It struck me suddenly. Michael. Why was he calling me? After all this
time...."M-Michael?" I asked, stating the obvious.
"Yeah..."
Brock looked at me when I said Michael. He knew that story quite well.
"Oh."
"Sound disappointed."
"N-No, just surprised...."
"I'm sure you have a party or something to go to so I'll just- I wanted to tell you- "
"Yes, I do," I said quickly.
"Oh, then nevermind," he said softly.
"Okay, thanks for calling. Happy New Year."
"Lilly gave me your number," he said suddenly.
"Pardon?"
"Lilly, I figured you were wondering why I was calling out of the blue."
"Yes, hold on a sec...." I said trying to cover up the mouth piece, "Brock what the hell do I do?"
He shrugged. "Tell him you have a hot date?"
I returned to the phone, but he was already gone. I stared at Brock. He was the only one NOT to blow me off. "He hung up," I explained, holding back tears.
But why was I holding back tears? I mean, he's in New York, probably drunk or something and that was why he was calling me. But then again it's only three in the afternoon there so he couldn't be drunk. He doesn't seem like the type to get drunk this early. Why did he have to call and confuse things for me? I mean, I had my focus on ONE unattainable boy and then POOF! Michael, the ultimate unattainable boy comes into the picture. Wait, he's not really IN the picture because he's in New York and not in England. Not even in this hemisphere! For crying out loud at least Joshua has been to Genovia, Michael has never come to visit me or anything. If he had really wanted to talk to me he could have shown up there and surprised me or something like Joshua does a lot.
Brock put his arm around me, "It's okay Mia. You are almost over him anyways. You are a young woman now. Not a silly little American Girl. You are a Genovian Princess. Forget him."
I nodded. I would do just that.
We walked into the party, me on his arm. "Do you see anyone we actually talk to?" I asked.
He shook his head. "Nope...hey, there's Lucie."
I looked at her, and then to her right where Joshua was standing. He had his hand on the small of her back. I tried not to stare, but she caught me. She ran up to me. "Mia! Oh my God! I heard you might come!" she said kissing both my cheeks.
"Yes, and here I am," I said politely. Although Joshua had left me alone in his apartment I still thought he'd be by my side at his party. I guess I'm just being greedy and trying to keep him to myself. And duh! Of course I would be here. My best friend in the entire world (um, other than Lilly of course) invited me to his party. Who wouldn't go to that? Joshua came up behind her, "Mia!" he said pulling me into a tight hug. But he didn't offer any positive hints toward how he was feeling about our last meeting. "How was your flight? Is my flat all right for you?"
I ignored his questions. "The house is amazing."
He nodded, smile fading when he saw I was with Brock.
Brock smiled and put his hand on my hip, "I know. It is a lot like my place in Switzerland. I can't wait for you to see it Mia."
Joshua grabbed a drink from a waiter and gulped it down in one single sip. "I'm sure this is a bit bigger though."
Brock accepted a drink from a waitress and took a small sip, "No, not really. We actually have a sauna in the back as well."
"So do we."
"And a mountain for skiing in the near distance."
I felt like I was the net for a game of ping pong. Lucie was the referee, her eyes going from one man to the other.
"We have a nine hole golf course."
"Okay guys, before we take out the rulers to measure your dicks to see who has the longer one, I'm gonna say we should all go on our own?" Lucie said looking at me. I bet she just wanted Joshua to her stupid self.
I grabbed Brock's hand and pulled him away from her. She stole on guy from me already and she was NOT going to steal Brock. Not that he'd be stolen because he wasn't mine, and I didn't want him to be mine. Really, I didn't. Maybe if I appeared to be interested in him she'd go after him and leave Joshua open for- wait, what the hell am I talking about? They are human beings. NOT pawns in my sick game. Then again, men normally did that to women. Eh who the hell cares?
Brock got me a drink, "I think you are going to need the hard stuff," he said with a laugh.
"What do you mean?" I asked, sipping. "It's bitter."
"I know. So are you," he said with a smile. "Forget about him too."
"Who?" I asked. "I'm not thinking about Michael anymore." I need to stop lying to the people who love me. Really, I do. The only time I haven't thought of Michael since he called was the few minutes Joshua was standing in front of me. I remembered that Michael's birthday was this week. Maybe I could fly out to New York and surprise him, and Lilly of course. Maybe he and that slut- sorry, girl Vicky have broken up. I could see what could have been. I could sweep him off his feet. He'd give up his new job and his apartment and- "Joshua. If he hasn't fallen for you yet then he doesn't deserve you," he interrupted with a roll of his eyes.
I looked over at Joshua who was holding Lucie close and was whispering into her stupid perfect ear. "Who says I want him to fall for me?"
"No one," he admitted, "But your eyes do."
I looked at him and bit my upper lip. "No."
"Yes. If you could you would be killing her right now with those eyes. What have you actually done about this?"
"About what?"
"About your fascination with him? With your, shall I say, amorous feelings toward him."
"Big words," I teased.
"Dodger."
"Dodger? Is there a baseball player here?" I asked, looking around for a Los Angeles Dodger.
"You are dodging the question. Answer me."
I took a big sip of the drink he'd given me, finishing it off. My eyes watered at the bitterness. "Nothing."
"Flirting?"
"You have seen me with him."
"Then yes. And that hasn't made him admit how he felt?"
"Nope."
He took my empty glass and placed it on a passing by tray. He pulled me close and started dancing with me. "What the hell are you doing?" I said with a giggle.
"Trying to make him jealous," he replied simply.
I looked over and noticed that he was now dancing with Lucie, and she had a confused look on her face. He was probably just trying to out do Brock. To show that he is just as manly as him. I never have understood their unspoken hatred for one another.
"That's a little infantile, isn't it?" I asked.
He shrugged, "So what? It's working, isn't it?" he asked with a smile. I glanced over and saw Lucie whispering into Joshua's ear, he looked over and tossed me a worried expression. Then he looked at Lucie and smiled. They walked away into a private room.
"Oh forget it. He's gone now," I said pushing him away. "I don't think it'd work anyways. He is a very sensible person you know."
"And I'm not?"
I stared at him, "No. You are a silly person. Can I have another drink?" I asked, adding the last part after I realized what Joshua and Lucie were probably doing when they were in a private room.
"You sure?" he asked. "I don't want a drunken Princess on my hands."
"I do though," I replied, taking his drink.
"FIVE...FOUR....THREE...TWO...ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!" The entire party said in unison. I looked at all the couples and the non-couples kissing one another. Happy for another new year. I stared into my newest glass of champagne.
Brock had been across the room, trying to make his way back to me before the clock struck midnight. I was all alone on new years. In a room full of people.
"Happy New Year," a voice said into my ear. I turned and saw Joshua. He was holding two glasses of champagne and the bottle. One must be for Lucie.
"Back at ya," I said, uninterested.
He licked his lips, "I-There is something I wanted to talk to you about."
"Lucie?" I guessed. "I don't care. I couldn't care less who you slept with, honestly. But I did thik you had more class than to have sex with her in a room with all of us within ten feet-"
"Huh? No, nothing to do with Lucie-"
Brock came back and I kissed him, "Happy new year honey," I said with a big grin.
He looked surprised, but realized that Joshua had been behind me. "Sorry I wasn't here at midnight babe. Here's another glass of champagne."
I looked at Joshua. "What? If it isn't Lucie, then what?" I spat out. I could tell I was drunk at the time, but didn't really have control over my actions or what I was saying.
"I'm too late..." Joshua mumbled. "I-I'm sorry...." He said as he backed away. He tripped over the rug and the glasses went flying. No one else noticed because they were still celebrating the three minute old year. He left the bottle on a table and stumbled across the room. I wanted to run after him and ask what he meant but I didn't . He had faithfully ignored me today so too bad on him. I walked over to the table where he left the champagne bottle and realized it was the kind he and I shared. We only drank it together. "I think it's time I take you home..." Brock said a little while later.
"No........" I said with a laugh. "It's so much fun here. Look, I think I see a Backstreet Boy!"
He pushed my hand down. "No Mia. They broke up like, seven years ago."
"But isn't he like, Nick Carter?" I asked. "And look at his little date. So cuuuuute. I think I know her..."
He rolled his eyes. " You probably have. She's the new face of Tommy Hilfeiger. I'll be right back."
I sat down on a couch and drank my final glass of champagne. I knew it wasn't right to drown my sorrows in alcohol, but I didn't care at that moment. I looked across the room at Lucie and Joshua hugging. He had his head on her shoulder. She looked at me with sad eyes. I shrugged. He was her problem I guess. I refuse to feel bad for the hussy who stole my...um, well my...um, my friend.
I looked at my cell phone and dialed a familiar number.
"Hello?" Lilly's voice asked.
I walked into a bathroom where I could have some privacy.
"Happy New Year!" I screamed louder than I planned. That hurt my head.
"Hey Mia!" she greeted once she realized who it was. "Oh wow, it already is 2007 there. Happy New year!"
I giggled.
"So? See anyone interesting tonight?" she asked.
I had completely forgotten about talking to Michael. "No, not really. Nick Carter was here with his girlfriend but Brock wouldn't let me talk to him."
When I mentioned Nick Catrter she sighed heavily. "You don't want to, or to that slutty girl. Anyways," she said, "No one else?"
I shook my head.
"Mia, I can't tell what your answer is when you are making facial expressions."
I giggled, "Oh yeah. I forgot. No one really. Just the regulars. I'm at Joshua's parent's country estate."
"You aren't in Genovia? Shit...No phone calls?"
"Oh yeah! I forget though," I said. "I know I was happy....I just really can't remember who it was," I giggled.
"Are you smashed?" she asked, realizing through my giggles.
"Nooooo," I lied.
"I probably could fit a Cadillac in your nostrils right now."
I laughed really loudly.
"I can't stand it. How are you drunk? You never drink."
"It's a new year, Lil. Lot's of fun things are gonna happen this year. I just know it. I'm going to have a great year."
"I'm sure you will. Calm down though. Breathe. Go get Joshua to bring you back to your hotel-"
"I'm staying with him," I interrupted.
"Oh?"
"Oh yeah. Totally. In his bed even!" I lied. Well, not really lying exactly. I was in his room. In his bed.
"Oh...I get it then."
"Get what?" I asked.
"Nothing, never mind. I want you to go find Joshua and ask him to bring you back to his place."
I opened the bathroom door and Brock dancing with some random girl. He wouldn't be my knight and shining armor. I looked around the room and saw Joshua at the bar. I walked over, with Lilly still on the phone. "I found him!" I hissed into the phone.
"Give him the phone," she demanded.
"Here, it's for you!" I said laughing.
He looked at me oddly and took my cell phone. "Hello? Oh, hi there Lilly girl...okay. No prob-"he started. "I gotta go...Mia looks ill. Thank you...yes, certainly."
He ushered me out of the room and into a secluded part of the yard. He didn't want anyone to see me lose my cookies. He sat me on a bench. "You okay?"
"I'm not going to vomit," I said. "I just needed some fresh air."
He smiled, "He got you trashed huh?"
"Huh?"
"Brock. Got. You. Trashed."
I laughed, "He's a funny boy, isn't he?"
"Hilarious."
"He makes me happy."
He looked down at the ground. "That's good to hear. Who is that he was dancing with in there?"
"I dunno. Maybe it's some girl he makes happy. Where's Lucie? She should be making you-"
"She had another party to attend," he replied, now staring up at the clear night sky. "She is a socialite after all. It is her job. HOw else would she pay the bills? I mean, that is if she actually has bills to pay. I d-"
"What are you looking at?" I interrupted, looking up as well. I loved when he rambled. It was adorable. Picture Mark Ruffalo in 13 Going on 30. Now slap some blonde hair on him and you'd get Joshua at that moment. Joshua, like me, rambles when he gets nervous. I didn't really understand what he was so nervous about. Then I remembered how I snapped at him earlier and felt immediate guilt. Why do my moments of assertiveness show up at the least opportune times...that is, when the guy I like wants to say something to me? From now on (hey, maybe this is a New Year's Resolution!) I will let people say what they want to say without cutting them off. Even if I don't think I want to hear what they are going to say.
"I like being in the country, ya know...no lights to interfere with the natural beauty of the sky. Reminds me of Guyana, remember?"
I giggled, "My make up lady told me she was putting light make up on me so it didn't interfere with my natural beauty."
He rubbed my back. "You do look...."he started.
"Huh? I look? At what?"
"Beautiful," he said softly.
Our eyes locked for a second and I started laughing. "You too," I said kissing his cheek.
He started breathing heavily.
"Are you okay?" I asked. "Do you have asthma or something? You know, I never knew you to have asthma, with all your sports an-"
"Yeah...yeah. Did you want to go back to the city? I think I want to go back to the city."
"But I thought you were staying here?"
He shook his head. "Someone should be watching over you tonight. I think it would be best if I-"
"Lars," I replied, not realizing what he was saying to me. That he wanted to be the one to watch over me. To protect me.
He looked at the ground. Embarrassed. "Right, I forget about him sometimes."
"But I should go," I said holding onto his wrist that had a watch on it. "But thank your mum and dad for a great party."
We stood up and allowed our faces to get close. Why the hell not? I leaned in and kissed him just as hard as he had kissed me back on Christmas. One week before. It felt really good. His hands fell lightly onto my hips again as if that was where they belonged all the while. Somehow we ended up on a lawn chair in a full make out session. He must have been drunk, but who the hell cared? If anything was said then people would understand that we were both just drunk and found one another out here. He wasn't tentative with his hands as Michael had been. For crying out loud, Michael was nervous to even look at my breasts and Joshua went straight for them. He must be more experienced, but at the moment I really don't care. It felt nice. We were in private so who the hell cared? But it wasn't an indecent make out session. It was almost like we had been dating and found a secret place to be alone to fool around. Somehow his shirt became untucked and my hand was brushing by his stomach. I heard him moan and realized that he was on top of me. And I could tell that he didn't JUST want to make out, or at least his body was saying that. But he was too honorable to actually do anything about it. So I jumped up and straightened out my dress. "Happy New Year," I said with a wink. I didn't offer an explanation to him. I left him just as confused and worried as he had left me. AUthor's NOte: Think back in AML to a conversation that Michael and Mia had and you'll understand why he called. I know of one person who figured it out and they were kind of mad. Also, to the readers of Jesse's Girl: You are gonna hafta wait a little while for chapter three. I lost the entire story. It was my fault because I was a moron. And I know, bad timing with the cliffie at chapter two. But I can promise that it will be better this time around. When I originally wrote it I was rushing through it and didn't allow for any comedy or angst. Hopefully it'll be better this time...um, yeah, that's about it now. Enjoy!
"Yeah..."
Brock looked at me when I said Michael. He knew that story quite well.
"Oh."
"Sound disappointed."
"N-No, just surprised...."
"I'm sure you have a party or something to go to so I'll just- I wanted to tell you- "
"Yes, I do," I said quickly.
"Oh, then nevermind," he said softly.
"Okay, thanks for calling. Happy New Year."
"Lilly gave me your number," he said suddenly.
"Pardon?"
"Lilly, I figured you were wondering why I was calling out of the blue."
"Yes, hold on a sec...." I said trying to cover up the mouth piece, "Brock what the hell do I do?"
He shrugged. "Tell him you have a hot date?"
I returned to the phone, but he was already gone. I stared at Brock. He was the only one NOT to blow me off. "He hung up," I explained, holding back tears.
But why was I holding back tears? I mean, he's in New York, probably drunk or something and that was why he was calling me. But then again it's only three in the afternoon there so he couldn't be drunk. He doesn't seem like the type to get drunk this early. Why did he have to call and confuse things for me? I mean, I had my focus on ONE unattainable boy and then POOF! Michael, the ultimate unattainable boy comes into the picture. Wait, he's not really IN the picture because he's in New York and not in England. Not even in this hemisphere! For crying out loud at least Joshua has been to Genovia, Michael has never come to visit me or anything. If he had really wanted to talk to me he could have shown up there and surprised me or something like Joshua does a lot.
Brock put his arm around me, "It's okay Mia. You are almost over him anyways. You are a young woman now. Not a silly little American Girl. You are a Genovian Princess. Forget him."
I nodded. I would do just that.
We walked into the party, me on his arm. "Do you see anyone we actually talk to?" I asked.
He shook his head. "Nope...hey, there's Lucie."
I looked at her, and then to her right where Joshua was standing. He had his hand on the small of her back. I tried not to stare, but she caught me. She ran up to me. "Mia! Oh my God! I heard you might come!" she said kissing both my cheeks.
"Yes, and here I am," I said politely. Although Joshua had left me alone in his apartment I still thought he'd be by my side at his party. I guess I'm just being greedy and trying to keep him to myself. And duh! Of course I would be here. My best friend in the entire world (um, other than Lilly of course) invited me to his party. Who wouldn't go to that? Joshua came up behind her, "Mia!" he said pulling me into a tight hug. But he didn't offer any positive hints toward how he was feeling about our last meeting. "How was your flight? Is my flat all right for you?"
I ignored his questions. "The house is amazing."
He nodded, smile fading when he saw I was with Brock.
Brock smiled and put his hand on my hip, "I know. It is a lot like my place in Switzerland. I can't wait for you to see it Mia."
Joshua grabbed a drink from a waiter and gulped it down in one single sip. "I'm sure this is a bit bigger though."
Brock accepted a drink from a waitress and took a small sip, "No, not really. We actually have a sauna in the back as well."
"So do we."
"And a mountain for skiing in the near distance."
I felt like I was the net for a game of ping pong. Lucie was the referee, her eyes going from one man to the other.
"We have a nine hole golf course."
"Okay guys, before we take out the rulers to measure your dicks to see who has the longer one, I'm gonna say we should all go on our own?" Lucie said looking at me. I bet she just wanted Joshua to her stupid self.
I grabbed Brock's hand and pulled him away from her. She stole on guy from me already and she was NOT going to steal Brock. Not that he'd be stolen because he wasn't mine, and I didn't want him to be mine. Really, I didn't. Maybe if I appeared to be interested in him she'd go after him and leave Joshua open for- wait, what the hell am I talking about? They are human beings. NOT pawns in my sick game. Then again, men normally did that to women. Eh who the hell cares?
Brock got me a drink, "I think you are going to need the hard stuff," he said with a laugh.
"What do you mean?" I asked, sipping. "It's bitter."
"I know. So are you," he said with a smile. "Forget about him too."
"Who?" I asked. "I'm not thinking about Michael anymore." I need to stop lying to the people who love me. Really, I do. The only time I haven't thought of Michael since he called was the few minutes Joshua was standing in front of me. I remembered that Michael's birthday was this week. Maybe I could fly out to New York and surprise him, and Lilly of course. Maybe he and that slut- sorry, girl Vicky have broken up. I could see what could have been. I could sweep him off his feet. He'd give up his new job and his apartment and- "Joshua. If he hasn't fallen for you yet then he doesn't deserve you," he interrupted with a roll of his eyes.
I looked over at Joshua who was holding Lucie close and was whispering into her stupid perfect ear. "Who says I want him to fall for me?"
"No one," he admitted, "But your eyes do."
I looked at him and bit my upper lip. "No."
"Yes. If you could you would be killing her right now with those eyes. What have you actually done about this?"
"About what?"
"About your fascination with him? With your, shall I say, amorous feelings toward him."
"Big words," I teased.
"Dodger."
"Dodger? Is there a baseball player here?" I asked, looking around for a Los Angeles Dodger.
"You are dodging the question. Answer me."
I took a big sip of the drink he'd given me, finishing it off. My eyes watered at the bitterness. "Nothing."
"Flirting?"
"You have seen me with him."
"Then yes. And that hasn't made him admit how he felt?"
"Nope."
He took my empty glass and placed it on a passing by tray. He pulled me close and started dancing with me. "What the hell are you doing?" I said with a giggle.
"Trying to make him jealous," he replied simply.
I looked over and noticed that he was now dancing with Lucie, and she had a confused look on her face. He was probably just trying to out do Brock. To show that he is just as manly as him. I never have understood their unspoken hatred for one another.
"That's a little infantile, isn't it?" I asked.
He shrugged, "So what? It's working, isn't it?" he asked with a smile. I glanced over and saw Lucie whispering into Joshua's ear, he looked over and tossed me a worried expression. Then he looked at Lucie and smiled. They walked away into a private room.
"Oh forget it. He's gone now," I said pushing him away. "I don't think it'd work anyways. He is a very sensible person you know."
"And I'm not?"
I stared at him, "No. You are a silly person. Can I have another drink?" I asked, adding the last part after I realized what Joshua and Lucie were probably doing when they were in a private room.
"You sure?" he asked. "I don't want a drunken Princess on my hands."
"I do though," I replied, taking his drink.
"FIVE...FOUR....THREE...TWO...ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!" The entire party said in unison. I looked at all the couples and the non-couples kissing one another. Happy for another new year. I stared into my newest glass of champagne.
Brock had been across the room, trying to make his way back to me before the clock struck midnight. I was all alone on new years. In a room full of people.
"Happy New Year," a voice said into my ear. I turned and saw Joshua. He was holding two glasses of champagne and the bottle. One must be for Lucie.
"Back at ya," I said, uninterested.
He licked his lips, "I-There is something I wanted to talk to you about."
"Lucie?" I guessed. "I don't care. I couldn't care less who you slept with, honestly. But I did thik you had more class than to have sex with her in a room with all of us within ten feet-"
"Huh? No, nothing to do with Lucie-"
Brock came back and I kissed him, "Happy new year honey," I said with a big grin.
He looked surprised, but realized that Joshua had been behind me. "Sorry I wasn't here at midnight babe. Here's another glass of champagne."
I looked at Joshua. "What? If it isn't Lucie, then what?" I spat out. I could tell I was drunk at the time, but didn't really have control over my actions or what I was saying.
"I'm too late..." Joshua mumbled. "I-I'm sorry...." He said as he backed away. He tripped over the rug and the glasses went flying. No one else noticed because they were still celebrating the three minute old year. He left the bottle on a table and stumbled across the room. I wanted to run after him and ask what he meant but I didn't . He had faithfully ignored me today so too bad on him. I walked over to the table where he left the champagne bottle and realized it was the kind he and I shared. We only drank it together. "I think it's time I take you home..." Brock said a little while later.
"No........" I said with a laugh. "It's so much fun here. Look, I think I see a Backstreet Boy!"
He pushed my hand down. "No Mia. They broke up like, seven years ago."
"But isn't he like, Nick Carter?" I asked. "And look at his little date. So cuuuuute. I think I know her..."
He rolled his eyes. " You probably have. She's the new face of Tommy Hilfeiger. I'll be right back."
I sat down on a couch and drank my final glass of champagne. I knew it wasn't right to drown my sorrows in alcohol, but I didn't care at that moment. I looked across the room at Lucie and Joshua hugging. He had his head on her shoulder. She looked at me with sad eyes. I shrugged. He was her problem I guess. I refuse to feel bad for the hussy who stole my...um, well my...um, my friend.
I looked at my cell phone and dialed a familiar number.
"Hello?" Lilly's voice asked.
I walked into a bathroom where I could have some privacy.
"Happy New Year!" I screamed louder than I planned. That hurt my head.
"Hey Mia!" she greeted once she realized who it was. "Oh wow, it already is 2007 there. Happy New year!"
I giggled.
"So? See anyone interesting tonight?" she asked.
I had completely forgotten about talking to Michael. "No, not really. Nick Carter was here with his girlfriend but Brock wouldn't let me talk to him."
When I mentioned Nick Catrter she sighed heavily. "You don't want to, or to that slutty girl. Anyways," she said, "No one else?"
I shook my head.
"Mia, I can't tell what your answer is when you are making facial expressions."
I giggled, "Oh yeah. I forgot. No one really. Just the regulars. I'm at Joshua's parent's country estate."
"You aren't in Genovia? Shit...No phone calls?"
"Oh yeah! I forget though," I said. "I know I was happy....I just really can't remember who it was," I giggled.
"Are you smashed?" she asked, realizing through my giggles.
"Nooooo," I lied.
"I probably could fit a Cadillac in your nostrils right now."
I laughed really loudly.
"I can't stand it. How are you drunk? You never drink."
"It's a new year, Lil. Lot's of fun things are gonna happen this year. I just know it. I'm going to have a great year."
"I'm sure you will. Calm down though. Breathe. Go get Joshua to bring you back to your hotel-"
"I'm staying with him," I interrupted.
"Oh?"
"Oh yeah. Totally. In his bed even!" I lied. Well, not really lying exactly. I was in his room. In his bed.
"Oh...I get it then."
"Get what?" I asked.
"Nothing, never mind. I want you to go find Joshua and ask him to bring you back to his place."
I opened the bathroom door and Brock dancing with some random girl. He wouldn't be my knight and shining armor. I looked around the room and saw Joshua at the bar. I walked over, with Lilly still on the phone. "I found him!" I hissed into the phone.
"Give him the phone," she demanded.
"Here, it's for you!" I said laughing.
He looked at me oddly and took my cell phone. "Hello? Oh, hi there Lilly girl...okay. No prob-"he started. "I gotta go...Mia looks ill. Thank you...yes, certainly."
He ushered me out of the room and into a secluded part of the yard. He didn't want anyone to see me lose my cookies. He sat me on a bench. "You okay?"
"I'm not going to vomit," I said. "I just needed some fresh air."
He smiled, "He got you trashed huh?"
"Huh?"
"Brock. Got. You. Trashed."
I laughed, "He's a funny boy, isn't he?"
"Hilarious."
"He makes me happy."
He looked down at the ground. "That's good to hear. Who is that he was dancing with in there?"
"I dunno. Maybe it's some girl he makes happy. Where's Lucie? She should be making you-"
"She had another party to attend," he replied, now staring up at the clear night sky. "She is a socialite after all. It is her job. HOw else would she pay the bills? I mean, that is if she actually has bills to pay. I d-"
"What are you looking at?" I interrupted, looking up as well. I loved when he rambled. It was adorable. Picture Mark Ruffalo in 13 Going on 30. Now slap some blonde hair on him and you'd get Joshua at that moment. Joshua, like me, rambles when he gets nervous. I didn't really understand what he was so nervous about. Then I remembered how I snapped at him earlier and felt immediate guilt. Why do my moments of assertiveness show up at the least opportune times...that is, when the guy I like wants to say something to me? From now on (hey, maybe this is a New Year's Resolution!) I will let people say what they want to say without cutting them off. Even if I don't think I want to hear what they are going to say.
"I like being in the country, ya know...no lights to interfere with the natural beauty of the sky. Reminds me of Guyana, remember?"
I giggled, "My make up lady told me she was putting light make up on me so it didn't interfere with my natural beauty."
He rubbed my back. "You do look...."he started.
"Huh? I look? At what?"
"Beautiful," he said softly.
Our eyes locked for a second and I started laughing. "You too," I said kissing his cheek.
He started breathing heavily.
"Are you okay?" I asked. "Do you have asthma or something? You know, I never knew you to have asthma, with all your sports an-"
"Yeah...yeah. Did you want to go back to the city? I think I want to go back to the city."
"But I thought you were staying here?"
He shook his head. "Someone should be watching over you tonight. I think it would be best if I-"
"Lars," I replied, not realizing what he was saying to me. That he wanted to be the one to watch over me. To protect me.
He looked at the ground. Embarrassed. "Right, I forget about him sometimes."
"But I should go," I said holding onto his wrist that had a watch on it. "But thank your mum and dad for a great party."
We stood up and allowed our faces to get close. Why the hell not? I leaned in and kissed him just as hard as he had kissed me back on Christmas. One week before. It felt really good. His hands fell lightly onto my hips again as if that was where they belonged all the while. Somehow we ended up on a lawn chair in a full make out session. He must have been drunk, but who the hell cared? If anything was said then people would understand that we were both just drunk and found one another out here. He wasn't tentative with his hands as Michael had been. For crying out loud, Michael was nervous to even look at my breasts and Joshua went straight for them. He must be more experienced, but at the moment I really don't care. It felt nice. We were in private so who the hell cared? But it wasn't an indecent make out session. It was almost like we had been dating and found a secret place to be alone to fool around. Somehow his shirt became untucked and my hand was brushing by his stomach. I heard him moan and realized that he was on top of me. And I could tell that he didn't JUST want to make out, or at least his body was saying that. But he was too honorable to actually do anything about it. So I jumped up and straightened out my dress. "Happy New Year," I said with a wink. I didn't offer an explanation to him. I left him just as confused and worried as he had left me. AUthor's NOte: Think back in AML to a conversation that Michael and Mia had and you'll understand why he called. I know of one person who figured it out and they were kind of mad. Also, to the readers of Jesse's Girl: You are gonna hafta wait a little while for chapter three. I lost the entire story. It was my fault because I was a moron. And I know, bad timing with the cliffie at chapter two. But I can promise that it will be better this time around. When I originally wrote it I was rushing through it and didn't allow for any comedy or angst. Hopefully it'll be better this time...um, yeah, that's about it now. Enjoy!