I woke up the next morning with the sun's rays striking my face
I woke up the next morning with the sun's rays striking my face. I groaned and stuffed my face back into the pillow. I was just drifting back off when "Emmy" was yelled in a loud screeching voice. Mother.
"It is almost 10, you can not sleep the summer away!" She stroked my tangled hair, trying to tame it. I growled and swatted her hand away. I ended up rolling out of bed (literally) and taking a shower.
After my shower I pulled on some light pink capris and a white cami. I walked downstairs, wondering what to do with my day. My dad's office door was shut which means he was working and not to be disturbed. He's a lawyer. 'Nough said. I looked around the house and sighed. It was a beautiful summer day, and I had no friends to spend it with. I quickly shook my pensive thoughts from my mind. Who needs friends anyway? They will just betray you and make you vulnerable.
I saw my mother happily gardening in the backyard. I was looking through the pantry for something to eat, when I was suddenly hit with a craving for cookie dough. I assembled the ingredients and began the process.
Finally, it was accomplished. I dipped my finger in the creamy chocolate chip cookie dough. Mmm. Delicious! I made pans and pans of cookie dough. Hey, I had nothing else better to do. I was putting the last pan in when I couldn't help myself. I took a cookie dough ball from the pan and popped it into my mouth, savoring every taste of it.
I heard the doorbell ring. It was silent for a few seconds and then it rang again. I sighed and wiped my hands on a towel. As I walked to the door I stopped because I could here voices. There were two, no, three guys standing on my front walkway. I stayed quiet to listen to their conversation.
"Joe, I swear, if this isn't her, I will probably shoot you." I heard an irritated voice say. Yikes, the sound dangerous…or maybe I am just paranoid…
"This will be her, I have this feeling." Another one said.
"Oh, yeah?" A third voice chimed in, "This is only the 47th time you've said that."
"Hey, how was I supposed to know that there were so many people with a silver Mercedes in our neighborhood?" At first I relaxed, they lived in my neighborhood. Then I tensed again, in order to know I, well, my family had a silver Mercedes he would have had to follow me. What a creeper! I looked out the window, they didn't have a car, so they couldn't be here to kidnap and murder me. That left the only other option. I gulped and leaned against the door, my eyes closed. I tried to focus, to reason with my maniacal fear. My parents were here. I was safe. With that little thought of courage I opened the door a crack.
"What do you want?" I asked tersely. They looked taken aback. Did they want me to invite them in or something? There was silence. I rolled my eyes and repeated the question. "What do you –" Wait, that was the guy from last night. He followed me? Is he really that desperate? "You – you're the one from the restaurant." He nodded.
"Yes, last night you dropped your purse in the restaurant. We were leaving at the same time and I wanted to return it. It was only by chance that I saw you get in the silver Mercedes and that we live in the same neighborhood. My fear was temporarily quelled.
He handed me my purse. Thank God. My parents, not to mention me, would have flipped if it was missing. It took me a moment for me to realize that he was still rambling on. Poor guy, trying to convince me that he really wasn't a stalker. He was extremely adorable when he babbled. I held up my hand to stop the outpouring of words coming out of his mouth. His very nice lips. I must have smiled at him because his face transformed into the most amazing smile. I almost melted into a puddle, right there. Almost. Be strong, Emmy, remember what happened. No vulnerability.
"Thanks, it was very sweet of you." Dang. How did that slip out?
"Honey, who's at the door?" I heard my mom's footsteps. Shoot. Maybe I could slam the door in their faces and tell her it was just a prank. "Hey, boys!" I groaned inwardly. Too late. "I'm Mrs. Malone. Emmy's mom." I groaned silently, way to go and tell them private information.
"Hey, I'm Joe."
"Hi, I'm Kevin."
"Nick, and we're the –" Nick was cut off by Joe and Kevin both elbowing him in the side. Ouch, that looked painful. But, wow, impressive. Did they rehearse this?
"How old are you boys?" I groaned yet again. No doubt she was planning on what to name her grandchildren.
"18"
"20"
"15, almost 16" I heard my mom coo, literally. Do you realize how scarred I will be from that sound alone?
"Joe, you are closest to Emmy's age. She is 17." I groaned. Really, I need to stop doing that. Why not just hand them my birth certificate, my cell number, my credit card number! "Come on in, boys, if you're not too busy." The boys glanced at me. I looked at all three of their expectant face and sighed. All three were too hot for their own good. I stepped aside as if to allow them entry.
"We can come in for a minute." Joe was the first one in, his head cocked as if he was trying to figure out a challenging Calculus problem. "Do I smell cookies?" Joe asked, turning his eager eyes to me.
"Yeah," I said, trying to give them the message I did not want them here.
"Lead the way!" Joe crowed. I dutifully led them to the kitchen. Joe's mouth dropped. There were tons and tons of cookies. "May I?" Joe asked, gesturing to some. It was really cute and polite, the way he asked before he dug in. I was about to nod when my mom chirped.
"Of course!" I rolled my eyes. My mom whispered to me, "Don't be shy!" and went back into the backyard.
I glanced at the boys who were staring at me. I looked around and took a cookie and awkwardly bit into it.
All three boys reached for the same cookie.
"Whoa! Hands off the cookie, man!" Joe mock growled. Kevin let go but Nick still held onto it.
"Hey, I touched it first!" Nick protested.
"Let Emmy decide." I couldn't help but smile at their mock-argument. They really know how to lessen awkward tension in a room. Nick gave me a puppy dog look. I was starting to relent when I looked at Joe. His face – oh my gosh – it was the cutest most adorable heart-breaking face I have ever seen. I probably stared at him with a stupid grin on my face for like half a minute.
"Kevin gets it." I finally decided and smiled and Nick and Joe's horrorstruck faces. They sullenly handed the cookie to Kevin. He winked at me and took a large bite and chewed it dramatically.
"This is the best cookie I have ever eaten!" Joe and Nick's identical woeful expressions made me laugh.
"Guys, there are tons of cookies left and they all taste the same!" All three boys slowly turned to stare at me like I was some type of moron. "What?" I asked defensively.
"Cookies never have the same taste!" They all chanted at the same time. They then went on to explain about how each cookie has a unique flavor and consistency. I am still in disbelief that we actually discussed cookies for half an hour. I finally conceded defeat and admitted they were right.
Kevin glanced at his watch,
"Hey, guys, we better head back. Mom is expecting us to mow the grass and wash the car." Joe held his stomach, which I must say looked toned from under his shirt…not that I noticed or anything…moving on…Joe groaned.
"I am too full of cookie to mooove." Nick grinned at me and then quickly mussed Joe's hair. Looking back, I am not sure what purpose that served but it was pretty funny. Joe threw him an annoyed glance and shook his hair. I almost reached out to brush the chunk of hair that fell across his eyes. Almost. I stopped myself in time.
All three of them hopped off their barstools. I walked them to the door.
"Well, bye." I heard myself say stupidly. I mentally choked myself. Could I sound any more like an idiot? Probably not. "It was fun." I heard myself say, "I appreciate you coming over." I spoke too soon. I had no trouble sounding even more absurd.
"Hey, can we have your number? In case we wanna hang out, we'll be able to get a hold of you." Nick asked. I gave a hesitant nod but handed them lime-green Chocolate. They each handed me their phone and they passed my phone between them.
"Bye!" Nick said energetically.
"Bye." Kevin said. He is a very mellow person.
"See you later, Emmy." Shivers ran down my spine as he said my name. The good kind of shivers. He smiled at me, his eyes warm and safe. He shook my hand. I wondered if he had felt the jolt that I felt as our hands touched, because I sure did. "I'll be seeing you." He dropped my hand and ran to catch up with his brothers who were already walking up the sidewalk. He turned and lifted his hand as if saying "see ya".
I closed my door and leaded my back against it. I couldn't believe I was crushing on Joe! (A/N I don't care if it seems like an old school word…it fits) I had a good time while they were here. I didn't think about the incident at all, and it is usually at the very front of my mind.
I trudged up the stairs and plopped on my bed. I started flipping through my pile of magazines. I jumped when I heard my phone ring. Ugh, I really need to change that ring tone. I answered it. It was Joe.
"Hey."
"Hey." I answered, butterflies in my stomach. I rolled my eyes at my stupidness and shoved the butterflies away.
"What are you up to?" I glanced at the magazine I was looking at. It was a full page of Joe. I was actually confused by it. Why was his picture in a magazine? Was he a model? He looked like he was wearing designer clothes. Yes, that must be it. Anyway, I had been staring at it for the past ten minutes.
"Er, nothing," I lied.
"My brothers and I were wondering if you would like to hang out with us by our pool."
"So you finished your chores?"
"Yeah, they go by pretty quickly with three people."
"Lucky."
"I know. So, can you come over?"
"Well, sure, if you're sure."
"Why wouldn't I be sure?" Joe asked. I stammered for awhile until I decided to shut up.
"I would love to. Where do you live?" He gave me directions.
"Come over as soon as you can. Promise?" Joe asked playfully.
"Promise." I responded cheerily.
"Goodbye, Emmy." I felt flutters in my stomach.
"Goodbye," Click. I heard the dial tone. "Joe." I finished. I relished the feel of saying his name out loud.
I opened my drawers. Hmm…what bathing suit? One piece or two piece? If two piece, tankini or bikini? I opted for a stylish black one piece. I still didn't feel comfortable wearing a two piece in front of them. I slipped on some pink Softies (A/N I have no idea how to spell that : P ) and a plain grey fitted t-shirt. I pulled out my pool bag. I delicately rolled a pink beach towel and placed it in the bag. I put my phone, wallet, and sunglasses in a smaller case. I placed the smaller case in the bag. Hey, can I help it if I am organized? I then put a bottle of sunscreen in the bag.
I slipped on a pair of flip flops and slung the bag over my shoulder as I walked out of my room.
"Where are you going honey?" My mom's voice called from the living room.
"You remember those boys from earlier? Well, I am going to their house to hang out."
"Oh, honey, that's wonderful!" I gritted my teeth.
"I don't know when I will be back."
I stepped outside and began my 2 minute trek to their house. As I approached their house I became really nervous. What if this was a prank? What if they regret inviting me over? What if they are going to attack me? Sure, I met for an hour, but does this make us best friends. No. All these insecurities ran through my mind. I began to sweat. Ew, not like, rivers, but a little perspiration. I rang the doorbell. An eternity later, actually like 30 seconds, a woman answered the door.
"Hi, I'm Denise, the boys' mom. " She greeted me warmly. I stepped into their cool air conditioned house.
"Hi, Mrs. Jonas, I'm Emmy Malone."
"Yes, I know, dear. The boys told me all about." She smiled. "The boys are already in the back by the pool. She pointed me in the direction. I thanked her. She seemed really nice and sweet.
I pulled the sliding glass door open and squinted as I stepped back out into the garish sunlight. I should have brought my sunglasses.
"Yo, Emmy, come on over!" Joe called. Joe and Nick pulled themselves out of the pool. Let me just tell you, they looked AMAZING without their shirts on and water drops glistening – you get the picture. I put bag on one of the chairs.
"Thanks for getting here so fast." Nick said shyly.
"Oh, no problem." I answered, smiling. I pulled out my suntan lotion and began applying it to my arms and legs. They stared at me. "I don't want to get burned." I explained.
"Oh." They said simultaneously. They sat in chairs, waiting for me.
I was stuck. I couldn't do my face without a mirror and I was definitely too embarrassed to ask Joe or Nick. As if he saw my dilemma, Joe offered to do my face. I handed him the bottle. He squirted a little in his hand. He slowly massaged the lotion in my face. My skin shivered under his gentle touch. I have to admit, I was pretty sad when he stopped.
I hesitated, still not comfortable stripping into a skin tight black swimsuit. I contemplated how I could avoid any awkwardness by jumping in with my clothes on. I did the only thing I could do. I lay back in the chaise.
"I think I will get in later." I said, pulling a magazine out of my bag. Joe and Nick jumped to their feet and circled me.
"If you don't get in the pool, Nick and I will throw you in." I was wary of the evil (not in a scary bad way) glint in his eyes.
"Nope," I said.
"Get her!" Nick and Joe yanked me from the chaise. I was happy. One, they were solving my problem of getting into the pool with my clothes on. Two, I was being carried/smooshed by two extremely hot guys. I pretended to struggle.
"Joe! Nick! Stop! Please!" I shouted, while laughing. "Kevin! Save me!" He had stopped swimming laps and was watching the three of us in amusement. Nick and Joe began swinging me back and forth over the pool. I suddenly had an idea. I gave what I hoped was a terrified expression. "Please, don't." I whimpered. I almost cracked up when I saw their apologetic faces."
"We're sorry." Nick said as he set me upright. I grinned.
"Gotcha!" I yelled as I pushed – with all my strength – Nick and Joe into the water. Somehow, though, Joe grabbed my wrist and I ended up in the water with them. I came up for air spluttering.
"Nice try." Joe smirked.
"You almost got us!" Nick exclaimed.
"Impressive!" Kevin remarked, swimming up to use. We spent the next hour messing around and having different water competitions. All the boys were so funny.
As I climbed out of the pool and got my towel I had to wonder why they had such an interest in me. I mean, we are pretty much complete strangers. I shook my skeptical thoughts aside and dried off the best I could. I was still dripping was and shivering when I stepped inside the house. Kevin and Nick immediately rushed off. I assumed to their rooms to get changed. Mrs. Jonas walked in the kitchen right as Joe was leaving.
"Joseph!" What did you do to this poor girl? She is drenched!" She turned to me. "Dear, do you have a change of clothes?" I shook my head, my teeth chattering. "Joe, give her one of your shirts to wear for the time being, oh and one of your pairs of shorts."
Joe motioned to me to follow him. I hurried up the stairs to catch up to Joe. His room wasn't too neat but it wasn't disgustingly messy either. He opened his drawers and pulled out a light blue t-shirt and a pair of black athletic shorts.
"Here, you can change in here. We will probably be in the basement."
"Okay, thanks!" He grabbed some clothes for himself and left, shutting the door behind him. Let me tell you, I did not have the slightest intention of stripping naked in a boy that I had just met today's room. I folded my towel and put it in my bag. I moved to set Joe's clothes on his bed. The shirt was really soft. I held it up to my nose and breathed in. It smelled wonderful. It smelled like Joe. I looked around the room – and then felt stupid because, obviously, there was no one else there – and put the shirt into my bag as well. I did not steal it. I borrowed it with every intention of bringing it back during this lifetime. I opened his drawers and pulled an identical shirt out and laid it on the bed with his shorts. I tiptoed down the stairs.
"Dear, why aren't you changed?" I jumped as Mrs. Jonas seemingly came out of nowhere.
"Well, erm, you see, there was...well, I have to go." I finally stuttered out.
"I'll call the boys up to say goodbye."
"Oh, no! I mean, that's not necessary. Just tell them I had to leave."
"Oh, they will be so disappointed!" I gave her a weak smile.
"Thanks for everything." With that I slipped past her and out the door.
On my walk home, I tried to convince myself that I had done the right thing. After all, appearances can be deceiving. Sure, they could seem funny, sweet, amazing, but alone; they could turn into the complete opposite. I was playing it safe; something I had become very good at doing. Deep inside, I knew that I was just too afraid to let anyone close. I was too afraid of being hurt.
Hey guys, sorry I haven't updated in awhile. But there should be a steady stream of updates now. I have written a lot. I know this story is getting a lot of hits but almost no reviews so please, even it is only to say fab job or I hate it, which I hope is not the case, please hit the blue button over there and review. I am not going to update until I get a total of 25 reviews. My next chapter is all ready, it just needs to be uploaded so please! REVIEW! I really want feedback/ideas. Thanks!
