Chapter Eight
By nearly unanimous vote, the guys decided on pizza and after ordering we sat down in the back corner of the restaurant. It seemed as if the boys hung back, waiting for me to pick my seat and as soon as I did it was like a free-for-all. They nearly shoved each other out of the way to get a spot close to, if not next to, me. It was rather amusing. "Oy! Move over! I call dibs to sit next to Sang." Gabriel was in the middle of elbowing past North and Silas.
"No way jerk-face! You already got to sit next to her. It's my turn. Right, Cupcake?" Luke turned to me with the most hopeful look on his face and I didn't have the heart to disappoint him. I smiled and nodded at him and he whooped in delight, plopping down in the chair next to me and draping his arm across the back of my seat.
Before anyone had a chance to claim the other seat, Kota slid deliberately into the seat on my left. The look on his face dared anyone to challenge him. I turned to watch him as he sat down and when I caught his eye, Kota blushed adorably- a slight smirk dancing across his lips.
Working together the guys gathered a couple more tables and several more chairs so that we could all sit down together. By the time we had ourselves situated, their order was being carried out.
Amongst any other group, I would have thought that six large pizzas were more than excessive but with the amount of enthusiasm that these guys dug into those pies, I was worried there might not be enough. I watched them with rapt fascination, and my mouth might have hung open slightly in shock. On my left, Kota chuckled at my surprise. "You better grab a couple pieces now while you can, Sang. In this group, its 'survival of the fittest' at meal times- if you don't grab something fast enough, chances are you'll starve." He smiled as he spoke and indicated with his head that I should grab a slice of pizza quick.
"That's ok, Kota. I'm really not hungry. I had a sandwich earlier." When I looked back at the group, several of them were frowning slightly in my direction.
Dr. Green was one of them. "Sweetheart, I think you should eat. You threw most of it away… Yes, I was watching." My mouth popped open in embarrassment with his confession. Why was Sean bringing this up in front of everyone? "That couldn't have filled you up. Don't make me worry about you. Eat. Please." By this point everyone was watching me, and I'm sure that my face was the same color as the sauce on the pizza.
"Yeah," Luke interjected. "You could stand to eat a few pieces of pizza." His beatific face told me that he was only teasing and he reached over and poked me in the ribs. Without thinking, I let out a tiny yelp and clutched at my ribs, bending over slightly to try and ease the flashes of pain rippling across my ribcage. Silence descended upon the table. As soon as the throbbing returned to a near unnoticeable level, I was able to open my eyes and lift my head- meeting Luke's horror stricken face. He looked as if he had seen a ghost, or someone had kicked his puppy, or crushed his most treasured dreams… or maybe all three at once. Was it too much to hope that no one else had noticed my slip up? I had been so good up until this point. Tentatively, I peeked around the table, gauging the reactions of the others. It appeared that they had all seen the same thing that Luke had. Their faces were a sea of shock, concern and raw anger. Almost unconsciously they had all shifted closer towards me, as if trying to put themselves between me and whatever invisible force threatened my well-being.
"Oh crap. Sang. I am SO sorry. I didn't think." Luke whispered his apology as his hands fluttered around me, almost as if Luke was trying to erase what he had done. Unable to speak just yet, I shook my head, telling him not to worry. It was an accident, I knew that.
"What the fuck was that, Sang?" North's anger exploded. "What the hell was that?!" The way that his broad chest rose and fell with his rapid breaths told me that he was barely restraining himself. His eyes begged answers from me that I wasn't sure I was prepared to give.
"Miss Sorenson, is everything ok?" Owen's placid demeanor didn't mask the concern in his voice. Outwardly, he appeared to be the epitome of cool and collected. But the burning curiosity flashing in his steel grey eyes contradicted his calm exterior.
"Sang." Kota placed his hand on my knee, demanding my attention. "Are you ok? What happened to you? Tell me. Please." I couldn't bear the intensity of his gaze and looked away before I cracked. If I told them the things they wanted to hear, what happened then? Certainly I'd lose them once they saw how broken I was. Looking at the clock I calculated how much longer I had with this amazing group of guys. Did I really want to ruin what little time I had left by dragging them into my troubles?
As I returned my observations to the group around me, I made eye contact with Victor. "Please, Princess. Let us help." His voice was pleading and sincere. "You can tell us anything. We aren't going anywhere." The others nodded in solidarity.
Steeling myself with a deep breath, I decided that I could share just enough to let them know that I had been hurt in the past, but I was ok now. My finger wandered back up to worry my bottom lip. I was nervous to ruin such a good thing. But, if they happened to live in Jacksonville, maybe I'd have the chance to see them again. I didn't want friendships based on lies. I wanted them to trust me, and I wanted to trust them in return. I'd take the leap of faith and give them a few crumbs to nibble on.
"I just- I don't-" I struggled to find the right words, "I'm worried what you'll think about me if I tell you."
It was Silas who spoke up, assuring me that I was safe. "Aggele. Little one. You can trust us. It'll be ok."
Tenderly, Luke wrapped his arm around me. "Yeah, Cupcake. We've been watching you. We know something's wrong- that someone's hurt you. But we can't help you, if you don't tell us what's happened."
"You know? B-but HOW? I didn't know any of you before today!" I was slightly panicked. I was a private person by nature and didn't like people knowing my secrets. I thought I'd masked my injuries pretty well- apparently I was wrong.
"It's easy to see, when you know what to look for." Nathan spoke softly. He seemed to think on something for a moment before asking, "Was it a guy?"
"What!? NO!" I nearly shouted in my insistence. "I've never even had a boyfriend before." The thought was nearly laughable. Weren't they paying attention during our game earlier? Invisible was my M.O. In order to have a boyfriend, a boy had to notice you. Outside of my abusive Step-Mother and neglectful Father, no one noticed me. Not until today.
I blew out the breath I'd been holding. Taking a moment to collect my thoughts, I started from the beginning.
I told them about my Dad and how he'd abandoned us. About my Step-Mother and the recent escalation of her violent punishments (which caused cursing and muttering from a majority of the guys). About my horrid sister, Marie and all the stealing she'd done. I told them of my struggle to save money so that I could finally one day escape the nightmare that I'd, up until early this morning, called my life. How I was never allowed any friends, how I was told over and over how horrible people in the world were and to stay away. How up until two years ago I'd been home schooled and responsible for my own education. That despite my struggles I'd managed to remain at the top of my class. I told them how I wasn't allowed to talk to boys, let alone date them. How I wasn't allowed to get my license because that was one less aspect of my life my evil Step-Mother would have been able to control. Driving meant freedom, and prisoners weren't free.
"But Sang," Victor looked confused. "How did you buy a plane ticket if you don't have a license?"
Heat blossomed across my face. I was hoping no one would have caught that. "Well," once again my finger made its way toward my mouth, "IboughtafakeIDfromagirlatschool." I couldn't look at any of them after spewing my confession. It was so embarrassing. Normally, I was a straight laced girl. Always following the rules and especially the law. But, I'd wanted to be prepared in case of an emergency- for something like today. I didn't have a birth certificate. According to records, I didn't exist and I couldn't get a real ID without bringing down the authorities on my parents. That was another mess, for another day. I was just glad that it was believable and that the attendant and security hadn't known any better.
Silence descended on our group once again. The looks they shared with one another spoke of things that I wasn't privy to understand. It was amazing that because they were so close, they were able to say things to one another using only their eyes and facial expressions. I was ashamed to admit how jealous I was of their relationship. I wanted to be a part of something like that.
Mr. Blackbourne saw my curious stares and cleared his throat, garnering the guys' attention. "Miss Sorenson, please continue. What finally pushed you to take action? What, specifically, brought you here?"
And so I told them. About Mommy Dearest attacking me in the kitchen, and how, by pure luck I knocked her out on the stairs. How I was so scared for my life that I grabbed everything I could and just ran- sitting on that bus for hours just waiting for some hint at what to do next. How Mark, the bus driver, basically led me to the airport and how Megan, the attendant, chose my final destination. As I spoke, the boys listened. It was as if they couldn't take their eyes off me. I watched as multiple emotions flashed across their faces. Sadness, horror and fury; sympathy, compassion and even a little pride.
At different points during my confession, the guys around me reached out to touch me in some way. A couple of them, one if which I was sure was Silas, had pressed their feet against mine, showing me their support and comforting me in whatever way they could. It was heart-stoppingly sweet.
"Baby. What are you going to do once you get to Jacksonville? Do you even have somewhere to stay?" North seemed put out at my lack of forethought.
I scrunched up my face, not wanting to answer. I wasn't stupid, I'd just been so desperate to leave that little things like having a place to stay didn't seem so important at the time. "No, North, I don't." He didn't seem thrilled by my answer. In fact, none of them did. I shrugged my shoulders in an attempt at nonchalance. "But that doesn't matter so much. I have to have faith that things will work out. Finding a temporary place should be easy enough, and then I'll look for a job and hopefully find a way to support myself. Maybe I'll even have a shot at college one day. It doesn't matter what I find in Jacksonville. Anything will be better than what I've had in Charleston." My comments brought on another round of their silent communication.
"Miss Sorenson." Once again Mr. Blackbourne was in full command. "When we get to Jacksonville, I promise you we'll do everything in our power to help get you on your feet." My heart fluttered at his words; I didn't dare to dream. His words filled me with so much hope. It meant that I'd see them again, that I'd have a connection to them past this airport. I'd have a chance at a real life.
"Thank you." It was the only reply I could muster.
After we finished eating, the boys cleaned up all our garbage and put the tables and chairs back in their proper places. Everyone shifted around picking up their bags, and fighting over who would get to carry mine. I wouldn't have ever admitted it out loud, but I liked that they all wanted to help. It was incredibly sweet. As we stepped out into the terminal, Luke halted us in our tracks. "Hey wait! What about Gabe's punishment? He lost the game, right? So what are we going to make him do?"
Gabe scowled. "Thanks a lot, you ass. I was hoping you'd all have forgotten by now."
Everyone else started laughing at Gabe's pouting. "Nice try, dude. But we wouldn't ever forget a chance to humiliate you!" Luke almost get the words out he was laughing so hard.
"Well, out with it then. Let's get this shit over with." Gabe rolled his eyes and stood waiting with his hands on his hips. The rest of us gathered in a circle, putting our heads together to plot.
"I think we should make him wear some makeup. You have some in your bag, don't you Sang?" Dr. Green whispered, ensuring Gabe's surprise. I nodded, giddy with the potential of our dare.
Nathan was chuckling. "Sweet. This'll totally get him back for all the crap he's made us do over the years. Let's do it." We all turned around and faced Gabriel. Nathan was the one to deal out the punishment. "Ok Coleman. Here's the deal. You have to let one of us to put some of Sang's makeup on you, and you have to wear it until we get to Jacksonville." The guys erupted into hysterical laughter at the incredulous look on Gabe's face.
"No way, you fuckers! That's too far. Do you see all the people here? Do you know what they'll think?! Holy shit. You guys suck." I almost felt bad for Gabe. It would be really embarrassing for a guy to wear makeup in a public place like this and all his friends were laughing at him, enjoying his future humiliation. "Fine." Gabe smirked. "But Sang is the one who gets to put it on." Gabe shot me a wink as I dug the little amount of makeup I had out of my bag, on Victor's shoulder.
"Don't go easy on him, Princess. Gabe's relentless when it comes to dares." Victor coached me in hushed tones. Our close proximity allowed him to lean in close, his lips grazing my ear as he spoke. It sent shivers down my spine.
Gabe wiggled his eyebrows flirtatiously as I approached him. Biting my bottom lip, I took out the mascara, eye shadow and tinted lip gloss that I had bought earlier this morning. "What do you want me to start with?" I didn't want Gabe to be mad at me, so I was trying to play nice.
"Just do whatever, sweetheart. I'm man enough to handle it all." His confidence was something to be admired. The guys whooped and whistled as I decorated Gabriel's angelic face. It was nerve wracking knowing that everyone was watching me. Even strangers would stop to see what we were up to. I was just grateful that I managed a steady hand when I applied the mascara. I would have felt horrible if I'd poked him in the eye. After I put on the lip gloss, I showed Gabe how to press his lips together to distribute the shine all over his lips. Gabe showed that he could be a good sport and batted his eyelashes and made kissy faces. "How 'bout it Sang? Do I look pretty? Oh so pretty?" Channeling his inner-Maria, Gabe burst out into a rendition of "I Feel Pretty", pulling me into an upbeat waltz as he made his way towards our gate. The rest followed shaking their heads and laughing with each step.
Returning with minutes to spare, everyone dug through their belongings to pull out their tickets. Again, there seemed to be a clamor to see where I was sitting and everyone was asking to sit next to me. I was slightly overwhelmed. Not wanting to upset anyone, I was making them choose. It looked like a heated game of rock-paper-scissors was starting when there was a small commotion at the desk. A new attendant made his way up to the desk, grabbing Megan and whispering something that didn't make her happy. She left the desk, smiling softly when she noticed I was watching. Returning my gaze back to the group, I noticed that Mr. Blackbourne and Kota had also noticed what had happened between the attendants and were doing that wordless conversation thing again. What did that mean?
My musing were interrupted by the new flight attendant's announcement. "Attention ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for flying with us today. We apologize for the delay but are happy to announce that we are now boarding flight 2319 to Jacksonville, FL. Our flight is unusually empty today so we will open boarding to all passengers. Thank you."
For some unknown reason, my heart began to pound. I was frozen in place and I couldn't make them move. Several of the boys began to walk away, before realizing that I wasn't following.
"Come on, Peanut. Time to go." Nathan reached out and grabbed my hand, pulling me towards check-in point. "It'll be ok, beautiful."
I tried to swallow my fear, but it had lodged in my throat. "Remember when we were playing that game?" They all nodded their heads. It really was a stupid question. It was barely an hour ago. "Well… never have I ever flown on a plane before." I was sure they were going to laugh, but their reaction was completely opposite of what I had been expecting. Immediately they closed in on me, rubbing my back and arms, stroking my cheeks and tugging on my hair. Repeatedly reassuring me that everything was going to be ok, and that they were there for me.
North, who was on my right, he reached around, placing his strong hand on my lower back. "Let's go, Baby girl. I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you." When I looked up at him, North's gaze was so open and his small smile so genuine that I had no choice but to believe him. I took a deep breath and handed my ticket over to be scanned by the attendant. Nathan and North each grabbed my hand and before I knew it, we were walking through the gate and down the jet-way. And I knew, that my life was never, EVER going to be the same again.