All summer long Carmen had been getting phone calls from Joey and
Pacey. It was the first Thursday in august. Carmen was hanging with Jen a
lot more. Carmen has not been bothered by Sam the whole summer. It was a
hot muggy summer day and Jen was over by Carmen's house hanging out.
Carmen's air conditioning was not working well and the whole house felt
like a broiler.
"Damn Carmen, it's hot as hell in here!" Jen said getting up from the couch where she was stuck to.
"Take off something, it helps." Carmen said fanning herself.
"If I take off any more I'll be almost naked. We have to get out off here. You said you would help me paint my garage."
Carmen looked around and wiped the sweat from her forehead. "You're right. Let's go."
Carmen slowly got up from the sticky couch and went to her dad who was watching the repair man work. She told her dad something in Spanish then said goodbye.
Carmen and Jen walked out of the house. Carmen was closing the door when she saw Sam come outside of his house. They stared at each other then Carmen turned away and quickly walked away from the house. When Carmen and Jen reached Jen's house after their walk in the blazing hot sun they were drenched in sweat. Jack was already by Jen's house setting up the paint.
"Where did you two come from?" Jack asked.
"My house." Carmen answered.
"you guys should go inside for a towel or something. Grams made a pitcher of lemonade."
Both Carmen and Jen raised their hand slightly to say thank you then they almost ran inside. Jen got two towels and they sat at the table wiping themselves off.
"Hello Jennifer, Carmen. Why on earth are you wiping yourselves with towels?"
"Hey Ma'am. It is so hot outside." Carmen said wiping her arm off.
"Yeah Grams it's supposed to be like over 90 out there."
"O dear. I guess I will not be going to the store. I made some lemonade. Please drink up." Grams said pouring two thick and tall glasses of lemonade.
The glasses were empty in 5 seconds. Five minutes later Carmen and Jen were ready to go outside when Sam walked into the kitchen.
"Uh hey Grams. I came to return the dish Bessie used." Sam said as he placed the plate on the table.
"Thank you Samuel." Grams said.
Sam looked at Carmen. Carmen rolled her eyes and opened the door.
"Thank you for the lemonade ma'am. It helped a lot." They walked outside to join Jack.
"What a sweet girl that Carmen is. Too bad she's hung up on someone who's too scared to say anything." Grams said as she put away the dish.
"Yeah she is, wait what? What guy? Who does she like?" Sam said watching Grams.
Grams snickered a little. "O dear boy. I was talking about you Samuel."
"NO, Carmen hates me."
"As they say, there is a thin line between love and hate. She's not on the hate side." Grams fixed her dishes.
"I know I still love her but do you think she still loves me?"
"I know so." Grams wiped down a dish close to Sam then walked away and faced away. "No matter, you still are too frightened of her that you won't even talk to the girl."
"Yeah...hey!" Grams turned around to face Sam and they both started laughing.
Carmen picked up a large paint brush, soaked it in paint and started painting the garage. When her brush was dry she went back to the paint can and noticed that Jen was staring at her.
"What?"
"O nothing." Jen faced the garage and started to paint again.
Carmen held the wet paint brush in her hand where it dripped down. "Okay I want to know why you keep looking at me."
"I just don't get you that's all."
Carmen looked puzzled. "What do you mean that you don't get me?"
"I mean that I don't understand why you have a new goal of ignoring Sam all the time."
"I do not ignore him."
"you're right Carmen; you don't ignore him, you stare at him."
"I do not!"
"Yes you do!"
This kind of bickering went on for a minute until Jack stepped in.
"Ladies, ladies. What is with all the yes no stuff? Please, I'm getting a headache. Carmen, take your brush and paint over there and sweetie, go paint in the corner." Jack said.
"I'm only doing this because it's a big garage." Jen said before kissing Jack and going to paint the corner.
The next few minutes were quiet until Jack brought out a radio. All three of them started to move to the music. When a commercial started all three smiled at each other and went back to work. Sam came outside and noticed the three painting. Carmen saw Sam then quickly looked away and painted harder.
"Hey Jack and Jen." Sam said walking towards them.
"Hey." They said back.
"Hi Carmen." Sam said looking at her.
"Hey Sam." Carmen said coldly without looking at him.
Sam got a sudden sad look on his face and the others noticed. Sam looked at what Carmen was painting.
"You should paint with the grain, not against it Carm."
"I think I'm doing fine Sam." Carmen painted harder.
"With it Carmen," Sam said putting his hand over her hand. "like this."
Carmen looked at Sam and he looked back; but only for a second so he could give a quick smile. Carmen smiled back then blushed a little. Sam put his fingers closer to the brush so he could interlock fingers with Carmen. After a few strokes Carmen noticed that Jack and Jen were watching them. Carmen dropped the brush and ripped her hand away.
"What's wrong Carmen?" Sam asked.
Carmen stepped back. "What's wrong? Sam, you can't be serious? The problem is that you don't think I'm capable of doing this myself! Will you ever trust me to do something well?" Carmen walked away in a huff.
"Carmen!" Sam ran after her and got hold of her arm.
"Don't touch me!" Carmen said ripping her arm away.
"What did I do Carmen?"
"Nothing Sam, you never do anything. You never did anything."
"Why do you act like this to me all the time?"
"Well excuse me Mr. high and mighty. I'm sorry that I don't want to talk to the only person that has completely boggled my mind."
"You don't think you've done that to me?"
"O please. When have you ever thought that much about me?"
"There were a few times."
"O yeah? Name three."
"Okay. A while after me and Jen broke up. You came over to see Joey and you were wearing this black tank top and jean shorts. You had this red lipstick on and you smiled at me. For weeks I wasn't sure what I was feeling towards you. "Another time was the first time we ever made love. I had sex before, with a few people, and I never felt so nervous about it in my life. I wanted it to be perfect for you. I was afraid that if you didn't enjoy yourself then you would leave and I loved you so much that I was terrified to even think about it. I wasn't even that nervous my first time. It worked out okay. "The most mind boggling time with you is now."
Carmen looked at Sam. "Now? What's so nerve wrecking now?"
Sam looked into Carmen's eyes. "Carmen, I still love you, I never stopped. When you broke up with me I was crushed. I can't live like this Carmen. I need you. The bad part is that I don't know how you feel. Please tell me if it's worth all this misery or if I should give up all hope."
Carmen looked at Sam then turned away. "All I have to say to you is that every duck has his day." Carmen walked away towards her home.
THAT SATURDAY...
"We are going to have so much fun Carmen." Jen said putting on her makeup.
"I don't know Jen. I'm going to feel like a third wheel." Carmen said sitting on Jen's bed.
"Don't be silly. You are never a third wheel. Don't think that it's a bike, but picture a tricycle. It won't work well without the third."
"Thanks Jen." Carmen smiled.
Jen turned around and smiled. "No problem. Now, what are you going to wear?" Jen rubbed her chin then suddenly sprung up and went to her closet. "I have the perfect outfit for a single gal going to a party."
Jen brought out a really short spaghetti strapped dress. It had a v- neck upper part and a short slit on the right thigh. Carmen put it on and sat back on the bed.
"You look fab! Now for shoes makeup and accessories. Sit and put on." Jen said going back into her closet.
After trying on many pairs of shoes, Carmen ended up with a pair of silky red ankle strapped sandals. Carmen painted her toe and finger nails a ruby red to match her dress. Tiny red earrings were put in her ears. Carmen put on only her gold necklace with the virgin Mary medallion on it. For her makeup, Carmen wore gold colored eye shadow, black mascara and the most red and sexy lipstick she owned. Her hair was fluffed out cutely because it was short.
Jack, Jen and Carmen all walked over to Dunkin Wilding's house for a Saturday night party. (I know it's a dorky name but it's the first thing that popped into my head) All of the guys checked out Carmen as she walked in. After a few minutes Carmen started to get ignored by the couple and decided to take off by herself. Carmen went and got herself a drink when a guy walked over to her.
"Hey honey. What's your name?" the guy said staring at her boobs.
"It's Carmen and I'm up here. Who are you?"
"The boys call me Dan but all the ladies call me best."
"Best?"
"Yeah best, because I'm the best they ever had."
Carmen put her head in her hand.
"So you want to hook up?"
"Hook up? Uh, I don't think so."
"Aw c'mon. I heard the bedrooms have really nice ceilings."
Carmen laughed. "Okay Best, I'll meet you up there in a minute."
"Awesome! You won't regret this babe." The guy walked up the stairs.
Carmen laughed and told Jen she was going, then went to dump her drink so she could go home. Carmen went to the garbage can and dumped her drink and looked up. She saw Sam leaning on a wall next to a blonde girl who was giggling. Someone called something behind her and Sam looked that way. He saw Carmen staring at him.
"Carmen."
Carmen turned on her heel and stormed out of the house. Sam followed her calling her name. Once she was outside she started to run. Carmen fell.
"Carmen, are you okay?" Sam said getting on the dirty ground next to her. He saw the cut on her arm and held it.
Carmen snatched her arm away. "Don't touch me Sam! I'm fine." Carmen was crying.
"You have a cut."
Carmen looked at Sam with tears in her eyes then took off her shoes. She didn't say a word to him but got up and started to walk away.
"We're just friends Carmen. That's all Alicia and I are."
Carmen stopped walking but didn't turn around. "Friends like me and you are?"
Sam walked up to Carmen. "No, not like we are."
Carmen turned around but looked down. "It doesn't matter anyways. We're not together anymore remember."
"I know it matters to you Carmen."
A few drops of tears fell to the floor. "You're right Sam, it does matter." Carmen looked up at him. "It matters because two days ago you told me you still loved me and now you're flirting with someone else. The sad part is that I actually believed you."
"I told you she was just my friend!"
"Just your friend: my ass. You stood the same way and smiled the same way when you were flirting with me all that time ago."
Sam made a little growl sound. "How can I prove to you that I want you not her? How can I prove my love?" Sam just looked at Carmen then put his hands down. "I know."
Sam walked back up to Carmen. He pushed up her chin and looked into her eyes. Sam put his hands on Carmen's face and leaned in. His lips gently slid across her ruby red lips with his eyes closed. After a second Carmen closed her eyes. She put more pressure on his lips. Their lips separated only to meet again. The kiss was a soft opened mouth kiss with no tongue. Once again, their lips detached but this time Sam pulled slightly farther away and opened his eyes. Carmen's eyes fluttered open. He removed his hands from her face.
"Do you believe me now?" Sam asked with a smile.
Carmen punched Sam right on the left cheek. She left a mark. "How dare you pounce yourself on me!" Carmen grabbed her shoes and ran away.
ONE WEEK LATER..............................................................................
"I don't want to go Jen." Carmen said sitting on Jen's couch.
"I don't care what you want; WE are going to this party. When do us girls get a girls night out?" Jen said sitting down.
"It's only me you and Andie, all of the girls aren't here because Joey isn't here."
"I know but we are going to have a fab tabulous time, especially you. You get to play with all the singles."
A car beeped outside. "Andie is here. Let's go." Jen took Carmen by the hand and dragged her along.
When they got to the party there were a lot of guys. Carmen felt nervous. She took Jen to the side.
"Jen are you sure Sam is not here? There are a lot of guys."
"I'm pretty sure."
"Pretty sure? Jen you guranteed he was not going to be here."
"It's a big party. If he's here you may not even see him." Jen smiled, took another drink from her cup and walked away.
Carmen found Jen after a minute and the host of the party got in the middle of the floor.
"Yo Yo! Thanks everyone for comin' to my party! Hope you all are feeling fine. So right now, it's time to have some fun!" The guy pulled a bottle from behind his back. Everyone cheered. "It's time to play spin the bottle baby! The quick kiss or seven minute room version! Everyone who wants to play, come to the center and make a big circle like good little kiddies."
About twenty people made a circle. The host looked around.
"Okay there has to be some shy peeps out there. Come and play!"
"Hey take this girl she's single." A guy yelled and pushed Carmen into the middle of the room.
"Ah Carmen. Please sit." The guy host looked around and pointed his finger. "Is that my man Sam in the back? If that is Sam, you better get in here boy before I force you to."
Sam walked forward and saw Carmen. He sat on the opposite end of the circle.
The host placed the bottle in the middle and spun it to see who was first. It landed on the girl next to Carmen so she was second and Sam was last. The girl spun and it landed on a blonde boy. They shared a short kiss. Carmen was next. All of the girl's stood up when a girl spun and the guys stood up when a guy spun.
Carmen spun the bottle and it spun ten times. When it stopped the open end ended on a Abercrombie blonde boy with a necklace of beads. Carmen looked at Sam who was looking at her. She walked over to the guy and quickly kissed him so she couldn't feel it. When Carmen sat back down Sam was staring at the smiling guy with the most devilish look on his face.
The bottle went around the whole circle. Some people left the circle so there were only five girls left when Sam spun.
Sam spun the bottle. It spun 15 times. When it stopped it landed between Carmen and this brunette girl with blonde high lights. The host got on the microphone again. "Uh O! It landed in between. Who should he choose? Alex or Carmen?"
Everyone started chanting Car- Men, Car- men.
"You heard the crowd Sam, go to the beautiful Carmen and kiss her. (to the crowd() did you know they dated before?"
Sam got up and helped Carmen up. "I'm not going to Carmen. I won't make you."
Carmen looked at Sam. The host was counting down because they had five seconds to kiss.
"Zero! You two know the rules, it's off into the small room for seven minutes." The host rushed them into the room and held the door shut.
The room was dark so Sam pulled the string for the light. The room was a little bigger than a no walk in closet. It was longer so Carmen moved to the back.
"Do we really have to stay in here for 7 minutes?" Carmen asked.
"Yep." was Sam's only reply.
Carmen leaned herself against a wall. "What's wrong with you tonight?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you're not very social."
"I don't want to make you talk to me."
Carmen looked at Sam. She walked up to him. "I'm sorry about the way I treated you Sam. I was really mean. Can you forgive me?"
"I could never be really mad at you. My jaw hurts that's all."
"I'm sorry I punched you. Do you have a bruise? Come into the light."
Sam moved closer to Carmen so he could be in the light. Carmen saw his bruise and pulled him closer. His brown hair sparkled in the light: so did his eyes.
"Did I do that?" Carmen asked touching the bruise.
Sam flinched. "You have a hard fist."
They started laughing. Sam's foot got caught in a cord on the ground. He fell forward onto Carmen. She banged her head on the wall behind her. They didn't fall all the way to the floor.
Sam used his hands to pick up his weight off of Carmen from the wall.
"You okay Carmen? Did you hit your head hard? I'm sorry."
Carmen started laughing. "I'm fine Sam. What did you trip on?"
"A cord."
Carmen started to laugh again. Sam helped her up. "I guess it is funny."
Carmen kept laughing and just nodded her head. Sam joined in. After a minute Sam stopped laughing. Carmen slowed down when she noticed Sam staring at her.
"What are you staring at?" Carmen asked.
"You. Do you know how beautiful you are?"
Carmen smiled. "You think I'm beautiful?"
"You are the most gorgeous girl I have ever seen."
"You are very sweet."
Sam smiled sweetly and stayed close. Carmen looked straight into his eyes.
"Kiss me Sam." Carmen said plainly.
"Are you sure?" Sam asked.
"Yes. Stop talking and just..." Carmen was cut off by Sam.
Sam put pressure on Carmen's lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he put his arms around her and held her tight. The kiss was intense. Sam pushed Carmen against a wall and kissed her harder. He moved her hands away from her back so he could put them on each side of her on the wall. Carmen opened her lips wider so they could French kiss. (just 'case you don't know, it's w/ tongue action) Carmen flipped over Sam so he was underneath. She wrapped her hands around his waist but never stopped kissing him. Sam pushed Carmen back against a wall but this time in the corner. He moved his lips from hers and down to her neck. Carmen put her arms down by her side.
"I love you Sam." Carmen said. Sam stepped back from Carmen. He gave her a strange look. A guy opened the door because time was up.
"So what happened?" asked a guy.
Carmen looked at Sam and walked out. "Ask him."
Sam walked out but Carmen was already gone.
Sam looked all over the house for Carmen. He could not find her. After about a half an hour Sam decided to go home. Sam opened the screen door and walked down the three wood steps. Sam walked four steps and some strange feeling inside of him made him look to the picnic table on his left. He saw Carmen sitting by the table with her arms resting on the table and she seemed to be breathing slowly and deeply. Sam walked up to her but stood behind her.
"Hey Carmen." Sam said still standing behind her.
Carmen took in a breathe and didn't turn around. "Hey Sam. You enjoy the party?"
Sam opened his mouth to speak but he closed it and sat next to Carmen. Sam sat so he was facing her. He opened his mouth but still, no words came out. Carmen noticed this and looked at Sam.
"Spit it out Sam. Say what you must." Carmen said looking at Sam with sad eyes.
Sam looked into Carmen's eyes then looked down. "What happened in there Carmen? One minute you can't stand me and the next we're making out almost to the point of having sex. What suddenly changed for you?"
Carmen looked away from Sam and looked at her fidgeting hands on the table. "I guess I got caught up in the moment. You were on me and telling me I was beautiful so it made me want to kiss you I guess."
Sam stared at Carmen and started to nod his head. "That's great Carmen. Well at least now I know that everything you did tonight didn't mean a thing. I bet that I love you thing you said was something blurted out in the heat of the moment. Do you know how cruel that is Carmen? You probably would have went all the way with me if we weren't interrupted and when we were done you would say o sorry it was a mistake. I didn't know you could be so hurtful."
Carmen still didn't look at him but spoke softly. "I'm not cruel Sam."
"You're not cruel, fuck that! How the hell is telling someone you love them and not meaning it not cruel?" Sam's voice got slightly louder.
"I'm not cruel Sam because I meant it okay?" Carmen said with a tear in her eye. She looked at Sam whose jaw dropped when she said that. "Yeah that's right. I meant it when I said I loved you. I never stopped loving you; I was just pissed off that's all. Now can we please pretend that we never had this conversation?"
"Why would you want to do that?"
"When I said that to you I freaked you out. You gave me this you're crazy look."
Sam smiled a small smile. "I was just surprised that you told me that. I was waiting so long for you to tell me that again that's all. I love you Carmen and I want you to remember that. Now that we know that we both love each other we should be together."
Carmen turned her body so she was facing him. She wiped away her tears. "I don't know Sam. The first time didn't work out and I got hurt badly. I don't want that to happen again."
Sam put his hands on her shoulders. "It won't happen again. I was a total ass and didn't realize how important you were to me. I had to lose you first. Now I know how amazing you are and I never want to lose you again. Please trust me."
Carmen smiled a little. "Well I guess I have to because I have the whole love thing. That can change though."
Sam slid his hands down around her body. "O yeah? The love thing is a big problem."
Carmen wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yeah it is but maybe I can work with it."
Sam and Carmen kissed. They stayed there kissing for a few minutes. After that Carmen stood up and grabbed Sam's hand. They walked together to Sam's house where they spent the night.
It was eight in the morning. Carmen and Sam were sleeping in Sam's room when the phone rang. Carmen heard it first. She was in Sam's arms so she just flipped over and started to kiss him. She talked between kisses.
"Hey Baby. The phone's ringing. You should get that. Sam. Sam I saw your eyes open so I know you can hear me."
Sam opened his eyes wide and kissed Carmen. "I wanted you to kiss me more so I didn't respond. You can get the phone. I have my own line so it's probably Jack or someone." Sam let go of Carmen and got up to go to the bathroom.
Carmen reached for the phone and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Carmen is that you?"
"Hey Joey. Yeah it's me."
"Why are you answering Sam's phone?"
"O, long story. I slept over here last night. We're back together."
"That's great! It's about you guys got back together. So, is Sam there?"
"He's in the bathroom. I can take a note for you."
"Okay. Tell Sam our plane comes in at eleven tonight so he should be there on time."
"Okay got it. Why so late?"
"Cheapest flight."
"ah smart. So did you do anything new since we last talked?"
"Not really. Tomorrow I'll talk to you before school and tell you all the details. Hey Pacey wants to talk to you so Bye."
"Bye."
"Hey Carmen. How has your summer been lately?"
"Fantastic. How is yours? Enjoying Boston?"
"O it's great. Really something. We have to take you up here someday."
"That sounds like fun."
"Hey sorry to be rushing off so fast Carmen but I have to leave for work. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye."
"Bye Pacey."
Carmen hung up the phone. Sam came out of the bathroom with his PJ's on.
"I thought you were going to take a shower?" Carmen asked.
"I am. I need my shirt though." Sam said pointing to his shirt Carmen was wearing.
"O here." Carmen started to unbutton her shirt.
"Stop Carmen." Carmen stopped. "I need to take a shower and so do you and we both know that Bessie is not rich so we should really save money. We should share a shower." Sam smirked.
Carmen smiled right back and got up. "I think you are so right. Let's share a shower. I get my own towel though." Carmen grabbed Sam's hand and went in the bathroom.
"Yes Ma'am." Sam said as he closed the door behind him.
The next chapter is called Reality check. Some real life issues come up. It's not going to be really emotional. (Or so I think, I still have to write it.)
"Damn Carmen, it's hot as hell in here!" Jen said getting up from the couch where she was stuck to.
"Take off something, it helps." Carmen said fanning herself.
"If I take off any more I'll be almost naked. We have to get out off here. You said you would help me paint my garage."
Carmen looked around and wiped the sweat from her forehead. "You're right. Let's go."
Carmen slowly got up from the sticky couch and went to her dad who was watching the repair man work. She told her dad something in Spanish then said goodbye.
Carmen and Jen walked out of the house. Carmen was closing the door when she saw Sam come outside of his house. They stared at each other then Carmen turned away and quickly walked away from the house. When Carmen and Jen reached Jen's house after their walk in the blazing hot sun they were drenched in sweat. Jack was already by Jen's house setting up the paint.
"Where did you two come from?" Jack asked.
"My house." Carmen answered.
"you guys should go inside for a towel or something. Grams made a pitcher of lemonade."
Both Carmen and Jen raised their hand slightly to say thank you then they almost ran inside. Jen got two towels and they sat at the table wiping themselves off.
"Hello Jennifer, Carmen. Why on earth are you wiping yourselves with towels?"
"Hey Ma'am. It is so hot outside." Carmen said wiping her arm off.
"Yeah Grams it's supposed to be like over 90 out there."
"O dear. I guess I will not be going to the store. I made some lemonade. Please drink up." Grams said pouring two thick and tall glasses of lemonade.
The glasses were empty in 5 seconds. Five minutes later Carmen and Jen were ready to go outside when Sam walked into the kitchen.
"Uh hey Grams. I came to return the dish Bessie used." Sam said as he placed the plate on the table.
"Thank you Samuel." Grams said.
Sam looked at Carmen. Carmen rolled her eyes and opened the door.
"Thank you for the lemonade ma'am. It helped a lot." They walked outside to join Jack.
"What a sweet girl that Carmen is. Too bad she's hung up on someone who's too scared to say anything." Grams said as she put away the dish.
"Yeah she is, wait what? What guy? Who does she like?" Sam said watching Grams.
Grams snickered a little. "O dear boy. I was talking about you Samuel."
"NO, Carmen hates me."
"As they say, there is a thin line between love and hate. She's not on the hate side." Grams fixed her dishes.
"I know I still love her but do you think she still loves me?"
"I know so." Grams wiped down a dish close to Sam then walked away and faced away. "No matter, you still are too frightened of her that you won't even talk to the girl."
"Yeah...hey!" Grams turned around to face Sam and they both started laughing.
Carmen picked up a large paint brush, soaked it in paint and started painting the garage. When her brush was dry she went back to the paint can and noticed that Jen was staring at her.
"What?"
"O nothing." Jen faced the garage and started to paint again.
Carmen held the wet paint brush in her hand where it dripped down. "Okay I want to know why you keep looking at me."
"I just don't get you that's all."
Carmen looked puzzled. "What do you mean that you don't get me?"
"I mean that I don't understand why you have a new goal of ignoring Sam all the time."
"I do not ignore him."
"you're right Carmen; you don't ignore him, you stare at him."
"I do not!"
"Yes you do!"
This kind of bickering went on for a minute until Jack stepped in.
"Ladies, ladies. What is with all the yes no stuff? Please, I'm getting a headache. Carmen, take your brush and paint over there and sweetie, go paint in the corner." Jack said.
"I'm only doing this because it's a big garage." Jen said before kissing Jack and going to paint the corner.
The next few minutes were quiet until Jack brought out a radio. All three of them started to move to the music. When a commercial started all three smiled at each other and went back to work. Sam came outside and noticed the three painting. Carmen saw Sam then quickly looked away and painted harder.
"Hey Jack and Jen." Sam said walking towards them.
"Hey." They said back.
"Hi Carmen." Sam said looking at her.
"Hey Sam." Carmen said coldly without looking at him.
Sam got a sudden sad look on his face and the others noticed. Sam looked at what Carmen was painting.
"You should paint with the grain, not against it Carm."
"I think I'm doing fine Sam." Carmen painted harder.
"With it Carmen," Sam said putting his hand over her hand. "like this."
Carmen looked at Sam and he looked back; but only for a second so he could give a quick smile. Carmen smiled back then blushed a little. Sam put his fingers closer to the brush so he could interlock fingers with Carmen. After a few strokes Carmen noticed that Jack and Jen were watching them. Carmen dropped the brush and ripped her hand away.
"What's wrong Carmen?" Sam asked.
Carmen stepped back. "What's wrong? Sam, you can't be serious? The problem is that you don't think I'm capable of doing this myself! Will you ever trust me to do something well?" Carmen walked away in a huff.
"Carmen!" Sam ran after her and got hold of her arm.
"Don't touch me!" Carmen said ripping her arm away.
"What did I do Carmen?"
"Nothing Sam, you never do anything. You never did anything."
"Why do you act like this to me all the time?"
"Well excuse me Mr. high and mighty. I'm sorry that I don't want to talk to the only person that has completely boggled my mind."
"You don't think you've done that to me?"
"O please. When have you ever thought that much about me?"
"There were a few times."
"O yeah? Name three."
"Okay. A while after me and Jen broke up. You came over to see Joey and you were wearing this black tank top and jean shorts. You had this red lipstick on and you smiled at me. For weeks I wasn't sure what I was feeling towards you. "Another time was the first time we ever made love. I had sex before, with a few people, and I never felt so nervous about it in my life. I wanted it to be perfect for you. I was afraid that if you didn't enjoy yourself then you would leave and I loved you so much that I was terrified to even think about it. I wasn't even that nervous my first time. It worked out okay. "The most mind boggling time with you is now."
Carmen looked at Sam. "Now? What's so nerve wrecking now?"
Sam looked into Carmen's eyes. "Carmen, I still love you, I never stopped. When you broke up with me I was crushed. I can't live like this Carmen. I need you. The bad part is that I don't know how you feel. Please tell me if it's worth all this misery or if I should give up all hope."
Carmen looked at Sam then turned away. "All I have to say to you is that every duck has his day." Carmen walked away towards her home.
THAT SATURDAY...
"We are going to have so much fun Carmen." Jen said putting on her makeup.
"I don't know Jen. I'm going to feel like a third wheel." Carmen said sitting on Jen's bed.
"Don't be silly. You are never a third wheel. Don't think that it's a bike, but picture a tricycle. It won't work well without the third."
"Thanks Jen." Carmen smiled.
Jen turned around and smiled. "No problem. Now, what are you going to wear?" Jen rubbed her chin then suddenly sprung up and went to her closet. "I have the perfect outfit for a single gal going to a party."
Jen brought out a really short spaghetti strapped dress. It had a v- neck upper part and a short slit on the right thigh. Carmen put it on and sat back on the bed.
"You look fab! Now for shoes makeup and accessories. Sit and put on." Jen said going back into her closet.
After trying on many pairs of shoes, Carmen ended up with a pair of silky red ankle strapped sandals. Carmen painted her toe and finger nails a ruby red to match her dress. Tiny red earrings were put in her ears. Carmen put on only her gold necklace with the virgin Mary medallion on it. For her makeup, Carmen wore gold colored eye shadow, black mascara and the most red and sexy lipstick she owned. Her hair was fluffed out cutely because it was short.
Jack, Jen and Carmen all walked over to Dunkin Wilding's house for a Saturday night party. (I know it's a dorky name but it's the first thing that popped into my head) All of the guys checked out Carmen as she walked in. After a few minutes Carmen started to get ignored by the couple and decided to take off by herself. Carmen went and got herself a drink when a guy walked over to her.
"Hey honey. What's your name?" the guy said staring at her boobs.
"It's Carmen and I'm up here. Who are you?"
"The boys call me Dan but all the ladies call me best."
"Best?"
"Yeah best, because I'm the best they ever had."
Carmen put her head in her hand.
"So you want to hook up?"
"Hook up? Uh, I don't think so."
"Aw c'mon. I heard the bedrooms have really nice ceilings."
Carmen laughed. "Okay Best, I'll meet you up there in a minute."
"Awesome! You won't regret this babe." The guy walked up the stairs.
Carmen laughed and told Jen she was going, then went to dump her drink so she could go home. Carmen went to the garbage can and dumped her drink and looked up. She saw Sam leaning on a wall next to a blonde girl who was giggling. Someone called something behind her and Sam looked that way. He saw Carmen staring at him.
"Carmen."
Carmen turned on her heel and stormed out of the house. Sam followed her calling her name. Once she was outside she started to run. Carmen fell.
"Carmen, are you okay?" Sam said getting on the dirty ground next to her. He saw the cut on her arm and held it.
Carmen snatched her arm away. "Don't touch me Sam! I'm fine." Carmen was crying.
"You have a cut."
Carmen looked at Sam with tears in her eyes then took off her shoes. She didn't say a word to him but got up and started to walk away.
"We're just friends Carmen. That's all Alicia and I are."
Carmen stopped walking but didn't turn around. "Friends like me and you are?"
Sam walked up to Carmen. "No, not like we are."
Carmen turned around but looked down. "It doesn't matter anyways. We're not together anymore remember."
"I know it matters to you Carmen."
A few drops of tears fell to the floor. "You're right Sam, it does matter." Carmen looked up at him. "It matters because two days ago you told me you still loved me and now you're flirting with someone else. The sad part is that I actually believed you."
"I told you she was just my friend!"
"Just your friend: my ass. You stood the same way and smiled the same way when you were flirting with me all that time ago."
Sam made a little growl sound. "How can I prove to you that I want you not her? How can I prove my love?" Sam just looked at Carmen then put his hands down. "I know."
Sam walked back up to Carmen. He pushed up her chin and looked into her eyes. Sam put his hands on Carmen's face and leaned in. His lips gently slid across her ruby red lips with his eyes closed. After a second Carmen closed her eyes. She put more pressure on his lips. Their lips separated only to meet again. The kiss was a soft opened mouth kiss with no tongue. Once again, their lips detached but this time Sam pulled slightly farther away and opened his eyes. Carmen's eyes fluttered open. He removed his hands from her face.
"Do you believe me now?" Sam asked with a smile.
Carmen punched Sam right on the left cheek. She left a mark. "How dare you pounce yourself on me!" Carmen grabbed her shoes and ran away.
ONE WEEK LATER..............................................................................
"I don't want to go Jen." Carmen said sitting on Jen's couch.
"I don't care what you want; WE are going to this party. When do us girls get a girls night out?" Jen said sitting down.
"It's only me you and Andie, all of the girls aren't here because Joey isn't here."
"I know but we are going to have a fab tabulous time, especially you. You get to play with all the singles."
A car beeped outside. "Andie is here. Let's go." Jen took Carmen by the hand and dragged her along.
When they got to the party there were a lot of guys. Carmen felt nervous. She took Jen to the side.
"Jen are you sure Sam is not here? There are a lot of guys."
"I'm pretty sure."
"Pretty sure? Jen you guranteed he was not going to be here."
"It's a big party. If he's here you may not even see him." Jen smiled, took another drink from her cup and walked away.
Carmen found Jen after a minute and the host of the party got in the middle of the floor.
"Yo Yo! Thanks everyone for comin' to my party! Hope you all are feeling fine. So right now, it's time to have some fun!" The guy pulled a bottle from behind his back. Everyone cheered. "It's time to play spin the bottle baby! The quick kiss or seven minute room version! Everyone who wants to play, come to the center and make a big circle like good little kiddies."
About twenty people made a circle. The host looked around.
"Okay there has to be some shy peeps out there. Come and play!"
"Hey take this girl she's single." A guy yelled and pushed Carmen into the middle of the room.
"Ah Carmen. Please sit." The guy host looked around and pointed his finger. "Is that my man Sam in the back? If that is Sam, you better get in here boy before I force you to."
Sam walked forward and saw Carmen. He sat on the opposite end of the circle.
The host placed the bottle in the middle and spun it to see who was first. It landed on the girl next to Carmen so she was second and Sam was last. The girl spun and it landed on a blonde boy. They shared a short kiss. Carmen was next. All of the girl's stood up when a girl spun and the guys stood up when a guy spun.
Carmen spun the bottle and it spun ten times. When it stopped the open end ended on a Abercrombie blonde boy with a necklace of beads. Carmen looked at Sam who was looking at her. She walked over to the guy and quickly kissed him so she couldn't feel it. When Carmen sat back down Sam was staring at the smiling guy with the most devilish look on his face.
The bottle went around the whole circle. Some people left the circle so there were only five girls left when Sam spun.
Sam spun the bottle. It spun 15 times. When it stopped it landed between Carmen and this brunette girl with blonde high lights. The host got on the microphone again. "Uh O! It landed in between. Who should he choose? Alex or Carmen?"
Everyone started chanting Car- Men, Car- men.
"You heard the crowd Sam, go to the beautiful Carmen and kiss her. (to the crowd() did you know they dated before?"
Sam got up and helped Carmen up. "I'm not going to Carmen. I won't make you."
Carmen looked at Sam. The host was counting down because they had five seconds to kiss.
"Zero! You two know the rules, it's off into the small room for seven minutes." The host rushed them into the room and held the door shut.
The room was dark so Sam pulled the string for the light. The room was a little bigger than a no walk in closet. It was longer so Carmen moved to the back.
"Do we really have to stay in here for 7 minutes?" Carmen asked.
"Yep." was Sam's only reply.
Carmen leaned herself against a wall. "What's wrong with you tonight?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you're not very social."
"I don't want to make you talk to me."
Carmen looked at Sam. She walked up to him. "I'm sorry about the way I treated you Sam. I was really mean. Can you forgive me?"
"I could never be really mad at you. My jaw hurts that's all."
"I'm sorry I punched you. Do you have a bruise? Come into the light."
Sam moved closer to Carmen so he could be in the light. Carmen saw his bruise and pulled him closer. His brown hair sparkled in the light: so did his eyes.
"Did I do that?" Carmen asked touching the bruise.
Sam flinched. "You have a hard fist."
They started laughing. Sam's foot got caught in a cord on the ground. He fell forward onto Carmen. She banged her head on the wall behind her. They didn't fall all the way to the floor.
Sam used his hands to pick up his weight off of Carmen from the wall.
"You okay Carmen? Did you hit your head hard? I'm sorry."
Carmen started laughing. "I'm fine Sam. What did you trip on?"
"A cord."
Carmen started to laugh again. Sam helped her up. "I guess it is funny."
Carmen kept laughing and just nodded her head. Sam joined in. After a minute Sam stopped laughing. Carmen slowed down when she noticed Sam staring at her.
"What are you staring at?" Carmen asked.
"You. Do you know how beautiful you are?"
Carmen smiled. "You think I'm beautiful?"
"You are the most gorgeous girl I have ever seen."
"You are very sweet."
Sam smiled sweetly and stayed close. Carmen looked straight into his eyes.
"Kiss me Sam." Carmen said plainly.
"Are you sure?" Sam asked.
"Yes. Stop talking and just..." Carmen was cut off by Sam.
Sam put pressure on Carmen's lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he put his arms around her and held her tight. The kiss was intense. Sam pushed Carmen against a wall and kissed her harder. He moved her hands away from her back so he could put them on each side of her on the wall. Carmen opened her lips wider so they could French kiss. (just 'case you don't know, it's w/ tongue action) Carmen flipped over Sam so he was underneath. She wrapped her hands around his waist but never stopped kissing him. Sam pushed Carmen back against a wall but this time in the corner. He moved his lips from hers and down to her neck. Carmen put her arms down by her side.
"I love you Sam." Carmen said. Sam stepped back from Carmen. He gave her a strange look. A guy opened the door because time was up.
"So what happened?" asked a guy.
Carmen looked at Sam and walked out. "Ask him."
Sam walked out but Carmen was already gone.
Sam looked all over the house for Carmen. He could not find her. After about a half an hour Sam decided to go home. Sam opened the screen door and walked down the three wood steps. Sam walked four steps and some strange feeling inside of him made him look to the picnic table on his left. He saw Carmen sitting by the table with her arms resting on the table and she seemed to be breathing slowly and deeply. Sam walked up to her but stood behind her.
"Hey Carmen." Sam said still standing behind her.
Carmen took in a breathe and didn't turn around. "Hey Sam. You enjoy the party?"
Sam opened his mouth to speak but he closed it and sat next to Carmen. Sam sat so he was facing her. He opened his mouth but still, no words came out. Carmen noticed this and looked at Sam.
"Spit it out Sam. Say what you must." Carmen said looking at Sam with sad eyes.
Sam looked into Carmen's eyes then looked down. "What happened in there Carmen? One minute you can't stand me and the next we're making out almost to the point of having sex. What suddenly changed for you?"
Carmen looked away from Sam and looked at her fidgeting hands on the table. "I guess I got caught up in the moment. You were on me and telling me I was beautiful so it made me want to kiss you I guess."
Sam stared at Carmen and started to nod his head. "That's great Carmen. Well at least now I know that everything you did tonight didn't mean a thing. I bet that I love you thing you said was something blurted out in the heat of the moment. Do you know how cruel that is Carmen? You probably would have went all the way with me if we weren't interrupted and when we were done you would say o sorry it was a mistake. I didn't know you could be so hurtful."
Carmen still didn't look at him but spoke softly. "I'm not cruel Sam."
"You're not cruel, fuck that! How the hell is telling someone you love them and not meaning it not cruel?" Sam's voice got slightly louder.
"I'm not cruel Sam because I meant it okay?" Carmen said with a tear in her eye. She looked at Sam whose jaw dropped when she said that. "Yeah that's right. I meant it when I said I loved you. I never stopped loving you; I was just pissed off that's all. Now can we please pretend that we never had this conversation?"
"Why would you want to do that?"
"When I said that to you I freaked you out. You gave me this you're crazy look."
Sam smiled a small smile. "I was just surprised that you told me that. I was waiting so long for you to tell me that again that's all. I love you Carmen and I want you to remember that. Now that we know that we both love each other we should be together."
Carmen turned her body so she was facing him. She wiped away her tears. "I don't know Sam. The first time didn't work out and I got hurt badly. I don't want that to happen again."
Sam put his hands on her shoulders. "It won't happen again. I was a total ass and didn't realize how important you were to me. I had to lose you first. Now I know how amazing you are and I never want to lose you again. Please trust me."
Carmen smiled a little. "Well I guess I have to because I have the whole love thing. That can change though."
Sam slid his hands down around her body. "O yeah? The love thing is a big problem."
Carmen wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yeah it is but maybe I can work with it."
Sam and Carmen kissed. They stayed there kissing for a few minutes. After that Carmen stood up and grabbed Sam's hand. They walked together to Sam's house where they spent the night.
It was eight in the morning. Carmen and Sam were sleeping in Sam's room when the phone rang. Carmen heard it first. She was in Sam's arms so she just flipped over and started to kiss him. She talked between kisses.
"Hey Baby. The phone's ringing. You should get that. Sam. Sam I saw your eyes open so I know you can hear me."
Sam opened his eyes wide and kissed Carmen. "I wanted you to kiss me more so I didn't respond. You can get the phone. I have my own line so it's probably Jack or someone." Sam let go of Carmen and got up to go to the bathroom.
Carmen reached for the phone and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Carmen is that you?"
"Hey Joey. Yeah it's me."
"Why are you answering Sam's phone?"
"O, long story. I slept over here last night. We're back together."
"That's great! It's about you guys got back together. So, is Sam there?"
"He's in the bathroom. I can take a note for you."
"Okay. Tell Sam our plane comes in at eleven tonight so he should be there on time."
"Okay got it. Why so late?"
"Cheapest flight."
"ah smart. So did you do anything new since we last talked?"
"Not really. Tomorrow I'll talk to you before school and tell you all the details. Hey Pacey wants to talk to you so Bye."
"Bye."
"Hey Carmen. How has your summer been lately?"
"Fantastic. How is yours? Enjoying Boston?"
"O it's great. Really something. We have to take you up here someday."
"That sounds like fun."
"Hey sorry to be rushing off so fast Carmen but I have to leave for work. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye."
"Bye Pacey."
Carmen hung up the phone. Sam came out of the bathroom with his PJ's on.
"I thought you were going to take a shower?" Carmen asked.
"I am. I need my shirt though." Sam said pointing to his shirt Carmen was wearing.
"O here." Carmen started to unbutton her shirt.
"Stop Carmen." Carmen stopped. "I need to take a shower and so do you and we both know that Bessie is not rich so we should really save money. We should share a shower." Sam smirked.
Carmen smiled right back and got up. "I think you are so right. Let's share a shower. I get my own towel though." Carmen grabbed Sam's hand and went in the bathroom.
"Yes Ma'am." Sam said as he closed the door behind him.
The next chapter is called Reality check. Some real life issues come up. It's not going to be really emotional. (Or so I think, I still have to write it.)