116Okay, so here was the deal.
In my luggage I had Christmas presents and Christmas was way overdue. And Sadie was clinging to Darell so often that I couldn't give them to him without worrying about her emotionally attacking me. Giving presents wasn't supposed to be about throwing them at someone's head and dashing away at top speed.
At least, not with me it wasn't!
I was going to hand him his gift, express how happy I was to have spent half my vacation with him and then I'd bask in the feelings of gratitude, joy and appreciation. And Sadie was going to have no part in it.
But, when I got up in the morning, the two of them were gone, jogging. In the afternoon, she had dragged him on a tour around the campus, in the evening, they had run off to see a movie and at night, they had snuck to a bar or a club or something! I wouldn't know. They had left that morning after taking their showers and hadn't returned until late that night. The only reason I even had this much information was because Darell had texted and called me a couple of times.
And he was tired.
The second he stepped through the door, his eyes were drooping, his smile was weak and just looking at him made me want to drop on my bed and sleep!
Surprisingly enough, Sadie didn't seem to be having that fun of a time, either. She was all smiles and good cheer as she settled on the couch, but there was a thick layer of discontent hovering around her like a dense fog. Her goal of the day hadn't been achieved. Knowing this made me want to point and yell, "Ha! Eat that!" but her dejection was enough to bring out my more mature self. Hurting her wouldn't accomplish squat.
Speaking of squat, I had more important things to snap to. My ray of sunshine was drained. That couldn't be good.
I grabbed two blankets from our room and dumped them on the couch, one for Sadie, one for Darell. Then, I grabbed his I-pod and, placing it on the small coffee table, played one of those brainwave tracks I had downloaded. I don't know why, but I enjoyed that kind of stuff. It relaxed me within seconds and it seemed to work with Darell as well. He shut his eyes, leaned back on the couch and wrapped himself with the red blanket I had handed him.
So, I was right. He was cold.
Quickly going down the hall and to the dorm kitchen, I whipped up some tea. Within three minutes I was back in my room and handing the two of them a soul-warming chamomile drink.
Sadie was looking at me like I was a nut, and not the edible kind. She accepted the cup, but stared at me as I hopped onto the couch and sat next to Darell.
I got to work.
I closed my eyes and rested my head on his shoulder, breathing in and out slowly and evenly. He allowed me to enter his personal space, something I truly appreciated, and went so far as to actively open himself up to me. His muscles relaxed, the tension draining, making room for the source of his troubles to bubble to the surface. A small pressure was forming around my temples; within seconds, it transformed into a full-blown headache.
So, he had a rough night, huh? He probably didn't know how to say he wanted to go home.
I rubbed my hands together until they were warm. Then, I gently pushed off Darell's shoulder, stood up and went around the couch, stopping behind him. The sounds emitted from the I-pod seemed to have relaxed him enough to make him half-asleep. His head was laying on the backrest; his closed eyes were toward the ceiling.
And I? Well, I slowly ran my fingers through his golden hair until he got used to my touch. A deep sense of contentment was my cue that I could proceed. I moved my hands to his temples and rested them there. That's how I sat for the next five minutes until I started feeling the pressure in my head recede.
"Are you relaxed?" I whispered in his ear, my fingers moving in slow circles.
He groaned in response, making me chuckle.
"How's your headache? Are you feeling better?"
A smile graced his lips and his blue eyes slowly opened, meeting mine. He stared up at me with this odd look of happiness that was, strangely enough, aimed right at me. I felt my face heat up, but, God, I didn't know why.
"You are so weird," he smiled and I hovered over him, soaking in the moment. It was nice.
I stood there, gently rubbing his temples until my fingers felt all tingly. It was a funny sensation, like tiny pins stabbing me over and over again. It didn't hurt, though. It was more of a dull ache.
"It's okay," I whispered to him, remembering the receding headache. "You're home, now. You're safe and free to relax. Just let it all go…"
He shifted slowly on the couch, a sign that it was okay for me to stop. I did. He sat up straight and shook himself out of his semi-sleep-induced haziness. "I swear, every time you do that, you end up hypnotizing me."
"It's all a part of my evil plan," I said as I returned to my seat beside him, "Go, evil minion! Do my bidding!"
And we sat back and laughed at each other. I mean, seriously? Could anyone imagine me being an evil overlord? Me? I'd have to seriously be masochistic to even consider it.
A clatter drew our attention to a cup being placed on the table as Sadie's voice harshly cut in.
"What exactly was that back there?" We watched her, confused by her outburst. "And would you just-!" she moved to the I-pod and turned it off with a huff.
The silence never was so…silent.
I blankly stared at her. I didn't know what else to do. I didn't know what she wanted me to do, other than disappear, of course.
"Well," Darell finally offered, "Micah does this non-massage massage kind of thing that's incredible. All your stress just rolls away."
And his smiling face made her even angrier at me. She pushed her chamomile tea further away and asked, "Can you try it on me, as well?"
Honestly, I wanted to say, "no," because she wanted it, but didn't need it. And, even if she needed it, I'd still be hesitant. I trusted Darell and opened myself to touching him and being near him. Sadie, on the other hand…God knew what I'd be getting into if I made myself vulnerable to her. But, she was glaring at me as if saying "no" would seal my fate. Plus, I didn't want to lose to her. Agreeing was all I could think of…
And, as I was about to move to her side, Darell's hand shot out and grabbed mine, pulling me back down on the couch with an oof!
"Maybe tomorrow," he smiled at the beautiful girl, "He seems really tired. Are you?" Was I? I looked at him dumbly before nodding stupidly. "See? And, you know what," he stretched his arms and yawned, "I am too. Why don't we all just go to sleep?"
Before anyone could say anything, the blond was on his feet, dragging me with him. When we got to our room, he closed the door behind us and sighed all the air out of his lungs.
"This has got to be the most tiring day ever! I couldn't wait to get back!" His blue eyes shone as he turned my way. "Sound the alarms! I think you're rubbing off on me!"
"Oh! Sound the alarms!" I mocked him, waving my hands around.
And then, I paused.
A thought hit me.
"Darell, sound the alarm! I'm asking you to lock the door."
"What?"
"Lock the door," I hissed, putting my finger to my mouth in a shushing motion, "And take a seat!"
He eyed me peculiarly, but complied, a sly smile on his lips.
Without losing any more time, I moved to my closet and pulled out my one-wheeled suitcase. I got out a fairly big box and set it on the bed.
"Screw the light," I hissed at Darell and motioned him to the bed, "Just get over here!"
"Screw the light? How the hell are we supposed to see?"
I rolled my eyes.
"Well, hurry it up! We don't have all night!"
"Fine, fine! Calm down!" he bit back, but I could definitely hear the mirth in his voice.
When light flooded the room, he walked to me. I bit my lip before shoving him on the bed. Soon enough, I joined him and pushed the box to him.
"This," I pointed at it, "is for you! A belated Christmas present!"
He stared at the rectangular object peculiarly, as if confused about what to do with it.
"Well?" I poked it. "Go on!"
"Uh…" he stared at me, too hesitant to move. "Okay…"
And then, it started.
Slowly but surely, he opened the box. His blue eyes widened at the sight.
"You got me…another box?" he snorted and I shook my head.
He opened the smaller box to see…a smaller box.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," he smiled and punched my shoulder.
"Keep going!"
He did and it was after ten more boxes that he finally stopped and sighed with the first signs of frustration.
"Exactly how many fucking boxes did you get me?!" he held up one the size of his palm. But, I didn't say a word, because that was the last one.
He soon figured that out when he pulled out his actual present.
"Oh," he groaned, "Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" I burst into laughter. "What the hell is this? Are those…Oh, man, are those snowmen?!"
He waved around a pair of hot pink, knee-high skiing socks, his face a mixture of disbelief and amusement.
"They'll keep your toes warm," I managed to say before collapsing into another fit of laughter.
"They better be a fucking furnace, because they don't have much else going for them," he chuckled as he took off his white socks and put on my present.
Oh, my word, he looked ridiculous.
"What do you think?" he wiggled his toes. "Am I irresistible?"
I was laughing so hard, I couldn't talk. So, I just walked up to him and kissed his forehead. He froze at my action, but I paid him no mind. I immediately moved to my suitcase and, still chuckling, pulled out a second box.
"Here," I smiled, placing the gift in front of him, "this is your gift."
But, he just gaped up at me, completely bewildered.
"What," I asked with a smirk, "you really thought I got you socks?"
"Yeah," he blinked, "I mean, no. I mean…I don't know. What…?"
Pft!
"Merry Christmas, Darell!" I stressed every word and pushed the present onto his lap.
"Right…" he shook his head and focused on the box before him. "It better not be boxes," he grinned teasingly.
"It's not!"
It wasn't.
The second he pulled out the maroon jacket, he smiled from ear to ear.
"Nice! Thanks, man."
But, he really didn't get it. I sighed and elbowed him.
"It's waterproof!"
His eyes grew wide at my statement. Finally some enlightenment!
"Aw, dude! Thanks so much!" he swept me into a crushing hug.
"Yeah," I patted his back and he let go. "Last time it rained you were wet to the bone."
"Dad said I should just put on a raincoat, but-"
"I know, I know. You don't like working out in yellow."
"That color pisses me off! What do you want me to do?!"
"Well, it's Micah to the rescue! And now that spring is coming up, you'll be ready for those unexpected downpours."
He tried it on and marveled at how I managed to pick the right size.
Well, he had given me one of his jackets before. His size wasn't that difficult to figure out…
"So, what do you think?" he asked, straightening the front and smiling brightly at me.
I wasn't fond of the color, but, I had to admit, it looked pretty darn attractive on him.
"Irresistible," I chuckled. "Especially with those socks!"
"No, seriously," his face suddenly flushed, "what do you think?"
I smiled at him, because, honestly, why would I joke about his appearance?
"I wasn't kidding," I stopped in front of him and zipped him up, "It looks great."
And he beamed down on me, warming me to my core with his goofy grin.
Now, that's my sun!
"Christ, Micah!" he pulled me into an unexpected hug. "Thank you so much!"
I chuckled at his display of affection.
"I should get you more jackets."
But, he only pulled me in tighter.
And that made me feel funny. My face heated up and my heart picked up the pace.
Okay, this is a bit much…
I wanted to pull away, but I didn't want him to see me all jittery and red. So, I just stayed where I was, in his warm embrace.
Ah…Once I get used to it…it's not bad…
I felt his breath on the back of my neck and I couldn't help myself, I giggled.
"Darell, that tickles!" But, the blond had set out to ruin me. With this new piece of information, he purposely blew lightly on the same spot, making me wriggle every which way. It's not like I could go anywhere with the way he had clamped down on me. "Darell!" I chuckled, "Stop that! You're pissing me off!"
"Oh, shut up!" he held me at arm's length and, before I could get a good look at his face, flicked my forehead.
"Ow!"
"Serves you right!"
"For what?!" I huffed.
"Oh, shut up!" he exclaimed and pulled me into another hug. My God! Waterproof jackets could perform miracles! I had to make note of that for next Christmas.
And, to be honest, I was very confused. What the hell was going on?
There was knocking on the door and a very irritated Sadie groaned, "Hello? Can I at least get my stuff?"
I almost jumped out of my skin, but Darell didn't move. I had to practically unglue him off me to even get to the door. And even as I walked to it, I could feel him staring at me. All because of a waterproof jacket!
Next thing you know, he'll be kissing me!
I paused.
Well, that was out of nowhere…
I ran the thought through my mental filters a couple of times.
Suspicion settled in the back of my brain and I peeked over my shoulder at the smiling blond. His eyebrow rose in a questioning manner. When I didn't move, he waved at me from where he sat on his bed.
Nah! Why the hell would that be his thought? Stupid Micah!
"Thanks for the door, but can I get through?"
The sharp tone in Sadie's voice reminded me that yes, I had allowed Her Majesty entry into our room and yes, I had totally spaced out over ridiculous thoughts. Without further delay, I moved to the side, letting her pass. But, I couldn't really focus on what she was talking to Darell about. No, I was preoccupied with senseless things like "why had I thought of the blond kissing me?" and "was it even possible for him to consider that?" and "had Sadie poisoned my drink to make my brain shut down?"
I didn't know the answer to any of these.
The only thing that made me feel better was that Day 2 of Sadie's visit was over. Just two more days and this would truly be the end…
"Come on, Darell!" Sadie shouted loud enough to make my eardrums explode.
The poor girl was hopping in place as if her butt was on fire, the total opposite of me, who was fidgeting in my seat, my face covered by the hood over my head. My hands kept tugging down at the cotton material until it hid my nose.
"Make that shot!" she jumped up and down on the bleachers, her brown ponytail swishing every which way. The only thing I was thankful for was the fact that she had stopped those ridiculous cheers. That blessing happened because I had opened my mouth and told her how silly she sounded. I mean, for crying out loud, this was a basketball game among friends! There was no need to whoop!
"If you can't do it, nobody can!"
"Please, stop!" I finally pulled down my hood and gave her the sharpest glare I could pathetically muster. "You're drawing attention!"
But the beautiful girl standing beside me didn't give a rat's ass about what I thought.
"That's the point, idiot," she hissed, careful not to give away the fact that she was talking to me. And that her smile was as fake as her nails. "Wooooot! Nice shot!" she waved at the blond who smiled our way. He high-fived his teammates and went back to his side of the court. "You know," she murmured, still smiling from ear to ear, "there's no point in being here if you're just going to sit."
I looked up at her from my seat, but she was waving her hands in the air at Darell.
Well, she was right…
But, what was I supposed to do? Scream like her? Where was I supposed to find all that…cheer? I was so uncomfortable just feeling the gymnasium; it left me lightheaded, what with all the excitement and depression it accumulated from years of losses and victories. It was worse than the mall…
"Darell doesn't need me to shout at him," I lamely concluded, staring ahead at the sweating blond who dribbled before passing the ball to Rick.
"You know, I really don't like this thing you do," she muttered, still smiling and blowing kisses at the boys.
"Sorry?"
"I don't get what he's doing, or thinking, but I'm not petty enough to dismiss your charm," she glanced down at me.
Huh?
"I've got charm?" Seriously?
"That right there is exactly it," she said pointing right between my eyes with her manicured nail. Well, at least she dropped that cheery mask of hers… "You make people want to help you," she smirked, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "I admit it's brilliant. I have no clue how you do it, honestly, but Darell has totally fallen for it."
She was way off with her theory. The truth? I was lucky enough to be surrounded by caring and considerate individuals.
"That's ridiculous," I mumbled and huddled myself into my typical sitting position, resting my chin on my knees. "There are only two types of people that approach me: the ones who like that I know them and vent, and the ones who don't like that I know them and lash out."
Sadie stopped her cheering and looked down at me. I mean, she really looked at me.
"And, which category does Darell fall into?"
I paused.
Darell?
Which category? Well, he…
"He doesn't fall into any…"
I straightened up at this realization. My brown eyes met her grey ones.
"You don't have to look so shocked."
But, I did. Darell didn't vent or lash out. He just…accepted. He didn't define me by my ability but somehow managed to take it into consideration.
I liked that.
I really liked that.
"Thanks, Sadie," I smiled at her, earning myself a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, well, I am incredible."
She was in her own way.
"I don't say this often, but if you have an issue you want to talk about-"
"Sorry, buddy, but I deal with my own issues," she put on her fake smile and waved at the guys. "If I wanted to spill my guts, I'd go to a professional."
She probably would…
"Well, that's fine, but I was just saying that if you-"
"DARELL! GO! GO! GO!"
Ow! She was purposely trying to render me deaf, wasn't she? What was the point of all that fuss, anyway? Did her "cheer" really cheer the blond? Well, he certainly seemed happy enough, running up and down the court and whatnot, but that was because of his love for the sport. It's not like we non-players affected him…
"Shady, I don't think you should be…exerting yourself this much. Can you sit down?"
She glared my way.
"Oh, I'm sorry Mickey, but at the end of the day, whom is he going to remember, the one who supported him or the one who just sat there?"
Ugh…
She had a good point…
"I really don't like you, sometimes…" I muttered as I stood up. Her smirk turned into an amused grin.
"Oh? You think you can compete with a cheerleader?"
"Who couldn't compete with an ex-cheerleader?"
And, yes, I bluffed. I mean, me? Shouting cheers? I had avoided almost all pep rallies and never went to the homecoming games. What would I know about that kind of thing?
It was like she read my thoughts because her grin turned back into a smirk, which morphed into a smile and a loud, "Nice pass!"
And, I would have liked to mimic her, but my dignity wouldn't allow me to. Did I look like the kind of person to jump up and down and wave my arms and wink and blow kisses?
No.
I did not.
But, what would I say? "Go team?" Yeah, that could work. Maybe supporting the group effort was better than focusing on a single player. But, he was my closest friend. He was the reason we were there. It would be a waste to not address only him…
And, I kept thinking of useless crap that, seriously, belonged in a dumpster, until a loud "Yeah!" alerted me to the fact that the blond had scored. Losing no time, Sadie jumped up with a "Woot! You're the best!" and other such crap. But, he turned around at the sound of her voice and smiled at her.
And I thought, just for a moment, that if I had said something, he'd have looked right at me, instead.
As I watched him return to his team and high-five his pals, I realized that just one shout wouldn't kill me. The guy was really working up a sweat out there. I could see it from the way he wiped his face with his loose T-shirt. Would it really hurt me to, for just once, be supportive?
I raised my hands to my mouth, forming a makeshift a megaphone, and, for a second, hesitation crossed me. Was I seriously going to do this? I wasn't going to attract all eyes on me, was I? That was the last thing I needed…
But, I watched the blond stealing the ball and running to one side of the court and I glanced at Sadie, who wouldn't shut up, and I thought, "Maybe he won't even hear me. Maybe no one will notice me and no one will look my way and no one will send me their opinions."
So, I gathered the little courage I had and yelled, "DARELL!"
The blond froze, the ball he was passing barely missing Rick's hands and hitting his face. I winced at the "ouch" Rick hissed, but what really caught my attention was Darell's yell for time-out. Without a second to lose, my roommate was jogging up to me and Sadie despite his friends' groans of protest.
And, I froze as I saw him approach.
"Is that supposed to happen?" I nervously whispered to Sadie.
"I don't think so."
That wasn't much of a relief.
"He's coming over! What do I do?"
The brunette glared at me.
"How the hell am I supposed to know what you should do?"
And that's when Darell reached us, flushed and sweating, worry written all over his face.
"Micah, are you okay?" he asked before I could get a word out. "Did anything happen? Do you need to leave?"
And, I blushed because how was I supposed to tell him that nothing was wrong? I felt like the boy who cried wolf, only that I had a sense of guilt and shame.
"N-no!" I muttered, flushing from head to toe. "I…" I glanced at Sadie, who wasn't offering any hints, "I, um…" My eyes landed on the blond, who was growing increasingly concerned. Ugh! This wasn't working the way I thought it would…
"So, everything's okay?" he hesitantly asked.
"Y-yeah!" I mumbled. "I just, uh, wanted to say…" What had I wanted to say? My mind was blank! It was something simple and easy. Oh, that's right! "G-good game!"
Darell stared at me, eyes wide with surprise.
"Oh…uh, thanks…"
"Y-you were really great out there!"
"You think so?" his blue eyes darted to the floor as his face turned bright red.
"I-I do! I think you, uh, are a really good player."
A small silence ensued before the blond rubbed his neck and glanced back up at me.
"Well, thanks, Micah."
Oh, God. I couldn't breathe. Why couldn't I breathe?
"N-no problem?" Wow, my shoes sure were fascinating! "I, uh, was just so surprised, you know? I haven't really…I've never seen you play, before."
"I didn't think you'd be comfortable…in a crowd…"
At this, I glanced up.
He had thought this out, hadn't he?
That was so…sweet…
"I wouldn't mind…" His blue eyes met mine, surprise swirling in them. "If you're okay with it, I'd like to, um, watch you play. In a game…"
His red face turned even redder and he quickly looked away.
"Well, if you're okay with it…"
I was! I really was!
"Only if you're okay with me coming…"
"Yes!" His sudden enthusiasm scared me half to death. "I mean, that'd be cool…"
"Come on, man! We're growing old over here!" Mark's unexpected yell startled us out of our conversation. "Flirt on your own time!" Laughter erupted from one side of the court and Sadie replied to it with a big wave of her hands. It was funny to see her do so, considering she hadn't even spoken. And had they said "flirt?" Who was flirting?
"Shut up!" the blond yelled back, but turned on his heel and jogged to his teammates.
The game picked up again.
And I was speechless.
I had no clue why.
"This is not going to work," I heard Sadie mumble to herself, smile plastered on her face. It was creepy to see someone so dead serious look so damn shallow! Girls were scary…
And, even though I was apprehensive, my big mouth ran off without me.
"What's not going to work?"
Her grey eyes zoomed in on me; I felt like a sniper was targeting me.
"Oh, drop it," she sighed, her smile quickly warping into a thoughtful frown. "Like I can do anything after you two arranged your first date."
Our what?
"First date? What are you talking about?"
She looked at me pensively, considering something I wasn't sure I'd like. And then, the unexpected happened. Her shoulders started shaking and her face looked absolutely miserable. I swear, upcoming tears were making her eyes glisten. Even when upset she was pretty.
"What's wrong?" I asked, feeling apprehensive.
A sob escaped her so suddenly that I almost jumped back in surprise.
"Nothing is going right!" she managed to say and she sounded so pained that normally I'd go to her side.
"Um…really?" I awkwardly stood beside her, unsure what to do.
"There's just this guy…" I had guessed as much. "And I like him so much!"
"Uh…yeah…"
"I've liked him since elementary school, but he won't even look at me! What was I supposed to do?!" She looked up at me with her teary eyes and I couldn't help myself. I cringed.
"Sadie, can you stop with that please?"
She blinked, stunned, before eliciting a small "Huh?"
"You're making me uncomfortable." She really was.
"What?" she stood up straight, her shoulders relaxing, but the despair didn't leave her face.
"I'm just saying that if you want to have a serious conversation, then at least be honest."
Her sobbing was cut with a knife. She seemed surprised for a whole new reason.
"Well, that's a first," she crossed her arms, all signs of distress gone. She was such an incredible actress. I felt so weird watching her. "So, you want me to be straightforward?"
"You have no idea how much I'd love that," I nodded emphatically.
"Okay then," she sat down for the first time since we'd walked onto the bleachers. Needless to say, I joined her. "I need Darell for a day. There's-"
"No."
That caught her attention.
"What?"
It was my turn to be sharp.
"I don't want him tangled in your love life."
"He's not going to do anything. He's just going to stand there!"
"You're using him as bait. I don't like that."
"It's not really up to you," she huffed.
"If it wasn't, you wouldn't have put on such an Oscar-worthy performance."
She glared hard enough to incinerate me. Yeah, it wasn't working. I was still in one piece.
"Look, I just need him for tomorrow. He stands there, I get the guy and he's free to return. Simple!"
"Or, you could walk up to the guy you like, tell him you like him and leave Darell out of this. Simple!"
It seemed reasonable enough. I didn't know why she looked at me like I was stupid.
"It's not that easy, okay? I've already done that. It didn't work."
"And you think this will?"
Grey eyes looked at me as if about to reveal a life-or-death secret.
"I know it will."
She was so sure about this…
All I could do was shrug.
"If Darell accepts your offer, he's free to do whatever he wants. But, if he asks for my opinion, don't expect me to back you up."
"I don't need you to," she bit back, but the smile on her face gave away the pure glee she was feeling.
So, she's going to ask him...
Knowing Darell, it wasn't hard to guess that he'd give in. Who could when a beautiful, intelligent young woman was at his feet, crying and begging?
This guy better be the catch of the century or else…
A/N: It's been so long since my last update. Sorry about that. Things got kind of hectic...But, thanks for encouraging me and sticking with me this far. Seriously, thanks! You guys are the best!