Special Friends
Chapter 8: Reminiscing
Trish's POV
I pull myself off of the floor and stare in the mirror at myself. I feel fine. My skin is glowing, I don't have a fever. I don't have a cough, or sore throat. Just my stomach is giving me issues. I hope this stops. If not I'll have to go see the doctor. The doorbell goes off again. I roll my eyes at their impatience.
Trish: Be right there! (I quickly brush my teeth and rinse my face off. I back away from the mirror and take a deep breath. My stomach feels okay… for now. I make my way to the front door and peep through the hole. John? I sigh.)
Trish: What do you want? (I place my head against the door so I can hear him on the other side.)
John: I have something to show you. (I look through the peep hole once more and he looks like he's being honest. I open my door and lean against the door frame. He smiles upon seeing me.)
John: Hey. How are you doing?
Trish: Fine. What do you want? (I keep a stern look. I'm not going to let him get in my head. He needs to prove himself to me.)
John: I need to show you this. (He hands me a baggy. I grab it unsure of what to think and look at what was inside of it. A pregnancy test? It has a negative sign on it. Is this what I think it is? I look up at him in shock.)
Trish: Is this…? (His smile spreads ear to ear.)
John: Yeah, it is. Mya isn't pregnant. (I look down at the test once more. I'm surprised. I thought for sure she was pregnant. Why else would she be acting like a lunatic for? Maybe she really is crazy like John was saying.)
Trish: So that means...
John: That she is a crazy liar just like I told you. (I nod. He was right.)
Trish: I'm sorry I just...
John: No need to apologize. I understand. You were protecting yourself. Speaking of which, I don't think Mya is going to be bothering us anymore. (I raise an eyebrow.)
Trish: You didn't hurt her did you?
John: What? Like beat her up? No, of course not. Let's just say that she thinks I'm dead. (He smirks and I feel myself smile as well. I don't know what he did but I find it better not to question these kinds of things.)
Trish: I don't wanna know.
John: Good.
Trish: But if it's something illegal I don't want to be brought into it. (He chuckles.)
John: No, it's nothing like that. I just got her to leave us alone. (I nod. That's a relief. That woman is gonna turn out to be a danger to both of us. If she was going as far as to act like she pregnant, who knows how far she would have gone.)
John: So, I believe someone owes me for not trusting me. (I point to myself and he nods.)
Trish: What do you have in mind?
John: Well, the sun is setting. (He turns to look at the pink sky.)
John: And it's the carnivals last night. Wanna go to the boardwalk? The sunset is beautiful this time of night and year. (The boardwalk? Sounds like a nice night. Let's hope my body can handle it.)
Trish: Yeah. We can go to the carnival. I've wanted to go but had no one to go with.
John: You do now. (He looks up at me with a questioning look. I giggle.)
Trish: Yes, I'll go with you.
We walk on the boardwalk with cotton candy. I pull some of the pink cotton off and munch on it. It's better than I remember. John's hand brushes against mine and he lets it linger there for a second. I pull my hand closer to myself and I can see from the corner of my eye that he glances at me. Did he mean to do that? Is he trying to hold my hand? I hope not. Maybe it was an accident. John points up at the Ferris wheel.
John: Hey, look. The Ferris wheel. Wanna go on it? (I stare up at the lumbering contraption. I've always loved going on them when I was kid. I haven't been on one for years. I shrug.)
Trish: Sure, let's go. It'll be fun. (We walk to the line and are able to get on right away. We get settled in and wait for the ride to start.)
John: You know, the last time I went on one of these was with you. (I look up at him and I remember. He was right. We did go on a Ferris wheel together back in high school.)
Flashback
I sit down and the Ferris wheel shifts into motion. I glance over at John. He looks back at me nervously. He's such a timid guy. I don't know why. We've been best friends forever now. He should know he can relax with me by now. We reach the peek and the ride stops. I look over the edge to see the operator letting other people on in the carts below us. I look out over the ocean at the sunset and smile. It's so beautiful. My heart warms at the sight.
John: It's an amazing view up here. (I turn my attention back to John. He's gazing into my eyes. I open my mouth to reply but nothing comes out. His face immediately turns red and he ducks his eyes from mine. I smile to myself. He must have been referring to me being beautiful. He always gives me little compliments like that. John is such a nice guy. No wonder Vic hates him. I would have came here with him tonight if he weren't being such a big, fat, stupid jerk.)
I look over the edge of the Ferris wheel just like I did 10 years ago. Déjà vu hits me like a dump truck. This is, like, identical to what happened back then. It brings back some amazing memories. High school was the best time of my life. Nothing but friends, fun, parties, and sleep overs. I didn't have a care in the world. Pfft, I've changed a lot. That's for sure. I was so naïve. I used to believe in soul mates and true love. Shows just how stupid and clueless I was. Now it's nothing but work, drama, and meaningless sex. But at least I'm wiser and know the drill. Real love doesn't exist.
John: It's beautiful up here, isn't it? (I return my attention back to John. I examine his face intently this time. 10 years ago he was pimpled, skinny, and nerdy. Now he's a total steed. And he's saying almost the same identical thing he did back then. This time it's much more sexier and feels better coming from him. He sure did mature well. He's come along way. He's not awkward and weird anymore. He's confident, cool, and collected. We've both come a long way.)
Trish: Yeah, it really is. Thanks for inviting me tonight.
John: No problem. Thanks for coming.
I pull out my car keys and look up at my best friend with the cheesiest grin ever.
Trish: Wanna? (I place it against the plastic seat. John raises an eyebrow confused.)
John: What are you... (I grab his hand with mine and guide his hand with mine. I begin to carve into the seat.)
I look back out at the ocean. I can spot sea gulls out in the distance. They're nothing but a black outline against the pink and purple sky. I place my hand on the seat next to me to feel scratches beneath me. I glance down and my heart skips a beat.
Trish: Oh my God… (John looks over at me concerned.)
John: What's wrong? (I lift my hand as my jaw drops. He looks down between us and his jaw drops as well. Engraved between us are the words "J & T BFF 4EVER".)
We look at each other with bewilderment. It can't be true. This is impossible. What are the odds that we get the same exact Ferris wheel let alone the same bungalow? It's unimaginable but the odds are like impossible. I can't believe it.
John: Stop messing with me. (I stare at him as sincere as I can.)
Trish: I'm not! You're the one that…
John: I didn't do this. (Collectively we both look back down at our signatures. It looks old and withered. It's definitely been there a while. There's no way John could have carved this right now to mess with me.)
Trish: John, I think this is…
John: The same one we did when we went to the carnival senior year. (I can't contain my excited sneers from escaping my lips.)
Trish: This is crazy. (John laughs to himself.)
John: I know, right. (We both look at the carving as we laugh together. This is so crazy. I knew it was the same carnival but I didn't think this was even the same Ferris wheel. I mean, our town has an end of the summer carnival every year. This is unbelievable. John looks at me with a mesmerized look. His eyes are almost glazed over.)
John's POV
I can't believe it. All this time, a whole decade later, our names are still here. We were just kids when we did that. I didn't think anything of it then, but now I do. This was all meant to happen. I was supposed to lose my job and move back here. I was supposed to meet up with Trish and be friends again. Everything happens for a reason. I bite my lower lip and prepare myself.
John: Do you believe in soul mates? (Trish cocks her head to one side and stares back at me clueless. I hope I didn't say anything stupid. After a few seconds, she slowly shakes her head no.)
Trish: No, not really. Why? (She doesn't? My heart plummets. She doesn't feel the same way about me. I knew it. The recognition of rejection stabs me in the heart again. Just like last time.)
Trish lifts her hand and places her car keys back in her pocket. I stare down at our carving and finally build the courage up. I'm gonna tell her how I really feel. I grab her hand and hold it. She quickly looks up at me puzzled.
John: Trish, just listen to me for a moment. I've been keeping these feelings bottled up since I first met you. I can't stop thinking about you. When I'm not with you, I miss you. I don't want to miss you anymore. I wanna be with you all the time. I wanna be able to hug you, and kiss you. I… I love you. (I watch in horror as she shakes her head in disbelief.)
John: Trish, I know what you're thinking. And you're right. I'm an ugly, unattractive loser. But trust me when I say this, you'll never find a man better for you than me. Vic, he's an asshole. He doesn't deserve you and you know it. All I'm asking is for you to give me a chance. (She pulls her hand out from under mine and shakes her head once more.)
Trish: I don't feel that way about you, John. You know that. We've talked about this before. Besides, I'm with Vic. I love him.
John: He doesn't love you like I do. I can be the man you need, not him. (I reach out and run my thumb across her cheek. I've never touched a girl before. Her skin is so soft and smooth. I stare at her lips.)
Trish: I'm not changing my mind. You're just gonna have to accept it and move on.
John: I can't help how I feel. (I bring my lips to hers and kiss her. I melt. They're so soft and perfect. She jerks away from me quickly and slaps me across the face.)
John: Ahh! ( I grab my stinging cheek.)
Trish: You know I'm with Vic! What the hell is wrong with you!? (I'm barely aware that the ride has stopped and we're reaching the platform.)
Trish: Vic is gonna hear about this. And when he does, he's gonna come and kick your ass! (She jumps out of the ride before the operator can even give the exiting instructions. I stare after her. Shit, she's gonna tell Vic and when she does he'll be knocking on my door wanting to fight. I've been down that road with him before. I stand up and call her name but she ignores me and continues to run until she disappears into the sea of faces.)
I stare at her shocked that I would be stupid enough to ask such a question. Stupid, stupid, stupid! She continues to stare at me uneasy. I know she doesn't believe in soul mates. That jack ass Vic ruined love for her. What a dick. I should have just kept my big mouth shut. She obviously doesn't feel anything other than lust for me. I should just give up. She'll never love me.
John: No reason. I was just curious. You know, because I don't believe in that crap either. (She slowly nods her head and I can tell that she's grown suspicious of me. I need to be careful. If she catches on that I love her then she won't talk to me anymore. And I'd rather have her as a friend than to not have her at all.)
Trish: Um… okay. That's good, I guess. (Stupid. She's gonna catch on. I'm an idiot. I need to change the topic to something she enjoys.)
John: So, um… the other day, what you did for me, it was amazing. (I watch as her eyes grow slightly larger.
Trish's POV
Wow, well that was a switch of topic. He must be embarrassed. He only acts weird when he's embarrassed. I should cut him some slack. After all he's still that same shy guy I used to know. He's just gotten sexier.
Trish: Are you referring to what I think you are? (He must be talking about the sex we had before that damn Mya came and wrecked my ride.)
John: I think that glimmer in your eye says it all. (He winks and I feel myself blush. He is talking about what I thought he was. Now this topic is something I can enjoy.)
Trish: Well, I do believe we're thinking of the same thing.
John: Where did that all come from? It was such a surprise I… you blew my mind. (I shrug proudly.)
Trish: Guess I just have skills is all. (He laughs and I laugh with him. Déjà vu hits me once more.)
My heart pounds through my chest as John's hands slide under my shirt. They cover my breasts and I can feel my breathing pick up. I've never been touched like this before. It's erotic. His warm breath heats up my neck as he sucks and kisses it. My first time.
I shake my head trying to get rid of the image but I can't. I feel myself growing excited. Not here. I can't get horny when we're 50 feet above the city. John wouldn't hesitate taking me on here right now. As much as I would love to, it's just not safe. We can be seen at any moment and even possibly fall out. I wouldn't risk that for one time of pleasure. If I die or get injured real bad I can't have sex ever again. I'd rather have tons of sex than one awesome time.
John: I know this is random, but do you remember how that night ended? You know, last time we were on this Ferris wheel? (I feel my own eyes open wide. He remembers! Oh my God! What do I say? I know, act dumb. I shrug with my best poker face ever.)
Trish: Not really.
John: Yeah you do. (I shake my head in denial.)
Trish: No, I don't. (He rolls his eyes.)
John: You want me to remind you? (Um, no. Not really. I don't need your help making me remember something I'm trying to ignore.)
John: Let me remind you.
I ran as fast as I could away from John. I can't believe he just forced himself on me. I trusted him and this is what he does to me? I can't believe it. I'm telling Vic and John's gonna get it. I knock on the back door of Vic's house. I'm exhausted from running this far and my breathing is ragged. Vic looks through the screen door with a stern look.
Vic: What the hell do you want? I told you I didn't wanna talk to you.
Trish: Vic, please. Listen to me. John, he forced himself on me. He kissed me. I tried to stop him but he wouldn't listen. (His expression doesn't change and after a while his smirk arises.)
Vic: That nerd made a move on my girl? (He chuckles as he opens the screen door and comes outside with me.)
Vic: I'm surprised he finally grew the balls. I never thought I'd see the day where that little bitch acts like a man. What did you tell him?
Trish: That I was gonna tell you and you were gonna kick his ass. (He nods approvingly.)
Vic: Good. Because I will. That little dweeb thinks he can make a move on my girl? Before I even got any? (Got any? What's he talking about? Sex? He knows I'm not ready yet.)
Vic: And to think I trusted you with him. Shit, I'm surprised the guy's dick even works. (I look at Vic unsure of what to say. He's been acting strange lately. And he's not any different tonight.)
Vic: I'm gonna have to teach that asshole a lesson. No one is gonna be deflowering you. That's my job.
Trish: Vic, I really don't… (He puts his finger over my lips hushing me.)
Vic: Shhhh. It's alright. It only hurts the first time. After that, you'll love it. (Here he is acting crazy again. I take a step away from him but he takes a step towards me.)
Vic: Do you know what I would do if you had sex with him and not me? (I shrug as I take a few more steps away from him. Again, he comes closer.)
Vic: I'd kill him. And then I'd kill you. (I feel tree bark against my back. Behind me is the huge oak tree and behind that is a solid wooden fence. Vic brings himself so close our stomachs touch.)
Vic: You see, you're mine. We both know it's gonna happen. So just get it over with. (He places his hand on the back of my head and tries to kiss me. I turn my head and avoid it.)
Trish: Vic, stop. I'm really not in the mood…
Vic: But I am. (He uses one leg to push mine open. He steps between them and pushes his pelvis against me. Ewww… I can feel it. It's hard and it's touching me through his pants. I feel so violated and disgusted.)
Trish: Vic, stop. Seriously, I…
Vic: I said shut up. It's gonna happen when I want it to happen. (He forces his lips against mine and kisses me. I try to fight him but he's stronger and I'm trapped. He uses his free hand and starts to rub me through my clothes. My adrenaline kicks in. There's no way I'm gonna let him do this to me. I push him against his chest as hard as I can.)
Trish: Get off of me! (He stumbles backward a tiny bit. He catches his balance and his eyes flicker closed. When they open back up they are dark and lifeless. He reaches out as I take a step back again. His hand grabs hold of one of the straps of my tank top trying to stop me. I yank away and he tugs it hard. It snaps. I shove him back once more trying to make some distance between us.)
Vic: Don't fight it! You'll like it! (He takes an aggressive step towards me. Panic sets in. What should I do? I quickly remember what John did last year. Some guy was bullying him while we were on our way to science class. John told the bully to leave him alone. The bully grabbed John by the throat and pushed him into the lockers. I remember seeing the veins in John's neck bulge as the bully choked him. John had one means of defense. It didn't fail him. If a guy is bigger and stronger than you there's only one thing you can do.)
I raise my knee as fast and as hard as I can. It connects with Vic's balls. I can feel them smash against my knee cap. He immediately yelps and falls to the floor. I run away as fast as I can not turning around to see what became of Vic. What the hell is wrong with guys today? Are they just all out to try and rape me? Tears pour down my cheeks as I dart down the sidewalk towards my house. I run into someone hard and almost fall back. I can feel their hands grabbing me around the waist to stop me from falling. I sniffle and cough and try to wipe my eyes. The tears are blinding me.)
John: It's alright, I gotcha. (My heart drops when I hear his voice.)
Trish: No! Get off of me! (I try to push him away but he holds me tight.)
John: Trish, stop. It's alright. It's okay. I'm here. (He pulls me into a tight hug and I feel safe. I wrap my arms around his waist and hug him as tight as I can while tears pour down my face.)
