Chapter 3:
I grabbed my laptop off of my desk, put it in my case. I put my cell in my purse, and walked downstairs to the kitchen. Stephanie was planning dinner, and looked up when I entered. She gave the that worm smile that I always looked forward to in the morning.
"Good-morning, Liz, how are you today?"
"Not good steph."I said, I used the nickname for her, that is how she knows that we are going to have a heart-felt conversation.
Her smile faltered, and payed full attention to me. "Well, my parents just told me that I am going to have an arranged marriage with a man that I don't even know. They made it sound like some kind of business deal. All my father cares about is his reputation, and his company. He doesn't care what I want. Oh, well. That is life. I am going to the library, then to Maria's tonight, so I am not going to be here for dinner. But I would love to have a bowl of your oat-meal."I said with a smile. She knows I love her cooking.
After I finished my breakfast, I headed to the Library, did some work on my computer, and started looking for a teaching job in the Atlanta area. I was determined to do what I wanted with my career, if I couldn't do what I wanted with my life. I was going to be a teach, not run my fathers company. There is no way he could make me do that. My future husband can do that. I am going to be a teacher. As I was working, I happened to her a familiar voice came from the few cubicles down. I glanced down to see Max. My hear stopped. He was at the Library, and only a few feet away from me. I couldn't believe it.
He was on his cell phone, talk to some one. He did not sound happy. But he was here. I couldn't stop smiling. But how was I going to approach him? He ended the conversation, and concentrated on the book in front of him again. I got up enough courage, and walked over to him. I slid my hands over his shoulders, and whispered in his ear. "Hey, handsome." He turned around with a curious look on his face, until he recognized me, and gave me that sexy smile that can make may girl melt.
"Hey, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, just researching, how about you?"
"Studying, well trying to study. I am pretty sure I am not going to get any work done now."He said, and pushed his chair out, and pulled me onto his lap. That gesture made my day. He is the sweetest guy that I have ever met, and just thinking that I was going to have to marry someone that I don't even know, was enough to ruin the great mood.
"Hey, what is with the long face. Sorry, If I was being touchy, but I just thought..." he said, and I had to stop that thought before it turned into a fight. He even started to remove his had from my waist, and I had to stop him.
"No, I'm sorry, I was thinking about something that happened earlier, and that you doing this really helped he get threw the day, but the thought of what happened earlier made me look sad. It has nothing to do with you. You are great. And I am probably ruining your study time."I started to get up, when I felt that he held me down.
"No, you aren't, I wasn't getting any work done anyway. I already took my test today, and probably just barely passed, but that is what I get for bring home a gorgeous women, and being to tired to study after." he said, and started to tickle me, I loved it that he was touching me, but it really tickled. I had to plead for him to stop.
"Okay, stop... I have to catch my breath. Well, we are still on for tonight? I am going over to Maria's in about an hour, and then I can head over to your house. Okay?"
"Oh, so you got out of the house for the entire day, how did you pull that one?"
"Well, my parents dropped this major bomb on me this morning, and I was angry, so I told them that I was not going to be home for dinner, and I was not sure when I was going to be home."
"Wow, really courageous of you. They must of really made you mad."
Just as he said that, it made me want to tell him what they said, but then if he knew I was getting married, he may not want to see me anymore, and I would not be able to handle that. He is the only thing that keeps me going. I know that we have only known each other for a few hours, but I feel a strong pull toward him. I can see us together in 2 years, married. But I know that will never happen. He is a normal guy, that has a normal life. A life that has nothing to do with me.
I guess we could both fell each others pain, and knew that there was something going on with our families, so we were silent, and sat there. I leaned my head against his, and just soaked in the affection he was giving me. I am not sure how long we were just sitting there, but his phone rang, and he slightly jumped. I am not sure why... I didn't. But I moved so he could grab his phone. When he flipped it up, he put it on the opposite ear, so I could lean my head on his shoulder. And I did.
I tried not to listen to the conversation, but I am just curious when it comes to that stuff. I picked up pieces, and concluded that he was talking to his parents, and didn't want to talk about something that seemed to be important. And at the end he said he would be there tomorrow, and then hung up. I didn't move, and he started to rub tinny circles on my back with his hand. I just happened to wonder what time it was, and grabbed his hand to check the time on his cell.
It was 3:57pm. I was going to have to head over to Maria's dorm soon. I reluctantly moved my head, and said "I have to go. But I will see you around 8:00pm. You are going to feed me right?"
"Yes I am going to feed you. I was hoping me served up on a bed of sheets. How does that sound?" I was amazed at his forwardness, and giggled. He is just so cute. But I had to give a sexy come-back.
"Oh, yeah that sounds great. I can't wait."I licked my lips just to see if he was paying attention, and he was. He placed his hands on both sides of my face, and kissed me deeply. The kiss felt like it went on for hours, but he let go, and looked into my eyes.
"You have to go before we do something stupid in the public library bathroom." he replied.
"Oh, is that a promise? Wait, don't answer that, I already know the answer. I have to go. I will see you later." I ended while easing my self off of his lap, collected my things, and exited.
I arrived to my car, and headed to Maria's. She had a dorm at G.T., and was lucky enough to not have a room mate. That is where I spent most of my time. When I pulled up to her place I noticed a familiar car in the parking spot next to mine. It was Alex's car. Alex was Maria and mine's best friend. We would always spend the night together, and he would have to suffer threw more hours of girls talking about boys. I occasionally felt sorry for him, but we knew that he loved it when we talked, and hung out with him. He is our support system. He always has answers for me and Ria, and if he has problems, we are always there for him.
I was glad that Ria called him. I totally need both of my best friends now. Alex comes from a upper-middle class family, but not as rich as me and Ria. We still love him. Ria and I met him at a social function. He was the only guy our age. I will admit, Ria and I both thought he was cute, and started talking to him. Ever since then, he was become our best friend. We don't talk to him that much. He is working on school work most of the time, and in the studio 99.9. He is a base guitarist, but also writes, and wants to soon publish his own work.
As I approached the door, I opened it, to find the livingroom empty. There was only one other place they would be... the kitchen. Ria's dorm is small, but she uses colors that make it look big, and places furniture in the right places so there is plenty of extra room. There is the livingroom when you first enter, and the kitchen to the left corner. And the bedroom to the right corner. As I closed the door, I could hear laughter coming from the kitchen, and walked to the kitchen.
"Hey, what is so funny?" I asked, wishing they would share, but knew once they know I was there, we would start to talk about my arranged marriage situation. I wanted to get it off of my chest, but not suffocate my self in the situation. As they realized I was there...Ria was the first one to stop what she was doing, and walk over to me and give me a sisterly hug. I have always treated her as my sister, and always will.
"Hey, Chica. How are you doing?" Ria asked.
"Well, I have had better days. I am glad that you two are here." I replied while Ria let me go, and Alex took up residency for a minute. He has been like a big brother to me, and Ria. He held me tight, and gave me the support that I needed. They always know what is good for me. I always listen.
"Well, Ria told me what happened, and I know you probably don't want to talk about it... so, we are just going to chill, have a good time, and try to forget about it for a few hours."
"Thanks Alex, that sounds great."
There was mindless chit-chat about the latest movies, and some good-old-humor that really made me laugh. Before I knew it, it was almost 8, and I had to get going.
"Well, guys, I have to go. Thanks for being there for me."
"Oh, yeah. Chica has a date tonight with Max."
"WHOO, wait Liz, date... Who is Max?"Alex asked with a very confused look on his face. It was priceless.
" I met a guy at the frat party last night, went to his place, hade a great time, and we are getting together again for dinner. That is all."
"Well, I guess I am always the last to know. But that is why I am here. I hope you have a great time, and don't pull a muscle or anything, I would know from experience that it ruins the moment."
I laughed and grabbed my purse, said good-bye, and gave them both a hug, and headed out the door.
