Chapter 5:

Well, I had the talk with dad and needless to say he turned the talk about boys into they are all complicated until about 25 so why won't you wait until then speech. Gee, dad you really are helping! All my agonizing about seeing Mac again on Monday was to no avail. Instead of me being the avoider, I guess it was his turn. Not that it made it any easier; I sort of missed seeing him around. Not that I would admit it to anyone. This whole situation was downright confusing.

Lima is having their annual auction off time charity event and I mean it literally. For the last five years, junior and senior girls and boys can auction themselves off to the highest bidder for two hours. The highest bidder gets to choose what activity they will spend with their "prize". Most of the time, the winners would maybe eat lunch together, or have their prize clean their car or do their homework, or some silly thing, It's all done in the spirit of things and it's a real money maker. Puckerman and I decided this year that we would volunteer our time especially Puckerman who was enjoying his new "hot" status from his female admirers. I'm so nervous that I won't get a bid!

So, here I am standing in line with my fellow classmates ready to be auctioned off in the name of charity. Cool idea, but not when you are about to be bidded on! My hands are sweaty and I only hope that the salad I had for lunch was not stuck between my teeth.

"Next on our list is junior Mia Hudson".

I made sure to smile.

"I hear five dollars".

"Five dollars seriously folks", I thought to myself. But the bids continued to about 25 dollars so I

at least was able to save face. Going, going,, gone…..

"Fifty dollars", said a shout from the back of the room. I strained my neck to see who it was and to my surprise Mac walked around the crowd in full swagger glory his face looking mighty serious. I could feel his embarrassment to be in front of the crowd. Mac was the type of guy who avoided anything group like. And it wasn't like I was the type of girl Mac normally associated with. I'm pretty sure that he would be hearing it from his friends for a long time.

"Fifty-five dollars", said a computer guy who should have been named Eugene.

"Seventy five", said Mac in a flat voice.

"Going, going, gone, Mia Hudson for seventy five dollars. Nice job, Mia", said the announcer smiling.

With that, Mac plopped his money to the staff and made his sale. What in the hell had I gotten myself into? I guess we would discuss his plan for me later.

Later ended up being right after school. when Mac walked up to my locker as I was putting away my things.

"Are you ready?"

"Now", I asked.

"Yeah, now", he smiled. He motioned me to follow him outside the school doors. Outside the school doors was a shiny silver and black motorcycle with TWO helmets. Mac handed me a helmet and made sure to give me his "are you up to it challenge" look. So, I put it on.

Mac held out his hand for me to take while his eyes looked at me in amusement. Hesitantly, I reached for his hand and made contact. His hand felt soft and warm in mine. We both looked at each other in surprise because the electric current going on had nothing to do with the start of the vehicle. Mac helped me get on the bike and off we went with me not trying to think about how dead I would be if my dad got wind of it.

It was a nice fall day warm but not too warm. At first, my hands barely touched his skin but after the first unsteady movement of the bike my arms held on steady around his waist. It felt so good to be in this position that I began to savor the moment…the wind blowing in my hair, the soft press of his muscled chest against my hands, the side view of his smile looking so care free, so I leaned against his back my head resting on his.

The motorcycle ride lasted about 30 minutes until an old county park sign appeared on the left side of the road. Mac turned in and shut off the motorcycle. He laughed as I took off my helmet and brushed the stray hair away from my face. He grabbed his back pack from the back of the vehicle.

We walked until a clearing appeared from the trees. In the place was a lovely pond that had the colors of the fall trees reflected in the ripples. It was breathtaking actually, and maybe, I should have been scared but I wasn't. Mac opened up his backpack and pulled out a blanket. He laid it down so we both sat down.

His backpack contained some Doritos, sandwiches, and some cans of pop. We ate in silence.

"This is my favorite place I go to when I want to be alone".

"You aren't alone now", I observed.

He smiled at me. "No, I am not."

"I'm not going swimming."

"Wasn't going to ask you to".

"We are here to relax", said Max as he laid on the blanket his hands resting behind his head. I soon followed but made sure to leave at least two feet of distance between us.

The peacefulness of the clear sky and quiet nature made me understand the lure of the place for Mac. Before I knew it, we had fallen asleep about thirty minutes or so. I woke to feel my head against his chest, my body spooned toward his, but I didn't move. My eyes remained closed until I felt his body shift. I opened my eyes to him looking down at me. His face so beautiful…that perfect smile and clear brown eyes and time stood still.

"I had better get back before my dad has the cops out looking for me".

"Yeah, right",

We both stood up and straightened our clothes and walked to the motorcycle. It was strange but it didn't bother me that we were silent. I rode back the way I came savoring the warmth of his body next to mine.

We pulled into the school parking lot, got off the motorcycle, and took off our helmets. Mac stood facing me and I could not help but notice that he was a few inches taller than me.

"So, was it worth the seventy five dollars?"

"What do you think?"

I shrugged my shoulders and gave him my flirty smile. In response, Mac walked even closer. Gently, he brushed his hand along my front bang to the end of my chin. His eyes lingered a little longer before he flashed me another killer smile. He got back on his motorcycle and took off.

As soon as he drove around the corner, I could not help but do a bounce dance of my own.