Four
That vibrating sound had to stop. I was half asleep, and I felt drool seeping out of my mouth. I was having such a good sleep. But now it was being ruined by…by technology. Why do I keep my cell phone so close to my face when I go to bed? I rolled over and groaned, wishing I was one of those people that could fall back to sleep after waking up. But nope. Once I was awake, it was really hard for me to go back to sleep.
As I lay there, happy my phone stopped being obnoxious, memories from last night began to flood my mind. Oh, Aiden! I thought. Last night was the date. Last night was the night I had a great time with a guy who was actually decent and whom I really liked. Last night was one of the best nights ever! Shortly after reliving my favorite moments from last night, I remembered why I had left my phone so close by. I had fallen asleep texting Aiden. Last night had been so perfect.
I couldn't dwell on it forever though. Either I lay here thinking about what a great night it was, or I get up and give better memories a chance. So, I reluctantly sat up and stretched. I reached for my phone and saw that Marlene had called me three times, and texted me seven times. I had gone home and instantly went to bed. Usually I call Marlene right after a date and I tell her every single detail. After that, we analyze everything.
I'm assuming that's why she freaked out. I had accidentally forgotten all about her and for the first time ever I hadn't called her to tell her how it went. Oh, boy. I didn't feel guilty though, as horrible as that sounds. Last night went so well, that there was no reason to analyze anything. Nothing went wrong. There was nothing to try and figure out. I liked Aiden, and that was that. I proceeded to send her a long apology text and also put in that I'd tell her all about the date once I saw her at school.
Oh, my. School! I had completely forgotten. I look at my clock in alarm and see that I have five minutes until I should be sitting in class, getting out my notebook. I decide English isn't that important at the moment, and instead of rushing to get there on time, I cuddle with my bunny blanket for a little while longer until I had to get ready in order to make it to my second class.
**
Walking through the halls at my school while nobody was there felt so strange. But nothing could get to me today. I was so far having a good day, and it felt nice. I had enough time to get ready calmly, and I looked really good as a result. This was good, because once I saw Aiden I wanted to remind him why he should choose me as his love. I think the term is called Pea cocking or something like that. Male animals do that as a way to impress their mates so their mates would want them.
I had had enough time to enjoy a normal breakfast, not having to succumb to a badly burned toast or banana due to rushing. If there's another thing I love, it's eating. I'm not obsessed with food or eat all the time or anything like that, but I love dining out at a nice restaurant and eating with a bunch of people while socializing. And it's inevitable that I love trying out delicious food, since I have a cooking obsessed mom and best friend. But anyway, having that nice breakfast before school also made me feel good and I felt like I could take on the world!
All these aspects of my morning and of my life, as of late, gave me a bounce in my step and plastered a seemingly permanent looking smile on my face. So eager to get to school and enjoy this last Friday, I even accidentally showed up a little too early.
I sat down on a bench somewhat in front of Marlene's first class, so as I can catch her when everyone's released for intermission. Creepy, I know, but where else would I wait? As I waited those few last minutes, I scrolled through the text message conversation I had had with Aiden the previous night. I smiled to myself like a classic crazy girl in love as I read his messages. He had been so nice and sweet, so romantic, and such a gentleman…
The bell ringing sent me jumping at least a foot. I quickly slipped my phone back in my pocket, and saw Marlene coming out of her class, looking at something on her phone while pushing her slipping glasses back up onto the bridge of her nose. Out of all styles you could possibly choose for a pair of glasses, Marlene opted for a huge thick rimmed pair, the kind that reminded me of what my grandma pulled out when she had to read something. Actually, it was the kind of glasses the classic 80's girl-nerd wore whenever you were stuck on a Sunday afternoon, procrastinating, and craving a good old school romantic comedy and suddenly a re-run of said 80's movie would come on.
"Mar!" I called out and waved. She looked up and fumbled over, holding a bit too many books and binders.
"Char!" Marlene looked relieved, and walked over. "What happened? What'd you do last night? Why didn't you answer any of my calls or texts? How was Aiden? How did last night go? Did anything happen? What-," Marlene bombarded me with questions and I put a hand up before she could continue.
"Marlene, calm down!" I laughed. "I'm sorry I didn't call. I accidentally fell asleep. But, anyway, it went great. It went…perfect, actually," I sighed, walking down the hall while Marlene quickly followed, listening to every word.
"Nothing to analyze?" Marlene wondered, incredulous. Marlene wasn't used to me being so civilized over such an important subject such as boys and love.
I giggled. "No, it went so well, I can't think of one thing I'd like to worry, stress, or overanalyze about. I just would much rather let it be, and see what happens," I turned around and smiled at her.
Marlene looked overly shocked. I didn't sound that crazy, did I? "Charlotte Maddox, the girl who freaks out when she has a nightmare the caterers accidentally served out the wrong food at her wedding, isn't worried at all over a date with the allegedly love of her life?" Marlene pushed her glasses up again.
I shook my head. "No! I'm not going to stress over anything. It's too early for that. We only went on one date, after all. We're Seniors, Marlene. We're mature now, and we have to treat these things in a calm, professional manner," I said in my best business voice. Marlene still looked incredibly perplexed.
"Did he slip something in your coffee?" She wondered aloud. I laughed, playfully punching her on the shoulder. We walked to the snack bar, met up with Bailey and Gary then began talking about the upcoming Trig test.
When the bell rang, I left my friends and walked away, that permanent smile still on my face. All of a sudden I felt a chill crawl over my skin, and I shuddered. That's weird, I thought. It wasn't particularly cold in my school; they blasted the heaters like no other to give everyone a break from North Pole weather. I looked around and there lay my problem.
Joel had come up beside me and was looking at me with a serious face. "Why are you so happy?" He wondered.
I was taken aback. Why was Joel all of a sudden talking to me all the time? I'm sure as an Elite he had something else better to do than talk to little ole' me. What gives? I didn't want his intimidating presence to ruin my wonderful day. "Life has been good lately," I simply reply. I was acting so cool for someone whose whole body felt like shaking uncontrollably. I seriously should be an actress if I could resist Joel's hold on me this well and actually muster up a decent reply.
"That's good. That's good," Joel murmured, staring out ahead of him with an absent look in his eyes. This boy confounded me like no other.
"Anything else? Should I be used to you checking up on me all the time now?" I replied in a rather sassy manner. I was so surprised with myself, I felt like I was watching myself from outside my body. Of course, nobody I know is around right when Joel comes up to me. This sort of sucks, nobody will believe I ever talked this way to an Elite.
I stopped talking to myself in my head for a moment because just then, Joel cracked a smile and laughed. A real, genuine, human like life. And it was because of something I said! I know I had to look like I had just won the lottery. I was so stunned.
"I see I'm becoming a disturbance," Joel said, the laughter in his face melting away. "If you wish, I don't have to talk to you anymore."
"Well, no, I was just kidding," I hastily replied. I was staring up at him, not even bothering to make sure I wasn't running into other kids or a door. He was always so slow with his words, as if he was thinking twice about saying them at all. It bothered me; I wanted to hear him speak, again, just once more. Then, maybe, I'd finally make it to class.
Finally, his golden eyes looked down at me and he gave me a small smile. "Fine, then you just gave me permission to check up on you whenever I feel it's required." I didn't understand what he meant, but I was already at my class and if I followed him only to turn back I'd look dumb. I stopped and watched him walk away, peering over his shoulder at me. I didn't know what to say, and he was already walking away so I left it at that. Finally, he turned back around and faced forward, disappearing through the double doors that lead outside.
"Charlotte? You coming to class today?" Mr. Griggs wondered sarcastically. I blinked, and my head cleared, my mind suddenly became aware of the noises and surroundings around me. I felt like I just got out of a trance as I slowly walked into class, took a seat, and still looked around worriedly.
"You look like you're about to throw up," Chet, this really annoying football player who sits next to me told me and started to laugh that laugh of his, it sounded like a donkey.
I shook my head, saying to no one in particular, "I'm fine. I'm fine."
**
I was back to normal like no other, once school was over and Aiden was walking me to my embarrassing old car in the parking lot. We had met up during lunch too, and he seemed to have brought me back to life as soon as he sat next to me and shared with me his delightful smile. It felt like a secret almost, because only we knew what had happened between us last night.
"Your car is cool!" Aiden told me chuckling, as we neared the disaster on wheels.
"I suppose. But it's such a guy car, I'm not surprised you like it. I just wish it was shiny and…well, and new," I sighed.
We talked for a little, but eventually Aiden had to go to practice. "I want to see you later," Aiden told me, and he reached for my hand. I let him hold it and I looked down, feeling embarrassed for some reason. I was smiling, but in my mind I was wondering why this involuntary need to be shy, girly, and vulnerable always came around when a guy you liked did something like hold your hand. The thought amused me.
"You will. Just come by after practice," I suggested, looking up at him and veering away from my thoughts to focus on how attractive he was and how much I definitely wanted to see him later.
"Okay, deal," Aiden replied, pulling me in for a hug. I basked in this gesture, for Aiden and I have not hugged yet. This was our first hug. I was beyond happy, and wished, as I felt the muscles on his back with my hands while he squeezed me tight, that I could stand here like this forever.
Seconds later though, I was starting up my car and backing up out of my space. I drove home, and when I pulled up into the driveway, a strange sight welcomed me. I got out of the car and walked forward until I could make sure what I was seeing was real. There was Nate, walking up from behind the house, wearing jeans and nothing else.
"Excuse me? Can I find out why exactly you're barefoot, shirtless, and covered in dirt?" I wanted to know. I felt like my mom for a second, while I waited for Nate's answer. I couldn't help it and even tapped my foot.
"None of your business," Nate grumbled before turning on the hose. He proceeded to wash off his arms and hands, then his feet.
"This is ridiculous," I replied, walking in to the house. I set all my stuff down in my room and realized it was Friday, and that I had no plans. I texted Marlene to make sure she was home. I felt like going over there to briefly forget what a nut case my brother was. An hour later, I was sitting in Marlene's room playing with the whiskers of a stuffed animal cat on her bed. "I just don't know what to do," I persisted.
Marlene was seated at her vanity table, combing her long hair. She had this vanity table complete with a vanity mirror attached to it. It was very old looking, something right out of a Marie Antoinette painting. She turned around to look at me. "Maybe your brother is just being a guy?" Marlene offered.
"That's what Aiden said too. But it doesn't look like that to me, it feels so…abnormal," I replied. Suddenly, a singing voice began to penetrate through the walls. Marlene's mother, Agatha, must have been home from work.
Her door opened unexpectedly. "Charlotte, my dear! You're home!"Agatha sang, and came over to me. She cupped my face with one hand and kissed my cheek.
"Hi Agatha," I greeted once she released me. Agatha then proceeded to look around Marlene's room.
"Marlene, this room is a mess. Keep up the good work," Agatha chirped. The weird part was she was being completely serious. "Charlotte, dear, are you staying for dinner?"
"Or do you have plans with Aiden tonight?" Marlene also asked.
That thought never crossed my mind. Well, Aiden and I didn't make plans, so technically I shouldn't expect us to go to dinner. And Agatha made such good meals. I decided to stay, and maybe Aiden and I could hang out later. A late night rendezvous was much more romantic anyway.
"I'll stay. Aiden and I will hang after," I told them.
"Aiden? Is that the wolf boy?" Agatha cackled.
"Mom!" Marlene scolded, then turned to me. "Sorry, Char. She doesn't know."
"Wolf boy? His hair can be a bit unkempt at times, but nothing that serious," I mused, ignoring Agatha as she walked out of the room cackling still. "No worries, I don't take anything your mom says seriously," I let Marlene know.
Boo suddenly jumped up on the bed. I reached over to pet him, but he curled back, hissing at me. "Boo!" Marlene scolded, scooping him up. "Don't do that to guests." Boo meowed softly in reply.
"It's ok Mar. Knowing you has made me realize cats and I just don't go together," I shrugged. We hung around her room until dinner was ready, and quickly trooped out. Both of us had been getting really hungry, and secretly I was dying to also see Aiden after.
Gertrude, Marlene's aunt, had also arrived from work and was helping Agatha out in the kitchen. "Hello, Charlotte!" She said to me once she saw me, and I waved back. Gertrude also made me call her by her first name, just like Marlene's mom did. But it felt weird saying 'Gertrude' and 'Agatha' sometimes, simply because their whole family was so oddly named.
I took a seat at the dining room table, hesitating as I always do before sitting down on the chair's pillow. I always forgot there was a huge face of a cat stitched on to it, grinning up at you as if happy to have your butt sitting on its face. Marlene sat next to me and started to giggle, for her aunt and mother had broken out into song while they one by one brought out all the plates and food.
It was always dinner and a show at Marlene's. I wasn't sure if they did this whenever I was over, or if it was an everyday thing. Tonight, Agatha and Gertrude sang some Halloween themed song. I had forgotten about Halloween; I looked around the room then, and noticed that among the cat knick knacks and decorations all about there was a spare witch hat, jack-o-lantern, or vampire fangs here and there.
Once everyone was seated, all three cats of the house tried to hop up on the table, and simultaneously their owners scooped them up, kissed them on the cheek, and scolded them sweetly as they set them back down.
"So, have you girls decided what you're doing for Halloween yet?" Gertrude wondered.
Marlene shook her head. "We haven't really discussed it, have we Char?" Marlene said.
"No, we haven't. Geez, I can't even think of anything I want to be," I replied, pouting. I loved dressing up, and always had an idea of what I wanted to be in the past. I can't believe I haven't even thought about it! I began listing different options in my head now, for there was no way I was going to leave costume buying until it was too late. Marlene and I tossed around ideas about costumes for the rest of dinner, and as politely as I could, I told everyone I had to leave shortly after to see my uncle at my house, whose birthday was today. Of course, there was no uncle at my house celebrating a birthday, but I still got the feeling Marlene's mom, for whatever reason, didn't approve of Aiden and I didn't want her cracking more jokes and what not.
Marlene also probably got the hint I wanted to see him, but she didn't say anything. She knew how excited I got after a new guy has come into my life. After helping clear the table, I gave her a hug, thanked everyone, and left. On my way home, I got a text from Aiden saying he was done with dinner and wanted to come over after. I happily texted him back saying I couldn't wait to see him.
**
"Romantic comedies are the best ever. Just admit it! I don't want to fight about this anymore!" I laughed, rolling over on the polar bear skin rug in front of our fireplace and TV. Aiden was cracking up alongside me, we were both laying down on the floor watching a semi-old classic romantic comedy which had pretty much every single cliché. Aiden had been pointing all these clichés out and soon we got in a mock argument about what genre of movies were the best.
After I had arrived home from Marlene's house, Aiden came over a few moments later, looking as hot as ever and complete with a dessert in hand. A girl's dream. He had finished eating dinner about the same time I did, and had cheesecake left over he wanted to bring. I don't think I remember telling him how much I loved cheesecake, but he knew now.
Shortly after, we ended up on the floor in front of my TV, pigging out on the cheesecake, and laughing uncontrollably at practically nothing at all. It was very fun and refreshing.
"Here, have the last bite," Aiden said after recovering from our latest laugh attack. He speared the last piece with his fork and held it up for me to eat.
"What? Am I a baby now?" I joked, then opened my mouth anyway.
"Open wide!" Aiden replied in a baby voice, and fed me the piece. I started to giggle and almost choked on it.
"Never do that voice again," I ordered playfully, once I could talk. Aiden laughed and got up to put the plates away.
The floor was getting uncomfortable so I flopped back on the sofa. I briefly wondered where the rest of my family was, but as soon as I turned my head around and saw Aiden walking towards me looking quite nice, I forgot about them completely. I patted the space next to me and Aiden sat down, placing an arm around me as soon as he did.
I smiled to myself and focused back on the TV. The couple on screen was sharing a passionate kiss. It became extremely awkward at that moment, because I knew Aiden was thinking about kissing me and I of course was thinking about kissing, too. What was going to happen? Aiden can be pretty shy. But he's been making all the moves lately, and I could totally see him saying some sort of romantic line before placing his lips on mine.
I was thinking about how he'd go about it. Romantic and slow? Goofy and sweet? Rough and sexy? Oh, if only I could have all three…
"Have you ever been in love?" Aiden wondered all of a sudden. I looked at him but he was staring at the screen intently.
"No," I reply easily. "But it's probably the biggest goal I have in life. To fall in love," I replied. Aiden chuckled and looked down at me.
"Really? That's it?" He grinned.
"Hey!" I replied in playful protest. "I'm a girl, and all the myths are true. All we think about is love, and getting married, and receiving gifts."
"Great," Aiden grumbled jokingly. "I was hoping all those myths were false."
"Yep, so you better get used to it," I told him. "Have you ever been in love?"
"No," Aiden replied. "But like you, I hope to be one day." We looked at each other and smiled but I almost couldn't look at him. This was a perfect kissing moment! And I was being a total wimp about it, too. Where did all my confidence go?
The movie credits started rolling onto the screen and when I checked my phone I saw that it was getting sort of late. I also tried my best to stifle a yawn, but it came about anyway. Aiden noticed this and got up, reaching for his jacket.
"It's pretty late. I better go," He said, putting his jacket on.
"No!" I whined. "Stay here! Forever!" I jokingly cried out passionately.
Aiden laughed genuinely, so I didn't regret saying that. "I wish. But I don't want you getting in trouble with your folks." Eh, he had a point. I walked him to my front door, already feeling bummed out he was leaving. Why did time decide to go so fast when you least wanted it to?
Once outside, Aiden gave me one of his signature bear hugs that made me feel all warm inside. He told me to call him before I went to sleep so he could wish me goodnight. I told him I would, he let go of me, and started walking towards his car. He turned around once to flash me a smile, I waved and smiled back, but inside I was freaking out.
Why didn't he want to kiss me? I wondered desperately. I ran upstairs to my room and called Marlene before I went psycho and called Aiden, demanding he come back and kiss me.
"Hello?" Marlene answered, sounding sleepy.
"He won't kiss me," I told her automatically. I heard something rustle and assumed Marlene was getting out of bed.
"I'm sure he's just nervous, Char. You guys aren't even together so I don't know why you're freaking out."
I breathed again and figured she was right. I blamed all the Disney movies my parents implemented into me the first couple of years of my life, which basically had you believe that true love was love at first sight, and that it was sealed with a kiss. No wonder I was such a hopeless romantic. "Damn Disney movies," I muttered under my breath.
"What?" Marlene wondered.
"Oh! Nothing. I was just talking to myself, blaming Disney movies for my completely unrealistic view on love," I explained sighing.
Marlene cracked up. Soon after we decided we needed sleep, so I said goodbye and hung up. I lay on my bed, thinking about what would happen to me and all my delusional thoughts. An hour later I had fallen asleep, with my clothes on and everything, but had woken up on account my phone was vibrating. I sleepily opened my eyes and checked to see who had texted me. It was Aiden. "Open your window," It read.
I jumped out of bed, automatically awake. I pinched my arm, and it hurt. Okay, so this wasn't a dream. What was going on? I decided to play along with my deranged mind, and walked over to the window of my room. I opened it and felt the cold night air of October brush my face. Upon looking down, I couldn't help but give out a laugh. There was Aiden, waving down below in my backyard.
"You're crazy!" I yelled down at him. He shrugged in reply. "Well? Are you going to sing, or what?"
Aiden laughed. "I'm not a good singer. I'll wake up everyone," He replied. I laughed but still didn't see what was going on. Was he going to somehow climb up here? Oh, how romantic. I bet a million dollars I had the biggest, dumb grin on my face.
"Come down!" He instructed. I nodded, and quickly turned away from my window, placed my feet in my slippers (in my rush, I accidentally put the wrong foot in the wrong slipper, but I managed to run anyway), and finally made it to my backyard where Aiden was standing there smiling.
"I don't understand," I said to him. "What are you doing here? It's the middle of the night."
Aiden shrugged, and when he saw me shivering slightly, pulled me in for a hug. "I felt like our evening together earlier didn't end like how I wanted it to," He murmured in my ear. My entire being went frantically into girl mode, and rampant thoughts began whirling in my mind, one after the other. I knew what was going to happen, I was going to start daydreaming, and I'd lose track of what was really going on. With as much power as I could muster, I forced myself to focus on Aiden's touch and his voice.
"I just wanted to know if you had wanted me to kiss you tonight," Aiden wondered, pulling apart, keeping his hands snugly on my arms while he stared at me intently. "Because, well, I mean, I meant to say this earlier. But it hasn't been that long since we…well since I began to really have feelings for you...but they were so strong, and I just can't wait anymore, but well…I know there's rules to like all this romance stuff, you have to wait and…I don't know," Aiden shook his head slightly and peered down at me, noticed that my smile was getting wider, so his confidence seemed renewed.
Before he continued, I placed a hand on his arm, strongly enough to be felt through his jacket. "Those rules are for people who want to make things harder on themselves," I told him quietly. "I believe if there's something there, and it's so blatantly obvious…why ignore it? There will be the same conclusion, only you would have waited for no reason. Anyway, are you saying you like me?" I had to know.
Aiden laughed, and looked away. "Um…yeah," He replied, looking back at me sheepishly.
"Right and here I am, saying I like you, too. So we don't have to wait," I replied, deciding there for once and for all I might take up acting. It'd be really fun saying all this stuff all the time.
"Do you…want to do this?" Aiden wondered, with his face and voice suddenly serious. I looked up at him confused. "This?" He gestured towards me then pointed at himself.
I nodded and kept my eyes constantly with his. I didn't want to talk anymore, I wanted—I needed—Aiden to kiss me, and all would be right in the world.
Aiden touched my cold cheek briefly then finally leaned down to kiss me. I let him, and the excitement of sharing a kiss with someone new, feeling the sparks, it was all so wonderful. It was especially great with Aiden, because in the midst of the cold October wind, he was unusually warm. His kiss was also just as warm.
I found myself thinking I could get used to this.