by Nicole Adams
Charlie’s face lights up and he closes the space between us, sweeping me into his arms. “Yes, Babe! I knew you could do it!”
“Urgh! You two are giving me a stomach-ache.” Henry says sounding nauseated, turning and heading up the stairs.
“Come on, I best get you to school before your Mom kills me.” he murmurs against my temple before pulling me out of the house, to his truck.
Chapter 12
“Hi, my name is Faye. I'm here for my trial shift?” I tell the young girl on reception, her brow furrowed in concentration, staring at the screen. She turns to me with a soft smile. Her glasses framing blue eyes and blonde hair fastened into two French braids.
“Hi, it's nice to meet you. My name is Ava. We just need you to fill out these new starter forms and then we can get started.” She hands me a blue clipboard with an attached pen, before returning to her computer. Ava shouts over her shoulder “If you need anything just holler!” waving a hand in the air.
I head over to the small sofa in front of the large window facing the street. Excitement thrums in my stomach, the pen shaking in my hand as I write down my details.
“Faye?” A low voice catches my attention. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
“Cole? What are you doing here?” My voice comes out shakier than I intend.
“I was passing by when I thought I saw you. What are you doing here?” He asks, with a sweet grin, leaning against the wall. A shiver spreads down my spine, making my whole body tense. There is nothing about Cole that is sweet.
“Just filling out an application form.” I say, unable to think of a realistic lie.
“That’s great! So, I have been meaning to ask you something, but I keep missing you.” He says coyly. Rubbing his hands against his jeans.
“What is it?” My gut was twisting with worry.
“Well the dance is this Friday. I figured you and I could go together.” He grins. Was that a question, or a statement? Either way fat chance.
“Sorry, I’m going with Gilly. It’s a girls’ night. I can’t leave her on her own last minute, we’ve been planning it for a while.” I lie. Gilly would be fine if I had a date. He doesn’t need to know that though. Cole scares me more than I care to admit.
“Come on Faye.” He lifts his hands in the air in peace. “I just want to make things up to you after the party and all. Please?” His hands pleading in front of him and a pout on his lips, that only makes me grimace.
“I’m sorry, I can’t let her down. She’s my best friend.” I shrug, apologetically. He sighs loudly and I swear he rolls his eyes.
“Well how about you save me a dance?” He smiles. “It’s the least you can do.”
The least I can do? What the hell? A moment of dumb struck before I utter the word “sure.” Through gritted teeth. The lie is harder to tell than I thought, when all I want is to rip this guy a new one. But his threatening gaze shakes me and I’m not going to start a scene on my first day.
“Great! I’ll see you then,” he says, waving and heading back out the front door. I let out the breath I was holding. What was he even doing here?
I finish up my form and head back to the counter. “All done.” I say with a cheery smile.
“Thanks doll. Who was that by the way? He was cute!” She smiles pointing to where Cole was.
“Cole… He’s a jerk.” I say shuddering.
“He seemed to really like you.” She smiles wiggling her eyebrows.
“Snowballs chance in hell! I’m seeing someone, but Cole gives me the creeps.” I shudder.
“Oh! Well, let’s get started shall we?” she says, opening the ‘employees only’ door with a big smile. The excited feeling returns to my stomach making me feel giddy. She takes me through the daily jobs, feedings, cleaning, how the till works, health and safety, checking on the chrysalis and general customer service. “So that’s the basics for today. Do you have any questions?” She asks as we head back to the reception.
“I think I got it all. When will I start? If you like me that is.” I say awkwardly.
She smiles knowingly. “I think I can tell you you’ve got the job.” She smiles. “You can start next Wednesday if that’s good for you? 3pm?” She says heading to the computer and opening her calendar.
“That should be fine. I’ll see you then!” I say excitedly, feeling a little giddy. I can’t believe I did it!
As I exit, a pair of arms wrap around me. A face buried in my neck. I go stiff, in a panic.
“Hey baby.” Charlie murmurs into my hair. “What's wrong?” he says pulling away slightly. I breathe out a sigh of relief.
“Nothing, you scared me that’s all.” I reply, turning in his embrace to see him.
“How did it go?” He asks, sweeping a stray hair behind my ear.
“Amazing! They gave me the job!” I say, a little high pitched, doing my signature celebratory dance with a grin on my face the size of Jupiter.
“God, you’re amazing!” He shouts, spinning me round. “This here is my girlfriend everyone!” He shouts to the empty lot, and I can’t help but laugh, trying to cover the shock from his outburst.
“Girlfriend, huh? I don’t remember being asked?” I raise my eyebrow in question.
“Oh, didn’t I make that clear? I presumed you knew,” he said, teasingly, squeezing me tighter.
“Well, I do prefer to be included in these decisions.” I say, trying to lace my voice with displeasure, even though my pulse is racing inside. I run my fingers up and down his muscular arms.
“Do you not want to be my girlfriend?” He asks raising his eyebrows at me. “Did you think you could have your fun then walk away? Well, I never,” he says placing me down, in a fake huff.
“I didn’t say that. I was just expecting a big romantic gesture you know?” I shrug, giggling. He puts a finger to his chin in thought.
“I’ll keep that in mind for next time babe.” He winks before lifting me back into his embrace. The peaceful feeling that Charlie brings, envelops me. “Now are you ready to go, my love?”
“Yep, I think we’re done here.” I say looking around. He carries me to the truck and deposits me on the passenger seat, before heading around to his side. His black t-shirt clings to his tight muscular form, his hair trapped beneath his cap.
“Well seeing as you liked to be asked things first,” he says with an eye roll, reaching into the back seats and pull out a Gerbera flower, my favourite. My heart palpitates. “Can I take you to the dance?” Charlie smiles, leaning across the cab and kissing me firmly. I know, in this moment, Charlie has stolen my heart completely. This man will be the death of me.
Chapter 13
As I peer into the mirror I pull at my freshly curled hair, pinning it out of my face on one side. My perfectly rosy cheeks, fake eyelashes and deep ruby lips. I feel a million bucks, though the dreaded feeling in my gut still won’t go away. The mixture of excitement and nervousness takes over, my palms moisten, and my chest tightens with anticipation. This is it. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I shake out the last of my nerves through my hands and do a little shaky jig.
“How come you can make me look this pretty, yet at that party I looked like a sideshow clown?” I laugh, turning to Gilly as she struts out of the bathroom in her heels.
“I had more time and this event requires a certain elegance,” she replies with a posh voice and low curtsey. She turns back to the full-length mirror checking over the final touches. Her hair is up in a messy bun, her bronzed make up done to perfection, and a gorgeous knee length teal dress with a sparkly bodice, showing off her full chest. So Gilly. She turns to me to see her finished masterpiece.
“Well, look who just became Cinderella.” She smiles covering her mouth. I wore a red a-line dress with gold embroidered detail to the skirt, with a halter neckline. I twirl around, showing the full skirt. “Where did you get that dress from anyway?” she frowns, mad because she didn’t come with me to choose.
“It was my Mom’
s.” I replied, the shock showing in her eyes.
“Damn, Momma got good taste!” she says, snapping her fingers at me. I didn’t really have much choice. We couldn’t really afford a new dress, but I didn’t mind. I have wanted to wear this dress since I found it in my mom’s wardrobe when I was 8. I didn’t really have the assets to fill it back then. Now, it fits like a glove, and makes me feel even more special knowing that it’s almost a legacy, and in perfect condition. My mom was thrilled when I asked to wear it, the night Charlie asked me. She literally ran to her room, from the kitchen begging me to try it on there and then. I indulged and she stood in my bedroom, showing me how I should wear my hair and what shoes would go with it. She kept doing these little happy dances and squealing with excitement. I haven’t seen my mom that happy in a while.
A car honk pulls me out of my daydream. “He’s here!” Gilly shouts, running to the door of my bedroom before stopping in her tracks and turning on her heels. “Did he really just honk?” she asks, the displeasure showing all over her face. “He should have knocked the damn door like a gentleman,” she says, arms in the air for emphasis. I just shrug, pushing her out of the room.
The knot in my stomach pulls tighter again as I turn the corner on to the landing. I take a few deep breaths, rubbing my palms down the side of my dress and check my pits. Am I sweating? Phew, thank god for the extra deodorant I applied. I smooth down my dress at the hips and continue on. I head down the stairs, watching my family ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ Charlie and Gilly, before turning their attention to me. Mom sees me first, teary eyed nudging Dad to bring his attention to me. Gilly gives me an approving look before my eyes meet Charlie. He greets me with wide eyes, his jaw dropping a little before snapping shut, grinning like the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.
“You look amazing,” he manages to get out, in a low growly voice as I reach the bottom of the stairs taking his hand. I do a little spin for him. He looks amazing in his shirt and black blazer with a matching red tie. I’m pretty sure my Mom made him wear that. His hair is combed back, a lot neater than his a little too long, messy look he usually sports. The forest smell of his cologne fills my nostrils, making me shiver with delight, as he pulls me in close. I breathe it in deeply as his muscular arms wrap around my waist in a tight, protective hug.
“You scrub up well yourself.” I say pulling away to get another look at my handsome man, glad his strong hands are supporting my weight as my knees feel a little weak. The click of Mom’s camera sounding in the background.
“Come on you two love birds, I have some dancing to do! I may be going stag, but the later we leave the less likely I am to pull a hottie!” Gilly shouts, heading for the door. We follow her out, laughing.
“Have fun, guys! We’ll be out tonight but make sure you are back by 12!” Dad shouts after us sternly.
“Can I get one proper picture first please?” Mom pleads. We turn smiling, Charlie’s arm pulling me close. I look up and her another click of the camera. “One more.” She says and I look at my Mom, unable to hold in my glee. “Your good to go baby! Have a great time,” she says, pulling us both in to a quick hug, before pushing us out the door. “Look after them both, Charlie,” she shouts waving.
“Oh, I won’t take my eyes off her.” he replies. Winking at me, making my already rosy cheeks turn beet red. He opens the car door, lifts me in and tries to buckle me up with a wink and kissing my cheek.
“I am quite capable.” I reply, trying to take the buckle off him, but he swipes my hand away.
“Not today babe. I’m treating you like the queen you are.” He smiles. I hear Gilly sigh in the back seat.
“By doing up my seat belt?” I chuckle.
“By doing all menial tasks the queen sees fit,” he says, clicking the buckle in and bowing before closing the door. The blush returns to my cheek. How did I get so lucky? I turn to Gilly in the back and she just looks back at me with that look on her face that says I’m so happy for you. And I return her smile reaching my hand back to give hers a squeeze. She has been there for me from the very beginning and I can’t help but feel thankful for my best friend.
As we reach the school I start to fumble with my hands, rubbing my palms against my dress. Charlie places his hands over mine, caressing me with his thumb. “You have nothing to be nervous about you look gorgeous.” He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze.
“It’s just a little unknown territory for me.” I shrug and Charlie laughs.
“What?” he chuckles out. I frown at him, and he pulls his face into a neutral one. “It’s a dance, not Europe! Look, there is no need to worry about something you can’t control. Just stick with me and take a leap of faith.” He pulls my hand up and brushing his lips against my knuckles.
“And me!” Gilly shouts from the back. “You guys are giving me a tooth ache.” We all laugh. Charlie pulls into one of the bays. Gilly hops straight out and beelines for a group of football players.
“Ready?” he asks, leaning over and unbuckling my belt. I frown.
“To share you with the rest of my high school year? Definitely not,” I say, leaning in, teasing, hovering in a hairsbreadth away. I can feel his expectancy and wait for him to cover the rest of the distance and, when he does, he kisses me long and deeply.
He pulls away reluctantly. “You had better stop that if you expect to make it to the dance,” he says, his voice gravelly.
“I don’t mind that.” I say pulling him back in for another kiss. This time he doesn’t pull away, wrapping his arms around my waist, ready to pull me over the centre console, when a knock sounds on the window, pulling us out of our lusty haze.
“Come on!” Gilly shouts, before running off again.
“She really wants a hottie.” Charlie exclaims and we both laugh and hop out of his truck. I get out before he can lift me out and he frowns when he makes it round to my side. Instead takes my hand and intertwines our fingers together, pulls me close then guides me into the hall.
Whispers fill the hall as we enter. Sam and her coven snicker and shoot pointed looks. I try to ignore them, when Charlie pulls me straight onto the dance floor for a slow dance.
“Ignore them Faye. Girls are only like this when they are jealous and dumb.” I bite my lip and nod insignificantly, looking at the floor.
“Look at me.” he says, hooking his index finger under my chin. “You are so much more than you think you are, and those girls don’t have a thing on you. I wish you saw yourself through my eyes.” He leans in and kisses me softly, causing the snickering to abruptly stop. The small crowd surrounding Sam disperses.
“See. When they can’t hurt you, they move on.” He gestures to where the crowd was.
“To their next victim.” I say wiggling my fingers and putting on a creepy voice. He smiles.
“Come on. Let’s get some punch.” He leads me off the dancefloor and we sit on a table already occupied by Gilly and a few of the girls. He kisses my head before heading to the punch bowl.
“So, are you two together?” Georgia asks, pointing between me and Charlie, with a sceptical look. I swear, are all these girls out to get me? Sam comes a little closer, to eavesdrop my answer. As I open my mouth, Charlie reappears.
“A few weeks now, right babe?” placing the punch down, and sitting beside me, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles. I hear Sam’s huff as she walks away.
“Ignore her. You know you guys are the cutest.” Gilly says, winking at us. “Now I need to go find myself a man!” she says getting up and heading to the dancefloor.
“I’m just going to go over and see Coach for a minute,” he says tapping my hand and kissing me on the forehead as he rises.
“I’m going to head to the bathroom anyway.” I smile and head for the exit.
As I look at myself in the mirror, I feel flooded with happiness and confidence, sweeping a loose hair behind my ear. It feels so liberating. Being with Charlie makes me realise that being myself is good enough.
“Well,
aren’t we looking pretty tonight?” Sam says, circling me like a predator.
“What do you want, Sam?” I ask, glaring at her reflection.
“Oh, nothing. Just trying to understand what he sees in you.” She sneers.
“What do you mean by that?” I ask turning to face her.
She laughs. “Well look at you. You’re plain. Boring. Insect freak.” She spits the words at me like venom on her tongue.
“God Sam! I really don’t give a shit what you think! You don’t even know him, so why do you even care?” I shout, all calm going out the window.
“Oh, bless your heart. You really think you can keep a man like that? He deserves someone so much more.” she says admiring herself in the mirror, giving me a passing glance.
