Winking at me, the bell rings ending class leaving me in disbelief as Austin gives me no explanations.
“Bye beautiful.” Austin sweeps out of the room taking my thumping heart and all the air in my lungs with him.
“Earth to Kayla.” Bobby beams at me as she gains my attention by snapping her fingers in front of my face. “I’m going to tell you something and you better listen.” I nod mutely. “That was hot and super swoon worthy. You can’t possibly tell me now that Austin doesn’t have a thing for you?”
Shaking myself out of my stupor, I quickly pack my bag and rush out the door with Bobby on my heels. I spent too long being lost in the twilight zone and now we have to hurry to our last class of the day.
“I think he’s just screwing with me. There’s no way he meant that in the actual sense. He was meaning metaphorically. Like, if you drop your books I’ll help pick them up. If your car breaks down, I’ll fix it for you. If Evangeline tries anything mean to you, I’ll tell her to shut her pie hole. You see the pattern there? He didn’t mean he’d kiss my boo boos after Evangeline beat me to a bloody pulp and we skip off into the sunset happy as could be.”
“You’re delusional. I can’t wait for the day Austin gets tired of your pushing him away and makes you listen to his heart.” Austin would never tell me his heart beats for me because it’s just not feasible.
“You’re looking flushed. Did you have a sexy romp in the janitor’s closet before rushing to class?” Snickering at Beaus assessment of me, I throw him a wink and take my seat.
“Seriously? You actually found a tongue dueling friend?”
“You have a weird way of putting things, Beau.”
“It’s my specialty.”
“Austin basically told her he liked her in a roundabout romantically cheesy, completely weird way. Snow White and prince charming may have been the theme.” Bobby reveals.
“Shut up!” I mutter out in embarrassment.
“I know where they give out free drinks.” Beau spouts off totally taking us off track from our conversation. Bobby and I wait with curious and confused gazes. “My house.” Squinting, I think he just gave a pick-up line.
“Was that supposed to be a pick-up line?” I ask.
“Yeah. Didn’t you like it? It was my way of asking you guys over.” Beau pouts.
“What happened to your cheesy one liners? Those were funny even if they were ridiculous.” Beau sighs dramatically.
“Fine.” Clearing his throat, Beau gives us his full attention. “Damn girl, is your name WIFI? Because I’m feeling a connection.” We try to keep our giggles down, so the teacher can’t hear us but it’s of no use.
“Girls. Is there something you’d like to share with the class?”
“No.” We say in unison. She looks at us for a moment longer before continuing with her lecture. We three look to each other and grin in amusement.
“Ok, back to Austin. So, you’re Snow White. Makes sense.” Swatting Beau, I scrunch my nose in response.
“I’m not white as snow.”
“Might as well be. I mean, you came from California, but you look like you lived in Alaska.” Bobby’s assessment of my skin tone is spot on, but it doesn’t mean I want to be referred to as Snow White, even though I am the one who had originally referred to myself as such.
“That means Austin referred to himself as prince charming, am I right?” Beau questions. Confirming it with a nod I wait on bated breath to hear what his thoughts are. Austin is his best friend, so he would know best what is meant by what Austin had said.
“I can’t say for sure, but if Austin suggested he be the proverbial prince that kisses the princess from her slumber, it seems as if he views you as more than a friend, and possibly more like girlfriend material.”
“You’re his friend. Why don’t you get the scoop?” Bobby suggests. Even though I hate to ask Beau to be our inside man after just having a date with him only a few short nights ago, it’s about the only thing that can stop these confusing thoughts and the yo-yo effect Austin puts me through with his moods of being sweet and flirty to being rude and condescending.
“Guys don’t really talk about all that crap. Its why we’re always so happy. When you talk about your feelings, then you begin to take out those happy thoughts and dive deeper into insecurities and bad decisions that end in heartbreak. Keeping emotions and relationships that mean more than just fun deep inside, we never have to worry about feeling anything other than content.”
“That’s crap and you know it.” Bobby points out and I have to agree. You can’t keep your feelings to yourself and never talk about them. How do they get advice about relationships and what to do with conflicting feelings?
“Swear to god. We never get into the nitty gritty of our love lives. We talk about superficial stuff. Leave the emotional drama to the women.”
“Who do you ask for advice then?” Raising an eyebrow, I know there is no way men don’t ask for advice.
“We don’t usually ask for advice. We just sort of wing it. Why do you think men screw up so much? The only time we ask for advice is if it’s nothing too personal. Stuff like where’s a restaurant that tastes good and that I can afford. Or what time does the museum close.”
“Why would you ask those? Questions like that don’t help your relationship.” How do guys go through life only talking about the superficial things?
“True. But finding the perfect place to go on a date means that sometimes we gotta ask someone else who may have advice for good food and fun times. That’s about as deep as we get with our feelings.”
“Unbelievable. You are no help.” Bobby huffs.
“Sorry ladies. If you want to know how I feel, I could show you where to go.” Waggling his eyebrows Bobby and I say ‘ewe’ in unison.
“Sorry to burst you bubble ladies. But if it’s any consolation, I think Bobby may be right when it comes to Austin liking you more than a friend.” My heart stalls for a moment before realizing they are looking more into this than need be.
“Doesn’t matter. I think I’ll just focus on my schooling and leave it at that. It seems easiest.”
“Suit yourself.” Beau shrugs.
Chapter 14
My heart wants roots.
My mind wants wings.
I cannot hear their
bickering’s.
-E.Y. Harburg-
By the end of the week my secret hopes that Austin would finally just end my suffering and ask me out never happened. My irritation is evident to everyone around me and I can’t help but snap at them. I feel bad for my horrible attitude, but Beau and Bobby got my hopes up regardless of what my mind was telling me. It’s ridiculous letting a guy get to me this way, but Austin is the first guy I’ve been truly interested in. I guess the fact that I am pining away for him as he flirts with Evangeline in front of me is getting to be too much. If he liked me, this definitely isn’t the way to go about getting with me.
As I walk down the halls Friday morning, the anticipation of the night’s football game permeates the air around me, as we are one week from our homecoming game and dance. Fairytale themed decorations seemed to have popped up overnight throughout the halls showing our school spirit and dance theme. Classic photo’s and drawing of fairytale prince and princesses make up the theme, spiking every female student’s excitement over who their prince charming will be for the dance. I never quite understood the excitement of a dance, but Lacy always dragged me to them as her date. Sure, it was fun, and maybe if I had an actual boy to take me it might have been exciting but seeing how these girls spend so much money on gowns, shoes, hair, and makeup just seems a little over the top to me.
“Makayla.” Bobby motions me over to her as she grabs her books for our first class. “Please tell me you’re going to the game tonight.”
Tightening my lips, I already know she’s going to hate my answer.
“I work tonight so I won’t be able to make it.” Shrugging one shoulder, I wait until Bobb
y is done before heading to my locker to do the same.
“Really? That sucks. Can you make it to the after party?” I shrug unsure what answer to give her.
“Is every game a cause for celebration?” Surprise evident in my tone.
“Pretty much.” The matter of fact tone gives me pause. I guess football is more important to this town then I originally thought. It seems that nearly everyone pretty much heads to the games that are out of town, should have given away the importance of football, but a party every time there’s a game seems a little much. Doesn’t it get expensive buying all those drinks each time?
“What if they lose?” Bobby’s gasp startles me and I look around to see what caused her reaction. Seeing her staring at me with her wide eyes and hand over her mouth in horror, I try to think back to what I said that would make her react this way.
“Shh. Don’t jinx them, Makayla. You can’t ever suggest or even say ‘lose’. It’s like a bad omen or something.” She rushes out with wide eyes.
“Okay.” I drag out.
“So, can you make it to the after party?” Heading in the direction of class, I try to decide if I should go or not. I’ll be off early enough to go, it’s just a matter of if I want to see Austin at the party, and which girl he will have hanging on him.
“I don’t know.” I’m really not in the mood for another party, or another run in with Evangeline if I can avoid it, but knowing Bobby, she’s going to try to convince me.
“Oh, come on. Don’t make me come drag you out tonight because you know I will.” Knowing she probably will do this I decide to go.
“Fine. I guess I’ll meet you there.” Great, I think to myself.
“Great.” Bobby beams at me.
The rest of our day goes by quickly and by the time lunch comes around, I’m starving. I just hope today; Austin and Evangeline are absent. I can’t stand to see the smug look on her face as she flirts unabashedly with Austin. Just her whiny voice irks me to no end, add to that the fact Austin doesn’t push her away and seems to enjoy the attention, I want to gag.
“Hey.” I greet the table before taking a seat with my taco salad. Pulling my fork and napkin out of the plastic bag I stir my food around and dig in. Bobby slides in next to me a few minutes later with a serious look on her face.
“Next week is homecoming. Please tell me you’re not skipping out?” Pausing with my fork in front of my mouth, I turn my head and glance at her to see if she’s serious.
“I wasn’t planning on going.”
“Is it because you don’t have a date?” Raising a brow, Bobby waits for my answer.
“No. I just wasn’t going to go.” Peering at Bobby, I can see the wheels turning and I know she plans to fix my non-date issue.
“What if I found someone that wanted to take you? Would you go then?”
“I’m not a charity case Bobby.”
“That’s not what I was meaning. If someone were to ask you to be their date…” Austin cuts her off.
“Who needs a date?” Austin takes a seat across from me looking between Bobby and I, seeming interested in our conversation.
“Makayla…” Interrupting Bobby before she proves just how pathetic I am, I cover her mouth and respond.
“Nobody.” Austin raises an eyebrow knowing there’s more, but I don’t elaborate.
“We were talking about homecoming and finding dates, but I think Makayla and I are going to say screw it and go with each other. Right?” Bobby nudges me while Austin smirks knowing that’s not what we were originally saying.
“Is that so?” He ponders.
“Yup. Bobby and I don’t need dates to hold us back from having fun and dancing with whoever we want.”
“Ooh. I like that idea.” Bobby smirks.
“Anyone?” Austin rubs the slight stubble on his jaw in contemplation and I wish I could do the same. I’d love to feel the rough stubble before I bring him close and kiss him senseless.
Whoa. Where in the world did that thought come from? I really need to put some distance between us before he notices my infatuation for him.
“Yup. You ready Bobby? I have to talk to the counselor about college applications. I need her help with finding a suitable college here in Texas.” Having this excuse to get away does the trick. Even though I plan to move to California when I graduate, taking a look at colleges here near my dad would probably be a good idea. He’s the only real family I have left and maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to stay here. However, my mom is in California and everything I have ever known is there too. Lacy, her mom, my old friends, and my old life are still there waiting for my return. Could I make the leap and stay here continuing my fresh start? It’s both scary and exhilarating, but I have no clue if it’s right for me or not.
“Sure. Let’s go.” Just as Bobby and I get up to leave, Evangeline takes a seat next to Austin while glaring daggers at Bobby and me.
“Oh. Looks like we’re leaving just in time.” Bobby smarts.
“Run along now maggots.” Flicking her hand at us, Evangeline turns to focus her attention on Austin as we head out. Bobby turns to say something witty I’m sure, but I just pull her along with me not wanting to cause a scene. I glance back just as Bobby and I get to the double doors that lead to the hall and see Austin staring with intensity at me. A shiver of awareness flows through me while I turn quickly to leave.
“One of these days I’m just going to throat punch her.” Snickers fall from our lips as we make our way to the office.
“You’ve said that before.” I quip.
“Because it’s true. Why didn’t you let me tell Austin you needed a date?”
“He doesn’t need to know my business.” Besides, I would look extremely pathetic if she told him I needed a date.
“But what if me telling him you needed a date prompts him to ask you to the dance?”
“Because he would be asking me out of pity or something. If he truly wanted to ask me, he would come up with the idea on his own.” I won’t be asked out of pity.
“Well now he thinks you don’t want a date.”
“I don’t.” I raise my hands in exasperation. “The only reason I am agreeing to going is because I’m going with you and because I didn’t want to seem pathetic when you told him I didn’t have a date.”
“We’ll now I’m excited. Does that mean one of us needs go in a suit?” Shoving Bobby, the easy laugh escapes me causing the dread I felt to slowly fade. I can do this. I don’t need a date and I shouldn’t care what Austin thinks. I’ll have fun with Bobby; screw boys.
“No. We can dress however we want. But just know, I don’t put out,” I joke.
“Damn. There goes my night.” Bobby sighs exaggeratedly. She reminds me so much of Lacy that I can’t help but feel home sick just thinking about it. I wish she were here now. I’d love her to meet Bobby and Beau because she would love them and I’m sure they’d love her.
Bobby and I receive a list of colleges in Texas and head to our next class discussing what we are looking for in a college and making a mental note to write my list down later for future reference. When the warning bell rings, we make our way to our seats, and wait for the teacher to begin our lesson. Austin slides into his seat next to me just before the late bell ring, causing me to glance over to him as he easily smiles back at me. Once the teacher announces what we will be doing in class, we pull our books out, and begin to read.
Sitting quietly in class, Austin’s stare bores into the side of my head. It takes all my willpower to not turn and ask him why he’s staring. We’re supposed to be reading chapter four in our book and taking notes on it for our test on Monday, but Austin is making it difficult to concentrate.
“Is there a reason you’re staring?” Whispering so the teacher doesn’t hear me, I keep my eyes glued to the page I’m on and wait for his reply.
Quietly, so the teacher doesn’t hear him, Austin replies. “I was just thinking about our conversation at lunch.”
“A
nd?” Great. He thinks I’m pathetic and he’s going to suggest a friend of his so I don’t have to go dateless.
“And…I was going to suggest…”
“Mr. James. Is there a reason you’re talking instead of reading?”
“I was asking her a question about the chapter. I wanted to see what Makayla thought would be relevant for our notes.” Glaring at Austin, I hope he didn’t just get us in trouble.
“I see.” She looks between the two of us before nodding her head as if coming to a conclusion. “This isn’t a group activity, Austin. Please refrain from talking until after class is over. If you’d like to discuss notes, do it on your own time.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Rolling my eyes, I get back to my reading, ignoring the curious stares.
By the time class is over, I tug Bobby to our next class hoping to avoid Austin and any further discussion about our lunch conversation.
“Why the hurry?” Bobby pulls my arm to slow me down, so she can keep up.
“I just want to avoid Austin’s curious questions. I think he knows that I don’t have a date. Probably was going to suggest one of his friends to go with me or something like I’m some sort of charity case.”
“Or he was going to ask you.” Shaking my head, I disagree.
“Nope. He’s taking Evangeline.”
“He asked her?” Surprise lace her tone.
“Not yet, but it’s inevitable.” They are inseparable, why wouldn’t he take her?
“If you say so. I can’t wait until he pulls the full Austin charm on you and knocks you on your booty.” Booty bumping me, I laugh and shake my head at Bobby knowing it will never happen.
“Yeah, yeah. And hell will freeze over.”
****
After closing up at work, I decide to feign illness when I text Bobby to let her know I’m not going to make it to the party tonight. I’m not in the mood to hang out and party with a bunch of people I barely know aside from Beau and Bobby, and after the last time when Evangeline ambushed me, I have no need for a repeat. By the time I make it home, my staying in sounds better and better.
Counting Goodbyes Page 14
