"Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies."
-John Donne
The ride back home was quiet. I was lost in thought, still feeling the imprint of Erik's gentle hands on my waist... until Rod pulled the car over on the on the dark street where most of the houses were already asleep.
"Christine?" Rod's voice stopped my hand on the door handle.
"Yes?" I asked, my voice not quite steady as I saw the look in his eyes.
"Did you have a good time tonight?" His hand stroked my cheek, tucking a few stray curls behind my ear.
I felt heat rush up to my neck. "Y-yes…" I replied, lowering my eyes nervously.
He smiled his most captivating smile. "Good. Because… there's been something I've been wanting to do for awhile now..." He pulled me to him and before I knew what was happening, his lips were on mine.
I would be a liar if I didn't admit that he was a good kisser, I dare say he's had a lot of practice before I came along, but there was something missing… I didn't feel anything myself. It was like kissing a programmed robot, cold and impersonal. I knew in that moment what I had to do. But before I could pull away, I noticed the unwelcome sensation of Rod's fingers unbuttoning my dress. He was already on the third button when I pushed him away angrily.
"What do you think you are doing?" I gasped. Rod looked confused and smiled, reaching for my face again, I pushed him aside with a frown.
"Do I need to spell it out for you? I thought this was what you wanted, Christine, I know it's what I want," he replied, gazing at me with a little more desire than I was comfortable with.
My cheeks burned. "In this little car?! Right in front of my great-aunt's house?!"
"I don't need a bed," he replied huskily. He started to reach for me but again, I shoved his eager hands aside.
"No! It was never my intention to sleep with you, Rod!"
"Who's going to be doing any sleeping?" I nearly slapped him right then and there but controlled myself, knowing that the truth finally needed to be out in the open.
"Rod," I began, taking a deep breath. "I have to tell you something… I--I just don't feel the way about you that I should for this kind of relationship."
He looked confused for a moment but then his eyes cleared and he smiled a knowing, almost leering smile. "Oh! I get it. You're a virgin, aren't you?"
I glared at him. "As a matter of fact I am! What does that have to do with anything?"
He chuckled knowingly and reached for the ignition. "You're just scared. Don't worry, Christine, I'll be really gentle and if you want we can even go find a Motel 6 somewhere to be more comfortable…"
My mouthed dropped open and, if it was possible, I felt more heat rush into my face. "No!" I said firmly as he began to turn the key. "Rod, I knew I should have told you before but I thought you were better than that…" He frowned; I hurried on before I lost my nerve. "I'm committed to abstinence Rod. I'm not going to sleep with you… or anyone else before I get married. And…" I drew in a deep breath and plunged the proverbial sword in. "This is it. I can't go out with you any more."
That little statement finally got him, he backed up, eyes wide.
"What are you talking about?" He replied with a small, forced laugh. "Do you know how many girls at school would love to be in your shoes, Christine?" I just looked at him sadly. "Christine... it's like this..." He began, talking as if I were a small child. "I'm the most popular guy at school. You and I both know it. And you, my desirable goddess, are the most beautiful girl at school, it's a well-known fact among the guys. The most popular guy and the prettiest girl always go out, it's like nature or something. It just happens and that's the way it's supposed to be." He shrugged. "I can respect your decision to remain a virgin, I guess... as weird as it is in this day and age, but... we still have to go out."
"But what about fireworks, music, that certain something, chemistry? What about friendship?"
"Huh?"
I sighed and shook my head. "Rod, you're a nice guy and, hopefully, we'll still be friends but... you can't base a relationship on appearances and popularity. I'm sorry..." I slipped his class ring off my finger and gave it to him, my heart feeling immensely lighter as I did so.
Rod looked at me, saw the truth of what I said in my eyes and stared sullenly out the windshield. "There's someone else, isn't there?" I was quiet. "I know! It's that freak, Erik, isn't it? You're in love with him!" I felt yet another blush creep up on my cheeks. He shook his head. "I should have seen it coming... Why is it that chicks always go for the moody musician-type?" He muttered as I got out.
The little car roared away and I hummed a little to myself as I searched for the keys to the front door in my purse. I had finally located them and had inserted the key in the lock when I heard a step behind me on the street. I glanced behind me quickly but I saw nothing... however, I quickly went inside and re-locked the door, feeling a strange sort of prickly feeling on the back of my neck... as if someone had been standing in the darkness outside, watching my every move.