Late Night Daydreams June 18, 2009

Last night I was at a friends house, partying one final time before I go down to college. I didn’t get home till midnight. Everyone in my house was asleep. Silent. And I just went in my room, left the light off, and sat on my very cluttered bed. (Yes, my room is still a mess.) I was just sitting there, thinking. About fading friendships. About all the new possibilities. About dreams. About fears. I just got caught up in this whole daydream-esque affair. Except it was night. But I literally zoned out for an hour, just lost completely in my thoughts.

This is it. Those friends I just watched The Swan Princess with–twice in a row, I might add–were all staying and I was going. I’m kind of a realist. And I can’t help but know most of those friends will forget me. I’ll forget them. We’re just on different paths now and, soon, they’ll just be an old memory in a diary, a forgotten Facebook friend, someone in my phone who I just don’t call anymore. Even though we had just been laughing about Jean-bob and Speed; even though we played the “I Never” game twice in a row; even though we relived all our favorite times together–it’s just the end. Which is sad. Really, it is. But that is all life really gives us: change. We have to either make it work or resent it. I want to make it work.

I’m excited for college. I’m excited for boys and professors and late-night study groups and roommates. Really, I am. It’s this whole new world and I want to embrace that change that is coming. Tomorrow. But, last night, at one in the morning, just sitting in the dark, I kept imagining what it will be like. Who will I be in five years? Married? Will I have sent invites to all those old friends? Maybe I’ll be graduated. Will I have a job? Be published? I could still be stuck in college, plowing away, perhaps caught up in daydreams about the past. But I don’t know. And that’s a really, really cool thing. I. Don’t. Know.

We can go around, pretending we rule our universe, thinking we’re in control, professing we’ve got it covered. But no one really does. Change is life and we have no control over it. Not really. Change is always one step ahead of us and we have to let it be. Learn to roll with the punches. We don’t have any idea what life will be like tomorrow, next week, next year. Life comes at you fast. All we can do is try to smile through it, make every moment count because that’s your reality.

So I was sitting in the dark. All alone. The house eerily silent. But I smiled. I smiled because I got to watch The Swan Princess one more time with some of my best friends. I smiled because, tomorrow, I’m stepping into a whole new reality. I smiled because I have no idea what’s coming next; who I’ll be tomorrow. And I also smiled because it was extremely late and I was a little delirious.

Seriously though, isn’t life pretty sweet? Not perfect–never will be–but there’s something comforting about change. Because, cliche or not, change is the one constant. And that’s sort of synonymous with hope. At least for me. …At least at one in the morning.

The End Meets the Beginning June 16, 2009

My room is a mess. Catastrophic, really. It usually is. But this is a different sort. Because I’m leaving. Moving away. Going forward, but always looking back. Maybe that’s wrong–looking back. I’m sure someone wants to turn his nose up, tell me to look to the future; to realize I have a whole world at my feet. And I do, I know that. But I can’t help but glance back. Especially now.

This very friday I am going away to college. Not that far–just an hour, less when my brother is driving. But I’ve been working this week at packing up my room. Which is, I’ve realized, just like packing up my life. How can one ever decide what to bring, what to leave? I don’t want to give anything up. These eighteen years have made everything in my room a part of me. And I want to take it all with me. The coloring books, the legos, the porcelain dolls, old diaries, my baby blanket, my un-scrapbooked photos, the cheaply-created scrapbooks, neon green nailpolish I haven’t used since I was twelve. I want to take it all. But I can’t. Not only is my dorm the size of my bathroom and therefore far beyond unable to hold ALL the life of Shelby Boyer. But I shouldn’t bring it all. This is the end. Morbid, I know. But not really. It’s kind of hopeful. Because an end is only a sad way of saying a beginning. And I don’t think there’s any other way of explaining what I am doing (or why my bedroom looks like a tsunami came and pulled up the carpet). This is a beginning–my beginning. So why am I so desperate to hold to the end?

For a long time now I’ve been holding a one-way ticket to Neverland. I talked about going, I thought about it, I’ve even prayed about it. But I’ve never been able to step away. Because I realized I like growing up. I want to grow up. But I don’t want to let go. Not ever. Peter Pan can have his pirates and his lost boys and mean mermaids. I’m going to stick with that step into the unknown. I’m going to let go of my mommies hand and go to that first day of school without screaming and crying. I’m going to figure out how to cook and clean and get going without my parent’s help. I’m going to dream about tomorrow–boys, parties, degrees, apartments–but, I promise you this, I’m never going to forget that moment where the end meets the beginning. Now, here, with my room a disaster and the memories creating a traffic jam in my brain, I’m going to hold to this. This serendipitous point in time where you have your hand on the door but you can’t help but look back a bit. I look at those journals and scrapbooks and blankets and pictures and I remember. I remember how my dad used to let me climb on his feet and he’d walk me around the kitchen. I remember when mom and I played with baking soda in the kitchen and Travis and I went back to make even bigger explosions. I remember the fights I had with my friends when dances and boys were supposedly more important than each other. I remember plotting out the best surprise party ever and seeing her face when we were all there, waiting. I remember my driving test when I accidentally changed lanes over the white line and I thought the world was over. I remember opening my email and seeing that “You have been accepted” phrase beaming up at me. I remember the night after graduation, lying in bed, holding to my raggedy baby blanket and just crying because, too soon, I would be here, saying goodbye. But then, even as I remember, I put it down. That blanket is staying. Those pictures are still in the box, gathering dust on my closet shelf. I have packed my journals but only so they don’t burn up in a fire I’m scared will take my house by storm as soon as I leave them.

I’m glad for the memories. But I’m even more glad for the chance to make new ones. This is the end. But I’d like to see it as a beginning. I mean, that way my disturbingly dirty room isn’t such a bad thing. When my mom comes in, angry about the mess, I can gently remind her that I have more important things to worry about. Like putting that Neverland ticket through the shredder. There’s no way I’m going now.

Reality For Real March 26, 2009

Last night i was watching the Bachelor episode i had TiVo-ed. That’s when Matt came over. He said his girlfriend had just dumped him. He said his girlfriend had felt unloved. He said he hadn’t seen it coming. I had. Everyone had. That is, everyone who saw her with Austin. But i didn’t tell Matt that. I couldn’t really talk. I mean, his now-ex girlfriend is my roommate. Not that I like her. I don’t. She was totally wrong for him. He was totally above her. Of course, I have to say that. Because he’s my best guy-friend. Actually, he’s my only guy-friend. Seems most guys won’t just be friends with you if your boyfriend is the quarterback. I thought that stuff ended with high school. It doesn’t.

But back to the guy-friend thing. Matt was my best friend from sophomore year in high school to sophomore year now. I think my boyfriend once threatened him. But Matt just laughed. That’s how he always is. But it’s kinda stupid to laugh at a quarterback. So I had to tell my boyfriend Matt was gay. And since he doesn’t really hang out with Matt’s crowd, he bought it. Funny how easy it was. I actually see Matt way more than said boyfriend. And, come to think of it, said boyfriend has plenty of girl friends. He always did have a double standard.

So, the reality show night. I was totally just watching the T.V. And Matt was sitting there, ragging on the ex when he suddenly shut up. I glanced over at the sudden silence and he was just staring off, mouth half-opened. I asked what his deal was and then he just looked at me and laughed. He always laughs, remember?

“I didn’t even love her.” He said, as if it was the epiphany of the year. But I’d so known that. It was a duh moment for me. I mean, him and her was like me and BF. It just…happened. And it didn’t matter. That’s when I put The Bachelor on mute. And I stared at him.

“I don’t love him.” I said. He smiled slyly. “Duh.” he said. Then I laughed.

“I just wasted a year.”

“And I wasted five.” he interjected, still sly.

“What?” I argued, “you were only with her for a few months!”

He just shrugged, leaning forward, obviously eager to get to a point. “Why were we such idiots, do you think?”

I shrugged, turning the volume back up. Conversations about my boyfriend always bored me. But, i guess, by that time he wasn’t really my boyfriend. Because of my not loving and not caring and all. Still, like I wanted to analyze my own stupidity when the Bachelor was handing out his final rose. Matt understood. Sort of. He leaned back on the couch, slouching to level himself with me. He always was tall. Massive torso. But he never ever slouched. So of course I glanced at him, wondering what he was up to. But he seemed pretty intent on The Bachelor as well. It was only after the commercial break that I realized he’d inched closer. Weird. I mean, he isn’t exactly the touchy type. Which, to me was one of the deciding factors in his recent break-up since the ex was very, very touchy. So I asked if he was cold. He laughed. But then the Bachelor was up and the first girl was getting out of the limo and I was so invested in the decision that my eyes were glued to the T.V and nothing else.

The girl was my favorite. Probably because she was a lot like me. Petite. Blonde. A little cynical but still sweet. Attitude with a little bit of shyness. I’d been rooting for her since the first night when she called the bachelor out on a stupid thing he’d said. And now I was watching the finale. They were perfect for each other. Like The Notebook couple. Totally get in each other’s faces but so perfectly romantic and complete opposite. And what does he do??? He lets her go! For some green-eyed brunette who laughs like a cow. And, no, cows DO NOT laugh. I got so angry! I leapt from the couch and screamed, kneeling up by the T.V. and cursing the day the Bachelor ever got accepted to be on national television.

Matt laughed at me. Which is NOT smart to do when I’m emotionally involved in a T.V. show. i turned on him. But he just knelt next to me, allowing me to be angry for a while before he interrupted.

“Didn’t you once say I was like him?”

Yes, I had. The second week it was on. They were almost clones. Except his eyes weren’t as blue as Matt’s. But that did not seem the best time to bring up a likeness. Especially since I wanted to destroy the one on T.V. Maybe i’d settle with the twin. But Matt didn’t seem scared. He just laughed again. “And aren’t you like her?”

“YES! And he just let her go! They were perfect and he was her SOULMATE and he just made her WALK AWAY!!! It was like the best couple in the universe and–BAM–now, it’s nothing. They were perfect and….”

I stopped. Because I realized–everything. The way he looked at me when he said he hadn’t loved the ex. The way he looked when I said I didn’t love my BF. The way he said Five Years–the time we’d known each other. The way he inched closer. The way he smiled. The way he was crawling closer to me. The way I was in his arms now. The way he pushed my hair out of my eyes. The way his thumb slid across my stressed brow, softening my scowl. And now I couldn’t breathe. The Bachelor was proposing behind me to the wrong girl . But I didn’t care. My eyes were locked on Matt’s. Which were laughing. Yes, eyes DO laugh. At least his do.

“Why was he such an idiot, do you think?” His voice was a whisper, surprising.

“Maybe he just didn’t realize what was right in front of him. And they just let it go because they couldn’t see….”

My last words melted away, hazy and unimportant. He was inching closer, his hand around my neck, warm, sure. He kissed me. I kissed him. Time stopped. Everything stopped. Except him and me. That was enough. I didn’t even care what happened on The Bachelor. Because it was happening to me–my own reality. Crazy how things work out, isn’t it?

The Break-up Conversation March 25, 2009

“Can you tell me what it’s like?”

“What?”

“Being the biggest JERK in the friggin’ world?!”

“Um…. What are you talking about?”

“YOU! Don’t play stupid. I saw you with her! No, correction: I saw you ON her. All over her. So you have about five seconds to answer the friggin’ question!”

“What question? What are you smoking? What is going on? Am I being punk’d? What are you talking about?”

“Save the crap. Just tell me what it’s like being such a jacka–”

“I have NOT cheated on you. But, really, it’s starting to sound like a good idea. You are CRAZY!”

“Oh, so now it’s my fault you’re a philandering molester-of-women?? You’re such a son of a–”

“Okay, this has gotta be a joke. You are such a paranoid chick! I have never cheated on you. Never. So what do you want me to say to finish this conversation?”

“TELL ME THE TRUTH!”

“I have! I told you, I haven’t cheated on you! I mean, come ON! This is ridiculous. I don’t know where you’d even think I’d have time to do another girl: you are always on. my. BACK!”

“Don’t turn this on me. I’m not the one taking a stroll in another girl’s pants!”

“News flash: neither am I! I didn’t even see this coming! You are so insecure, It’s like you WANT an excuse to break up with me.”

“Who said anything about breaking up?”

“Ha! Okay, that’s it. You’ve lost it. Totally INSANE! I stuck around you for way too long, you clingy, little control freak!”

“Where are you going?”

“You tell me! Maybe I’m gonna take a stroll in your sister’s pants!”

“I knew it! You ARE cheating on me!!”

Twilight, condensed* … condensed again March 18, 2009

*As requested, it’s about a page and a half shorter. I wasn’t sure what was wanted, so sorry if this isn’t exactly it.*

It all started when I, like, moved up to Forks and my dad got me a piece-of-crap truck. Which I loved. Cuz I have this thing for really, really old, potentially dangerous things. Duh. At school, there was this super attractive family that nobody talked to cuz they are “weird”. Edward was the youngest and his eyeballs were so mesmerizing. I just stared and stared. But he thought I smelt which totally sucked cuz I so wanted him. So I did what any normal girl would do: I started stalking him. And I found out he was a really, really old, potentially dangerous vampire who happened to be stalking me as well. He told me I should never ever love him. Something about him wanting to eat me. Whatever. That’s way hot. So what did I do? I fell head over heels for him. And he totally HEARTS me too.

He showed me how he sparkles. It was so sexy. Too bad he’s like a slab of ice. I still can’t resist making out with him. I just want more and more, cuz he has perfect lips, of course. But he’s all, “No, I’ll eat you, Bella.” Which just makes me want more. I mean, right? I just try again and again and we’re always arguing as we kiss cuz he’s hungry and he can’t take any more and I’m hungry and all I want is HIM. It’s way precious.

Everything else was so perfect and wonderful. But then this other vampire clan came and they just weren’t nice. Ruined everything. Edward, who is so overprotective and smothering it’s cute, freaks and makes me hit the road. I end up at my mom’s cuz the evil vampire is stalking me. Kinda like Edward did. Except this guy wants to rip my heart out. I would be turned on, but I’m so smitten by Mr. Perfect-marble-god Edward that I can’t think about any other guys.

Well, I end up falling into the evil vampire’s trap cuz I’m so selfless I give myself up to save cool people I love so very much. So I go and practically serve myself up with gravy and potatoes. The evil vampire is so about to kill me when Edward comes from nowhere—he’s magic, you know—and they get into this enormous Vamp fight. It was so exciting: they were fighting over me! But I got bit, it seems. And it hurt. I was writhing on the floor and was all in and out of consciousness. Mostly I was worried about how I looked cuz I’m so scared Edward thinks I’m just an ugly human and me weeping on the floor, bleeding and foaming at the mouth wasn’t helping the matter. But I know, somehow, Edward saved me and ripped the evil vampire to shreds and burned those shreds in a great bonfire. That’s how it’s done.

Back at Forks, everything returned to normal. Except Edward made me go to prom with him which was totally lame but I couldn’t argue cuz I love him. Besides, whenever I look at his glittery perfection, I just melt. So he’s in charge. He loves me, so he knows what’s best for me. Always. And you’re jealous. I know it. Cuz he’s hot. Just get that into your head. He’s totally hot and he’s all mine. I mean, I’m all his. Which is perfect. Too bad that evil vampire’s girlfriend is going to kill me. I could have been so happy.

Twilight, condensed* March 17, 2009

* No copyright infringement is intended*

So, like, I was gonna die but I totally didn’t care cuz—guess what?—I had a hot boyfriend, so I’d die happy. Totally. But, rewind. Let me tell you ALL about my life with said boyfriend.

It all started when I, like, moved up to the little town called Forks—I know, right?—and my dad got me a truck which was a total piece of junk but, hey, it’s the thought that counts. Besides, I love really, really old, potentially dangerous things. Which is why I was so attracted to my boyfriend. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

In Forks, there was either something in the water or every high school student was smoking pot cuz they all thought I was hot. Weird. But there was this super attractive family that nobody talked to cuz they were “weird”. Edward was the youngest and his eyeballs were so mesmerizing, I just stared and stared. But he thought I smelt which totally sucked cuz I sooo wanted him. In fact, I pretty much started stalking him. And I found out he was a really, really old, potentially dangerous vampire who happened to be stalking me as well. He saved me from my own stupidity—sometimes I just don’t think—and then I found out he wanted to eat me which is such a turn on for me. Plus, he could read minds. Super cool! Except he couldn’t read mine cuz I’m magic. He once brought me home to meet his family. Jasper was super chill, like some crazy beach bum hippie who was always like “Bella, relaaaax.” Alice, she totally loves me and is like super in tune with the world cuz she, like, really sees the future. Then there’s Rosalie who just wishes she was hot like me and totally has prima donna issues. But she’s so beautiful, I still worship her. Her boyfriend, Emmet, is a hunk who’s totally funny. Like, so. Then his parents, Esme and Carlisle, are just totally Stepford. They were so much cooler than my family. Speaking of which, my dad totally did not trust Edward cuz I did a lousy job at communicating how we were soul mates and I trusted him with my life and that I’d be a vampire one day too so that Edward and I could be totally happy for all eternity. (Secret reason for wanting to be a vampire? I’d be perfectly hot, so Edward would really want me as bad as I wanted him. Being a vampire ROCKS.) But Dads just don’t understand.

One day, Edward took me away and showed me how he sparkled in the sunlight. Like a crystal. It was so sexy. He’s just so cold, but I can’t resist making out with him. I just want more and more, cuz he has perfect lips, of course. But he’s all, “No, I’ll eat you, Bella. I can’t resist.” Which just makes me want more. I mean, how sexy is that? So I try and seduce him, but, cuz I’m so awkward, I’m really super bad at it. But he doesn’t think so. He groans and I make out with him and then he chides me like I was some kid who needed reprimanding. But I’m so needy I just try again and again and we’re just always arguing as we kiss cuz he’s hungry and he can’t take any more and I’m hungry and ll I want is HIM. It’s way precious.

That was a huge portion of the year—my making out with him and him saying no. But then this other vampire clan came and they just weren’t nice. It was so rude. They really were gonna eat me—I just smell so good, you know. I can’t help it. So Edward, who is so overprotective and smothering it’s cute, freaks and makes me scream at my dad to get away. I end up at my mom’s cuz the bad vampire is stalking me. Kinda like Edward did. Except this guy wants to rip my heart out with his teeth. I would be turned on, but I’m so smitten by Mr. Perfect-marble-god Edward that I can’t think about any other guys. It’s them who don’t catch the hint. They all come on so strong. I guess I just smell too good to resist.

What happens next is me falling for the evil vampire’s trickery cuz I’m so selfless I’d give myself up to save those cool people I love so very much. So I go to the ballet studio and practically serve myself up with gravy and potatoes. Which is where we are now. Dying, remember?

The evil vampire cackles and is about to suck my blood when Edward comes from nowhere—he’s magic, you know—and they get into this enormous fight. It was so exciting: they were fighting over me! Who would have thought I was so popular? I mean, really, it is so romantic what they would do for me. But I got bit, it seems. And it hurt. I was writhing on the floor and I was all in and out of conscience. Mostly I was worried about how I looked cuz I’m so scared Edward thinks I’m ugly already and me weeping on the floor, bleeding and foaming at the mouth wasn’t helping the matter. But I know, somehow, Edward won and saved me and the rest of the cool family came and ripped the evil vampire to shreds and burn those shreds of evil vampire. It just so happens to be the only way to kill a vampire. Since they’re so perfect.

I woke up in the hospital and everyone believed some nonsense about me crashing down the stairs, through a window and onto a poisonous mine field and surviving. I was gonna get mad at Edward for making me look like such an idiot, when, really, I’d just been so selfless. But I saw him in all his glittery perfection and I just melted. I ended up back in Forks and Edward made me go to prom with him which was totally lame but I couldn’t argue cuz I love him. So he’s in charge. He loves me so he knows what’s best for me. Always. So I’m really happy. And you’re jealous. I know it. Cuz he’s hot. Just get that into your head. He’s totally hot and he’s all mine. I mean, I’m all his. Which is perfect. Too bad that evil vampire’s girlfriend is going to kill me. I could have been so happy.

Broken Promises June 28, 2008

My foot started cramping as the minutes passed. It was tucked under my legs as I lounged on the couch, wishing everything away. He sat next to me; the piles of papers and books falling from his lap. It was near midnight. And that was when I sighed. We’d been there—same position—for over five hours. And I learned, like, nothing. At all.

“I hate English. Can we please call it quits? Please, I’m begging you.” I asked tiredly.

He laughed softly, stretching his back across the arm rest. “Lauren! You mean, you don’t find this fun?”

I rolled my eyes, “Oh yeah. No, Josh, sorry. Guess I don’t have the brain capacity of you cuz all this was in one ear and out the other.”

“Yeah, well, I guess if we don’t know it now, we’ll never know it. Might as well sleep.”

“Hallelujah.” I whispered, letting a relieved smile slide onto my face. But I didn’t move; I was too tired. I just closed my eyes and leaned my head back.

“So…should I go?”

He looked over at me awkwardly and I laughed.

“Sorry, I’m just tired.”

He nodded, biting his lip. “Ya, the drooling on the couch sorta gave that away.”

I hit him, laughing.

“Funny. At least I don’t keep looking at the kitchen as if I’m gonna die if I don’t get food this second.”

He chuckled. “That noticeable?”

I nodded, standing slowly and falling into a stretch. “Do you want something to eat?”

He stood, “Not to impose…but yes.”

I smiled, nudging him. “It’s fine. My mom would die if you left here hungry. She totally loves you.”

“Ah, yes. The only one in this house who does.”

“Well, can you really blame my dad? I mean, your family moves in, he goes over to say hi and you sick your bulldog on him.”

I could hardly say it without laughing. Josh just blushed.

“I seriously thought he was gonna kill me! He’s huge and he was practically charging at me. It was…instinctual.”

I just laughed, opening some cabinets and looking for any sort of munchies.

“But is he the only one? Who hates me, I mean?”

I glanced over at him, my forehead crinkling. “Well, there’s Balderdash. But he hates everyone.”

“Oh yes, the dog.” He said with a twinkle. His eyes always twinkled—even when he was mad.

“But is that it?” He continued, keeping his eyes on me, “Do you hate me like your dad…or do you love me—like your mom?”

I blushed, turning quickly away.

“Not in a weird way or anything.” he added quickly. “Just curious.”

I chuckled nervously. “Always curious, huh?”

He didn’t laugh. In fact, he didn’t do anything but look at me; his eyes twinkling. I didn’t know why.

We stood for a moment; him just staring, and me, blushing.

“So, what’s on the menu?” he asked finally, slipping onto one of the barstools.

I stuttered, confused and…flustered. “Well, we have peanut butter and…peanut butter.”

He laughed, “Okay then. I’m good with that. As long as it’s chunky.”

I gasped, “Of course! Only real peanut butter.”

“Isn’t that a bit of an oxymoron?”

I scowled, “No more English, kay? And you’re the one who asked for it.”

“I know, I know. I was just…quoting something. I’m surprised you don’t remember. …Sara’s pool party.”

I stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Duh! That little five year old after the food fight. He told your mom that he had oxymoron goo all over him. How could I forget? It was you who got the peanut butter out, huh? And you pretty much threw it all over him when he said he didn’t like it cuz you can’t have chunky butter.” I laughed, digging my spoon into the peanut butter. Sara was his little sister; we had been baby-sitting.

“Yeah,” he said, smiling, “You swore you’d never forget.”

I rolled my eyes, “Well that was nearly three years ago. We were like, what, fifteen. Hey—that was the same day your swimsuit flew off as you jumped from the diving board!”

He groaned, blushing under my laugh. “That, however, you swore you’d never mention.”

“Right.” I laughed. “Well, what good are promises if you can’t break them.”

“Ooo! deep!” he laughed, licking his spoon clean. “Sure your parents appreciate that theory.”

I nodded. And it went strangely quiet. Both of us were focused on swallowing.

“So,” josh said after a moment, “What are more promises we can or have broken?”

I thought for a moment. “How ‘bout how you promised me you’d pay me back for those concert tickets.”

“Oh!” he groaned, “Low blow, Lauren! Geez! well, what about you? You promised me you’d never kiss Jake. And—boom—first date, he got you.”

I gasped, “Man, josh. You are ruthless. Besides, I told you, he’s the one who kissed me. I nearly killed myself after. Pity date gone horribly wrong, remember.”

He just laughed, his eyes twinkling like mad. “Yes, well, I still think it’s funny.”

“Besides, why did it matter so much to you? You pretty much made me write in my own blood that I wouldn’t kiss him.”

He didn’t respond, just quickly thrust his spoon in his mouth. I watched him for a moment, surprised by his silence. He was never quiet; and never without a comeback.

“Well what about ones we still have to break?” he asked, avoiding my eyes. He put the spoon down, pushing the jar of peanut butter away.

I looked at him, surprised at how he totally avoiding what I’d said. but he just waited for me to respond.

“Well, we promised we would pass this test.”

He laughed, “Good one. Totally positive, too.”

I rolled my eyes. “What about you? You’ve got a promise you’re dying to break?”

He looked down, and then straight at me. It took me back; surprised me. And I found I couldn’t breathe. That’s when I realized just how close we were. Our knees were touching under the counter; his hand just by mine on the counter. I could almost smell the peanut butter on his breath.

“How ‘bout when I promised I’d never kiss a girl I didn’t absolutely love?”

I stared at him, suddenly nervous. Especially since he leaned closer.

“Well, who you got in mind, cowboy?” I asked, trying desperately to laugh. But he ignored me.

“Or, how we’d just be friends?”

Suddenly his face was hardly an inch away from mine; his eyes were sparkling again. I still couldn’t breathe. My eyes even closed. And his voice turned to a whisper. A spine tingling, total breathtaking whisper.

“How do those sound?”

I swallowed, my eyes still closed. “Good.” I whispered, losing all control as he sunk closer.

I could feel him—it was the only sense that was working. I could feel his hand slip gently around my neck, pulling me closer. I felt his thumb slowly graze my cheek, his other hand reaching my other one. I could feel his breath dance across my face. I felt my heart stop; I felt myself shiver. And then he kissed me. And I felt that.

It was as if the whole world started to twinkle and I finally felt at home. Everything seemed to be right; everything was as it should be. It was as if, in that tiny moment, years of being friends finally made sense. It was all for that single kiss. That one, beautiful tirade of broken promises. And all I could do was smile. But it was enough, because he still kissed me.

Good Morning, Sunshine – prt. 15 May 15, 2008

By Monday I was smiling again; life seemed a bit brighter. Cadence seemed relieved my random-emotional-over-kill moments were over. So was I. And school seemed good and nearly normal. I was used to it—most of it—now. Except the food. I don’t think anyone could ever get used to that.

I actually backed off Jason a bit. Not in a bad way, though. We were still together. In fact, we were number one on the Best Valentine’s Ever list. Someone had posted a picture of me sobbing as he had handed me the roses. That sort of made me cringe, because I remembered why I had been crying. But it was still sweet. And Jason looked good. We both seemed better. He had given me a ride and not mentioned anything about what we had talked about. Surprisingly, that just added pressure to my obligation to talk to Todd. Which turned out to be an awful experience—no surprise. But I’m getting ahead of myself. And that was probably the understatement of the year.

I was walking to my next class alone and I saw him—alone. He caught my eye and with a bug-eyed sigh, spun around and started walking the other way. That made me agitated and I ran to his side, determined to get it over with.

“Todd,” I said, coming to a slow stop, “We have to talk.”

He scowled at me, looking ready to bite. “About what, Brooke? Your point was clear—and I’ll have you know my jaw was bruised because of it.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s exactly it—why don’t you just grow up?”

He barked a short laugh. “Yeah, look who’s talking? You are such a friggin’ hypocrite, you know that?”

I stared at him, my jaw dropping. “Excuse me? All I said was that we need to talk; not get in some screaming fight.”

“Well, see if I care about your shallow antics! You think cuz you come and say ‘we have to talk’ that makes you the mature one?”

“Mature—you think you are mature? Like, serious?”

“’Like, serious?’” He mimicked, staring icily at me, “You know what Brooke, how ‘bout you go stick your tongue down my brothers throat and get out of my life?”

I stared, an angry laugh slipping into my words, “Now that is real maturity.”

“Do you really think I care? You think you’ve changed; that because you had your perfect life ripped away from you, you are a new person. You’re not. You are the same snotty bimbo who—”

“How can you even stand there and act as if you know me! You don’t—never will. Todd—just leave me alone and GROW UP.” I spun around, giving up and desperate to get to class; to get away. But he made me turn around.

“There you go again; pretending you’re queen of the world! You’re just this Manhattan prep who’s going for Jason because of his money, his style; even his so-called ‘drive’! You are nothing more than a teenage gold digger.”

That was too much. I shoved him back a step, silencing him immediately. “Don’t you dare accuse me! I am no gold digger.”

“Oh yeah?” he screamed, coming back a step closer, “Then what’s his middle name? How about his favorite color? Do you even know what things he likes to do—I mean, except making out with you.”

“You jealous?” I bit, getting in his face, “Todd, I know Jason. So why don’t you save face and shut up.”

He laughed, still screaming, “If what you know of Jason is considered knowing people, no wonder you have such a shallow existence! I bet you couldn’t list five things about him; what he likes or wants. Yeah—you know he’s going to college, you know he’s hot. But you don’t know him.”

Suddenly I was no longer bold. A growing crowd was surrounding us and I just realized it. My cheeks flushed; I was red and steaming. “That’s not true.” I whispered, willing it all to go away. But Todd wasn’t done.

“No, but its okay; he’s doesn’t know you either.” His words were quieter too, but they still cut at me. And I started to cry; silent, hot tears that made my skin flush more. The silence from the crowd was almost deafening. But not as much as Todd’s quiet accusations.

“You two…you don’t care. You just take. He can’t even say he knows you; listens to you—sees you. You guys just use each other. And I guess that works for you, but, just know, there’s nothing there. And one day that’s gonna hurt.”

“Who do you even think you are?” The words were slow and deep. I was angry. “You think you know me better—Jason told me about you; how you don’t even have your own life! And now you’re telling me that you know more about mine than he does; than I do?”

His eyes fell to the floor. I was fuming, my breaths short and tight. I hoped it was over, that I could turn and run; but he spoke. And it hurt.

“Well, I know he can’t see how beautiful you are. No, he see’s the colors and shapes. But he doesn’t know how, when you’re bored, you start to play with the tips of your hair. He doesn’t see that there’s a face you make for every kind of emotion. Your eyebrows sink just to the left when you’re thinking. And, when you smile, your nose sort of crinkles. There’s a dimple on your right cheek that only shows up when you bite your lip. And I know how you like it when your hair falls across your eyes—it means you can finally breathe; you don’t have to put on a face for everyone.” Every word made me blush. It was making me sick. He didn’t even seem to notice. I don’t think he knew there was a crowd around us. His eyes were on me and me alone.

“I know that you want to be held close—even in a dance. You—you look great in teal; it’s your favorite color. I know you’d rather have PB and J’s than caviar or…quail. You want to be more than a rich snob; you want to get out of this stereotype of fashion and…snootiness! You want to go to prom! You wanna climb a tree—wear jeans that cost less than a three digit number. There’s something in your eyes that tells—everyone—that you want to be you; not the rich girl from Manhattan.”

Now I was tired and officially pissed off. “You are a jerk. A total, bitter jerk who thinks he knows everything. But you don’t. And you just proved it.” My voice started to rise; my stance straightened and I was ready to punch something. Preferably him. “How can you think that, for one second, I would ever want to be with someone who thinks he knows me better than I do? I would never want you; you’re just a little boy making guess work about me. You don’t know me. You, Todd, are an absolute as—”

“What’s going on here?”

It was the principal. He pushed himself through the crowd and into the circle where Todd and I stood. People started to talk and the choking silence around us finally stopped. I could breathe. But then Jason pushed his way through, right next to the principal. His eyes were wide and not at all humored.

“Yeah—what is this, Todd?” His voice was almost malicious. And Todd suddenly looked sheepish.

“I—we…were just…talking.” He stuttered, not daring to look anywhere in particular. I snorted, hot tears still falling down my face. Jason wrapped his arms around me and the principal stared sternly about.

“Todd, you just need to grow up.” Jason said, his voice bringing the silence back.

Todd laughed; it was almost a cruel laugh. “Yeah—I’ve heard that a lot today—”

“That’s because you do. I can’t believe…just…go to hell.”

The principal raised his hands to calm the crowd. Even Todd seemed close to tears. But then it turned ugly. His eyes got venomous and he nearly spat at us.

“Oh, just take your whore and have a happy life.”
Those words by themselves would have been shocking enough, but what happened next blew it overboard.

Jason’s arm was suddenly no longer around my shoulders. In a split second, his fist was thrown forcefully into Todd’s face and he was knocked to the ground. Then the principal was grabbing Jason and holding him back, shoving him into the wall of people that now started freaking out. Todd tried to stand, his hand covering his mouth where blood sputtered out.

Chaos ricocheted through the crowd—people were talking, some were laughing, the principal was yelling at everyone and more teachers showed up; half of them wondering where their students were and the other were curious as to what the noise was. One of the teachers helped Todd up, pulling him to the nurses. Jason was carted off by the principal and the crowd was told to get to class. I just stood, more surprised than anyone. I couldn’t move.

Eventually someone told me to get to class—I don’t remember who. But I wasn’t there for long. Soon I got a note calling me to the principal’s. I was surprised to see a cop; they asked me to tell them what had happened. I didn’t really want to. I avoided the topic of conversation and just explained that we had gotten in a fight. They told me I had to go home; that I was suspended for the rest of the day. Some bull crap about how I had impeded on the education and peace of the school. I was forced to call Cadence; some sort of try at an emotional punishment. But I didn’t really care. Home sounded good to me. So Cadence came—I did feel bad though; she had to leave work—and I left. I didn’t know where Jason was or what his punishment was. But I didn’t really care. I still just wanted to disappear. Cadence wouldn’t let me. She asked what had happened and I knew I had to tell her. It took me so long, we were sitting in the garage for a while. And afterwards she just looked at me and then she whistled. Made a joke about how my life was a soap opera. I didn’t find it funny. She got that and let me get out and go inside. But first she told me I would have to make dinner; that she had to work late because of me. I didn’t really mind. I just went inside and lied down, desperate to forget it all.

Good Morning, Sunshine – prt. 14 May 13, 2008

Life was tense for the next week. And Jason seemed to get that. Of course, it wasn’t hard to catch on. Every time I saw Todd, heard his name, or even thought of Todd, I’d hug tighter to Jason. Randomly, in the middle of classes, I’d kiss him. Just willing myself to get Todd out of my head. English was the worst. Jason just thought I was completely in to him, which I was. But even I knew that wasn’t why I would hold tight.

On Saturday night he got it out of me. We were sitting outside on my porch swing and I wasn’t really talking. Jason just held my hand and, sighing deeply, asked me what was wrong. At first I tried to veer the conversation in another direction, but I couldn’t resist those eyes and—slowly—I told him everything. About that one time Todd had given me a ride, about the stares, about the screaming fight, and even about the kiss. I was scared to tell it, afraid Jason would stand up and go shoot his brother. But he just laughed; a slow, sad sort of laugh. I sat back, staring at him and asking what on earth his deal was.

He just shook his head, “That’s just…my brother.”

“Just your brother? Oh, so what, he can just go around kissing your girlfriend and you won’t care?” I pushed myself out of his arms, totally pissed, and scooted across the bench.

His eyes got wide. “No, that’s not what I mean! It’s just…. Todd, he….” He sighed, pulling me back over and forcing hand in his. “Todd has a habit of…wanting to be me. I know that sounds weird, but it’s true. Everything I have, he wants. He just…never really was his own self. Like, my classes—he has almost the same exact schedule, but he hates half the stuff. He asks my mom for the same stuff I ask for. He’s like some sort of…leech living off of somebody else’s life.”

“So you mean to say he really doesn’t like me?” It wasn’t a sad question, or even mad. I was just asking, really curious.

He looked at me for a second, a sort of laugh in his eyes, “Who wouldn’t like you?”

I hit him, trying to keep the situation serious.

“I don’t know,” he sighed, “I can’t really say I’m surprised. He did it before. With my last girlfriend.” His voice went all quiet and I didn’t dare breathe. “He just…can’t think for himself. And, yeah, it gets annoying, but it’s him. And I didn’t think he liked you. It was just at lunch that first day that he pointed you out, said you were a nut case—but a gorgeous one. I had laughed, but I was curious. Especially when I saw you. And I told him—I told him he could go for you. And, when he didn’t, I even asked him if I could. And he said yeah—that you weren’t some cow to be bought and paid for. That all is fair in love and that he didn’t even want to try for you. That you were high maintenance and a pain. But I didn’t see that, or at least I didn’t mind it, so I went for it.”

I just watched him, different emotions coming with every word. A cow? High maintenance? Go for it? Nut case? Didn’t mind it? But I didn’t bring any of it up. I just looked down, petting his knuckles and breathing slowly. But he wasn’t done.

He laughed softly, leaning his chin on my head. “So, I just have one question for you….”

I looked up; his sparkling eyes surprisingly close and completely mischievous.

“Who’s the better kisser?”

And finally, I laughed. And he kissed me. And the night finally felt warm again.

We sat there for a while more, listening to nothing more than our own breathing. His hands still clasped mine, his arms wrapped tightly around me. I felt safe and comfortable. I could have slept, right there, but he had a curfew. So I walked him to his car and we stood there for a while more, sharing a kiss and then he told me something. He said I didn’t have to be awkward around Todd, that eventually Todd would get over himself. I snorted, saying that seemed a lofty hope. But Jason was serious. He told me that Todd really was a nice guy, just slightly immature. But then again, no one could blame him for falling for a girl like me–least of all Jason. He also said that I should talk to Todd, that he trusted me. I didn’t know what he expected me to say, so I just nodded, saying I’d keep it in mind. He chuckled and then, with one last hug, kissed me goodnight and left.

So I went to bed and finally felt normal again, as if the world was righted or the worries were gone. Todd still haunted the corner of my mind, but now it was a little less threatening. Especially since I could still feel Jason. And it felt…good.

Good Morning, Sunshine – prt. 13 May 5, 2008

When Cadence came, I didn’t say anything other than thank you. And she seemed to get that I didn’t really want to talk. She just turned up the radio and hummed along. I sat in the backseat and leaned my head against the window. It was hot. And her old car was jolting so hard, I started to get a headache. But I didn’t move. I needed something to distract me—my lips were tingling; as if they craved something they couldn’t have. My heart was pounding; it felt good to have my head distract it. My breath still caught, but a headache made me need to breathe slowly. It was getting out of the car that scared me. But I had to. Cadence’s lunch break was almost over. So she dropped me off, told me to take some aspirin, and go to bed. I wanted to take more than aspirin, but I didn’t take anything. I just fell on the couch and turned on the T.V.

It was stuck on the Hallmark channel and I didn’t feel like getting up and getting the remote. Besides, I just needed something to distract me—desperately. I never knew how tear-inducing cheesy soap-opera style movies could be. It was about some jerk guy finding out that he had one week to live so he goes to get some money off his rich ex-wife and daughter, but along the way he meets all these people and has different things happen to him and then-–boom—the week is over just as he gets to his family a totally changed man and dies. But then it takes a leap past cheesy as he meets God who tells him he’s finally figured it out and the guy begs for just another day—to see his kid. So he goes back and he makes it all better with his ex and then he is prepared to die, but nothing happens. And he realizes he gets a real life with his family. The end. It was so cheesy—cheesy effects, cheesy acting, cheesy story. But I was bawling like a baby five minutes into it; and for absolutely no apparent reason other than I was an emotional wreck. I have to admit, I was hardly even following the story line. I was distracted. But I was still crying. Especially at the end when the ex, who has a boyfriend, slaps him and calls him nothing and its only his mentioning his death sentance that he gets to see his kid. And then, of course, she sees that he’s a different man with his kid and she gives him a chance with her and within in like five minutes of seeing each other, they are making out. That made my tears turn hot and I was ready throw my shoe at the screen. But then Annie came home and started giggling about how she had had to get all my roses home and wondering what had happened and gushing about how romantic Jason was and how lucky I was. I just tuned her out, wiped my face and smiled at her, as if I was listening. She came over, holding a bag of kisses and a note from Jason, said he had given it to her at the end of school. She just sat down next to me, expecting me to read it outloud. I didn’t. I told her I wouldn’t even open it in front of her, but mostly because I wasn’t in the mood. Then she whispered–as if someone would hear–that Jason had been totally worried when you left, she said he seemed totally bummed. She also mentioned that Todd had left early too. And she said she had found roses in the hall and knew they were mine and picked them up because she didn’t want Jason to think that I–Brooke–didn’t like him anymore. She paused there, as if waitig to see if I’d say something in protest or thanks. I just nodded and then excused myself, telling her I was totally tired.

When I got in my room, I read the note from JAson. And it was adorable. basically, he asked me to dinner. Part of me wanted to just call and say I was so sorry but I felt so gross. but then i thought about why I felt gross and about why my life seemed to suck so bad at that moment, adn I decided I would go. He was my boyfriend and his little annoying, self-righteous, dumb, smart-aleck brother could go choke on a chocoloate-covered strawberry for all I cared. And that’s when things changed. Suddenly I smiled, though I must admit it was more of a in-your-face-dare smile than an actual smile. But I didn’t care. I just cleared my throat, called Jason and told him I would love to go–the note was adorable.

He sounded relieved, but asked if I was sure. He didn’t want me to not enjoy myself. I told him it was my first real valentine’s celebration and I had to go. he laughed–I don’t think he really believed he was my first boyfriend or kiss or anything. He said he’d pick me up at 6:30 and have me back home by 10, since it was a school night. part of me wanted to tell him he could take me away forever–I didn’t want to face school. But I didn’t say anything. I just hung up after he said bye and then spent the next few hours blasting music and figuring out what to wear. For some reason I wanted something sexy–even over the top. I wanted to feel jealosy-causing hot and make heads turn. It was one of those nights where, if I had been in NYC, I would have been dressing up to sneak into an over-twenty club. And I knew I was doing it more for me than for him, though I tried to convince myself otherwise. In any case, it was a night for Jovani.

I pulled it out of its protector from the back of the closet. I remembered buying it; I had been craving something expensive and sexy. A back-stabbing friend had earlier raved about a Jovani dress she wanted but couldn’t get. After she totally betrayed me, I went out and bought it. And then I wore it the next time I saw her. Her face was priceless. But I hadn’t worn it since. And now I felt like it was time, because I needed gorgeous.

It was a shimmery black cocktail, falling inches above my knee. A plunging V fell down the back, echoing off the subtle one in the front. A ridiculously large bow sat in the back, just as black as the rest of the dress. I paired it with my silver Stuart Weitzman heels and laid off the make-up except for a smoky eye. My hair was curled and pulled to one side in a huge, sparkling silver clip. I was hot. When I finally opened my door at six, both Cadence and Annie were stunned silent. I didn’t mind. It was what I needed. Annie just thought I was absolutely gorgeous and kept looking at me as if she couldn’t believe it really was me. Cadence seemed almost scared. She would glance at me and smile yet look ready to cry too. I just sat around, convincing myself to be excited and happy. I told myself Todd wasn’t even on my mind, that I didn’t have to bring up anything to Jason. I decided I just had to move on–Todd was just being stupid and he didn’t matter. Jason mattered. I knew he liked me–a lot. And I liked him. Really. So when 6:30 rolled around and he came to the door, I got butterflies. And that felt good.

Annie answered the door, but I was close behind. And his face was unforgettable. he just stared for a solid second. i tried to read his expression–it was a sort of shocked, surprised, twitterpated, happy look that was as confusing as I had been just hours before. I smiled, suddenly feeling slightly silly. But, as I walked towards him and his smile got bigger, my confidence sky-rocketed. Besides, it wasn’t like I was overdressed. He was in a suit that could have very well passed for a tux to the unfamiliar eye. He looked good, in a james-bond-suave kind of way. I gave him a hug and he stole a kiss and whispered in my ear that I looked beautiful. Annie was still standing right next to me, leaning into the door, and I blushed but willed myself to laugh and take his hand as we walked down the steps. He kept mentioning how amazing I looked and how bad he did in comparison, how everyone would think he was my little brother. I laughed and said he looked hot. And then I stole a kiss and he laughed.

As he started driving, I turned on the radio. The preset was already playing–the coolest band ever and I was totally ready to lean back in my seat. But he quickly changed it, laughing under his breath about his brother and his button-pressing fetish. He put it on some slow special where all they played was romance songs. I wanted to die. But I didn’t say anything; after all it was Valentine’s and it was his car and I was totally happy just to be there, even if the music sucked. I told myself that again and again–especially when Celine Dion started up.

Eventually we pulled up to a restaurant and the radio was finally shut off. He made me wait for him to open my door, and then he escorted me into the place. That was awkward. The Maitre D’ asked if we wanted a seat at the bar, Jason blushed and explained that we were underage. I just smiled. She took a long look at me, not believing for a moment. But when Jason announced the reservation, venom filled her eyes as she stared. I just smiled back, hugging Jason’s arms more tightly. Eventually she left us be and someone proceeded to escort us to a candlelit table. The place was purely french. the waiters spoke french, the menu’s were in french, even their live band played french music.

Jason pulled my seat out for me, which was slightly annoying–I wasn’t some three year old. But I just sat down graciously. He made small talk about the food and offered to order for me. I was fluent in French so I watched, humored, as he fumbled over the french names during the order. When the waiter asked what we’d like to drink–in french–and Jason’s eyes nearly rolled to the back of his head, I spoke up. Reordering perfectly in french and adding a bit. I even thanked him for his time and apologized for my date. He smiled and thanked me and such and said he’d hurry along with the lady’s order.

Jason was blushing, yet completely impressed. Said he had tried french in 9th grade, but could never get past the colors. It turned out alright though, the waiter even brought us a complimentary taste of wine for both of us. He didn’t ask for I.D. and we didn’t explain to him. You never say no to the french. And it was delicious. Jason said he only ever had wine at family weddings. I didn’t mention the other sorts of alcoholic drinks I’d had in my life. I just veered the conversation to something else. And when our food came, I showed him how to properly eat a crepe and such. We were finished by eight and then he told me he had another surprise for me. I asked if it included a foreign language. He laughed and said no, he hoped it would be more impressive. He took me dancing.

It was some Valentine’s couples ball and I felt slightly awkward amongst the 92 year olds. He just took me to the floor and said he might not be able to speak french, but he could dance. Turns out his mom had forced both him and Todd to ballroom dance classes for all their teenage lives. AND he could dance. I had never really waltzed before. I sort of knew how, but in New York, I never had the need to. The dancing there was…. Well it wasn’t ballroom material. It was weird to have a guy purposefully put space between us and take my hands in his rather than expect me to fling them around his neck. And spinning through that ballroom was euphoric, with all the whirl of dresses and golden walls. I smiled and laughed, and it was fun. But he was so set on perfecting the steps, he never just pulled me in his arms and spun. It was always “1-2-3, 1-2-3″–I could almost feel him whispering it.

We finally left and got home just at ten. He offered to walk me back up the steps, but the oddly darkened house told me Annie was watching from somewhere. So I told him I’d be fine. And then he leaned and in and kissed me. It was passionate, almost. But I was suddenly cold. SO it was short, I felt the sudden urgent need to get inside and go to bed. So I thanked him for everything–from the hundreds of roses, to the dinner and dance. He smiled at me, brushing a curl off my cheek and said I was welcome. Then he kissed me again, but I had previously started to turn, so he mostly just got my cheek. I’d like to say it was all on accident, but I think part of me was relieved. I was suddenly exhausted. So I got out, closed the door and went in my room. Both Annie and Cadence asked how it was through the door and I just said it had been good. Cuz it had. But there was something weird about it all. A lot of things actually. But I didn’t feel like thinking. So I just changed, took a deep breath and fell asleep.

I won’t tell you what I dreamed about, only that it wasn’t Jason.