**Author's Note: Firstly, I just wanted to say I'm sorry chapter eight took so long! This one's a bit longer :) And secondly, thank you all so much for all the views and super nice comments/reviews! I am honestly blown away. I never thought that any thing I wrote would actually be read, let alone liked! It makes me feel pretty important. Like, I actually have some talent! You're all amazing and keep me motivated 3 And I hope you enjoy this chapter! Please, let meknow what you think! I love reading them all! **
Chapter Eight- Sparks Fly
The day seemed to drag on ridiculously slow. It always seemed to work out that way; when you looked forward to something, it was a millennium before it seemed to get there, but when you weren't, it seemed to get there within the blink of an eye. The realization of reality sucked. Somehow though, lunch finally managed to creep itself in and I dragged myself there and got some food; mashed potatoes and what I guess was some kind of beef casserole. Yummy- not.
I sat at an empty table and began to eat what I could. Thoughts of Jason swam through my crowded mind. What could he possible have planned? And why me? I wasn't sure whether or not to regret my decision to jump and accept his offer/date, whatever you wanted to call it. I had always been the type of girl who was up for a challenge. So, maybe, it wasn't going to bad. But then again, it could go horribly wrong for a few different reasons. One being that I was grounded and had already been threatened to be sent back to Pittsburgh and two, I knew him as nothing but the cocky guy who once owned my locker and was best friends with my cousins boyfriends brother. I think the realization of being a teenager and having no control over pretty well anything I did was suckier then anything else. I was about to find out.
I took a bite of the potatoes and then decided to look over some of the homework I had been assigned. I flipped through a math book and easily got bored, shoving it to the side. Shawn's voice quickly caught my attention though. It hadn't been that long since the incident, yet it felt like forever. I wanted to get out of my chair and go hug him but I knew it was probably not a good idea to do so. He walked through the cafeteria door with Cory and didn't even notice me. At that moment, I felt like one of those people you see in the movies. You know, those people that are stuck between a bad decision and a good one? With a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. I was forbidden to not speak or associate with him yet I really wanted to. I was stuck between listening and not. I mean, in a sense, I WAS at school and it wasn't like my aunt had eyes everywhere. And I could have always lied and said it was to talk about the community hours we had been punished with. He was in line getting food and I could hear Cory talking to him indistinctly. I bit my lip and then chose to go against everything. I was going to talk to him and be his friend whether anyone liked it or not. I left my books on the table as well as food and then happily walked over to him. I tapped him on the shoulder and smiled.
"Hey Shawn," I said. I turned to Cory as well. "Hey Cory," I smiled. "You guys can sit with me if you want?" I suggested. Cory smiled in return and went to speak but Shawn interrupted him.
"No thanks," And at that, grabbed his tray of food and moved past me. Leaving me and Cory standing there giving each other strange looks. I frowned immensely and quickly followed him.
"Shawn," I said catching up. He shook his head and I felt my heart sink.
"Leave me alone, Sarah. You're bad for me. I'm already screwed up enough. I don't need anyone else bringing me down." he said almost angrily.
"But, I just-"
"I said leave me alone!" His voice got louder and people around us looked.
I gave him a half hearted smile, swallowed hard and nodded. I said nothing more, rushed back to my table, grabbed my books and took off out of the cafeteria like it was on fire. I suppose I deserved it in a sense. I wasn't exactly perfect and had my own issues. I could have stopped the entire event but chose not to. Instead I went along with it, we got into big trouble like most silly kids tend to do and he took the heat of it. I felt like crying but did my best not to especially when I had to slip past multiple other students and some teachers. I made it to the bathroom and got inside a stall before I finally let my feelings take over. I cried into my books and did so as quietly as I could. I lost my only friend over something so stupid. He was right though. I wasn't any good for him, and maybe my aunt was right as well, he wasn't any good for me. School wasn't really about making friends and trying to fit in anyways. It was about receiving the best education possible so you could succeed in life and have everything in your power to do so. It didn't hurt any less though. Going back to Pittsburgh suddenly didn't seem like such a terrible idea anymore.
The end of the day eventually got there and I dragged myself to my locker as everyone else practically ran out of the building and from their lockers. I let out a sigh and shoved all of my books into my back pack. Any excitement I had for the "date" I was about to go on had slowly drained out of me as the rest of the day ticked by. I zipped it up and then shut my locker. Maybe I wouldn't go after all; it didn't seem worth it at that minute. I shut my locker and then turned around, only to be confronted by Harley and his minions.
"Well hello there, Sarah. Heard you got into some trouble and that trouble involved my home sweet home." Harley said leaning his arm against the locker beside me. He was chewing on what looked like a tooth pick and his littler buddies stood beside him smirking.
"Yeah, so what?" I asked with a snarky tone. I was really in no mood for him of all people. It was because of his stupid house that I was having the issues I was.
Harley put his hands on either side of me and pinned me against the locker. "So what? How's about you and Hunter pay for damagin' my property."
I rolled my eyes, he didn't scare me before it wasn't going to change then. "We already are. So why don't you just back off?" I grumbled. "Now, if you'll excuse me I have a-" I went to move past him but he shoved me back. I looked at him surprised but continued to glare.
"Nah, community service ain't good enough. Ask my loyal pals Frankie and Joey here. They'll agree. Won'tcha boys?"
I glanced over his shoulder and saw them smirking back at me, nodding. "Course Harley. We knows when people deserve more punishment." Joey squeaked. I sunk back into my locker. I didn't know where they were going with it, but I already didn't like it.
"Get away from me, Kiener." I growled.
He looked around. "Or what? You'll tell Feeny on me?" He asked with a chuckle. Of course he had to save being a cowardly jerk for the end of the day when no one was around. It was just my luck. Harley looked me up and down. "You've turned me down before. Now it's your duty to make it up, specially now." He ran his hand up my leg and I shoved his hand off almost as quickly as he had put it there.
"Stop! Don't touch me!" I nearly screamed.
He smirked and moved even closer to me, his breath warm against my cheek. "You gonna make me?" he asked with a low tone. I was trapped and what was worse, I felt helpless. How the hell was I going to get out of this one? How could they just stand by and watch as he started to violate me?
"Let her go, Harley. Or I'll make you." Harley frowned and turned around, giving me enough time to slip out of his grasp. It was Eric. I took that opportunity to get away, quickened my footsteps and got behind him. My heart was racing and I felt like a little kid hiding from a scary scene in a movie. I didn't even know him but felt ten times safer then before. I peered over his arm and he looked down at me.
"Are you okay?" he asked. I nodded, furrowing my eyebrows.
"Ooh-oh, Matthews the hero. What ever shall we do boys?" Harley asked putting his hand on his chest.
Frankie moved forward. "I know plenty I can do to this poor soul. Can I, Harley?"
Harley shrugged. "He's all yours big boy," he said simply.
Frankie grinned and Eric stood his ground. He grabbed Eric by the scruff of his shirt and Eric swung his fist in response, connecting into his jaw. Frankie stumbled slightly but it barely phased him. He lifted Eric up and then gave him two hard jabs to the stomach, which made him let out a loud pained grunt. I looked around helplessly , just as I had done before. I had to think fast. Eric depended on it. I saw a garbage can not to far away, grabbed it and charged at Frankie. He was so much bigger then me but I didn't even care. Eric was protecting me, the least I could do was attempt to return the favour. I'm sure that if the guy Eric was fighting was his size, he would have won, no questions asked. But considering both Eric and I together didn't even outweigh him; plenty of questions could be asked.
When I hit him with it, he let go of Eric who fell to the floor with a thud and then fumbled to the side, nearly losing his footing. Joey gasped, grabbed and then held onto me as tight as he could. I of course fought back to the best of my ability, stomping on his foot as hard as I could. He let out a yelp of pain and let me go. "Ow! Ow! You little-" he squeaked. I glared at him and held my fists up. I was no super hero but I was going to fight to the death- not really of course, but fight till I couldn't anymore regardless. Harley began to step forward. I was out numbered but I still didn't care.
"What is going on?!" A voice suddenly cut through all of our shouts and thoughts. We all turned our heads and saw it was Mr. Feeny, followed closely by Mr. Turner. Impeccable timing I may add.
Harley pointed towards me. "This isn't over. Same goes to your little boyfriend."
And at that, all three of them took off down the hall as quick as their dirty shoes could take them. Eric had regained his strength and had staggered to his feet. I quickly ran back over, grabbed his arm lightly and helped him.
Feeny bent over and examined him. "Are you alright, Mr. Matthews? What in the world happened?" Turner did the same.
"I'm fine Mr. Feeny. We were just talking is all."
"Yeah, looks like your ribs did most of the talking." Turner sarcastically added.
Eric smiled at him. "Don't worry, I'll be fine, honest."
They both gave him a skeptical look but Feeny nodded anyways. "Alright, if your sure.. Be on your way then." And at that, Eric began to leave, Feeny and Turner's eyes never leaving him. I looked back and fourth between all three of them, quickly grabbed book bag and then ran to catch up with him. I caught him at the stairs just outside of the building.
"Eric," I called. He turned and then stopped. I hadn't noticed before then probably because I had only ever seen him two or three times but he had beautiful chocolate brown eyes. "Um, I just wanted to thank you for what you did back there." I pointed towards the doors.
He shrugged and rubbed his shoulder. "It's okay. I would have done it for anyone." I didn't know why but I felt slightly insulted; maybe because I felt that he had just been there to protect me and only me. I guess he just had perfect timing at being in the wrong place and the right time.
"Oh," I said slowly.
Eric smirked. "But you're kind of cute, so I suppose I felt more empowered to do so."
I blushed but then felt bad. I had a date with his best friend in an hour. I was pretty sure it went against all kind of 'bro codes', or something along those lines. "Um, thank you." I giggled nervously.
"Just let me know if those jerks bother you again. My ribs needed a good work out anyways," he teased.
I bit my lip with a genuine smile. Maybe Philadelphia wasn't so terrible after all and was worth staying in. I did feel kind of slutty though. I mean, first an almost date with Shawn, which failed miserably, then soon to be Jason and now I was finding his best friend charming. I was an emotion whore, great; just the kind of rep I needed to add to my already existing one. I suppose that was what dating was all about though, right? Ugh. I had to reassure myself somehow.
"See you around, Sarah." He gave me a smile in return, a small wave and then made his way down the steps and down the street. He was wearing a plain green sweater with a white t-shirt underneath and light denim jeans which I must say, fit him quite nicely. I continued to smile until I glanced up at the clock which sat huge and proud on top of the school. It was already 3:26pm. My mind quickly changed about possibly not going. I had barely a half an hour to rush home, make up an excuse, get beautified and then rush off to go and see Jason. I had a feeling it would be worth it. I needed an uplift and had a good feeling that it was going to be it.
My size sevens sure made friends with the pavement quite quick. I ran all the way home and didn't stop once. I burst through the door, said nothing to my aunt who was waiting patiently in the living room, threw my bag against the stairs and dashed upstairs. I shut my door, ripped off my clothes and dug through my dresser. Of course, I didn't have anything that was date material. Why would I? Nor anything that was beyond school. The only thing I had that was remotely decent was the outfit I had worn to the date Shawn skipped. And going out in it, would definitely raise suspicion. Maybe it wasn't such a horrible thing though. I didn't want Jason to feel all high and mighty and noble just because I dressed up to go and see him. I pulled out a white lacy dress that stopped at my knees and grabbed my faded denim jean jacket and threw it on as well. I pulled my hair out of my braid which had become wavy , ran my fingers through it and then checked my teeth as fast as I could. I gave myself one more 'once' over in the mirror and shrugged. "Well, I guess this is as good as its going to get." I mumbled.
There was a knock at my door and my aunt entered. She examined my wardrobe and raised her eyebrow at me. "Planning on going somewhere?"
"I'm just going over to Topanga's to study." I answered quickly. If I could have given myself a high five at that moment I would have.
"In that? Topanga is younger then you," she said with doubt in her voice.
"I know that Aunt Julie." I had been there less then five minutes and was already getting severely annoyed. "This is more comfortable, okay? I'm just going there to have a quite place to study, you know, one without tension and bad feelings? And I figured I could help her out if she needed it," I explained. She continued to look at me like she knew I was lying.
"Do you want to call her?" I asked. I hadn't thought that one through very well. That high five I wanted to give myself quickly changed to a mental slap. She thought for a minute.
"No. Just be home before eight. That will be plenty enough time to study, get work done and come home. Don't be late."
I nearly jumped in excitement but kept my cool. A small smile escaped my lips but I quickly turned so she wouldn't see. Not going to lie, I did feel bad for lying but I also felt strangely good about getting away with it. I got to the top of the stairs before she stopped me. "And I hope you know," she spoke softly. "You wouldn't be going out if it wasn't to Topanga's. I'm still very disappointed in you."
My heart hurt a little bit at that one. No matter how angry you are at someone, hearing and being reminded that you disappointed them stings like a constant bee sting. I swallowed it back. "I know." I gave her a quick hug. "I'll see you at eight." And at that, I dashed down to the stairs, grabbed my book bag, slipped on my shoes and headed out the door, not even caring that it shut behind me or not. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with my book bag, but I knew if I left it behind, her suspicions would have been confirmed and I wouldn't have gone anywhere.
I don't think I had ever run as much as I did that day in my entire life. My feet pounded into the pavement as determination beaded through my blood. I slowed down a bit and had walked down the street until I was out of view and when I was, darted down the street like I never had before. The adrenaline was pretty awesome. After a couple blocks of non stop running, I made it to Chubbies. I huffed and puffed heavily; I swear, I could have been apart of the three little pigs story and actually succeeded in blowing down the brick house with the way I was breathing. I collected myself and then smoothed down my dress and shifted my feet. I hadn't thought about how I was going to explain it all to Topanga and hide every track I indefinitely left but at that moment in time, I didn't have a care to give. You have one life to live and I wasn't about to miss any chances or opportunities.
I slowed my breathing and then made my way inside. It looked different inside and almost had a different feeling to it. I wasn't sure if it was because last time I was there, I got stood up or if it was because walking in, I knew I was disobeying pretty much every rule my aunt put down. In any case, I made my way down the stairs as eloquently as I could, but of course failed like I was bound to do. I made eye contact with Jason from across the room almost right away. He shot me a smirk and my heart fluttered like it does when your five and have your very first crush. Without warning however, I lost my footing, tripping down the last few stairs and fell into the wall, resulting in landing hard on my butt. What a GREAT start to this wonderful date.
I sat there for a minute, feeling what was probably every pair of eyes in Chubbies find me and turned cherry red in the process. I wanted to cry from embarrassment. I could hear Jason's infamous laugh as he made it over to me. He leaned on the bannister and looked down at me and I looked up at him more embarrassed then I had ever been my entire life.
"Well, that was quite the entry."
"I'd like to see you do it better." I said sarcastically with a glare. He let out another laugh and then extended his hand out to me. I took it and got to my feet, smoothing out my dress for the second time. Jason's dark eyes glimmered and I couldn't help but smile in return. He tightened his grip on my hand and then raised it into the air like I had won a wrestling match.
"And the prize for the klutziest girl at John Adam's goes to," he did a loud drum roll, rolling his lips rolling over one an other. "Sarah Makinley!"
I pulled my hand away and glared at him again. A few people laughed and held up their pops and the others just smiled and turned their attention back to their dates or friends. "You're a riot, Marsden." I grumbled at him.
He grabbed the collar of his plaid red and black button up shirt and lifted it. "I try." I rolled my eyes and couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. He was wearing a plain white t-shirt underneath his shirt, dark denim jeans and white sneakers. His dark hair was brushed neatly and his breath smelt minty fresh. I followed him over to his table booth and sat across from him. He had a glass of what looked like coke that was half full but that was it. "So, what are your plans to woe me?" I joked.
Jason drank back what was left and then pushed his cup to the side.
"I guess you'll have to wait and see." He leaned out if his booth and called over the waitress who was walking by with a few plates and empty glasses. He handed her a five.
"It's for my drink. Keep the change doll face." He said in a flirtatious tone. She had blonde curly hair and a skirt on that should have been illegal. If I were a guy I probably would have hit on her too. Jason looked back at me and I shot him an annoyed look. "What? What did I do?" What a typical teenage male.
"Oh nothing." I said. I had plans to get him back so it wasn't a big deal. It wasn't like I took it personally anyways. "You didn't answer my question though."
Jason nodded and then stood up. "Follow me if you want live- er, find out."
I smirked. "Nice Terminator reference."
He looked surprised. "You've seen the Terminator?"
"Of course. Who hasn't?" I replied.
Jason grinned but said nothing more towards it. "Alright miss, I'd let you lead the way but you since you don't know, you may get us lost, so follow me."
I cocked my eyebrow at him. "What?" I looked down at the booth I had assumed we were going to stay at and looked back at him confused. "I thought we were-"
Jason scoffed. "Clearly you don't know me at all. Just come on."
He made his way to the stairs. I frowned. "But I don't." I mumbled. Oh well, whatever he had planned couldn't be that bad, could it? I guessed I was about to find out either way. He got to the top of the stairs before I finally decided to get up and follow him. I caught up to him as he walked out.
"Where are we going?" I wondered.
Jason looked my way for a second but turned back to continue on his way.
"You'll see."
We walked for 20 minutes and ended up outside the entrance to a dark looking forest. I furrowed my eyebrows.
"Is there where you're going to kill me, dismember my parts and then take my kidney home to freeze?" I said more serious then not.
Jason let out a cute chuckle. "I prefer the heart, actually." He then disappeared into the trees and tall grass. I hesitated for a second. I wasn't sure if I should have trusted it or not but quickly decided against not going. I quickened my pace and started to panic when I couldn't see him. He could have only gotten least 20 feet ahead of me, if that. My stomach sunk and my heart started to beat faster. Oh great, I walked right into my doom. I just knew it. "Jason?" I barely squeaked out as I took a few more steps. No response.
"Okay, this isn't funny." I felt like one of those blonde bimbos in a typical cheesy horror movies. The killer is in her house and instead of going out the front door, she runs up the stairs; my date is going into a creepy forest and I follow... awesome! Might as well have been one. I took a few more steps and looked around. I really was scared. I knew I was probably over reacting also but I couldn't help it. It was my pay back for being a chicken and a movie fanatic all at once. It seemed like twigs from every direction snapped.
"Jas-" A strong pair of hands then grabbed my waist and I shrieked so loudly I would have out an opera singer too shame. I spun around to Jason who began to bust a guy laughing.
"You were too much of an easy target, I'm sorry." He said between laughs.
I glared and punched him in the shoulder. "You jerk! I almost pooped my heart out!" I yelled.
Jason hardly flinched at my attempt to hurt him but pretended it did; probably just to ease my ego. "Ouch. The violent type, are we?" he teased, rubbing his shoulder. I continued to glare at him. "Come on, I promise I won't scare you again." He started to walk forward.
"That works for your friends too, you know." I commented, looking around cautiously. A few months down the road, I'm sure I would I would laugh about it, but right then, I was too busy attempting to put my heart back into the place it belonged. I kept closely behind him and within a few minutes, we reached a large open field. The grass was a beautiful green and the area was almost a perfect circle due to all of the trees surrounding it. The sun beamed down from the clear sky and it was almost as if it was the perfect set from a super mushy romance movie. It was a strange realization to see how fast scenery could change someone's feeling and mood. I no longer felt apart of a horror of which my young life was about to end stupidly. Jason seemed very focused and determined on where he was going. The birds and insects around us all made noises in sync. In a way, it was kind of a romantic setting. I mean, if you're into the whole nature scene. We came to a stop and he turned to me.
"What do you think?" He asked. I looked around and nodded slowly. We had left Chubbies for that? It was pretty and all but I wasn't a cow; grass and twigs weren't really in my appetite.
"It's- it's nice." I said, the hesitation in my voice as clear as the sky on a summers day.
Jason grinned. "Look down."
And so I did.
Set out before me, was a large yellow and red blanket with paper plates, silverware and a brown basket sat neatly on top of it. It was actually a very, very cute idea. I had never been on a picnic before, so to have the chance was sweet. I bit my lip and smiled cutely at him. "It's perfect."
His grin remained. "I was hoping you'd say that." And at that, he sat on the blanket and waited for me to join him. I looked around before I sat down, tossing my back pack to the side of the blanket where it wouldn't be in the way.
"How did you find this place? It's so calm and peaceful."
Jason shrugged. "When you're bored and your best friend is busy making out with the thousandth girl at school, you find yourself wandering around.. a lot."
I sat cross legged. "I assume you mean, Eric?" I wondered more then said. He was definitely good looking but didn't seem like the type that would try for all the girls. It may have been bias thinking due to him protecting me earlier that day but I wasn't sure.
Jason nodded. "Yep."
I shot him a small smile and said nothing more. I trusted his judgement only on the simple fact that they were best friends and he clearly knew him better then I could have over the span of a few hours. He opened the basket and looked at me, his face lighting up a bit. "Ready to eat?" He asked.
I nodded quickly. "I'm starving."
Jason then grabbed the basket and opened it, sticking his hand in and pulling out the contents. He pulled out two burgers wrapped in tinfoil, placed them each on the plates and then continued to pull things out. After a minute or so, my plate consisted of a tinfoil wrapped burger, fruit and cold onion rings. He had also brought a thermos of hot chocolate. It really was sweet. Jason frowned. "I didn't think they would get cold this fast." he said referring to the onion rings.
I let out a small giggle. "I prefer them cold to be honest," I told him truthfully.
He looked back and fourth between plates. "Are you sure?"
I nodded and happily grabbed a few. I ate them proudly and shot him a cheeky grin. Jason grinned and began eating. We sat in silence for a few minutes, just listening to our surroundings and chewing back our food. Not even for a second did my aunt cross my mind; for once, my mind was focused on one thing and one thing only, and that was Jason and the super cute picnic I was sitting in because of him. "So," I said breaking the silence. He looked up after biting into his burger. "What do you do for fun?"
Jason thought for a minute. "Um, not much I guess. I shoot hoops on Thursday, I hang out with Eric most of the time and I'm a C average student, so homework isn't my thing. And I like cartoons too, not gonna lie. That's about it," he took another bite. "I'm not very interesting, sorry."
"I find you interesting." I simply said. He would have denied it to anyone I'm sure, but right then, he definitely blushed a little bit. We became silent again so I took the opportunity to finish off my onion rings and then start on my fruit; strawberries, grapes and watermelon slices. "Enough food? Holy. Are you implying I'm fat?" I asked pretending to be appalled.
Jason looked confused. "W-what? No, no. I just didn't know what you liked so I brought a mixture. I didn't mean to offend-"
I started to giggle. "Consider that my revenge on you for that mini heart attack you have me back there." Jason glared at me and then grinned mischievously. I cocked my eyebrow at him. "What?" I asked, my mouth half full. Jason reached back into the basket and pulled out what looked like a banana cream pie. My mouth began to water. Why he never mentioned he had brought something so delicious, was beyond me. He opened the plastic lid and came closer to me, his cologne strong but smelling wonderful.
"Close your eyes," he said softly. I have him an odd look and be returned it with another grin. "Just trust me." I frowned a bit but then closed my eyes. It was really cute. Butterflies and heart flutters; it was such a great feeling. "Open your mouth," he said softly. I frowned for a second but then did as he said. "You ready?" he asked softly. I nodded and opened my mouth. The feeling of a cream pie being squished quickly into my face followed by Jason's crazy laugh however, was not such great feeling though. I gasped and fell back onto my hands. Through cream filled eyes, I glared at him immensely. I wiped my eyes clean and he continued to laugh.
"I'm gonna kill you," His laughter subsided for a second. He quickly got to his feet and began to run away from the messy scene he caused. I got up quickly and dashed after him, there was no way in heck I was going to let him get away with that. It was unfortunate though that he was much faster then me though. There was no way I could catch him and get my revenge. I was no athlete that was for sure. The disappointment grew deep. It wasn't possible to catch him. He played basketball every week, he was pretty well trained to move fast. That day was pretty well the only day, even to this day, that I ever ran anywhere. I hated running. There was no way.
Unless...
I grinned and then threw myself dramatically to the ground and let out a scream. "Ow, my ankle! I think I twisted it. Oww.. It hurts so bad!" I cried out.
I heard Jason stop and then rush back over. "Are you okay? What happened? Sarah?" I was hunched over and gripped my ankle, quite convincingly too if I may add. He put his hand over my back lightly. "Sarah?" he asked again.
My chance was there, so I took it. I lunged up, grabbed him around the waist and tackled him to the ground. When we hit the ground, I sat on top of him. He looked surprised. "Well played, well played."
I smirked. "Thanks." I then took my hands and got as much of the pie off of my face as I could. Jason shook his head and attempted to get me off of him.
"No, no. You'll mess up my hair." He whined playfully.
"Good," I said in an almost whisper. I wiped it all over his face despite his multiple attempts to avoid it. He began to chuckle hysterically, moving his head every which way he could to avoid the inevitable. He did however eventually knock me off. I tumbled beside him and giggled. "What are you gonna do now, Marsden?" I turned my head to him.
He sat up, wiped his eyes clean as I did before and then raised his cream covered eyebrow at me. "You've got about three seconds to get up and run before you find out."
I shot him a grimace, giggled again and then scrambled to my feet. I dashed off as fast as I could and ran to find a hiding spot. I made it behind a tear, almost breathless. I felt like a little kid being chased by her parent during a hide and seek game. It was a pretty refreshing feeling and I enjoyed it. Giggling as silently as I could, I peered around the corner and saw that Jason had vanished. I wasn't sure if he had run off after me and went the wrong way or if it was because he was trying to scare me again, but whichever one it was made it just as much fun. I hid behind the tree again and was quickly startled by his presence when I turned back around. He sure was great at that. I let out a shriek, giggled again and attempted to escape again. Of course, failing in the end. I made it to where I had started running before he tackled me over. We tumbled and he landed on me, Simba and Nala style, pinning my wrists. I blinked furiously.
"Ooh, whose the feisty one now?" I teased.
He let out a chuckle. "Payback is an oh so wonderful thing, ain't it?"
I let out a shriek. "Nooo!" I playfully yelled.
He nodded. "Definitely." And at that, rubbed what was left on his face back to mine. My stomach began to hurt but in the best way possible. He did so for a few seconds before finally sitting back up. I glared and then stuck my tongue out at him.
"You're a jerk."
He looked up innocently and then shrugged. "I know."
Jason had let go of my wrists but was still over top of me. He looked back down at me and his brown eyes were deep. The butterflies that had swarmed me earlier had returned and had mutated into little monsters. I bit my lip and smiled cutely at him. Though I was sure I looked pretty unflattering, I was also sure that he got the point. Jason hesitated for a second before slowly leaning down; his breath warm, his touch gentle. I closed my eyes and waited for it. My first kiss. It was going to be so perfect. Like one of those that you see right out of a cheesy but cute romance movie that was worth the almost two hour sit through. And just like that, I was greeted by Jason's wet tongue running across my cheek. I frowned and opened my eyes, meeting his in return, which had a mischievous look about them. He chuckled at my reaction.
"You taste delicious."
I then glared at him. "Have I told you before that you're a riot?" I asked annoyed.
He grinned. "I think once, yes."
Jason stood up and then held his hand down to me. I wiped my moist cheek and then took his hand. Standing up, I fixed my dress for what felt like the billionth time and then looked around. "So what now?" I took the sleeve of my jacket and wiped the rest of the muck off my face. To be honest, I think I was more disappointed in the fact that he wasted a delicious cream pie on my face versus him faking a romantic kiss.
"Follow me." he said quickly.
"I'm not sure I want to now." I mumbled.
But I did. He lead me through the forest and before I knew it, it was dark and we were at the top of what felt like a mini mountain. How it got dark so fast was beyond me. We talked about nothing really. He talked about his home life and how he wasn't exactly proud of it, he mentioned his friendship with Eric a few times and he also talked about how he wished he was a better person. He never got into great detail about it however, even after I bugged him several times to explain. So after a while, I dropped it. I also talked about my home life but never got into huge detail either. So in a sense, we were kind of even. Regardless of it all though, the sight he lead me to was absolutely breath-taking. The view was of the entire city. The lights from buildings, the lights from cars.. it was just simply amazing. I walked a bit further and came close to the edge of the bumpy ground we stood upon. Down below, was rocks and a huge grassy hill that I was sure would eventually find somewhere in the city if you were to roll all the way down. I couldn't believe it. I had never seen such a great view anywhere in my entire light. Looking up into the dark sky, it was blanketed with what seemed like a hundred stars and a half moon that looked as if it was smiling down on us. When you were in the city, you were surrounded by street lights and houses that were ten times bigger then you, not to mention smog from cars and trucks, so a sight into the sky like the one I was so lucky to see, was rare and very much worth the risk of being shipped back home. It was all worth it and I was glad I hadn't changed my mind.
"This is incredible, Jason." I nearly whispered.
He slowly came up beside me. "I know." he said quietly in response. "This is the place I come to clear my mind when it's too crowded with school stuff," he joked. I had a feeling he was more serious then joking though.
"I can see why." I looked around still in awe. I looked towards him. He was looking out into the view as well. "I have an odd question for you." I said.
His gaze quickly turned back to me. "What's up?"
"Can we lay down?"
Jason smirked and raised an eyebrow at me. "We-ell, I didn't realize you were that type of girl, Sarah."
I punched him in the arm. "Shut up."
He chuckled. "Sure."
I smiled at him and we both layed down in sync. I stared up at the stars and felt as though I could just fall asleep under them. I had never been at such peace before. If I didn't have a certain time to be home, school the next morning and the worries of God only knew what kind of bugs crawling into my ears while I slept, I just may have.
"When I was really little, my Mum and I used to do this sort of thing. We had a big house with a big backyard and when my Dad went to work, we'd have campouts in the back yard." I told him. "She'd always make sure to have big fat fluffy marshmallows hidden away and we'd attempt for the billionth time to make our own little camp fire but never could. We'd always end up just burning them over the stove or something. She'd tell me spooky stories under her flashlight and I'd pretend to get super scared even though they were the cheesiest stories I had ever heard." The whole time I was spilling my memory out to him, I was smiling, my eyes darting to one set of stars to another. My memories weren't all bad.
Jason looked at me for a second and then turned his attention to the stars as well. "It sounds like it was a pretty cool time."
"It was." I said. "I was four when they divorced. So all the campouts and one on ones stopped after that. They fought all the time and I was always hiding in my room to get away from it. To this day, I don't even really know my Dad."
He listened intently and then turned back to me, propping himself up on his elbow. "Anyone who chooses not to be in your life, doesn't know what their missing."
I gave him a warm smile, felt my cheeks bruise with redness but I did my best not to let it show. Shyly, I looked away and then back up at the stars. It was so beautiful, more so then anything I've ever seen to this day. It was perfect. Although we hadn't done much, it was one of the best dates I had ever gone on. Well, at that point, the only date, but still very much the best and by far my favorite. If that made any sense at all. "I'm cold." I suddenly said breaking any kind of silence that had come between us. And I was. There was a chill in the air and being in a dress definitely didn't help, jean jacket or not.
Jason laid back down and then outstretched his arm. "Here."
I didn't even hesitate. I scooted over and then curled into him, using his arm as a pillow. He smelled so good and he was so warm. We stayed like that for a while. I closed my eyes and just listened to all of the sounds around us and he continued to look up at the stars. I could have stayed there for forever and nothing in the world could have ruined that moment. Well, nothing except time that is.
Gasping, I sat up quickly. "Jason, what time is it?"
"Time to get a watch?" he smirked before sitting up to follow me suit.
I rolled my eyes. "No, seriously. What time is it?"
Jason pushed back his sleeve and squinted down at his wristwatch. "It's seven thirty-eight, why? Need to be somewhere?"
I got to my feet like the ground beneath me was on fire. "Yes! Oh my gosh. I have to go, I'm sorry. I had a great time. I hope you understand. If I don't get home in twenty two minutes, I'll be shipped off and my life will be hell, and, I'm sorry!" I rambled. And at that, I took off running as fast as I could. I swear, at that moment, I could have put the Road Runner to shame and would have probably left him in a pile of dust too. I pushed past trees and I fought back their branches that hung down low, attempting to slow me down. I didn't care if I got home covered in cuts and bruises. As long as I made it there by eight o'clock, it was worth it. My heart thumped but my feet thumped louder. I didn't know the exact way, but I found it pretty fast. Making it back towards Chubbies, I knew where to go. I took off like a speeding bullet, gasping for as much air as possible. Praying I didn't pass out before I got there, I slipped through back alleys and took any kinds of short cuts I could find. I even jumped a couple of fences, in a dress; imagine that. Finally though, it all paid off and I made it to my aunts house. I hadn't stopped once, not even for cars in the street. I stood outside the door and attempted to collect myself. I breathed hard and I tried to breathe deep. From a bystanders point of view, I was sure I looked like I was either having a heart attack or had, had one two many smokes. After pulling some grass off of my dress, I took one last deep breath and then opened the door.
The first thing my eyes darted to was the clock hanging high by the stairs. It read 7:56pm. Pretty impressive, if you were anyone but me. It felt like life or death. My aunt appeared from the other room and gave me a look that made my heart stop. I stayed still and dared not make any movements that would justify whatever she was thinking.
"I called Topanga's." she finally said. Taking a sip from her mug, she nodded me in with her head and I hesitantly followed after slipping my shoes off. I was done for, I was caught, I just knew it. Good things always found a way to come to an end. It was too good to be true. She sat down at the kitchen table and I stood, waiting, saying nothing. "She told me you guys got a lot done and then thanked me for letting you come over despite your grounding."
I could breathe. I knew that girl would follow through for me. Yet, on the other hand, I also knew I'd never hear the end of it on her part. Topanga wasn't a saint, but she was definitely more goody-goody-two-shoes then most. "Yeah. It was great." Stupid, Sarah. Stupid.
Aunt Julie gave me a strange look but quickly ignored it. "I've always liked her." she smiled. "She's the type of girl you need more of in your life. Now get upstairs and get ready for bed. I imagine you've eaten already." she said more then asked.
"Okay. Goodnight." And at that, I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and then raced upstairs. I knew she was probably giving an even more strange look then she had a minute prior, but it was worth it. For once, I was actually happy. Not because I was putting on a show, not because I felt like I had to be. I was genuinely happy. And I owed it all to Jason.