Chapter 8: Chapter 8

She had gone out with Chad. Nothing had happen unfortunately. It’s like he was following a rule of not kissing on the first date. So maybe the third date then. She wouldn’t disappoint then. Jason had been worried for nothing.

She dropped her phone under her pillow.

She was bored. Before she wouldn’t have a problem staying indoors all the time, only going out when she needed to. Which was to the library and work. Jason and Chad weren’t like her. They didn’t spend much time on their phone like her. They had a life.

She didn’t.

Ever since she had been acquainted with Jason, she had been having fun. And now that it was a weekend and she was at home, and Jason was doing whatever, so was Chad, she was left to her own devices. She had already gotten close to her phone, so it wasn’t so exciting anymore.

She had already educated herself with the news around, and gotten up to date with pop culture. She had watched video after video. She was already using glasses, so it couldn’t get any more worse. It had gotten old after a few days.

And she couldn’t keep using her phone all day. She didn’t want her mum to get suspicious. Her mum didn’t stick her nose in her business any day, but she knew the woman would get suspicious if she just kept holing herself in her room. She didn’t want her to find any of her stuff. She was sure what would happen to her would be worse than Adriana.

Maybe she would take a little nap. She already had a snack, so when she’d wake up again she wouldn’t be so hungry. She wriggled around like a worm, trying to find the most suitable position. She found it after tossing and turning. Just as she was about drifting off, she was shocked by the vibrations from underneath her pillow making her sit up.

Snatching the device, it was to see a text from Jason.

Well bye boredom.

‘What?’ she questioned to his question of ‘You there?’

‘Where are you?’ he asked. Not even a good afternoon.

‘I’m home. Where else would I be?’

‘Oh! I forgot that you have no social life’ he replied with a teasing face.

‘So this text was to state the obvious?’ she had stopped being so responding to all his taunts.

‘No, it’s a bonus. Get dressed, I’m taking you somewhere’.

‘Where?’ she asked curious, but that didn’t stop her from opening her closet and digging through the secluded area that she kept all the stuff she bought. She knew she had to hide it, because her and her mum alternated laundry duty. Well if she had seen it, she would say something.

‘God it’s a surprise. Can’t you let someone do something nice for you?’

‘The last time you did something ‘nice’ I ended up auditioning for a dance studio’.

‘By the way, how is that going?’

‘I haven’t gone there yet. I have school to focus on. I don’t need that type of distraction right now’.

‘Well you could go before college. Everyone has what they want to do before they go off to college’.

‘Till then’ they were done with that.

‘Anyway, I’m close. Just meet me there, or do you want me driving around till I figure out your place?’

‘Don’t you dare!’ she typed slipping on a pair of her usual wardrobe. She got a bag and put her outfit of the day in there. She had gotten good at making excuses of what she got up to all the time. She slipped her loafers on and put her hair up. She jogged down the stairs.

‘Mum!’ she called as she walked into the living room. Her mum was seated on the couch watching her favorite soap.

‘Yes Kelly” she replied.

“I’m going to the library to help out. I’ll be back later tonight”.

“Sure. Don’t stay out too late” she said with a wave.

She walked out the door, and as she did that opened up the bag and changed her shoes. Then she began her brisk walk. She didn’t want to sweat due to running. She should really take to carrying perfume as she did this. She’d make a note.

She saw Jason’s car up ahead. And as she got there, she sat in the spot that was now hers. The backseat. She opened the bag and began to change.

“Where to?” she asked.

“Like I said, surprise” he pulled out.

“If it’s to that dance studio, I won’t be the only one in for a surprise”.

“And do you use threats on all your friends?”

She struggled to take off her trousers and not get stuck in the process. Jason chuckled silently at that. Their relationship was something wasn’t it?

She was done getting dressed. In a cute dress. And had let her hair down.

“So what excuse did you give your mum this time?”

“Library job” she shrugged. “You texted at the right time. I was dying of boredom”.

“I thought you were used to it” he meant it to rile her up.

“I was at the time. Everything was there. Food, toilet, laptop and the TV. Then I met you, and nothing is the same anymore. I didn’t know what I was missing. Now that I have the taste, I just want more”.

They drove for a while. He let her play music, and she really had some good songs. He enjoyed the drive and they sang along. He hadn’t really had a drive like this, but it was nice.

It ended too soon for her liking. Just when it got to her best song.

They arrived at some sort of building. A theatre. So this was some sort of show.

“Explain” she said.

Now that they were standing, he could look at the gown that she had worn. It was a peach, off shoulder, cotton shirt dress. Exposed from her clavicle to the top of her chest. Was she wearing a bra?

“This isn’t time for you to get lost” she almost screamed.

“This is a show” he gestured to the sign above.

A ballet show. The nutcracker. And again, he did surprise her. It was nice. The nutcracker was the best story. And when it was a ballet story it was the best kind of story. She was so elated. The music was one of the best composition in history.

Well, not exactly but she loved it that much.

“I have to say thank you. First a ballet audition, now a ballet show. I didn’t know you were this nice” she stated with a blinding smile. “Thank you” she held onto his hand shaking it as if she wanted to rip it off his body.

Odd. He had been expecting a hug. Well they were in a very open place, so she wouldn’t want to draw attention to herself. Well both of them.

“What type of reputation do I have that you think I can’t do nice things for anyone?” he asked bemused.

“Well thinking about it, I don’t know you that well” she said thoughtful. And it was true. They mostly talked about her and Chad. He really didn’t talk about himself. He had never talks about himself. He was those type of boys then. That didn’t want others getting close. It was suspicious at the same time mysterious.

“Well then you can get to know me”. He didn’t want to say that with the tone he did. He said it with so much promise. So much intent. It was because he wanted to get this over and done with. He wanted to win the bet.

“Do you so this for all your friends?”

“Yes” he nodded. “I care about them”.

“So you care about me?” she teased. “So sweet of you” she cooed.

He cleared his throat. “So…..are you ready to go inside?”

“Yes I am” she didn’t need to be told twice. A ballet show. She had only seen them through the screen. To see it up close would be….phenomenal.

Jason led them to their seats. He didn’t like ballet. He didn’t care for it. This was all for her. For her enjoyment. The more she thought he cared, the more he would occupy her head. She’d have conflicting thoughts, then she’d accept that he was a better choice for her than Chad. They’d make love as she claimed, and this would be over.

It started, and it would be rude to just focus on his phone. He was the one who brought her here. If he did that, she’d know that everything was pretense. So he watched. The curtains were drawn back and he just had to endure.

She was always oblivious. Now it was a good thing. She wouldn’t notice his obvious disinterest and restlessness. He alternated between watching the stage and watching her. She treated this the way she treated everything. Giving it a hundred percent. She was so invested in it. The dancers onstage reflected on the lenses of her glasses. And she had a tiny smile on her lips. He stared transfixed.

There was nothing great about the sight she made really, but the thought just hit him. She was pretty. Really pretty. Well she had to be if they were going to sleep together. He turned back to the stage and tried to make sense of everything.

“That was amazing” she said when they left the theatre. “Thanks so much Jason”.

“I know. I’m awesome” he praised himself. “Do you want me to take you home? Or you still want to hang out?” he didn’t want to end this now. To make her fall in love with him. Not like fall in love, but like him the way she liked Chad. Wait, she actually loved Chad. And the bet was to make her fall in love with him. He had actually forgotten about that. He had gotten it mixed up.

Thinking about it now, he really deserved to be called Jason asshole.

“No, not really. Do you have anywhere you want to take me? As you know I don’t get out much”.

“How does the park sound?” he suggested. “Then I can get you that strawberry ice cream you seem to like. It’ll go well with what you’re wearing”.

“Yes it will” she sounded giddy. She wasn’t so bored right now.

He began the drive to the park. It would have been better if they walked there, would have been sweeter. Yes he knew he was being an asshole, but he would never admit defeat to Chad Sterling of all people. He wouldn’t stop hearing about it till he graduated.

She got her phone out and she was texting. It looked like they weren’t going to have another sing-along. She was chatting with Chad. That was the only person she had on her phone. He was only annoyed because Sterling was his competition.

“You and Chad are sort of friends right?” she asked.

“Yes. We are sort of friends” he furrowed his brows. “Why are you asking?”

“D-do you think he’ll be mad that we’re hanging out?” she was all fidgety.

“I don’t think so” his brows did funny movements. “Why are you asking?”

“Well he’s asking me what I’m doing right now. Do you think he’ll get mad?” she looked really lost on what to do and it showed. “We did go out on one date. And I would be made if he is hanging out with other girls”.

“You can tell him you’re out with me” he hid his smirk by rubbing his lips on his shoulder. Chad would be really angry he knew that. “You said you wanted him to want you. Leave him wanting more. Tell him that you’re with other boys will make him want you more” he suggested.

“That’s smart. You’re really helpful” she giggled.

“You never did tell me about your date with Chad. I knew you two were going to hang out” he muttered.

“Yes, we hung out. Nothing happened” she stressed that.

“Really?” he winced.

“Yes. Nothing happened. Unfortunately”.

“Oh my goodness” he moaned. “What is wrong with you?” he questioned shocked.

“What has been happening between you and Chad lately?” he was curious.

“Well you are like my teacher. I give you permission to look at my chats”.

He looked at the chats. Flirty. And they had been exchanging pictures. Chad had been the one to send the first exposing photo. One without a shirt. But he didn’t show her everything. From his shoulder area to the top.

Then she replied with selfies of her sitting down all the time. Exposing her long legs. It was cute, and most importantly safe. If she sent an exclusive photo, no doubt Chad would broadcast that.

“Nice” was all he said, handing her back her phone. More like letting it fall out of his hand.

“Sweet isn’t he?” she waited for confirmation.

“If you say so” he said with so much dispassion.

“Hmph” she huffed, sticking her nose in challenge. “What do you know? Nothing” she replied her own question. “Aren’t you only sweet on a girl for one thing?” she challenged.

Well there was truth in that, but she didn’t have to say it. He glared at her from his side eye. She was unaffected.

“There’s a simple solution to this problem. For us not to be so bothered about who the other is hanging out with, the only solution is a relationship”.

Jason nearly choked on thin air.

“You want a relationship with Chad Sterling of all guys?”

“You say it like you’re better” she grumbled.

“I’m not!” he denied. More affected than he had intended. “Can we just go ahead with what we had planned?” he breathed calming breaths through his nose.

“Sure. Let’s have a break from Chad for a while”.

And he liked the sound of that.

They arrived at the park, they got the ice-cream and found a place to sit.

“So do you want to find out more about me?” surprisingly he was the one to say it. She didn’t seem like she would be the one to say it. She was sucking on her cone, and trying to swallow her pretzel at the same time.

“So behind the playboy, athletic, handsome, mathematician, outgoing….did I get everything right?” she had to stop.

“Rich, charismatic, loving, caring and a poet” he supplied.

“Yes behind that exterior, what’s lurking underneath?”

“Well I’m just a regular guy” he shrugged. “There’s no difference between me and some, maybe most of the other guys you see in school. I wake up, get set for the day, come to school and learn. The same boring day. I do what I have to do on the track. In my free time, I play games and do my homework. I go for a run, then hang out with friends”.

“There’s nothing spectacular about my life. I don’t go around throwing parties on a boat, or taking my friends out just so I can spend on them. You know all that rich kid stereotype, I don’t really fit into it”. “I’m just a regular eighteen year old guy”.

“I never really had any thought about you before. I just knew you were a playboy and you were really social. And there was really no need for me to be surprised when you said you wanted to be my friend. I guess that’s just you” she smiled, her mouth showing the pink cream. “I was taught not to like people like you. But I think what I hated most about you was that you didn’t care about your reputation. You just do….you”. “You are so social and just pull people towards you. I guess I really just envied you”.

She was going to hate him so much after this. Well a lot of people already thought he was a rich entitled prick.

“Now that makes me feel so loved” every word was sarcastic. “Speaking of which, I want to know about your relationship with your mum”.

“Really?” she questioned. “You want to know about that? It will be my turn to ruin our outing”.

“Well she taught you to hate a lot of things, me included. And you’re currently having to hide….the real you from her”.

She sighed. Pretzel and ice-cream were done.

“My mum was pretty fun. It had only been the three of us. Her, Adriana and me. We used to be so close. We were so happy all three of us. We did our hair the same way, always dressed to match. Adriana used to call us the three musketeers. From Monday to Friday it was school and work. Saturday, we would got to the beach to relax. Have a game of volleyball” she was reminiscing.

He listened quietly.

“Or sometimes we would give ourselves a spa treatment. My mum never did talk to us about boys when we grew up. She always said make wise choices. Our upbringing was good, so we both knew what was expected of us”.

He wanted to interrupt right there. But he let her continue.

“The knowledge that I have of some things I learnt them in school or educational shows. My mum just expected two of us to know this. So you can say that my fear of getting corrupted had already been instilled in me from a very young age”.

“You didn’t have friends before high school?” he had to interrupt for that.

“Well I was that quiet kid. Adriana was the butterfly…..just like you” she added staring at him. She removed her glasses and dropped them on the table. “I was close to the teacher, and then there was my mum and Adriana. I was content. We grew and I thought everything would be the same. I was in middle school, Adriana in high school. She began to act different”.

“Well it wasn’t unexpected. She had always had friends. My mum didn’t let us wear makeup, any sort of thing that was so….what she was against. Adriana didn’t are. Tight exposing shirts, tight pants, makeup, fake nails, and fake hairs. And mum….she had faith in Adriana even if she was acting like that. She never did say anything because she thought maybe she knew what she was supposed to do”.

“She actually didn’t talk?” he asked slack jawed. “From what you’ve told me, the bond that you have with your mum isn’t really strong. It’s like she didn’t want to create that long lasting bond between the three of you”. Well he wasn’t in the position to judge. “That’s just my opinion anyway. I could be wrong”.

This conversation they were having was just to speed things up. This was all just a front. He knew she wouldn’t talk about all this with Chad. God. When did he become her best friend? He was the typical male best friend right now.

“I don’t know” she shrugged.

“After the whole pregnancy reveal, then the abortion, my mum stopped talking to her. She apologized. She begged and she cried, but my mum was like a mountain. The once happy home became a very cold place. And the relationship between the three of us deteriorated. I only had the two of them all my life, and they were there, but not there also”.

Jason unconsciously reached for her hand across the table.

She didn’t react when he did that. She squeezed and that shocked him a little. He was expecting a rebuff, but it didn’t come. She smiled weakly at him. “That was the saddest period of my life. I couldn’t talk to anyone, I felt so alone and became so bitter. Then I blamed boys for my unhappy life”.

“Adriana up and left. My mum talked to me then, and I felt like it was my fault for not talking to my sister. For not trying to steer her away. Now I think she felt bad, because she really wanted me to believe that she did a good think for being the reason for her older daughter’s departure. I started high school and became so guarded. I hated everyone because everything that was around me was what destroyed my family, and it was so casual to everyone else”.

“I didn’t want to make Adriana’s mistake. I want to be the daughter she is proud of. And to do that, I had to be just like her. Just the way she wanted. No boys”.

“But your mum didn’t mention boys, even after Adriana. So everything you know is from you. So. This is just speculation?”

“It’s what she wants” she replied sternly.

“And she has never mentioned your dad?”

“No” she sighed, looking at their intertwined fingers and she retraced hers.

That rocked him a little, but he shook it off.

“So you don’t know who he is?” he interrogated.

“No” she replied simply.

“So, who do you take after? Mum or dad?” she diverted the question. She was visibly upset by what she had said. And they wouldn’t be breaching that for a long while.

“Mum” he stated. “I look just like her. Red hair and green eyes” he boasted.

“All American?” she leaned on her arms.

“No Irish ancestry whatsoever”. He had been asked that a lot.

“Now I see why you’re so handsome”. “You told me that I should try the school before college, what do you hope to do before you go to college?”

“I don’t know” he shrugged. “Maybe go on a road trip. Just me, my car and the open road”.

The conversation moved to much safer waters. They talked about school, and their graduation that was just around the corner. He tried to get her to talk about ballet, but she was adamant about not doing anything about it. They took a walk round the park, and Jason couldn’t help but feel he was on a date with her.

They were walking so close and he could take her hand if he wanted to, but he knew he wouldn’t. He probably should. To get this over and done with, but she was so vulnerable right now.

He wouldn’t take advantage. He was going to be a huge asshole at the end of it, but he wouldn’t start being an asshole and a hypocrite right now. He didn’t do relationships. She liked Chad, and the decision to like someone else was hers alone. He wouldn’t pretend to be some hopeless romantic to speed things up. Because at the end of this, she was going to be quite right about everything. That was if he succeeded, and he knew he wasn’t going to fail no matter what. Making her fall in love with him and then just tossing her aside after he got what he wanted.

Her legs open and five thousand dollars.

He hadn’t lied to a girl before to get her to be with him, but doing all this things he hadn’t done before just to make a poor girl fall in love with him, felt so bad. So heartless.

“It’s getting late” she disturbed his thoughts. “Should we go now?”

“Yes. That would be best” he needed to clear his head.

The music she played this time was just background noise for both of them. Both of them plagued with disturbing thoughts. Her eyes were out the window, and his eyes were up ahead.

They stopped in the regular spot. He wasn’t sure she knew they were at her residence already. But her eyes were no longer at the window. She seemed to be gathering strength just to get out of the car and go back to reality.

He placed a hand on the back of her seat. He was leaning close, to unbuckle her seatbelt that was it. But her lips were standing out. Moist, full and pink. It was just there. A kiss would be able to make her feel a little bit better. It would take her mind of things.

Kelly turned making him freeze, and she leaned forward hugging him.

This wouldn’t be like that kiss. He hugged her back immediately.

“Thank you for the nice day” she whispered into his neck.

He smiled due to the ticklish sensations. “Anytime” she whispered patting her hair. It was up now.

“I better go” she exhaled, opening the door. “Later asshole” she teased.

“Yeah weirdo”.

He watched her go, and even when he could no longer see her, he still stayed there. As he reversed, he knew he was screwed.

Totally screwed.