Thanks to GilmoreRos, M, xWannabe-Novelistx, staycoolsodapop, dourememberthat, goosewriter, fookyeahskins, Alice, fakevegan, Sonia, mUfF MuNcHeR, inukag21 and spikie142003. I appreciate every review, really. :) I hope I don't disappoint.
Now who's ready for Season 6? And no I'm not eligible for 4oD.
Chapter Four – Dream a Little Dream of Me
Emily
I looked at Naomi as she stood beside me. We were standing behind this wooden fence and looking out at a huge field. I didn't know how we ended up there but we talked, or rather she talked to me and I was listening and looking at her. She was wearing that same blue beanie with her hair tucked in it. She was staring out at the field while I just rested my eyes on her, fascinated at how her lips moved as she spoke and how the light from the setting sun illuminated her blue eyes.
I shuffled closer to her. Her body weight leant on the fence and her arms were resting on top of the horizontal wooden fence. I noticed that her hands were free and hung casually over the fence, effortlessly. It was a comfortable silence, like we didn't need all these useless words between us.
I reached out my right hand and slipped her left hand in mine. That was the moment I'd be looking for all my life. My hand was immediately filled with the warmth of her hand, which transmitted through my body, and also possibly, by my increase in heart rate, protecting me from the chilly evening. Naomi didn't pull away, in fact she gently held my hand and smiled at me in the way that told me it was okay to do this. Something in my life fell into place, the last puzzle piece that completed the border, a formation taking shape.
I'd just have to figure out what was that incessant annoying beeping sound beside us.
My eyes slowly fluttered open and I realised where I was. My left hand automatically reached out and silenced my alarm clock.
Bollocks. I looked down at my right hand that was holding the paw of my fluffy stuff toy dog. How very disappointing.
I lifted my arms over my head and stretched, releasing the tension in my muscles, taking a deep breath and puffing it out. It was my first dream of Naomi. Yeah I did have a crush on her for quite a while but it's only now that I actually dreamt of her. I guess getting to know her has triggered the subconscious part of my mind leading to this dream. But it felt good. I distinctively felt that happy bubble floating around in my chest as I turned the dream around in my head.
I pulled off my duvet, got out of bed and silently padded to the bathroom to wash up before getting into the usual routine of waking Katie up and getting ready for school.
We caught a later bus to school because Katie couldn't wake up. I wasn't too bothered about missing Naomi's morning practice since I actually spent a lovely day with her yesterday and that kind made up for this.
I sat by the window seat as usual, looking out. This time I was in deep thought, my mind turning over the recent dream. It was etched in my mind. I smiled secretly to myself as I remember how happy I felt in the dream as I held Naomi's hand. It felt so tangible, so true, and so easy but hell no; it was just the subconscious of my mind deluding me.
It finally dawned upon me the frivolousness or seriousness of this. You know that empty feeling you get when you thought you had something but it turned out to be a fraud, like you were cheated of it but it was never really yours anyway. Sometimes it's okay, but most of the time it isn't.
My legs and senses steered me into class, I never knew how I got there, just the motion actions bringing me there.
Fact: Naomi wasn't interested in me. I was even giving off the wrong signals, letting her think I was uncomfortable with her being interested in girls. But she had assured me that she wouldn't be trying to get things on with me, as I was her friend. FRIEND. Naomi called me her FRIEND. I was torn between being delighted for falling into that category, and upset when she said she'd never date her friends. However she called me dateable and I don't know what to think of it. I never dated anyone before, so technically how could I be 'dateable?'
That ride back home which she offered was – amazing. Every fiber in me was tingling with excitement as I held tightly onto her waist as she cycled. Though the chilly evening wind was blowing, my arms that were around her waist were generating the heat into my body. Contact with her soft, warm flesh of her stomach was just separated by a thin layer of her t-shirt and windbreaker. That was enough to get me all excited.
I definitely have a crush on Naomi. It was a dream come true being told to tutor her. I didn't expect her to take it easily. She certainly surprised me. I thought maybe if she were bitchy towards me, I would actually find her not as wonderful. Because sometimes you imagine someone you like to be this wonderful person and when you get to know them, they're just nasty to. And it hurts. All hopes that you've built up come crumbling down. But Naomi was so nice, just like how I imagined and treated me so perfectly that I think I just crushed her a little harder. My hopes are stacking up like the Empire State building right now.
Plus it was so easy to just talk to her. She was funny, lighthearted and made me laugh with her dry wit and little jokes. Though I think I embarrassed myself during dinner, blurting out how wonderful she was and how I actually ogled over her flat stomach and abs, luckily she didn't have a clue about it and I got away with that. Sigh, my crush is perfect.
Knowing that I'm going to be spending so much more time with her through tutoring makes me hesitant, scared. I mean, I'd like that; I'm just afraid I just might accidentally fall for her. Like really, really fall. She has a girlfriend and I'm not for her consideration as I fall into the 'friend' category. I don't want to be pining over unrequited affections that she's never going to return.
Maybe I should instead be frightened that I'm crushing on a girl. I thought hard about it. Katie gushes over boys, which I don't, and dreams of being like those poster girls which I also don't find appealing. I think I just like people, this person, and it happens to be a girl. I definitely wouldn't rule out boys but I haven't met anyone else that makes my heart beat erratically like how it does when Naomi looks at me with those eyes.
I spotted Naomi walking into class with her gang, talking animatedly with Cook.
Her eyes found me, watching her carefully, and those blue eyes lit up. She gave a huge grin and a little wave.
I felt happiness erupt in my chest, like the soaring flight of an eagle, as I broke into a similar smile, probably even wider than hers. I waved back at her, not even giving a fuck what Katie might think. Naomi Campbell acknowledged me. My throat gave a silent squeal of delight.
I also caught Cook's eye as he gave a cheeky smile and twitched his eyebrow at me which I smiled back and give a tiny nod.
.
.
I just knew it. Naomi was a bad distraction. Before knowing her, I didn't think much of wanting to talk to her. Now as I sat in class trying to pay attention, my mind generated thoughts of scenes which I would be hanging out with her, just the both of us, preferably, in an unimportant blurred out place. Oh yeah and we would be holding hands. Argh no! I was seriously jumping ahead of myself and possibly bracing for the inevitable fall. I screwed my eyes shut and tried to channel my thoughts back to the lesson.
"What?" I breathed irritably. Katie nudged me in the ribs.
"What's wrong with you, you're all fidgety."
"Just a little tired that's all." I lied. But that did it. Sometimes you need a nudge from reality to remind you where you actually were before you get so caught up with your thoughts.
Thankfully it ended. I quickly packed my bag and followed Katie out of the classroom. I actually thought I would hang around hoping to speak to Naomi, but I really didn't think that would happen anytime. She's got her own friends and I'm just someone helping her with her studies. Two different worlds. The cool gang and the non-existent girl.
I caught up with JJ, Panda and Thomas as Katie went off with her own friends. You'd think as twins, we'd stick with each other all the time, having the same friends and all. But Katie hadn't exactly connected with my friends but that's okay. Life is like that, we get along with certain people even when our twin doesn't but we don't take it personally.
"Emzy, how was yesterday!" Panda excitedly asked.
"It was alright." I shrugged.
"Just alright?" JJ pressed on and grinned.
"Well… she was really nice, and I got to watch her at practice." The corners of my lip tugged into a small smile as I recalled. "We had dinner and she sent me home." I could barely contain the happiness dripping out of my voice as I told my friends.
"That's a good start!" JJ patted me on my back.
"You both will become good friends." Thomas affirmed, flashing his dazzling smile at me.
"And in no time you both will be making monkey!" Panda added at the top of her voice.
"PANDA!" All three of us yelled. I could feel myself turn a brilliant shade of red as I watch Thomas shushed his girlfriend. I really hoped no one had heard it, or most importantly, never realised the connection. I've – I've not thought of Naomi like that, yet.
"What is making monkey?" A voice behind me suddenly asked. I froze. It was the voice that I longed to hear; the one that made my heart beat erratically when it says my name. But this was just a really inappropriate timing.
I turned around and met the girl that has been recurring in my thoughts. She was looking at us in a puzzled and curious way. She looked stunning today; she had taken off her jacket and was wearing a simple black figure-hugging tank top, skinny dark blue jeans that were folded up to her calves that elongated her legs and red vans shoes. Her peroxide blonde hair was casually tied up into a ponytail. I could have drooled if I stared a little longer.
"Hi?" Naomi looked at me, her blue eyes twinkling and her mouth tugged up as she greeted me.
"Hi!" I snapped out of my temporal lapse in speech and flashed her a huge smile. "These are my friends, JJ, Thomas and Panda."
They exchanged friendly nods and smiles.
"So what is making monkey?" Naomi asked curiously again.
"That's just Panda language," JJ started. "Some people will describe it as love making but mostly these days, it would be akin to having sex. Ideally it would be with the one you love, a man and a woman – but I mean it would be totally cool with us if you were with a girl – I'm just saying, but people now mostly take sex so frivolously that it has – "
Thomas elbowed JJ in the ribs effectively shutting him up. I wished the floor could have split open right now and I'll gladly climb in and hide from this sudden lock-on JJ just had to untimely start.
"Okay…" Naomi drawled out.
Oh my god she's going to think we're a bunch of freaks.
"So who's going off to make monkey now?" Naomi looked at us with a cheeky glint in her eye.
My eyes widened with surprise and relief. I could feel my cheeks flush as her brilliant blue eyes rested on mine. I think I blush every time she looks directly at me. I am useless.
"We are." Thomas grabbed Panda's hand. I swore Thomas was actually blushing under his tanned skin. "Let's go." He tugged at Panda's hand. "JJ are you coming too?" Thomas looked at JJ, using his eyes to signal at him to come along with them, leaving me with Naomi.
JJ got the hint. "Definitely!" He said brightly and followed them.
Naomi bit her bottom lip as she watched them turn to leave. Man that lip bite. It's like I'm slowly documenting everything about Naomi in my mind, starting with the smallest of actions. First, her lip bite, next the way she's tilting her head as she's looking at me.
Woah I just zoned out.
"Threesome eh?" Her voice was laced with amusement and playfulness.
"No!" I lightly smacked her arm, "Don't be silly."
She laughed that gorgeous laugh of hers and asked in a more serious tone, "Are you together with JJ?" Naomi looked uncertainly at me.
"What? No! He's just a good friend. There's nothing between us."
"Oh. Alright then."
Naomi looked a little – happy? Really? Could I have read that wrong?
"You look nice. Different." Naomi gave me a tiny smile.
Startled, I looked down at myself. I was in a simple yellow V-necked tee and black jeans. It was really something I just threw on this morning without a consideration.
"Thanks?" I replied, uncertain but secretly happy at that unexpected compliment. When your crush compliments you, it makes your day. It really does.
"Walk you to class?"
"Okay." I tried to make it sound as nonchalant as I could but really, I was brimming with joy.
As we walked alongside, I can't help but sneak little side glances noticing her profile, her straight nose, light brown eyebrows and the little soft blonde hairs that stuck out from the nape of her neck. I want to know and actually feel how soft they actually are instead of imagining they are from afar.
And those eyes, those clear blue eyes. I swear I could fly looking in her eyes.
"What are you doing after school?" I was curious, not that I needed to know, I wanted to, I had hoped…
"Oh I'm going out with Angela – you know, my girlfriend. Probably catching a movie and dinner afterwards." She shrugged, like it was nothing interesting to it.
Ah right, the girlfriend. Of course you twat, what did you expect? That she'd spend the day with you like yesterday? I felt a little deflated. I knew I should have seen it coming but guess I got too hopeful. I'll do better next time. I promise.
"That's nice! Enjoy yourselves." Even though it was rather eviscerating to my heart, I mustered it with a convincing smile and a cheerful voice. "When would you be free for the next session with me? For math I mean."
Naomi looked at me for a moment and sheepishly scratched the back of her neck. "Oh right… I forgot to tell you, I think this week's not possible. I've got practice and Angela wants me to spend more time with her. You're not going to tell Angie about this right? I promise I'll make time next week?" She looked at me worriedly.
Truthfully, my heart shriveled and wept but I can't express that can I? And those eyes, can't say no to them can I?
"Don't worry, I wont." I managed to keep that smile on my face from faltering. "Next week yeah?" I tried to refrain from speaking too much; I don't trust my voice from wavering.
"Promise." She assured me with a smile.
"BABY!"
Suddenly there was a loud knocking of heels on the concrete floor. Someone behind us hurtled into Naomi and wrapped a pair of arms around her. That same person spun Naomi around and planted an open mouthed kiss on Naomi's lips which lingered there for more than five seconds. I swear I counted the amount of time those lips spent together. I bet there was tongue involved. I quickly looked away as they broke apart, pretending that I had given them some privacy. What the fuck, they kissed in the hallway, in public, in front of tens of students, what fucking level privacy could I give anyway.
"Emily!" Naomi's voice was a strange octave higher, "This is Angela. Angela, Emily." She made the introductions.
Angela eyed me with a pair of condescending eyes, as though she was deliberating and assessing my threat level to her relationship with Naomi. I held eye contact with her, though not in an acrimonious way. She was about the same height as Naomi and long wavy chestnut brown hair that went past her shoulders. Her eyes were almost black and she had a slim figure, almost like the type of girls that would diet or skip meals to look skinny. I on the other hand never tried skipping meals and eat just almost everything (except onions and pickles).
Angela was wearing a white spaghetti top with a black bra underneath, leaving hardly any room for imagination. Her silver shimmery tight skirt that hung off her hips, leaving a tiny space of flesh between her top and it, fell just mid thigh and she paired her outfit off with a pair of dark maroon really high heels and a chunky necklace around her neck. I could also smell her perfume, though it was actually rather nice. Fucking hell this girl's outfit can give Katie a run for her money.
But she did look hot in a way, just not to my taste. I just can't believe Naomi would like this girl. Guess I don't know a lot of things about Naomi.
It was obvious. I was never going to match up to this girl. The truth was all the while there; I just was looking through it. Now I was looking at it.
"Nice to meet you." I nodded politely, which Angela just nodded. That's unfriendly. I noticed that Angela's hip was attached to Naomi's and her arm was wrapped around Naomi's waist, like she was making a statement, claiming Naomi as her own, my property, I possess her.
"You look really nice today." Naomi told Angela.
"All for you baby." Her voice was mawkish and dripping with sweetness as she planted another unnecessary long kiss on Naomi's lips.
I felt my poor heart plunge down through a few levels of icy water. Was Naomi's earlier compliment to me just casual? Did I really read too much into that? Naomi also complimented Angela, adding an extra 'really' in. And if I used that as a comparison, Angela still beat me. How stupid of me to even compare myself to her. I'm just a day-old friend.
"Walk me to class?" Angela asked Naomi, as they broke apart again.
"Er… sure?" Naomi looked at me very sheepishly and at least, really apologetic. I gave a 'go ahead' shrug, attempting to be supportive as I watched Naomi get pulled away by Angela by her arm.
Naomi quickly turned around and mouthed a 'Sorry' as I flashed her a smile and a pathetic thumbs up. She really looked like she was sorry. I couldn't expect too much, really.
I headed on to physics, meeting JJ outside the room. Naomi and I didn't have this common class. Thankfully?
"How was it with Naomi?" JJ questioned. "I'm so sorry about earlier on; I didn't know what came over me. I hope I didn't ruin anything because of – "
"Doesn't matter Jay, she went off with her girlfriend." I replied listlessly.
"Oh. Are you okay?"
Okay was an overstatement but truthfully I didn't know what to feel or think. I brought everything that I felt or thought upon myself. Oh come on Emily; just stop being so stupid and easy with your emotions.
"Yeah I'm okay." I gave him a reassuring smile which he looked skeptical but didn't push. I'm glad he understands me; he's such a great friend.
We took our seats and I drowned out all the noises in my head and surroundings, focusing on the lesson.
Minutes in, my phone buzzed. I took a look and saw a text message waiting for me from Naomi. And suddenly all my attention was diverted all onto that unopened message on WhatsApp. You know the way your heart beats when you get an unexpected text from someone you really, really like? Yeah it felt like that.
Sure, we exchanged numbers so we could arrange the sessions but I hadn't the guts to text her yet. And I'd never expect Naomi to text me.
My thumb quivered as it hovered over the message and opened it. I was bracing myself for it.
Hey :) sorry about that just now. Girlfriend needed the attention. – Naomi
A small bubble of happiness swelled in me. She does care.
I understand. :) – Emily
I saw the indication that Naomi was typing so I stared at the screen and waited. To hell with the lesson!
We should hang out one day
You know
Get to know each other better
One day yeah?
When I can give the girlfriend a slip ;) – Naomi
I grinned at that, but at the same time knowing I should never get my hopes up and hang on to those words.
You're supposed to spend the free time getting tutored by me! – Emily
Geez Em
Lighten up, I need some play time too :( – Naomi
And I'm your shiny new toy? – Emily
Opps, that sounded quite wrong but I hit 'send' too quickly. I hoped Naomi didn't get offended.
There was a pause where Naomi didn't start typing. I stared at the 'online' status willing it to change.
Yes :P
But you're right
At least that's still 'hanging out' :D – Naomi
Oh thank fuck.
Technically no, but yes :) – Emily
:) – Naomi
My heart fluttered. Who knew Naomi would use old school emoticons. That's so cute. I could almost see her giving me the same facial expressions that the emoticons are portraying! Naomi's cute. I could think of many words to describe her, but this has certified that she's officially cute.
Pay attention in class! – Emily
It's boring…
You're not either – Naomi
Because you're distracting me! – Emily
Am I such a distraction? :P – Naomi
Yes indeed you are. But I couldn't reply that. Not in that sense.
I should stop texting
Brown is eyeing me – Emily
Is he ogling at you?
I'll take out his eye – Naomi
I almost laughed out loud; a huge smile threatened to break out from my face. I restrained myself, possibly contorting my face in the process.
Don't be silly :) You know what I mean – Emily
:P
Alright, have fun then – Naomi
You too haha! – Emily
Bleargh – Naomi
I chuckled inwardly; I could imagine her giving the disgusted face when she typed that.
Text you some time xx – Naomi
I didn't reply; I didn't dare to believe in it.
It's strange to be texting her this casually when I've just known her for a day. The scariest part is that I enjoyed it and I wanted it to go on. I wanted to hang out with her and do lots of things with her.
And then I realise I may have had it bad.
That night I pulled the duvet over myself and lay in bed, amidst Katie's gentle snores, staring into the blank darkness. All I could see was Naomi's face appearing from my thoughts, especially her gorgeous blue eyes.
I turned over to my side and willed myself to sleep.
Dream about Naomi. Don't dream about Naomi. Dream about Naomi. Don't dream about Naomi.
The last thing saw was her blue eyes and her smile fading into unconsciousness.
Dream about Naomi.
Stars shining bright above you;
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
Birds singing in the sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me.