hang up.
The officers stay long enough to make a report and make sure everything is secure.
"Do you have someone who can come stay with you?" I nod again, these guys probably think I'm mute or something. Taking a deep breath, I turn to them.
"Thank you, officers, for your help."
"We’ll wait out front until someone gets here." The older of the officers states as I lead them to the front door.
"Thank you so much." I give them each a smile and they seem to take it as a good sign. I lock the door firmly behind them before reaching for my phone. Leaning against the door, I call the first person that comes to mind.
"Hello?"
TWENTY - SEVEN
I stopped understanding math when the alphabet decided to get involved.
- Author Unknown
"Are you alright?"
Grayson asks as soon as I let him through the door. His eyes roam over me, his hands reaching out to pull me in for a hug. I let him hold me for a second, before I take a step back.
"I'm okay. It doesn't look like they got in, but the officer wanted someone to stay with me tonight. I—" I stop, not really knowing why I called him instead of Dakota or Chance. He watches me, waiting for me to continue, but I just shake my head, moving toward the living room. I don't know what to do with myself. It's late, but going to bed seems impossible. I'm on edge, my heart beating restlessly. Grayson seems to gauge my mood because he walks over to the TV, browsing through the DVDs shelved on the entertainment center beside it.
"You feel like watching Star Wars?" he asks, and I exhale slowly, feeling better with that simple normal question.
"Sounds good. I'm going to go change," I say realizing I'm still dressed as Princess Leia. Grayson is wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt and I wonder if I pulled him away from going to bed. Probably. Since he left the party with me, what else would he be doing at almost two o'clock in the morning? Dancing on rooftops?
I head for my bedroom, reaching for my favorite pair of sweatpants coupled with an oversized shirt. I dress quickly, unbraiding my hair in the process and letting it fall down over my shoulders. For a second I wonder if I should keep my make up on but that's just foolish, not to mention uncomfortable. I shouldn't be worried about impressing the boy in my living room, but I am. Shaking my hair out, I head to the bathroom next, washing my face and brushing my teeth, before going downstairs.
I find Grayson on the couch in front of the TV, remote in one hand. I study him from the shadows for a moment, as he flips the channels, the colors playing on his face. He's come so far from the complete nuisance that he was when we were younger. He doesn't seem to want to destroy me anymore. He seems to want to protect me.
"You're going to stand there all night?" Grayson's voice interrupts my thoughts. My hands are suddenly sweaty, so I run them over the material of my sweatpants and walk farther into the room.
"Didn't want to interrupt. You looked so focused on—" I glance at the TV, "Tom and Jerry?"
"Hey, it's a classic. Don't knock my Tom and Jerry."
"Oh, I wouldn't dare. I'm a fan." I stand in front of him for a second, trying to decide where to sit. He's in the middle of the sofa that faces the TV while the other chair is to the side facing away from it. I can handle sitting next to him, can’t I? Almost nodding in affirmation to myself, I grab a blanket from the chair, before lowering myself on the sofa.
"Did you want anything to drink?" I ask after a moment. "Sorry, I'm forgetting my manners."
"I'll get it." He stands before I can stop him. "No, I'm serious. The kitchen is this way?" I nod and he walks off with purpose. I smile a little to myself, burrowing into my blanket. Grayson returns a few minutes later with milk and Oreos.
"I hope you don't mind, I found us a snack."
"I never mind Oreos." Grayson settles beside me, grabbing the side of my blanket and pulling it over his lap. I open my mouth to protest, but really why should I? He hands me the remote and I push play. I let myself relax against the cushions, breathing freely for the first time in over an hour. I didn't even realize just how strung up I was until Grayson settled next to me. I feel safe with him here.
We watch the movie play out in front of us in silence and I try to keep myself from sneaking looks his way. For some reason, I have the biggest desire to see the way he reacts to what's happening on the screen.
"Brooklynn," I jump at the sound of my name, sure he caught me looking.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry for earlier. I didn't mean to snap at you. I—"
"You don't have to apologize. I know I act strange sometimes, but leaving tonight had nothing to do with you. I hope you know that."
"Is that why you called?" he asks in a small voice, "To prove that it wasn't me."
The last part is added almost as an afterthought, but I hear the emotion behind it. I realize I hurt him with my attitude a lot more than I first thought. I have to fix this. Suddenly, it’s very important to me that I fix it. I ignore the TV and focus my attention on his face.
"I called you because—" I rake my mind, trying to come up with the right words, the right way to tell him how I feel. He waits patiently, and I finally blurt out the truth. " Because I knew you'd come.” If this thing between us is going to work, I need to start trusting him. “I knew you'd make me feel safe."
He doesn't say anything and I'm afraid to look up. I pick at the invisible thread on the comforter with nervous energy, waiting.
He reaches out and slips his fingers between mine. I glance up then, finding his at me.
"I'm glad you called," he says.
TWENTY - EIGHT
I don't have bad handwriting. I have my own font. - Author Unknown
