by Paige Powers
“Speaking of swapping spit, do you want to make out?”
I laughed and shoved my spoon into his mouth. He choked a little, but ate it. He put his spoon in my mouth and I ate the Rocky Road.
“Mm, not bad,” I said.
“Yours isn’t either.” I smirked. He laughed and I frowned.
“What?” I asked.
“You’ve got ice cream on your chin.” I wiped my chin and blushed a little. He laughed more. I nudged him and he nudged me back. I slapped his leg and he pushed me over. I rammed my elbow in his ribs. I laughed as he coughed and grunted.
“Oh my gosh!” I yelled terrified. I looked at him as he held his chest. “Oh, I’m so, so, sorry I totally forgot about—.”
“It’s fine,” he laughed and rubbed his rib. “You’re good.” I smiled but felt worried.
“Seriously, I didn’t mean to.”
“I know you didn’t,” he said calmly. I felt bad and gave him a sad smile. He returned it with a dorky grin. “You can’t hit that hard, anyhow.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I would punch you again but it might hurt even worse.”
He laughed. “Nah, it takes a lot for me to get hurt that bad.” I didn’t like the way he said it. I didn’t want him to talk about getting hurt. It made me angry. I sighed. It was only noon, so we had two hours if not more. Our attention went back to the TV and I drummed my fingers on the sofa, deciding. I clucked my tongue and looked at Jack. He was about to eat a chip when he saw me looking at him. I wiggled my eye brows. He raised one.
“I’m bored. Let’s make out.” He half smiled and put the chip down. He looked at me and smirked as he leaned over and kissed me. It was good. So, so, so good. He pulled back a little and teased my lips. I rolled my eyes. “So, this doesn’t affect our friendship or anything?” I made sure, pulling back a little. He nodded, his eyes closed, feeling for my lips again. “Just to have fun right?” He nodded again and kissed me lightly.
“Since we’re not getting anywhere with Kendra or Grant,” said Jack as he touched my lips again. I nodded too.
“Might as well get something out of it,” I mumbled, kissing his top lip. I was feeling it again. The butterflies in my stomach and the heat in my lower stomach. The gentleness of his lips. His hands came up and rested on my neck softly. I kissed the side of his lips pulling back and then kissing him again on his bottom lip. I pulled back enough to get air. “Screw it, since we’re going to do this, we might as well do it right,” I said and pulled him on top of me on the sofa. He laughed a throaty laugh as he pulled himself a little off me to avoid hurting me. The sofa was nice and comfortable with soft blankets under my fingertips. I put my hands on his waist and pulled him down closer to me. I wanted him so much closer. He groaned in his throat and his other hand was on my waist. We were kissing just lightly. Our hearts were already beating loudly. My body was craving more than just kisses, but I couldn’t let anything more happen. I deepened the kiss and he got the idea. I tasted the chocolate on his lips and he winced when I pressed too hard and hurt his cut lip. I pulled back slightly but he just came down harder on me. Which wasn’t bad, of course, but I didn’t want to hurt him. I put my tongue in his mouth and ran it across his. It woke up and twirled with mine. I felt like moaning but I knew that wouldn’t help just making out. He pulled back and kissed my chin. Then down a little, then down a little more. He sucked right below my ear where you could feel my pulsing heartbeat. I gasped. My fingers grabbed his back and I arched my body to his. I pulled my hands up quick to him and pulled his head back up to my lips. “Just here,” I whispered and I could feel him smiling. That was my spot. Grant never found that before. I put my hands in Jack’s hair and kept kissing him slowly.
Chapter 30
We made out for a long time. But it felt so fast. Before I knew it I heard the clock in the dining room going off. I pulled back with my lips feeling swollen.
“What time is it?” I asked, panic in my voice. Jack jumped off of me and looked at the time. “3:00 p.m.!” he said, shocked. I jumped up.
“Damn-it! My mom is going to be home any minute now and look at this!” The coffee table was a mess with junk food and chips. The sofa was a mess too. If she saw this, she’ll know we skipped. Jack looked me in the eyes and knew the same thing. We quickly grabbed all the junk food and put it away. Then cleaned the table and put the melted ice cream away. I folded all the blankets and laid them neatly on the sofa. I turned back to Jack with a sigh. “Okay, done.” At that we heard a car pull in. Jack and I ran to the window to see my mom getting out of her car. “Um,” I thought for a moment. “Upstairs!” I yelled and we both ran up. I slammed my door just as the front door opened. I grabbed my Algebra book and we jumped onto the bed.
“Lidia?” Mom came into the room.
“So if you do this and divide—oh, hey, Mom,” I said, looking up. Jack smiled up at her.
“You guys are home early.”
“Um, school let out a little early for the play.” She nodded.
“Oh, OK. What play is it?” My mouth opened a little.
“Um...Hamlet!” I said. She smiled.
“Oh I love that book! Maybe we could go see it—.”
“No!” I yelled. She jumped and frowned. “I mean...you can’t. It’s just that this play is only for…um…for the parents of the kids!” She nodded.
“Okay, fine. Jack, are you staying for supper?” she asked.
“Actually, I should probably head home soon,” he said, sounding a little worried.
“Oh OK, well come say bye before you leave.” Mom left the room and I sighed and threw my book back on the ground.
“That was close,” Jack laughed. “Well, Princess, it’s not like this wasn’t fun but I think my mom is probably really worried about me right now. I turned off my cell so she probably called like a million times.” I nodded and bit at my lip.
“Do you think you’ll be OK?” I whispered. He sighed and looked at me.
“I’m not sure. I guess we’ll see.” I frowned.
“Maybe you should stay here. I mean we’re going back to your house tomorrow evening anyhow.” He smiled sadly at me.
“I really need to go home, Lidia.”
I nodded and looked up. “Just call me when you get back, okay?”
He grinned. “Worried about me?”
I blushed a little. “A little.”
He smiled. It was sweet.
“I’ll be fine,” he said. He kissed my hair and stood up. “I’ll call you tonight,” he confirmed as he grabbed his bag. I waved as he left my room. I heard his car start up noisily then drive away. I really hoped he’d be alright. Maybe Scott decided to leave for good. I sighed. I blushed a little as I remembered us on the sofa.
A little while later I heard my phone going off. I grabbed it out of my jeans and answered it. “Lidia, hey,” Jack said sweetly.
“Hey,” I smiled.
“I have some good news.”
“Yeah?” I asked. He lowered his voice.
“Scott isn’t coming tomorrow. I think my mom said he was busy.” I sighed. Relief washing over me.
“Good.” Then a thought occurred to me. “Did he…?” I trailed off not wanting to say it. Jack knew what I was talking about.
“No, he only stayed a little when I came back but he left and didn’t say a word to me.” I nodded to myself. Good, he didn’t hurt him. “Well, I better hit the hay. I’m beat!” I laughed.
“From stuffing your face with ice cream?” I asked. He chuckled.
“No! What are you talking about? We were working’ our brains out at school, remember?” I laughed.
“Yeah, I remember.”
“Night, Lidia,” he whispered. I lay down on the bed and smiled.
“Night.” I hung up and sighed. Maybe this wouldn’t turn out bad after all. But then maybe it would.
Chapter 31
I slept in, happy that it was a Saturday
and then got up at 2:00 p.m. Mom and dad were watching TV in the living room. I was stunned to see them together but then they were trying to fix their marriage. “Hey,” I said. Mom smiled.
“Sleep long enough?” she asked. I laughed.
“Yeah.” I sat down beside her and saw dad texting someone on his phone. Some things never change. “Um, Mom, did I tell you that I was going to Jack’s tonight to have supper with his mom?” I said looking at her. She smiled.
“If you did, I can’t remember.” I almost rolled my eyes but didn’t.
“OK, well, Jane is making stuff and invited me over. So, Jack is picking me up at about 6 but I’m not sure by what time we’ll be back.” She nodded.
“Okay, that’s fine.” I got up and got something to eat and started to read Lord of the Flies.
It was 5 p.m. when I took a hot shower and got dressed in the red and white polka-dot dress that I had hidden in the back of my closet. I smiled. This was supposed to be for Grant. But maybe I got it for someone else, not Grant…maybe I knew I had feelings for---.
“Lidia!” Dad called from outside the bathroom door, scaring me. “I need to get in there for a second. Are you almost done?” I sighed and slipped the dress on.
“Yeah, hold on a minute.” It came just two inches above my knees. Good thing I had a long coat. My coat was just as long as the dress, so it would keep me warm. I opened the door and grabbed my stuff. He smiled.
“Sorry,” I rolled my eyes and went into my room. I combed out my hair that I had dried and left down. It tumbled a little below my shoulders. Not too long like all the people have now, but not too short either. It was a little wavy, so I curled a few pieces and put on my flats. I heard the car from a mile away.
“Lidia! Jack’s here!” Mom called. I sighed and checked myself in the mirror. I didn’t put on a lot of makeup. Just a little. I smiled and the girl in the mirror smiled back. This is me, I guess. Someone in between a roughy-toughy girl and the girlie-girl. Perfect. I grabbed my coat, keys and cell phone, not bothering to get a purse. They were pointless. I ran down the stairs as Jack came in.
“Mrs. Taylor,” Jack said sweetly to mom. She blushed.
“Please call me Jill.” He nodded. Jack looked….really handsome. He was wearing dark jeans with a button up dark green shirt and his leather jacket. He was wearing a brown skull hat that almost matched his hair. I came down the stairs and quickly slipped in.
“I’m ready,” I said, behind my mom. Jack’s eyes shifted over to me. His eyes had that look that I could never figure out. His eyes were locked on me. He looked like he was stunned where he was. I smiled lightly. Those blue eyes. Why did they make me blush so much? Why could he see everything in me?
“Oh Lidia! You look so pretty!” Mom said and gave me a hug.
“Thanks, Mom,” I said and pulled back. I looked at Jack again who tried to regain his composure but was failing.
“Yeah you look...” He trailed off and looked down, blushing a little. I smiled kindly.
“Mom, I’ll be back when I can.”
“Oh, just have fun!” she said and smiled. I nodded.
“See ya, dad!” I yelled.
“Bye!” he yelled from his office. I walked towards Jack and he looked up at me from in between his lashes.
“Come on, buddy,” I said and nudged him playfully. He smiled and we walked out the door. “So, what is your Mom making for supper?” I asked as we drove out of the parking lot.
“Um, I’m not sure. But she is going totally crazy, rushing around making stuff.” I laughed.
“Aw, that’s sweet.” It was silent.
“She really likes you, Lidia,” Jack said and looked over at me with a small smile. I smiled.
“I think she’s great, too.”
He looked back at the road and put his arm beside mine and they touched. We didn’t move back. We left our elbows touching. I wanted it. I wanted to be able to touch him no matter what. If it was just the elbows, I would be okay. And no, I wasn’t going to object to that. I’m not going to argue because it was the truth. I still wasn’t sure what I felt for Jack...and I was worried about that. Because in the end, I would probably get my heart broken.
Chapter 32
We got to the house and quickly ran to the door. We walked up the stairs slowly. I thought Jack was going to say something but he just looked up. But, then I felt a hand come into mine. We intertwined our fingers and I smiled. We got up to his floor and he unlocked the door. He looked back at me and smiled a crooked smile.
“Be prepared. She’s going all out.”
I laughed and nodded. He opened the door and the smell of baked bread morphed from the room. We walked in and Jack shut the door, not bothering to lock it.
“Mom! We’re here!” he called. We walked into the kitchen and smoke came up from the stove as Jane pulled a pan off. She looked up and grinned. She was wearing a nice black dress that made her look like a teenager. But still mom-approvable.
“Lidia!” she said and gave me a hug. “It’s so nice to see you again!”
“You, too,” I said and smiled.
“We’ll I’m making food. It’s almost done, so it will be a minute. Jack you go take her to the table,” she said. He nodded. We walked into the living room where they had set up a table. It had candles in the middle and salad and bread sticks already on it. Jack pulled out my chair and I sat down.
“Thank you,” I said, a little surprised. He nodded and took a drink of his ice water before sitting down.
“Like I said, she went all out,” he whispered. I laughed.
“It’s okay. She did a great job.”
“Damn-it!” she yelled.
“Mom! Are you okay?” Jack asked, half laughing.
“Yeah! Yeah! I’m fine!” she called back. He laughed. A little while later she came out with a tray of spaghetti covered in sauce.
“Mm, it smells good,” I said. She grinned.
“Good! I hope it’s as good as it looks,” she mumbled as she sat down with a sigh. She smiled at Jack and me from her end of the small table. “OK let’s give thanks.” She bowed her head. “Jack?” she asked. He sighed and gave a quick prayer. She smiled as she put her napkin on her lap. “So, how are you Lidia?” I took a bread stick.
“I’m pretty good. It’s just that school has been a pain and stuff.” She nodded.
“Are you going to college after high school?” she asked. I nodded.
“Yeah I want to go to college in California. There’s a really good one there that’s affordable.” She smiled. Jack passed me the spaghetti and I scooped some onto my plate.
“What do you want to major in?”
I thought for a moment as I twirled my spaghetti around my fork.
“I want to be a doctor.” She raised an eyebrow surprised.
“Really?” I nodded.
“It’s always been my dream, I guess.” I shrugged. “My Mom isn’t too helpful, though,” I said and ate a mouthful of spaghetti. She frowned.
“Why not? It’s a great job! If went to college, I would have done something like that.” I sighed.
“My mom is a very...well there really isn’t a word for her. She wants me in a pageant and to be the next Ms. America.” Jack choked on his food but quickly swallowed and retained himself from laughing. I narrowed my eyes at him just as he grinned at me. I rolled my eyes. “I’m something she isn’t, so she isn’t very supportive of me wanting to be a doctor. How come you didn’t go to college?” I asked. She sighed.
“Well, my ex-husband and I were high school sweethearts.” I smiled. “And we got married right out of high school. It wasn’t a year before Jack was born and we couldn’t afford for me to go to college after.” I frowned slightly.
“And your ex-husband, what did he do?” She ate a bite of her food before answering.
“He worked with his brother as lawyers.” I nodded. “But after he left I had to get a job to take care of
Jack.” I looked down and took a drink of water.
“Did you ever think about going back to school now?” I asked looking up. I saw Jack stop eating. Jane smiled kindly at me.
“I don’t think I could.”
“Why not?” Jack asked putting down his fork. Jane bit her lip. “We could get some extra cash.” Jack suggested. I smiled at him.
“Oh I don’t—.”
“I think you should,” I said. She smiled.
“I never thought about it...but now I will.” She ate, looking happy.
“Mom, maybe—.” Jack was cut off as the front door banged open. We all jumped and turned. A middle-aged man with brown hair stood at the door. His eyes were almost black.
“Jane,” he said, the word cold and cruel. Jack’s whole body went rigid. I stared at the man.
“Oh…Scott,” Jane said, standing up and pushing down her skirt.
“What’s this?” he asked. He was a tall, big man. Jack’s hands were clenched in a fist, mine mimicked his. This was Scott. She went over and he pulled her in to kiss him. He pulled her away quickly.
“We were just having dinner,” she said her voice a little shaky.
“And, you didn’t tell me?” he asked.
“No! No, no, sweetie. We were waiting for you.” He nodded. He looked at me and my jaw clenched.
“Hi,” he said, his voice becoming gentler. “Who’s this?” he asked. Jack stood up his hands still clenched in fists at his sides.
“She’s my girlfriend,” Jack said, his voice deep. Scott raised an eyebrow but looked bored.
“Didn’t know you even had a girl,” he said. Scott ignored him and smiled creepily at me. “I’m Scott.”
“Lidia,” I answered back, trying to unclench my teeth.
“Well Jane, I want something to eat, so why don’t you set me up a plate?” She nodded and ran into the kitchen. Jack sat back down his body tense and ready to pounce. I put my hand on his leg and he flinched but then saw me. I calmed him down with my eyes. It was OK. He wasn’t going to hurt any of us. If I just behave and if he likes me, he might not hurt Jack. But this guy was a creep. I could see that. Every time I looked at him I could see him punching Jack. I wanted to punch Scott myself. He dragged a chair over to the table in front of me and sat down. I got a whiff of a heavy alcohol and cigarettes. “So, how long have you been dating?” he asked, putting his lazy arm on the back of the chair. Jack didn’t eat.
