seventeen

chapter two gorgeous

I felt myself waking up suddenly to heavy beats. Music. Electronic music. I listen my head quickly. Where am I? It was those 5 seconds when you wake up in a strange environment and you have no idea where you are. It slowly came back to me, I was in the Miller's pool house. What was that music? Finally my blurred vision cleared. There was Cal sitting on the black barker lounger in the corner with a remote in his hand. I finally recognzied the music as Groove Armada. And realised Cal had come in, put the CD on and began playing it to wake me up.

"Morning bro. I figured you might want to get a jump on the day. Check out St Kilda." I sat up. In nothing but my black football shorts. I wiped at my sky blue eyes and readjusted my vision. This was a lot of infortmation and sound to take in ten seconds since waking up.

"What time is it?" I realised there was a clock right next to be immediatley after asking the question. The clock read 8:45am. I didn't get to sleep until nearly one last night, and all I wanted to do was go back to bed. I figured I should be up though.

"So you ready to meet the footy guys tonight? We start pre-season training in a week so perfect timing Jesse". I hadn't thought about football in a long time. I played last year for a local club in Perth but never really got into it. I could play but all the guys were pretty outgoing and I was in my shell a little. They'd party after games and go a little wild, I was more concerned about the game. The result. "Here. Breakfast." Cal threw me half a bagel with lite cream cheese spread accross. I caught the non-spread side. Just. I jump up out of bed. Pull down the bottom of my football shorts as they showed the light tan line from hot Sunday's on the field. I bounced up the 3-steps and into the bathroom where I had already organized the products the night before. I splashed my face with water, then looked up at the mirror as the water slowly dripped from my bronzed face. The sky blue eyes a contrast. My hair messy, the front had a short sideways fringe that peeled off above my ear, the back stood up a little from the pillow. I smiled at myself for no aparant reason, my teeth were straight and white. I always had an obession with self-higeine. I couldn't fall asleep knowing I hadn't brushed my teeth or washed my hair in the last couple days. I turned the water tap on and slipped off the football shorts and jumped in. The warm water was so soothing.

We left the house at around ten. After Cal had time to eat several bagels and argue with Jack why St Kilda were better than Essendon in the AFL football league. When I walked out the house it was the first chance I got at seeing St Kilda from his street. He lived ridiculously close to the coffee strip, football oval and the pier. While still appearing out of the way, up on rich people hill. I was wearing white designer thongs, a grey to black shade of jeans, and my favourite black Freshjive shirt. I liked my shirts fitted, they showed my athletic body a little better than normal shirts. My arms were pretty well built. I pushed my hands through my messy hair, it styled in a sense. I felt like I could finally fit in with designer clothes in Melbourne. The west was a little trashier for my taste. Cal and I obviously had similar dress styles. His white Lacoste polo also showed how much bigger his arms were from the last time I had seen him. Jeans and thongs seemed the summer norm here also.

"I was thinking we grab some coffee then I can introduce you to Chels. She works in the record store." Cal seemed genuinley excited about introducing me to his girlfriend.

"Coffee sounds great." I loved the culture here. When we visited as a family years ago, it was like everyone got up, put on their designer label clothes and headed down to the nearest cafe for a latte or cappucino and listened to easy listening music. Cal had pretty good taste in music really, although playing acoustic guitar that was more my interest. But I just loved everything this place was about. And for everything that had happened in the past month, I knew living in this sort of environment with Cal, Jack and Claire would make it so much easier to deal with.

Cal lead us into this unbelievable cafe on the main street of St Kilda. The entire street was full of bars, cafes and restaurants. It was amazing. People sat outside using milk crates as the base of their coffee tables, and wore large black sunglasses, scarfs and neautral coloured stylish clothing. I smiled at them as they walked in. St Germain played some what groovy tunes as Cal addressed the alternative looking girl behind the counter. Her hair black, medium length in all directions and black small framed glasses made her look a little punk.

"Two large latte's to go thanks" Cal pulled out his wallet and paid before I even had a chance. I gestured a five dollar note in his direction but he declined.

"Your buy next time buddy" He smiled. I knew he wouldn't let me buy next time. Cal seemed so happy. Which made me excited to meet Chelsea.

We left the cafe and walked along the foot path, coffee in hand, the tempterature a comfortable low tenties. I took a sip of the warm coffee, it's full flavour giving me an instant hit. I loved freshy brewerd coffee combined with the froth, it was so smooth. We had only passed a few stores when Cal wondered into a store. It took me a few moments to realise we were walking into a record store, obviously where Chelsea worked. I was a little nervous as we walked in, this was a whole new social structure I really wanted to fit into. And I had no expectations what so ever, and I wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. The store looked very metro modern with retro shelving and posters. I scanned to guess who was Chelsea, but before I had a chance she walked from behind a shelf with her hands full of cd's, kissing Cal quickly, then smiling at me. I almost froze, I don't know why. She was gorgeous. She was a fair bit shorter than us, although we stood at around 6"1. Chelsea came up to Cal's shoulders, her hair was shoulder length and blonde. Normally I wasn't a fan of girls with slightly shorter hair but Chelsea made it work so well, she looked like a model for those new Garnier wax products, with her blonde hair styled perfectly in every direction. Her smile was wide, moxy. After I managed my pathetic smile and uncomfortable mess up of my own hair through nerves, she spoke confidently.

"And you must be the famous Jesse" she smiled and extended her hand. I shook it softly, smiling again. Her skin was soft, her hands small, fragile yet comforting. There was such a fun friendly vide coming from Chelsea which made me feel more comfortable.

"That's me." She chuckled softly. Before brushing some hair off Cal's polo shirt. I couldn't help but envy the way they interacted with each other. It was so innocent and cute. It was something I really pined.

"Cal didn't tell me you were so cute!" Chelsea gave me that fun smile again. While Cal laughed and gave me a sarcastic shove in the shoulder. I was embarrassed a little I didn't know how to react. I always knew I was a pretty good looking guy, but I wasn't used to the attention. I didn't know what to say so I just laughed softly. Then stood by as Chelsea gave Cal instructions about the party. To pick up ice, drinks and some other bits and pieces. They hit each other playfully and laughed. I smiled along when really I was so envious inside. They say jealousy is a sin, but I was happy for Cal. And it's not that I wanted Chelsea. I just want what they have. They were gorgeous together. Chelsea gave Cal a list and headed back towards the counter.

"I look forward to seeing you at my place tonight Jesse. Some of my friends are great. Maybe I can fix you up!"

"That's okay." I didn't like the idea of being forced into situations. But she was being really sweet about it, and I could tell she was playing.

"And babe. Don't be late!" Chelsea pointed at Cal playfully again, we laughed as we walked back out of the store.

"So... What do you think?" He looked at me in some what of a vulnrable manner. Like my opinion meant the world to him. I couldn't see why he needed reassurance she was gorgeous, beautiful and seemed like a lot of fun.

"She's great Cal. How did YOU pull that off?" I shoved him back playfully. Almsot spilling his coffee out of his hand. We laughed it off and headed towards the local supermarket to pick up everything Chelsea ordered.

xxx

There I stood staring into my own reflection. The pool house bathroom. The entire place was a black and white theme which I really adored. The bench top, marble, felt cold under hand. I'd just stepped out of the shower, white towel tied firmly around my waist as I checked for any inconsistancies in my skin. Piples, cuts, those sorts of things. I was very particular about my appearance, my hair, my hygeine. Thankfully it was all clear. Nothing but bronzed skin and a two day stuble. I began shaking the shaving cream can and pushed down firmly on the lever. The foam came out a little fast, so I wiped a little on the edge of the sink. Then holding my razor lightly I began the routine. Next to the ear one side, then accross to the other, then the chin and neck. I took my time, ensuring no cuts. Tonight wasn't the night I wanted a bad first impression. I really wanted these people to take me in. The girls to see me for more than some guy who managed to hide his emotions. It was time for a new start. I washed the remaining foam from my face, then applied the expensive after shave, it stang slightly but left a pleasant aroma. Masculine yet not too brutal.

Next came the clothing selection. It was a warmer evening than I expected from Melbourne. Even though it was January, the hot Australian summer wasn't quite as beaming in Victoria. I sorted through my shelving and selected a dark pair of slightly stone washed jeans. Then flicked through designer t-shrits, picking out a fitted french designer label. I couldn't pronounce the brand but they made some creative stuff. Anything from Paris must have fashion approval. As usual it fitted nicely, accentuating my athletic body. The white t-shrit had a black japanese letter that morphed outwards and diminshed into the white. Most of my clothes were white and black now that I thought about it. I sat on the edge of my queen size bed that sat only centre metres off the ground. The fresh puma ankle socks fitted comfortably, followed by my pair of leisure puma shoes. White with a black label and print. The style was a mix of athletic and metro, which suited me. I liked to be fashionable while representing a fit look.

As I stood back up and headed for the bathroom Cal came in. His green Lacoste t-shirt and dark jeans did gave the perception I was going for myself. He looked athletic yet clean cut. He gave me a big grin and rubbed his hands together.

"This is it Jesse. Big night for you mate. Plenty of gorgeous girls. And i'm sure Chelsea has put some words in."

I didn't want the pressure! I walked back up the 3-steps to the bathroom, trying to ignore Cal's comment. I began brushing my teeth, with a huge length of toothpaste on the end of my green brush, I began scrubbing hard. My obsession with white teeth was almost compulsive. Cal couldn't help but try and get things going by throwing a house mix in the stereo system. I peeked into the room and chuckled as he danced, jumping up and down on my bed. He simulated dirty dancing moves and laughed at himself. I couldn't help but spit out a bit of frothed toothpaste when he almost fell. I turned back to the mirror and spat the remaining minty foam from my mouth.

"So come on Jesse. You don't seem amped?" Cal danced again on the spot. Trying to brew a laugh.

"I just don't want any pressure. Get my hopes up. Who knows your friends might not even like me!" I did feel nervous about going to a party with a bunch of strangers.

"Are you kidding? Mate they don't judge. Plus you'll fit right in. They're all footy blokes. And as Chelsea said the chicks will love you!" As much as I tried to stay modest and ignore his comment, it did give me a reassuring comfort hearing his words. I opened the wax container and applied a small about, randomly messing my sandy blonde and brown hair around. The front came slightly accross as the top formed a wayward pyramid.

"We'll see" I threw the wax down. Washed my hands and jogged past Cal pushing his chest on the way past. He span around.

"Yes we will. Now let's get out of here. It's already nine and I said we would be there by. Well. Nine."

We both laughed and jogged out the glass doors. Switching the lights off on the way out.

"Yep. Chelsea's gonna kill you." We jogged around to the front lawm. Pushing and competing for no apparant reason. As if we were on a football field. For once I was enjoying myself. Excited to go out. I never went out much over in the West, so I couldn't help but be excited. I jumped in the passanger side of his new black sports like truck. And we took off, his house music speeding the rate of my heart as my adrenaline levels increased dramatically. As we took off I leaned over the back seat where we had a carton of Corona's sitting in an eski. I pulled one out for both Cal and I, as we were only going 5 minutes down the road. I opened them both, we took them down hard and smiled to each other. It was going to be a good night. I could tell.

xxx

Cal pulled in on the side of the street infront of a tall apartment block. It would of been five to six stories high and surrounded by other flats. Cal had mentioned Chelsea's family owned the entire building. The whole street looked so alive with people walking up and down the paths, even though there were no bars or clubs on this street it seemed lively. The trees stood tall and large, with an autumn like feel. Strange for January and something I wasn't used to.

Cal carried two bags of ice as I held the carton of Corona's on one arm, holding my open beer in the other. We had dropped food and other drinks to Chelsea's work earlier that day. My nerves grew larger as we entered the modern looking classy apartment lobby. The place was empty but the wall lights led the way past many green ferns and classy photographs of St Kilda on the walls. We entered the elevator and Cal hit the number 7. It lit up bright. When we hit the top the doors opened to a small hallway. Accross were a large set of double doors.

"That's Chelsea's place in there. They have this floor to themselves!" I was in awe. Everyone seemed quite well off. I was expecting to go through the door when Cal ushered me down a small hall to another door. When he opened it a small stairway went upwards.

"The roof?" I asked. Laughing to myself. How bizzare. A party on the roof. Cal nodded and headed up, I could hear the music through the second door at the top of the stairs. Sounded like r'n'b. When Cal opened the door I was taken a back by what I saw. About 50 people were on the roof of this apartment block, with many dancing in the middle, and others sitting along railings along the outside. Cal led me towards Chelsea, who had a bar-type set up. More like a large tub filled with some ice. Cal dropped his bags of ice on the cement to crush them, then ripped the clear plastic from the top and covered the existing drinks. I then began filling the huge tub with our Corona bottles, amongst plenty of other boutique beers, a couple bottles of wine and plenty of vodka mixes I assumed for the girls.

I stood back after handing Cal a second beer, and opened myself another. Cal found a lemon on the bench of the custom made bar, and sliced it up into pieces, pushing one into the neck of my Corona, then another into his. I let the fizz slow down, then took a long hard sip. The lemon flavour was over-whelmingly refreshing and very tasty. I gave cheers to Cal, then took a step back and watched the crowd from the outer side. I was happy with the way I slipped in unoticed, without catching unsuspecting eyes or glares like I had expected. Everyone seemed like a lot of fun, mellow and to be really enjoying themselves. Most the girls I could see looked stunning, and the guys were obviously the football team. Many of them had fitted polo shirts, big arms and those fashionable bleached blonde mullet hairstyles. The stylish footballer had become an image in recent times. I scanned further around, and watched as another couple guys pulled from bongs in the darkened corner, it wasn't as if they were trying to hide it. But they just seemed to find a comfortable spot and did it like the norm.

"Hey there you are!" Chelsea ran up and hugged Cal firmly. She seemed a little pissed, and whith a Smirdoff black ice in her hand, I wasn't surprised. She smiled at me.

"Hey Jesse. You look awesome. So see anyone you like?" I laughed to myself, took another sip of my beer and wiped away the moisture from my lips.

"I haven't had time to make a decision yet." I smiled back. Then distracted myself as Cal lifted her up playfully and they kissed a little more intensly than at the record store. I decided I'd take a walk around and suss things out, seeing as I wasn't being targeted with any eyes. I looked across at the DJ who was moving back and forward to the mixed r'n'b music pumping from the oversized sound system. Many danced, mostly guys and girls dancing slightly dirty and laughing at each other. The occasional making out on the dance floor. I took it all in, the music, the people, the smell of pot from the stoners in the corner. I loved it all. Taking another swig of my beer as I circled the perimeter of the roof, I caught the eye of a girl on the other side. She stood a good 20 metres away, but under the lights of the roof I could see her well.

She stared back at me and smiled innocently. I froze. She looked amazing. I managed a smile back. The weird thing was we stared at each other for about fifteen seconds without a moment of awkwardness. I took it all in. She appeared medium height, slim build. Her dark hair waved down sharpley. Her long fringe swayed across her finely defined face. From the distance her eyes looked dark, hazel or maybe a dark brown. Her smile intoxicating. Gorgeous. She wore black pants and a fitted black and white horizontal striped top that showed her slender beautifully shaped body. The top cut lower towards the front, her chest was crafted perfectly. Her shoes the dark pointy style. The whole look gave me this impression of the perfect girl. Her slim body, beautiful casual yet elegent clothes, her somehow edgey long dark hair crafted with a sense of casual randomness as parts swayed off to the side. I looked away for a moment, like breaking a metaphorical silence, then turned back as she began walking away, still looking at me. Smiling. The whole experience hit me straight in the guts like being shirtfronted blind sighted. I tried to act casual and stroll away but the image of her confident pose struck in my mind. The way she held the tall champaigne glass was as attractive as any part of her body.

"There you are dude! Come on I want you to meet some of the guys". Cal ushered me over to the side where a group of about five guys were circled laughing and drinking beers. When they saw us coming in they opened the circle for us, I immediatley felt accepted and it made the whole thing a lot easier. One of them pulled the beer from his mouth.

"So Cal tells me you're bringing a booming left foot into our midfield this year." They all smiled. I didn't know how to take it. It was all genuine and fun. Before I could answer another stepped in.

"Well he couldn't be worse than Cal's right on goals in the semi against Frankston." They all laughed, took back their beers and exhaled with delight.

"No seriously welcome to Wesley buddy. We can always use some class in the guts. I'm Marshy" He was refering to someone who would run all day and use the ball well in the midfield. I wasn't sure what Cal had told them, but he had seen me play a couple times before. I shook his hand. All the guys were either my height a little taller. Marshy was the biggest of all them.

"Cheers mate. Uh my name's Jesse." They all extended there hands, and I shook them individually. I couldn't help but smile. Being accepted so easily was rare form. I was really lapping the attention up. They told me about their college team, Marshy told me he played ruck, and they shared stories I wasn't involved in but some how already felt apart of. They drank their beers fast and hard. All of them dressed similarly, with their polo shirts with collars up or fitted t-shirts, jeans and many wore thongs or leaisure trainer labels similar to mine. I fitted in well. I told them about my club over west, we were pretty mediocre and nothing special. But they seemed interested in my game. Their names were all footy nicknames, from Marshy to Fritta, Bucks, Robbo and Jezz. They were all genuine guys and really easy to get along with. I didn't say a lot but felt apart of conversation for a good half hour and a couple Corona's later.

"I'm just gonna grab another beer. Cal?" He shook his head, he was right with a full one in his hand. So I headed back across to where our tub of ice and beers were. I adjusted my white fitted t-shrit while leaning over to pick up another Corona deep in the tray. As I was pulling it out I heard a husky type of female voice.

"Well you don't seem to be having any problems fitting in Jesse" Her voice had this sexy huskiness combined with a tone I couldn't describe. I was astounded someone knew my name. I stood up quickly with the beer in hand, and to my complete suprise the girl I was staring at earlier stood there, chmpaigne glass in hand smiling back at me.

"How do you know my..." Before I could finish she answered with confidence and a sense of cheekiness.

"Chelsea. She told me all about you. You have quite a stare on you." She laughed softly, her smile was gorgeous. Her teeth white as paper. Her lips glossy.

"Oh yeah. Sorry about that." I was a little embarassed. I looked down for a moment then back up. She was biting her bottom lip in this sexy crooked manner. It was completely and utterly undeniable.

"I'm Elissa." She extended her hand out. I shook it with the same feeling as Chelsea's. Soft and fragile, while completely comforting. I smiled as she took a step back and poured herself another glass from an expensive looking bottle of white wine into ironically a tall champaigne glass. It appeared an image thing. There was something different about this girl though. I percieved a sense of innocense which stood out from the other girls at the party. I put my hand up to my cheek, my freshly shaved jaw line. I wasn't sure exactly what to say. It was as if someone asked me to draw the perfect girl, then they stood her infront of me and I was too berwilded to do anything.

Before I got a chance to her friends by the door called her over. She waved to them then looked back at me. Again biting her bottom glossy lip in an undeniable fashion.

"Well Jesse. I guess I'll see you around then?" She took a couple steps back, and took down the rest of her freshly poured glass with grace and unsettling ease.

"You're leaving?" No she couldn't be. I didn't want her to. Then I realised how lame I must of sounded.

"It's my betime." She laughed to herself. It was only eleven o'clock. "Don't worry. I'll be seeing you around." She smiled again. Then turned and walked towards a couple of friends who waited by the door. I watched her walk away, hoping, waiting, then she did. She turned around moments before she reached her friends and gave me one last image of that gorgeous smile. It hit my stomach like a bowling ball. Then before I had time to take it all in.

"Jesse! Come on man what are you doing?" It was Cal with the group of guys. He called me over. I smiled to myself, cracked open my fresh corona, took a long hard gulp before returning to the group to discuss football, sex and disgusting bodily functions. But I knew what was really going to be on my mind. Who was really going to be on my mind. Elissa.