Chapter 46
More than a year has passed and Sarah is almost eighteen now...
"The bartender says 'For you...no charge!'" said Kyle, proud of his joke as they sat under a tree during one of their free periods, Sarah laughed out loud while the rest of their friends, looked awkwardly at each other, finding the joke not amusing at all. "Aww, come on guys! Everywhere that joke kills!" he said, giving his friends the look.
"I thought it was funny!" Sarah said, making Kyle smile.
"Thank you!" said Kyle, giving Sarah a high five.
"Really? That's funny to you?" Justine asked her friend, giving her a somewhat surprised look.
"Come on Justine...can't you give Kyle a break?" Sarah said, earning another high five from Kyle.
"You'll get a chocolate sundae for that!" Kyle told Sarah.
"Thank you! That's so sweet!" Sarah said to Kyle.
"It's that easy huh?" Yelena chimed in, clearly teasing Sarah and making their friends laugh.
"That's not nice!" Sarah snapped back at them. "If you're done making fun of me, let's get out here or we'll be late for our class." she added while standing up.
"That's a hundred percent Nebraskan sass!" Justine said, making the others laugh even more.
"Is that supposed to embarrass me?" Sarah said, firing back at her friend as they started gathering their stuff to go back into the building.
"No...but it did wound you up didn't it?" Yelena said as they made their way onto the pathway.
"Okay fine...you got me! I hope you're happy now!" Sarah said.
"I'll see you later Sarah!" Kyle butted in, waving goodbye to her.
"Yeah...have fun you guys!" Sarah said, waving back at the guys who started walking in the opposite direction.
Justine and Yelena suddenly sandwiched Sarah between them. "Okay Sarah...what was that all about?" asked Justine.
"What do you mean?" Sarah asked, giving her a suspicious look.
"That thing with Kyle!" Yelena jumped in.
"What thing?" Sarah said. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Really? Now you're gonna act all innocent like nobody noticed?" Justine said.
"So you're the only one who laughed at his jokes and later would have a sweet chocolate yogurt with him...that's nothing to you?" Yelena asked.
"You guys are imagining things...and correction, it's chocolate sundae, not yogurt!" Sarah said.
Justine and Yelena gave each other a teasing look, deciding to probe further. "Are we? Then tell me why you've been spending an awful amount of time with him lately?" asked Justine.
"We're just friends...and it's not like we're doing anything wrong..." said Sarah, hoping her friends wouldn't notice her blushing.
"Oh my god Sarah! You're blushing!" Yelena said, looking closely at her.
Justine suddenly held Sarah and looked at her closely. "Oh my god Sarah! Don't tell me you're starting to have feelings for him?" she asked, making Sarah back away a little.
"Of course not!" Sarah said, trying to defend herself.
"I thought you said that you two would just stay friends?" asked Yelena.
"We did...and we are just that...only friends." Said Sarah.
"Do you think he knows how you feel?" asked Justine, making the young lady more anxious.
"No! And please don't tell anyone, especially him!" Sarah said.
"Fine...your secret is safe with us." Yelena said.
"She's right. Now come on, we're gonna be late for class." Justine said, pulling Sarah by the hand.
Sarah followed her friends into the lecture hall, sitting in between them along with the other students as their professor started his lecture on modern computer systems. She tried to focus on the subject while the image of Kyle swam inside her head, picturing him with his dorky glasses and his seemingly endless collection of Foo Fighters t-shirts.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Meanwhile in New Jersey...
"I really don't see the need for us to celebrate." Erin said as they started having dinner in their place along with Kim and Jimmy.
"Are you kidding me? Of course I want to celebrate...you may not feel that this is a big accomplishment...but it's an accomplishment nonetheless." said William, putting a couple of dumplings on Erin's plate.
"William is right Erin...this is something that you can be proud of." said Jimmy.
"He's right...and we won't refuse a free dinner now that William would pay for everything!" Kim said, earning a high five from Jimmy.
"Fine." said Erin as she started forking her food.
"Don't be so glum babe...we'll go and celebrate in a nice restaurant with these two, and then we'll celebrate on our own...with this!" said William, pointing to himself and making Erin roll her eyes.
"Why do I get the feeling that you'll be celebrating more than I do?" asked Erin.
"Aww come on babe...aren't you proud that you're finishing your web design course in a couple of weeks?" asked William. "You've really done well in the past year and a half for someone who's a complete beginner like yourself." he added.
"Well that's because I have a genius boyfriend who's always teaching me stuff!" Erin said, giving him a big smile before kissing him.
"Damn right babe!" William said, making Erin laugh and the other couple 'disgusted' by their display of affection.
"They've been together for more than a year and they still can't keep their hands off one another." Kim told Jimmy.
"Yeah, and it's like getting worse every day." Jimmy said.
The young couple gave them a slight angry look. "Ignore them babe...they just can't handle the fact that you're totally invested in this yummy beefcake!" William said, referring to himself and making Erin laugh.
"Beefcake huh? What about my cute and smart boy toy?" Erin said, further teasing the other couple.
"Okay just stop!" Kim said, making the young couple laugh. "Let's just eat dinner."
"Fine." Erin said, giving William a smile.
Later that night...
"I guess the celebration came in earlier than expected huh?" William said as he held Erin close to his chest as they lay naked on his bed after having sex.
Erin lightly punched his chest. "You're an idiot." she said.
"Hey, you never resisted me so far...and I won't stop until you tell me to." he said confidently, still feeling the rush of endorphins coursing through in him.
Erin moved up and kissed him. "And don't you dare stop mister..." she said while resting her face on his chest.
"Let's get some sleep...I have to be early at the university tomorrow." said William.
"You have a meeting or something?" asked Erin.
"Yeah, kinda...I'm just putting the finishing touches on my research before I hand it out to be reviewed...get the kinks out and stuff." William said.
"You are such a nerd..." said Erin, smiling at her boyfriend.
"I am your nerd..." William said, laughing a little before pulling her close so they could get some sleep.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Back in California...
"Hey Sarah...wait up!" Justine called while running up to her friend.
"Hi Justine! What's up?" Sarah said, glad to see her best friend.
"You seem to be in a good mood?" Justine said, slightly teasing her.
"Oh would you please stop it! It's still early in the morning!" said the young lady, giving Justine a sharp look.
"Well, are you gonna tell him?" Justine asked.
"Tell who what?" Sarah asked, hoping Justine wouldn't go there.
"Are you kidding me right now? Kyle of course!" Justine said.
"Oh come on Justine! Can we please talk about something else!?" said Sarah, already becoming a little uncomfortable.
"Okay fine...I'm sorry. I know it's not my business but I'm just worried about you." said Justine, lightly tapping her shoulder.
"What do you mean?" asked Sarah.
Justine sighed. "Sarah, you know you're like a little sister to me and I just don't want you bottling up all these feelings...you and I both know it's not good thing right?" she said.
Sarah took a deep breath. "What do you want me to do? It's not like I could walk up to him and ask him to be my boyfriend or something!" said Sarah.
"You're right." said Justine. "It'll probably drive him away if you do something like that." she added. "Don't worry, me and Yelena's gonna take you out after class...we'll get some Sloppy Joe's and a big bucket of fries...how's that?"
"Cholesterol and calories...so you're basically trying to make me feel better by replacing one guilt with another..." Sarah said, laughing a little and thankful for Justine's thoughtfulness.
"Yeah...that's about it...we can throw in some Oreo Blizzard in there if you want..." Justine said, knowing that Sarah won't refuse eating out with them.
"Okay fine..." Sarah said, now let's get going or we're gonna be late for class." Sarah said as they walk along the hall, going into the lecture hall.
Later that afternoon...
"Sarah wait up!" Kyle yelled, running up to her.
"Hey Kyle...what's up?" Sarah asked.
"Nothing much...listen, I have to tell you something..." said Kyle.
"About what?" asked the young lady.
"Well, something came up and I'm gonna be leaving in a few weeks..." Kyle said.
"Why? What happened? And where?" Sarah asked.
"Well...a few of our professors came up with a list of students that they're gonna send to this internship thing...you know these companies taking in college students so they can have some real-world experience..." Kyle said.
"And they're sending you for this internship thing?" asked Sarah.
"Not at first...but one guy backed out...some family thing and stuff, that's why my professor offered to send me instead..." said Kyle.
Sarah gave him a lovely smile. "That's great news Kyle...I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks Sarah...you're so great." Kyle said, lightly tapping her shoulder.
"So where are they sending you off to?" she asked.
"Oh, this company making power transformers...I mean it's perfect for me since !'m taking up Electrical Engineering right?" the young man said.
"I'm sure you'll do great there Kyle..." Sarah said before turning around to walk away.
Kyle quickly held her arm. "Hey...is something wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing Kyle...everything's good..." she said, trying to hide her feelings from him.
Kyle looked at her and knew something was upsetting her. "Sarah, you can tell me anything...what is it?"
"I said it's nothing Kyle...I gotta go...my mom is doing some errands so Yelena's gonna drive me home..." Sarah said as she started walking away.
"Okay...I'll text you later alright?" Kyle said, waving goodbye to her, not having a clue as to why Sarah became slightly upset.
After almost an hour, Sarah came through the front door, seeing Penny in the living room watching some TV.
"Hey sweetheart! How was school?" Penny asked as Marty ran to welcome his big sister, jumping and barking at her feet.
"It's fine mom." answered Sarah as she stooped down to rub the dog's head and belly. "Hey Marty...I missed you too."
Penny saw her daughter's face and knew something was up. "What's the matter sweetie? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine mom...just tired I guess." Sarah said. "I'll just rest in my room" she added.
"Okay...do you want me to make you anything? A sandwich or something?" Penny said as Sarah started walking up the stairs.
"Thanks mom, but I'm not hungry." Sarah said as Marty followed his big sister upstairs while barking and wagging his tail.
"Hmm...that's strange. That's the first time she said no to food." Penny told herself, knowing that her daughter was upset with something. She decided to go to the kitchen and make a ham sandwich for her daughter nonetheless, knowing that using food to get her to open up hasn't failed her yet.
After almost fifteen minutes, Penny knocked on her daughter's bedroom door. "Sweetie, it's me. Can I come in?" asked Penny.
"It's open mom." Sarah yelled from inside.
Penny nudged the door open, seeing her daughter laying face down on her bed with Marty lying beside her, being quiet and supportive. "I made you a ham sandwich sweetie...there's also one for Marty." she said, making Marty excited after seeing the food on the plate.
Sarah rolled over and looked at her mother. "I told you I'm not hungry mom...I just want to be alone right now."
"I'm sorry sweetie...I just hate seeing my baby girl so down and sad..." Penny said, putting the plate on the nightstand before sitting beside her daughter. "Now, can you tell me what got you down?" she asked.
Sarah took a deep breath and sat up, slightly fixing her hair. "I don't know mom...I just think that I should figure this out on my own..." said the young lady.
"This is about a boy huh?" Penny asked, giving her daughter a straight look.
"No...of course not..." Sarah answered, hoping to get her mother off her case.
Penny smiled, knowing that she hit the jackpot. "Well I know this is not about your school stuff because you haven't had a failing grade...like ever. And I know it's not about me or your father, because come on...we're like the coolest parents ever...don't you agree?" Penny said, slightly bragging to her daughter, making her laugh a little.
"Fine mom...you and dad are the best." Sarah said before leaning her head on Penny's shoulder.
Penny kissed her daughter's forehead before reaching for the plate. "Thank you sweetheart...now eat this...I'm sure it'll make you feel better..." she said, offering a sandwich to the young lady.
Sarah took a sandwich and tore off a piece, feeding it to Marty who was at the ready to receive the treat from his big sister. "You really know how to put yourself into everything huh?" Sarah told her pet, amused by him. "Thanks mom." she added before feeding another piece to the dog.
"You're welcome sweetie...now you wanna tell me what's going on?" Penny said, hoping her daughter opens up.
"Mom...did you know that dad was gonna be the one when you first met?" asked Sarah.
Penny immediately understood what her daughter meant. "No...sure he was kinda cute with his nerdy shirts and dorky glasses...but he wasn't the type of guy that I usually went out with..." Penny said.
"But you ended up getting married anyway." Sarah told her mother.
Penny gave her a weak smile. "Honey...my relationship with your father is far from perfect..." said Penny, laughing a little. "...if anything else, I'm as amazed as anyone that we managed to stay together for so long..." she added.
"Are you having regrets about marrying dad?" Sarah asked.
"Of course not sweetheart...your dad is the greatest guy I know...but when we first got together, we were always fighting...he got so jealous of my friends...or maybe it's just his insecurities...and I got so insecure for not being as smart as they are" said Penny. "...then I got scared when he told me he loved me, so I broke up with him which I immediately regretted..." she added.
"That sounds terrible!" Sarah said.
"It is...but I wasn't thinking straight back then. I guess the thought of settling down and getting married really freaked me out..." said Penny.
"Dad must've hated you for that huh?" asked Sarah.
"I don't know...maybe...but knowing him, it wouldn't have lasted long..." Penny said.
"And now you're here, about to give some life advice to your amazing daughter." Sarah said, making Penny laugh.
Penny pulled her close and kissed her cheek. "You are amazing sweetheart." she said. "So...it's about a boy huh?" she asked as Sarah gave her a sad look. "Let me guess, it's about that boy Kyle huh?"
Sarah kept quiet. "I don't know mom..."
"I thought you're just friends?" said Penny.
"We are...but..." said Sarah, unable to finish her sentence.
Penny pulled her close again. "Aww...my poor princess..." said Penny.
"Mom please stop it." Sarah said.
"Okay I'm sorry...I didn't mean to make fun of you." Penny said.
"And now he's leaving for this internship thing and I don't know when he'll be back." Sarah said, leaning her head on Penny's shoulder.
"I can't believe this would be happening to my daughter too." Penny said, trying to console her daughter.
"What do you mean mom?" asked Sarah.
Penny took a deep breath. "Well, the first couple of years that I've known your father, we kinda had a silent agreement to just be friends...then he and your uncles were suddenly sent to the North Pole for this scientific expedition or something...when I found out, I suddenly missed him so bad and wished he wasn't going." she said.
"Wasn't it when dad gave you that snowflake thing?" Sarah asked.
"That was after, when he came back." said Penny.
"What did you do after dad left?" asked the young lady.
"I decided to wait for him." said Penny. "But that doesn't mean that you should do what I did...you're almost eighteen now and being in a relationship is not that easy."
"I know mom." Sarah said.
Penny held her close, hugging her daughter tight. "Come here sweetheart...I'm sure you can figure it out. Just remember, your dad and I are here for you...and if you really need a useless advice, then call your brother in New Jersey!" she said, making Sarah laugh out loud.
"I'm not gonna call him mom..." said Sarah.
"At least you have this guy to keep you company." Penny said, rubbing Marty's head. Marty stood up and licked Penny's hand while wagging his tail.
"Yeah...as long as he has treats and cuddles, he's happy." Sarah said while putting Marty onto her lap and tickling his belly, making him roll over to let his big sister cuddle him.
"Aren't you gonna eat your sandwich?" asked Penny.
Sarah smiled and took the sandwich from the plate before biting onto it. "Thanks mom."
"Okay, I'll leave you alone with your 'boyfriend' for now...I think that's your father in the driveway right now...I'll call you when dinner's ready..." said Penny as she went to the door.
"Okay mom." Sarah said as she fed Marty with another piece of her sandwich.
In the living room...
"Hey honey! How's work?" Penny said, welcoming Leonard with a kiss before taking his briefcase and putting it on his desk.
"It's okay I guess...nothing much happened..." he said as he sat on the couch while Penny gently massaged his shoulders. "Ugh...that feels so good..." he said. "Where's your precious daughter anyway?"
"In her bedroom...moping around..." Penny said.
Leonard turned and looked at Penny. "Why? What happened to her?"
Penny lightly pushed Leonard's face back and began massaging his head. "Relax honey...she's just having some boy problems." she said, clearly teasing him.
"I didn't know that she already has a boyfriend?" asked Leonard while facing his wife.
"She doesn't." said Penny.
"Then tell me what happened." Said Leonard.
"You remember Kyle right?." Penny asked.
"Uh, you mean that guy that came here a few times along with her other friends?" asked Leonard.
"Uh huh." Penny said as she continued massaging his head and neck.
"Isn't he the guy with the glasses?" said Leonard.
"Yes!" said Penny.
"Hmm...did they have a fight or something?" asked Leonard.
"No...apparently, this Kyle is being sent to this internship thing at school...so he would be away for some time." Said Penny.
"And she's starting to have feelings for him...is that right?" Leonard said.
"Yeah...I think so..." said Penny.
"Hmm...sounds familiar isn't it?" said Leonard, giving his wife a smug smile.
Penny rolled her eyes and lightly hit his shoulders. "Okay fine...you win mister..."
"Do you think I should talk to her about it?" asked Leonard, making Penny laugh.
"And say what exactly?" asked Penny, laughing a little.
Leonard shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know...what do you think I should say to her?"
"Just relax and let her figure this out on her own...your daughter is smart if you haven't noticed..." said Penny.
"She's also compulsive like her mother." Leonard said, making Penny punch him on his side.
"You just lost sex tonight mister!" Penny said.
"Wanna bet?" Leonard asked confidently.
"And why would I want to have sex with a smug jackass like yourself!?" she asked.
Leonard laughed and quickly held his wife, landing a kiss on her cheek. "Because this smug jackass is your smart, sweet and funny husband who loves you so much." he said, landing another kiss.
Penny smiled, finding her husband hard to resist. "Fine..." she said before standing up. "Well?"
"Uh...well what?" Leonard asked.
"Don't you want to have sex with me?" Penny asked, raising her eyebrows at her husband, surprising him.
Leonard laughed and stood up, kissing Penny on her neck before lightly spanking her butt. "Make me some dinner first, then you'll get some later!" he said before walking towards the stairs to change his clothes.
Penny stood there and just stared at her husband as he disappeared upstairs. She took a deep breath and smiled, loving it whenever her husband acts so confident, knowing that they are in for some fun time later in the bedroom. She decided to go to the kitchen and prepare dinner, thinking about her daughter's dilemma and hoping that she makes the right decision, whatever it may be.