13It was entirely my sister's fault. It was my sister's fault that I got caught in this uncompromising and humiliating situation. If only she had't been craving ice cream at 10:30pm and didn't bully me into go buying it for her at the nearest 711, then perhaps I wouldn't be standing here in the dark having a stare down with some random stranger.
Why was I having a staring contest with a random stranger? Well let me tell you why. Everything was fine as I came out of the 711. I had my sister's ice cream in my left hand and was happily sucking on my own as I walked back home, but then near my home I thought I heard a noise. I ignored it thinking it was my overactive imagination and that I have been watching too many horror movies, but that was not the case. The noise was real and the spectacle before me made me come to an abrupt halt. To say that I was shocked would be somewhat true. I was more fascinated. But I had enough common sense to hide behind the nearest pole and observe from the darkness.
Before me, a girl and a guy seemed to be engaged in some sort of intimate setting. They weren't making out yet but it was obvious to anyone around that they would be macking it underneath the lamp light pretty soon. It was haunting. I couldn't tear my eyes away from them. It was like watching LIVE porn except without the sex. If this was in broad daylight, I probably would have been disgusted and would have walked away without a second glance, but something about two people making out in the dark was a bit spellbinding. It was like someone cast a magic spell and I was about to witness the horror unfolding before me.
And there it was. I watched as the guy tentatively put his hand around the girl's face, brushing away the few strands of hair that got in the way before leaning down and kissing her. The kiss was rather slow and PG. There was no tongue swapping, only lips moving against each other. Neither the girl or the boy moaned. From the angle I was standing, I couldn't see the girl's face but I could tell she had a petite frame. If her face was anything like her body then I'm sure she was pretty but alas I could not tell.
I was getting rather bored as I watched the couple make out innocently in front of my house. It was like watching a grandma cross the street. Where was the intensity? The action? If only they were not standing direcly in front of my house, I could have scuffled along the wall like a ninja, hidden in the shadows, and safely made it inside; but no, they had to be doing it right in front of my front door.
Finally, and I mean finally, the two broke apart. I was surprised at how long those two went on kissing without needing to break apart for air. How they managed that was beyond me. I personally think they've had practice, extensive practice, but who knows.
The guy had a smile, smirk on his face? I could never tell the difference between a smile or a smirk unless the smile was very genuine and child like, but his lips were turned upright from what I could make out from his profile. The other half of his face was hidden in the shadows so I couldn't make out his features clearly.
The girl stood up on her tip toes going in for another kiss to my utter horror, but thankfully the guy stopped her gently and kissed her lightly on the forehead instead. The girl whispered something and finally turned around and disappeared inside her house. She lived a few houses down from mine which made us neighbors.
I was finally saved. I tossed my empty popsicle stick onto the ground and waited for the guy to leave so I could disappear inside my house as well, but the guy suddenly turned around and stared directly at my hiding spot. It was like he was staring right at me but he couldn't know that I was hiding behind the pole, right? He had that smile/smirk on his face again and said in a clear voice that sent shivers down my back, "You can come out know."
What the fuck? Was my immediate thought. I mean, how could he possibly know right? So I just stood there and didn't move.
"I said you could come out now," he repeated and he started coming over so I jumped out and stepped back a few paces.
I stared at his forehead. I was too embarrassed to make eye contact. He must be thinking I was a creep. But the smile he adorned was good at masking his thoughts.
And thus, this is the story of how I was having an intense stare down with a random stranger. I, staring at his forehead and he, staring into my averted eyes.
I didn't dare to speak first. Silence is golden as the general adage goes and whoever invented that saying was a very wise person indeed.
I sneaked a peek into his eyes and immediately blurted out, "Did you know I was there the whole time?" Well there goes my short lived plan of not speaking first.
His smile/smirk deepened but I couldn't look away from his twinkling green eyes. They were so vibrant and mystical. It was like I was staring into an enchanted forest immersed in shimmering green pixie dust. I felt as if I wasn't even staring into human eyes. They were extremely mesmerizing, almost as if I was being hypnotized.
That thought shook me to my senses and I blinked rapidly. The spell was broken.
"You didn't have to hide," he said, amusement evident in his tone.
"I wasn't hiding," I said. When he continued to look at me with that smile/smirk on his face I continued. "I was waiting for you guys to finish so I could get inside my house. Your girlfriend lives all the way over there, why make out in front of someone else's house?" I asked.
When he didn't say anything I continued in mock horror, "Don't tell me it's one of your weird sexual fantasies to make out in front of other people's houses?"
"This is your house?" he asked nonchalantly. Too nonchantly if I might add. "But no that isn't the reason. It's bright here." He indictated toward the lamp light in front of my house. It was the nearest one.
"Well next time go somewhere else because you were blocking the door. Think of the children," I added as an afterthought.
Just then someone shouted, "Allie!" from the window. It was my sister, Meg waving her arms frantically trying to beckon me inside the house.
"Shit!" I said out loud looking at the ice cream in my hands. It probably melted by now. Meg was going to kill me.
"Well I gotta go. I have an ice cream to deliver. Be safe and use a condom!" I said before running into the house.
When I shut the door behind me, I crumpled to the floor, my face flush with embarrassment athough the boy outside could not see me. It was still humiliating. Be safe? Use a condom? Where did that come from? Stupid health class and it's mantra "always be safe and use a condom." Seriously that quote was posted all over health class and at the end of class the teacher would always, and I repeat always, say "be safe and use a condom." She would say it in this high pitched sing-song voice that everyone found annoying. No wonder it's subconsciously ingrained into my brain.
I closed my eyes and banged my head against the door only to open them and see a very angry Meg peering down at me.
"What took you so long? What, did you get lost?" she mocked.
"Ha. Ha. Very funny. You are hilarious," I said humorlessly and held up her ice cream. "Here."
"It's all melted now," she whined. She marched off into the kitchen. I could hear the sound of the fridge opening and closing.
I gingerly picked myself up from the floor and walked up stairs into my room. Once inside, I crashed face down on my bed and knocked out, forgetting the ominous events that took place only moments ago and locking them in a very unreachable place inside my brain.
The next morning was evidently peaceful. I woke up and walked downstairs into the kitchen to find it empty. Peace and quiet, this is how mornings should always be.
I grabbed a bowl and mixed myself a cocktail cereal. Eating just one brand always seemed boring to me. I have to mixed at least two different cereals to enjoy it. Today I settled on cheerios and cornflakes. A nice combination of crunchiness and sweetness.
But good things never last. Meg slumped into the kitchen with her messy bed hair. She immediately walked over to the refrigerator and took out her ice cream from yesterday. She sat down in front of me and took a large bite out of her deformed ice cream.
"Ice cream for breakfast is the best," she said with a mouthful of it. "Want some?"
I rolled my eyes. She only asked me to try to make me feel jealous. I knew she would never willingly hand over her precious ice cream.
"What time is it?" she asked taking another huge bite.
"Nine thirty," I said.
"Too early," she said closing her eyes. "I'm going back to bed." And with those parting words, she got up and retreated back into her room.
I finished my cereal in silence, watching the birds flitter and chirp in my backyard before heading out there myself and sitting down on the mini swingset from my childhood. I was still in my pajamas but I didn't care. It was summer and I could do what I wanted.
As I walked down memory lane remembering all the fun times I had swinging on these swings and trying to swing as high as I could without falling off or breaking the swingset, a black cat suddenly jumped on top of the fence that served as a border from the neighbors's yard and meowed very loudly.
"Yo," I said a bit surprised. The cat was pitch black with electrifying yellow eyes. It was for a lack of a better word, a bit creepy looking.
"What brings you to my abode?" I asked it a bit unsurely.
In reply I got a yawn and then-
"To say hello," said the cat in a deep, musky voice.
I blinked. Did the cat just talk to me? The cat's eyes remained motionlessly on my face. I looked for an alternate source of the voice but it was just me and the cat.
"Hello?" I called out tentatively.
"Hello." And then a head with a mop of dark brown hair suddenly popped out from underneath the fence, shocking me to death.
I almost, almost fell off my swing but I caught myself just in time. Gotta give credit to my awesome reflexes.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, the memories of last night rushing in and unfolding before me like an unstoppable accident taking place inside my head.
"Saying hello," said the boy from last night as he pet the black cat. The cat affectionately moved closer to him and snuggled deeper into his hand.
"Why are you in my neighbor's yard?" I asked slowly, ennunciating each word hoping, dearly hoping he wouldn't say-
"I live here."
"No!" I shouted coming to an abrupt halt. I sat idly on my swing and stared, wide eyed, at the boy before me.
"Liar," I whispered too astonished to believe it.
"It's true," he said adorning that same smile/smirk from yesterday. "Want to ask my mom?"
"But, but I've never seen you. You, you can't live here," I muttered.
"But I've seen you. I lived here for a very long time and I always see you around with your sister," he said with a hint of amusement.
"Is that so?" I said more to myself. "Is the cat yours too?"
"No, it's Mrs. Salaam's cat," he said. The cat jumped down and disappeared behind the fence.
"He likes to wander. Your mom leaves food out for him sometimes. You don't know?" he asked. If I didn't know any better, I would think that he was making fun of me but I pretended not to notice.
"Well, it's getting pretty hot. I'm going to go back inside now. Bye." I held my head high and walked back inside my house as calmly as I could, trying to appear cool and composed.
"Meg," I called standing in front of her door. I knocked repeatedly hammering my fist onto her wooden door.
"Go away!" she shouted in a muffled voice.
"Meg, Meg," I shouted like Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. I was not going to go away. "Meg."
"What do you want?" she bit out as she opened the door.
"Did you know we have a neighbor?" I asked.
She glared at me and was about launch into a verbal assault but I stopped her by rephrasing my words, "There's a boy our age who lives right next door."
"You mean Noah? He's been our neighbor for five years," she said lying back down on her bed and smothering her face into her pillow. "Now go away."
When I didn't move Meg looked up from her pillow, "You should pay more attention to your surroundings. I mean I know you tend to not notice things unless it smacks you in the face but not knowing your neighbors? Come on, Allie."
"Huh?" I said slowly getting up and walking out of Meg's room in a state of drunken stupor.
"Close the door!" she yelled. I did as told, my mind still digesting the fact that the boy from yesterday had been my neighbor for not one but for five long years.
I really did need to pay attention more often but it wasn't my fault if I went to a boarding school in a different state. I was barely home during the school year except for during the holidays and summer. And even then I was usually busy visiting relatives or catching up with old friends.
"Mom?" I called walking back down into the living room.
"I'm in the kitchen, Allie," she called.
"Did you know Mrs. Salaam has a black cat?" I asked as I entered the kitchen. My mom was preparing breakfast. I could smell and hear the eggs sizzling on the frying pan.
"Yes, he comes by here often. Don't you see it when you go out into the back yard sometimes?" mom asked as she stirred something in a bowl.
"No, I've seen it before. I always assumed it was a stray," I replied. "Are you making pancakes?"
"Yes," my mom said smiling.
"What kind?" I asked eagerly.
"Blueberry," she replied with a knowing smile.
"My favorite!" I exclaimed excitedly doing a mini dance. I haven't had pancakes for breakfast in ages and hearing that I was about to eat blueberry pancakes had me dancing in a mad frenzy.
"Lisa's coming over today," my mom added.
"Cool," I said not really caring. Lisa was my cousin and she frequently came over, but she was more close to Meg than to me. She was the same age as Meg, two years older, and she had the most adorable little sister who I got along just fine with. Leela was my very own version of a living doll.
I helped my mom set the table and soon my family was gathered around the table helping ourselves to servings of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. We normally didn't indulge like this often; I usually settled for cereal or something equally meager like I did earlier in the day but it was nice to have a hearty breakfast once in a while.
"What are your plans for today, sis?" I asked Meg as I took a big bite out of my blueberry pancakes.
She laughed, actually, cackled evily and stared delightfully at me with twinkling eyes. She was up to something.
"You're not invited," she said simply with that evil smile still adorning her lips.
I scoffed. I was never invited to their outings and honestly I didn't care. All they did was go shopping, and shopping usually exhausted me. I never had the stamina to keep up with them. "Have fun," I replied sarcastically.
"Oh, we will," she said before drinking her orange juice.
While my sister and Lisa were out shopping, I was currenly blowing bubbles in my backyard with my adorable cousin, Leela.
She was only six years old but she was a very precocious six year old. And right now I was showing her the art of blowing majestic bubbles. Ever since I bought the gigantic magic bubble wand at Walmart, I was always excited to try it out but never had the opportunity until now. I found it to be the most entertaining thing ever.
We ran around the yard waving the gigantic magic wand to create super huge bubbles. We ran around chasing it and popping it and sometimes let the bubble float around until it popped by itself.
I switched turns with Leela. She would take hold of the giant bubble wand and I would be blowing bubbles from a small wand. I also had a bubble machine that mechanically blew bubbles around the yard, surrounding us with bubbles nonstop. It was a magical sight. We enjoyed ourselves immensely. I was a child again and no one could judge me because I was having fun with my baby cousin.
It was in this state, while I was in my bubble revere that Noah found me. He had somehow wandered into my backyard and decided to lean comfortably against the fence and watch Leela and me maniacally blow bubbles and giggle joyfully.
I was momentarily surprised to find him standing in my backyard staring intently at us, but I was too high on happiness to care and happily asked him, "Do you want to blow bubbles?"
He seemed a bit startled at first but then quickly recovered and shook his head. He smiled instead. I shrugged and continued to have fun with Leela.
"Look Allie!" Leela shouted pointing to a very huge bubble she had made.
I beamed proudly at her and patted her lightly on the head. "Very nice, Leela," I praised.
"I'm hungry," she said after a while. My stomach growled loudly at the same time. We burst out laughing.
"Alright, let's go inside and eat," I said turning off the bubble machine and temporarily abandoned the bubble supply on the ground. I would have to come back after lunch to clean it all up.
I had forgotten about Noah but saw him standing in the same place as I neared the patio.
"Hello," I said a bit awkwardly, the high I was feeling from earlier fading.
He simply smiled in response.
"What are you doing here?" I asked bluntly.
"Your mom let me in," he said. He didn't care to elaborate and I didn't care to pry.
"Who's he?" Leela asked staring curiously at Noah.
"Leela, this is my neighbor Noah; Noah this is my cousin Leela," I said.
Noah shook Leela's hand. It was a bit amusing to see Noah kneel down and grasp Leela's tiny hand into his big one.
"I'm going to make a sandwich for Leela, do you want to come in?" I asked the amusement still evident on my face.
"Sure," Noah said. He got up and followed me inside.
While I made turkey sandwiches for the three of us, Noah kept Leela company. He fared relatively well, answering all a six year old's inquiring questions and oohing and ahing at the right moments. It was interesting to see Noah stoop down to a six year old's level.
I gave Leela and Noah their turkey sandwiches and sat down across Noah.
"So, what are you doing in my house?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.
"Waiting for your sister," he said taking a bite out of his sandwich. "This is good."
"Thanks," I replied distractedly. "You and Meg are friends?"
"You could say that," he said swallowing. "We've had cooking classes together a few times."
"Oh," I said. Although Meg spent a lot of money going to cooking classes at a local culinary class, she never cooked at home. She was simply too lazy. But I have tried her cooking a few times when she brought left overs from her cooking class and they were good. Not superb but not bad either.
"Do you cook at home?" I asked Noah.
"Sometimes. I help around the house when my mom needs it," he said finishing the sandwich.
"Meg doesn't. I don't know why she insisted on taking all those cooking classes if she wasn't going to cook. Waste of money and skill," I concluded.
I turned to Leela. "Now that you're finished eating, let's go clean up the mess outside."
For some reason Noah followed us outside.
"You can wait for Meg inside you know," I said as I started putting away the supplies.
He didn't answer but helped me clean. Free labor, I wasn't going to protest to that. I pretended to be cleaning and let Noah do all the dirty work.
"Leela," I whispered. She looked up from picking up a dish with bubble solution and turned my way.
I motioned for her to drop it and come over. She did as told, running over to me and looking at me inquiringly.
"Noah's going to clean so let's go inside," I said.
She giggled and we sneaked away until I heard a voice right behind me say, "Where do you think you're going." He was so close I could feel his breath on my neck.
I laughed awkwardly and stepped away from him. Before I could say anything though Leela spoke first.
"Allie said you were going to clean so we could go inside," she replied chirpily.
"Did I say that?" I asked innocently looking down at Leela. When she nodded I mentally slapped myself.
"Did she now?" Noah asked crossing his arms and fixing his enchanting green eyes on me with that same smirk/smile on his face.
"Perhaps I did say something like that," I said tapping my finger to my chin. Playing dumb never failed me before.
Before I could give a pathetic excuse, the front door opened and Meg and Lisa entered. I was saved!
"Meg, you're here!" I shouted running towards her. I was never so glad to see my sister. "You have a friend waiting for you." And with that I ran to my room.
The door to my bedroom opened and I almost had a heart attack but it was only Leela.
"Hey, there," I greeted relieved.
She ignored me and immediately jumped on my bed.
"Bouncy, bouncy," she shouted as she jumped high in the air. I laughed and shook my head.
The bright sun warmed my face as I layed on the cool grass enjoying the breeze that blew through my hair and across my face. I felt a shadow hover above my body but didn't open my eyes.
I felt the ground shift and the grass crunch beside me but I was too sleepy to care. When I felt something across my cheek, however, I stiffened.
Was I dreaming?
And then out of nowhere something warm lightly brushed across my lips. I opened my eyes and my eyes locked instantly with enchanting green ones.
Noah?
I opened my mouth in shock and pushed Noah away so I could sit up.
"What are you doing?" I asked slightly dazed from being half asleep.
"You looked very peaceful," he whispered. His eyes sparkled and he seemed to be in a far away place.
"Noah, are you okay?" I asked touching his arm gently. This seemed to bring him back. The glint in his eyes disappeared and he looked normal.
"Yeah," he answered smiling genuinely and then his face turned serious and he looked constipated. "I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to kiss you when you were sleeping."
"You should be," I said scrutinizing him. "That was a very creepy thing to do. Were you feeling horny?"
This time he glared at me, "No. Look, I'm sorry I-"
"Taking advantage of a sleeping person," I tsked.
"I'm sorry," he said getting desperate. "I really didn't mean to. I shouldn't have done that. You can hit me if you want."
He braced himself for a punch.
"That's petty," I said. "I'm not going to hit you but I'm going to remember this forever. Forever do you hear?"
When I saw him nod, I continued, "You owe me. What you owe me, I don't know. I haven't decided yet. Think of it as an IOU, I'll collect it when I need it."
"Are you going to blackmail me or make me do something weird?" he asked suspiciously.
"No, I'm not a perv unlike some people," I said looking pointedly at him. "When I get into an inconvenient situation, I'll need assistance."
"Why should I agree?" he said.
"Because you stole, STOLE my first kiss," I said. That shut his trap and he silently nodded.
I extended my hand for him to shake. He reluctantly grabbed it and shook it.
"Deal?" I asked.
"Deal," he repeated.
As I layed peacefully in bed, carelessly doodling in an old notebook from high school, I heard my mother call me from downstairs. I got up from my bed and walked into the kitchen to find plates of food wrapped up on the counter.
"Here," mom said giving me a plate full of pasta. "Help Noah carry this to his house."
When I stood there looking confused, my mom gently shoved me toward Noah who's arms were equally full with plates.
"If his mom needs anything, stick around and help," my mom said. "Oh and Noah why don't you keep Allie company at your house."
"Unneeded," I said quickly.
"It'll be my pleasure," he countered.
I glared at Noah's back as I followed him out the front door.
I have never been inside his house before and I have never met his parents, but apparently our families were close which was odd because it made me feel left out. However, it was inevitable that my family lived on without me seeing as how I went to school in a different state, and was hardly ever home except during the main holidays and summer.
I trailed behind Noah as he entered his house and walked toward the kitchen. The layout of the house was similar to mine but the way the house was furnished gave a very different atmosphere. His house was very themed. The furnitures all matched and everything looked pristine as if the furnitures have never been used. They sparkled. I felt like I walked into a furniture store and was walking through the glitzy displays.
"Mom," Noah called from the kitchen. "Where do you want me to put the food?"
"Set them on the table, Noah," called a voice.
Just then a middle aged woman with short blonde hair walked into the kitchen. She wore a bright smile that showcased her very white teeth. Her eyes slowly skimmed over me.
"You must be Allie, Sheila's second daughter," the woman beamed. "I hear so much about you from your mother. How are you liking your summer break so far?"
"It's great," I said putting down the food. "It's nice to be back and be around my family again."
"Noah why don't you show her around the house," she said looking at Noah. "It's your first time here right?"
"Yeah, but it's fine. I have to get back. My mom is waiting for me," I said. It wasn't the total truth but I really did not want to stick around and stay alone with Noah.
"Okay, well tell your mother thank you," she said. Just then the phone rang and Noah's mother disappeared with the phone.
"Well, I'm going to head ba-" I was cut off as Noah interrupted me.
"Do you want to come upstairs?" he asked.
I eyed him suspiciously before replying, "No thank you. I should get going you know."
"Yeah, because your mother is obviously waiting for you," he said sarcastically.
I glared at him and decided to ignore his remark.
"Good day," I said, and with that I turned my back to him and walked toward the front door before his hand stopped me.
"Didn't your mother tell you to keep me company?" he said with a mischievous grin on his face.
"It was optional Noah, not mandatory. Now can you please let go of me so I can go back to my house," I said with obvious disdain.
I shook my arm but he held on strongly. This boy sure had a grip. I grinded my teeth and shook my arm with more force but to no avail. My arm looked like a flopping fish. It was like we were doing a deformed version of "the wave" with his arm and my arm flopping in sync in mid-air.
"Dude," I said emphasizing the "do" in dude. "Let go of my arm."
"No," he said his mischievous grin deepening.
"Fine, but I asked nicely," I said and I kicked him real hard in the shin.
"Ow," he said dropping my arm and attending to his injured leg.
I made a beeline to the door, yanked it open, and ran across his lawn towards mine.
"Allie!" he called after me. I looked back to see him catching up. This made me panic and I ran faster but Noah being taller and being a boy was obviously quicker than me. I had my hand on my door knob but before I could twist it, his hand reached out and turned me around so fast that my hair whipped at my face knocking the air right out of me. I got bitched slapped by my own hair. Stupid Noah.
"What?!" I yelled. Pissed and sore from the injury.
"You shouldn't have kicked me," he said his mouth twisting into a scary smile. "Now you're going to pay."
"Stop being so childish. If you're really that bored, go play with Meg. I'm sure she'll love your company," I said trying to shrug him off.
As I looked away and glared into space I spotted the girl Noah made out with in front of my house on that fateful, dark, dark night.
"Hey!" I called. The girl turned toward me and looked confused but when she saw Noah, her features visibly relaxed and she looked happy.
"Noah!" she said walking in our direction.
"Shit," Noah muttered under his breath.
"You're welcome," I said and opened the door but before I could step inside, Noah grabbed my hand, yanked me towards him so that my side was firmly pressed against his side. His hand wove around my waist and kept me rigidly implanted next to him.
"What are you doing?" I hissed staring up at him.
"Just shut up and stay still," he whispered as the girl approached closer.
"Ok, if you put it like that I will do as you wish your majesty since you phrased it so nicely and stuff, you know," I said letting my words hang. But obviously Noah was too busy being smitten with the girl in front of us to pay any attention.
"Hi Noah," she greeted brightly. And just like I predicted that night, this girl was indeed beautiful.
Her eyes fell on me, she looked down at Noah's arm wrapped around my waist and her smile faltered briefly but within a blink of an eye her expression returned to normal. I squirmed uncomfortably but his arm held onto me tightly.
I contemplated stepping on his feet, pushing him, and running into my house but I was not a coward; so I stood my ground.
"Hello," she said with equal enthusiasm as she looked directly at me. "I'm Penelope."
"I'm Allie," I said shaking her hand. "Are you Noah's girlfriend?"
"What?" she asked looking confused. She looked at Noah and when Noah didn't say anything she continued, "No, I'm not his girlfriend. Aren't you his girlfriend?"
I burst out laughing. I shook my head and held onto my stomach as I doubled over in laughter.
"I, I," I tried to talk but I couldn't. I was laughing too hard to say anything.
"What's so funny?" Noah asked through gritted teeth.
I kept shaking my head and tried to calm myself but I could not stop laughing. Just thinking about me dating Noah, just the image of us together had me cackling. It was so wrong and so weird that it made the situation so hilarious.
Noah decided to take this opportunity to talk for me.
"We recently started going out," he said. "She's still new to this whole dating thing she still can't believe it's happening."
This made me stop laughing automatically. What nonsense was this idiot spewing?
"What are you saying?" I asked.
"See, she still can't believe it," Noah said. Then he leaned down real close as if he was about to kiss me. Our lips almost touched, I could feel his hot breath on my face. Before I could spaz out and faint, he moved his head so that his lips were on my ear.
"Say anything and I will kill you," he whispered murderously.
I involuntarily shivered and kept my mouth shut. This was so bizarre. I felt like I was in the hands of a psychopath. I had never seen Noah be so scary or so evil, I was shocked into silence.
Penelope cleared her throat and Noah turned his attention back to her. I looked up at him and his attitude completely changed. He smiled at her with such warmth, I began to doubt if our little exchange had taken place at all.
"Well it was nice seeing you Noah," she said. Her eyes lingered on Noah a little longer than appropriate for two people being just friends, and then she turned towards me. "It was nice to meet you-"
"Allie," I supplied.
"Right, Allie," she said. "Well I'll see you around Noah."
Noah nodded in response as Penelope left.
"What is wrong with you?" I asked as I unattached myself from him.
He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry."
He didn't sound sorry though. "Liar."
"Look, its complicated," he said.
"Was she a one night stand and now she's being clingy?" I asked a little too excitedly. I loved drama as long as it wasn't happening to me.
"No," he said glaring at me.
"Oh," I said a bit disappointed.
"Oh my gosh," I gasp as realization dawned on me.
"Now Penelope thinks I'm your freaking girlfriend!" I shouted. "Why'd you lie?"
He didn't say anything as he stared far away.
"She's beautiful and she looked interested in you. Now that beautiful girl is going to think that you're taken. Think how devastated she'll be," I gushed. "Poor Penelope."
He looked somewhat pained. "You probably saw wrong."
I carefully observed his features. He seemed deeply conflicted.
"Oh," I said understandingly. I gingerly put my hand on his shoulder in what I hoped to be in a reassuring manner. "She rejected you and now you're being spiteful by claiming that you have a girlfriend and silently declaring that you have moved on."
"It's all your fault. Why'd you call her over?" he countered, frustated.
All my fault? This guy had it twisted.
"Why'd you kiss her if she rejected you? That's just wrong," I said. "And why'd you kiss me? Do you just go around kissing random girls?"
"No," he mumbled.
I rolled my eyes. "Well she obviously looked like she had some feelings for you."
I tapped my chin. "Or maybe she's acting all possessive knowing that what she rejected is taken. But she doesn't look like a vindictive bitch. Although appearances may be deceiving. What do you think?"
"I don't know what to think," he sighed. Boy this guy was in head over heels. He was hopeless.
"I'm sorry," I said offering my condolences.
"No one died," he snapped.
"Obviously something did. A little piece of your heart," I said before bursting out into a fit of laughter.
"Shut up," he said pushing me lightly but enough for me to fall over on the grass.
"But it's true," I said getting up and smiling, trying hard not to laugh again. "Did she at least offer an explanation?"
"I don't remember," he said.
"She was probably just playing hard to get. I think she enjoys the chase and didn't want to give in too quickly," I said looking toward Penelope's house. "She probably wanted to test you."
"How do you know?" he asked curiously.
"The way she looked at you when you had your arm around my waist was enough to know," I said.
"Really?" he asked deep in thought.
"Yeah, you were probably too distracted by her beauty to notice but she was devasted when you broke the news," I said nodding sagely.
"Give it a week, tell her you broke up with me because you were still not over her and she'll be yours," I said patting him on the arm. "Of course you can sap it up and add all sorts of fluff and mush but that's the gist."
"Well, I'm going to head in now," I said eyeing him warily.
"Yeah, sorry," he said. "Thanks."
I offered him a smile to let him know that everything would be alright before disappearing inside my house.
While I was lying on my bed listening to music from my mega awesome headphones that had amazing sound quality, Meg barged into my room all out of breathe and collapsed rather rudely next to me.
"You," she wheezed out. "Why didn't you tell me you and Noah were dating?"
I ignored her as I continued to silently rock out to my music.
"Well?" she pressed yanking off my headphones. "When did you guys start dating?"
I let out an exasperated sigh. "We're not dating. Noah lied to get back at Penelope."
"Huh, is that so?" she asked relaxing. "I thought it was weird when Penelope told me."
"Are you friends with Penelope?" I asked.
"Yeah, we went to high school together," she said offhandedly.
"Did Penelope really reject Noah?" I asked, curious.
"Yeah, everyone thought they were going to get together but she dated someone else at the time," said Meg.
"What?" I asked in disbelief. "She obviously has feelings for Noah. Why would she date someone else?"
"She was stupid," said Meg getting up.
"Don't tell Penelope about our fabricated relationship though. Noah is going to fix it," I said.
"I won't," Meg said.
"And leave me out of this. I don't like it when things get messy and I don't want to be hated over a simple misunderstanding," I said putting my headphones back on.
"Kay, little sis," said Meg as she rumpled my hair.
"I'm not little," I said swapping her hand away but she was too fast and was already at the door.
"You'll always be little to me," she said grinning cheekily. I childishly stuck out my tongue and blew her a raspberry.
She laughed and shut the door behind her. I layed my head back onto my pillow and let out a deep sigh. I definitely hated drama. It complicated so many things.
I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep.
"How long do we have to keep this up?" I asked as I stared down at our entwined hands.
"Not long," he answered vaguely scanning the crowd.
"Are you sure abou that?" I asked. "Because it feels like an eternity already."
"Just be quiet for a second," he said, distracted.
Apparently Penelope's parents were having this small barbeque party at their house with some friends and neighbors, and of course my family and Noah's family had to be part of that invited "group." Ergo, we had to put on a facade and look as if we had some sort relationship together that screamed "beyond friends."
"I want food," I said eyeing the table with all the food.
Instead of releasing my hand and allowing me to get food on my own, Noah dragged me towards the table.
"You know I need my hand to eat right?" I asked trying to shake off his death hold.
He released my hand and I immediately dove toward the nachos. As I hungrily munched on the cheese covered chips I turned to face Noah.
"You know there's something wrong with this situation," I said.
"What?" he asked glancing at my mouth and then back at me.
"You're supposed to be the one oweing me a favor, not the other way around," I said.
He smiled.
"I'll remember this," he said, "Forever. Forever do you hear? And I'll return the favor someday when you need it."
I laughed. That witty bastard regurgitated my words, how clever.
"Whatever Noah," I said chuckling.
When he continued staring at me I sobered up and eyed him suspiciously.
"What?" I asked.
He reached out his hand and lightly cupped my jaw. "You got some cheese on your lips," he said wiping my lower lip with his thumb.
I felt my face heating up and blinked up at him. When Noah brought his thumb to his mouth, I sprung into action and grabbed his arm.
"What are you doing?" I practically screeched. I grabbed a napkin and wiped his thumb.
"That's so fuckin gross. Stop acting like a perv," I said.
"What?" he asked innocently amusement dancing in his eyes.
"You know what. I can't believe you were going to- Ew. Just ew. Gross Noah. Gross," I shivered, shaking off imaginary goosebumps.
"Noah you came," said a voice behind me.
I turned around and saw Penelope beaming happily at Noah. She dressed in an elegant and glammorous white dress that emphasized her thin frame and slender curves. She truly shined just like a hostess would and stood out amongst her guest. My meak blue dress paled in comparison. Even I was temporarily blinded by her beauty. I took a peak at Noah but he just smiled politely at her and didn't react like a lovestruck boy. How odd.
I internally shrugged and was about to give them their space but was abruptly stopped by Noah. He latched onto my wrist and pulled me back, pulling me close to him as he wrapped his arm around my waist. He gently squeezed my hip as if to reassure me. Damn him. I never knew how he "sensed" me leaving. He had some high quality 6th sense.
Penelope looked confused and I couldn't blame her. This was certainly awkward.
"Allie, right?" she asked.
"Yup," I replied.
"How are you liking the party so far?" she asked. She was attempting to make small talk and trying to be friendly but I could see she wanted me out.
"It's great. I love the food. Thanks for inviting us. You know I'd love to stay and chat but I really have to go pee. Where's the restroom?" I hopped a little for extra measure.
She seemed relieved. "It's right around the corner through the hall. It's the first door."
"Thanks-"
"It's okay, I'll take her," Noah interrupted.
"You don't have to, really," I said but Noah's evil glare immediately shut me up and made me nod in defeat.
"You don't really have to go to the bathroom do you?" he asked when we stepped inside Penelope's house.
"No," I said looking down at the floor and shaking my head.
Noah sighed and he tugged at his tie, loosening it. He plopped down on the sofa and patted the seat next to him. He looked cute with his clothes all rumpled like that. His white shirt was crinkled all over, his tie was abandoned over his shoulder, and his pants were all scrunched up. His frustration reminded me of a little boy who had just been told, "no cookies until after dinner." When I made no movement he grabbed my wrist and pulled me down.
"You really have to stop pulling me and dragging me. I am not a doll," I told him.
He didn't respond but layed his head on my shoulder.
I groaned. "Noah, you have a fat head. It's heavy."
I tried shrugging him off but he spoke, "Just for a minute," he said. He sounded really sleepy and he added, "Please."
I sighed in defeat and remained still. Soon, I became sleepy and lolled off to sleep resting my head on top of Noah's as I listened to the rhythmic sound of his breathing.
"Allie, Allie," I heard the sound of my name being called but I couldn't quite place it.
"Wha?" I moaned. When someone tried shaking my arm I jerked and slapped the hand away.
"Allie! Get up we have to go," the voice said louder. Something below me shuffled and lifted me.
"It's okay," the voice said in a soft whisper. "I'll take her." And before I knew it I was being lifted and carried. I didn't care though. The person was warm, soft and squishy; I snuggled deeper into whoever was carrying me and went back to sleep.
I yawned and opened my eyes as I felt the sunlight through my window. I blinked a few times to get rid of the blur and sat up. I felt a bit disheveled but oddly well rested. It was the best sleep I've had in a long time.
After I freshened up in the bathroom and changed out of my clothes from yesterday, I made my way downstairs and smelled waffles.
"Mom?" I called. "Mom, Meg?" but no one responded. Instead I found Noah sitting at the table eating waffles. My waffles.
"Morning sleepyhead," he said giving me a warm smile. It looked nice on him but I was too hungry and still hung over from sleep to really notice.
"What are you doing here eating my waffles?" I asked sitting across from him and grabbing his plate. I took his fork started eating.
He leaned back and observed me.
"I spit in that," he said. I almost choked but I knew he was joking when I saw him smile.
"Hardy har har," I said with a mouthful of waffles. "Very funny."
"Do you want some?" I asked after swallowing. "Here say ah," I joked waving a forkful in front of his face.
He smiled misheviously and quickly bit down on the fork before I could react. He made sure to lick the fork clean and chewed really slowly as if he were filming a live porno.
"Somehow I lost my appetite," I told him pushing the plate back to him.
"But really what are you doing at my house again?" I asked.
"Thought I'd check up on you," he said.
"Why?" I asked genuinely confused.
"You knocked out yesterday at Penelope's party," he said. "Had to make sure you weren't dead."
"Ha, ha, ha," I bit out sarcastically. "How very noble of you."
"You know you weren't so cold to me last night when I carried you home. In fact, if I remember correctly, you snuggled closer to me and even hugged me."
I flushed, "Lies! I would never."
"You can deny it all you want but it happened. You like this warm body," he said wiggling his eyes suggestively.
He was getting ultra corny that I couldn't help but laugh at him.
"You're such a weirdo," I said shaking my head.
"But a lovable weirdo right?" he asked.
"Yeah, whatever," I said. "Where's everyone though?"
"Your mom had some errands to run and Meg is with Penelope," he said.
"Oh, right. How're things with Penelope?" I asked. "Making any progress?"
"Yup," he said.
"So we can stop pretending now?" I asked hopefully.
"Nope," he replied a little too sharply and quickly.
"It's been a week, Noah," I whinned. "Just man up and confess to her and stop dragging me into your mess."
"Do you really hate being my girlfriend that much?" he asked looking a little hurt.
"This is has nothing to do with that. I just don't want to be involved in this weird love triangle that doesn't even exist. You like Penelope, Penelope likes you. Problem solved," I said.
"It's not that easy," he said running a hand through his messy brown hair.
"What part of it is not easy? Because to me it seems really easy," I nearly yelled in frustration.
"I don't like Penelope like that okay? I don't want her to like me as more than a friend," he finally said.
"What?" I asked my shoulders drooping. "What did you say?"
"You heard me," he said looking out the window.
"But I thought-"
"You thought wrong," he said.
"But you said you liked Penelope," I said.
"I never said that," he said his green eyes piercing mine. "I never said anything."
As I thought back to the moment when Noah introduced me as his girlfriend in front of Penelope, I realized that he had never said anything of the sort. It was true. I had assumed everything.
"So it's Penelope that likes you," I said as things started to sink in. "But she dated someone else. I don't get it. If she liked you why would she date someone else?"
"Because I told her no," he said a little dejectedly. "I didn't want to lie to her and I didn't want to hurt her but I did."
"And this lie with you and me is obviously hurting her more," I said. "Why'd you kiss her that night then, if you don't like her like that?"
"She wanted a goodbye kiss. She said she always liked me and knew that I didn't like her back as more than just a friend. If I kissed her this one time she said she would stop trying. I don't know. I couldn't say no. It was just a kiss," he said.
"So complicated," I said looking at him. "What are you going to do?"
"I don't know," he said.
"I have a suggestion. Let's break up," I said.
"You really don't like me," he said smiling a bit sadly.
"That's not true. I do not, not like you. You're likeably in your own way. You're a good friend but I don't like to be dragged into other people's drama," I supplied smiling sincerely to let him know that I was telling the truth.
"Friends?" I asked.
"Friends?" he asked back tilting his head to one side and looking a bit confused.
"Friends," I nodded smiling widely. He extended his hand and I shook it but he pulled me towards his chest and landed a soft kiss on my mouth.
I didn't react due to my initial shock but when I tried to move away he gently held me in place and continued to kiss me. I opened my mouth slightly but he immediately took that opportunity to go further and I couldn't help but give in. I kissed him back.
When we pulled away we were both dazed and out of breath. I looked up at him and saw him smile.
"I like you," he whispered.
"Noah, you're confused," I said stroking his cheeks and brushing away the few strands of hair that covered his eyes.
"I'm not," he said still staring at me. "I like you."
He leaned down and kissed me again, his mouth moving against mine. He held me closer and put more pressure into it, deepening the kiss as his body molded into mine. I could feel his chest moving up and down with his breathing and his body heat warming me as his hand trailed along my waist and stomach. When he made a move to lift up my shirt, I stopped him.
"We can't," I said breathlessly. "I didn't even know you until this summer. Isn't that a little weird?"
"But I've known you Allie," he said his forhead resting against mine.
"I can't," I said pushing him away. "This is just too weird."
I left him in the kitchen and escaped to my room.
I sat on the floor and leaned against my door. I brought my hand to my lips and touched them softly. He kissed me. Noah kissed me. I could still feel his mouth on mine. I shook my head and layed my head on my knees. I could faintly hear the front door opening and closing and footsteps walking away.
It's been a week since I've seen Noah. I had been avoiding him like the plague although he attempted to see me a few times. I told my mom and Allie to tell Noah that I wasn't home whenever he came. I'm sure he saw through their lies and knew I was home but he never insisted or barged into my room unwillingly.
As I lied on my bed staring out the window, there was a knock on my door.
"Come in," I said sitting up from my bed.
Meg opened the door and leaned against the door frame.
"He's here, again," she said crossing her arms.
"Tell him I'm not here," I said monotonously.
"You can't avoid him forever," she said.
"Yes, I can," I said. "At least until I have to go back to school."
"Come on, Allie, at least talk to him. I've never seen Noah so dejected and forlorn before. He's miserable and it's making him look pathetic," said Meg coming into my room and sitting down beside me on my bed.
"Not my problem," I bit out.
"Allie," Meg said getting annoyed. "You're not being fair."
"I'm tired. Leave me alone," I said lying back down and pulling the covers over my head.
"I'm not going to cover for you next time. This is the last time," Meg said before getting up and leaving my room.
I groaned in frustration and banged my head against my pillow before slowly falling alseep.
When I woke up it was dusk. I watched the sun set before getting out of bed and going downstairs. When I reached the bottom of the staircase, I turned and went into the kitchen to get a glass of water.
When I finished my glass of water, I set the glass down on the kitchen island and looked outside. It was completely dark now but I was feeling really hyper and alert. I wasn't going back to bed any time soon. My internal clock was going to be screwed up.
As I rummaged through the cupboards searching for a snack, I heard the front door open and some scuffling.
"Meg?" I called.
"Yeah," she answered back. She came into the kitchen unwrapping her scarf and taking off her beanie. "Br, it's cold outside."
"It's almost autumn now," I said. "I hope it snows in the winter by the time I come home from winter break."
"We can make snowmen together if it snows. What are you doing?" she asked.
"Looking for something to eat," I replied grabbing a box of hot chocolate from the top shelf of the cupboard I opened. "Do you want some hot chocolate?"
"Sure," she answered happily.
I set the pot of water on the stove and let it boil while I prepared the cocoa mixture.
"So Allie," Meg began, "When are you going to talk to Noah?"
"Someday," I replied vaguely pouring the steaming water into two cups. I handed Meg her cup and blew on mine to cool the hot cocoa.
Just then the doorbell rang.
"Oh would you look at that. A visitor," Meg said getting up.
"Aren't you going to answer the door?" I asked when I heard her walk up the stairs.
"Nope," she yelled.
I let out a frustrated groan before leaving the kitchen and opened the front the door. When I opened the door I saw Noah standing outside on my porch bracing the cold weather. His dark brown hair was wildly strewn across his face from the wind. He had a mahogany scarf wrapped around his neck and his hands were tucked inside his pants pocket. He looked up and smiled at me but before he could blink I slammed the door in his face.
"Allie open the door," he said pounding on it.
"She's not home right now," I said before running upstairs to Meg's room. I shut the door and rushed to her bed.
"He's here," I screeched. "What is he doing here?"
I looked out the window but since Noah was on the porch, I couldn't see him. When Meg got up from her bed I grabbed her arm.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
She tried to pry me off her arm but I held on tight. I was not letting go.
"I told you that was the last time. This is ridiculous," she said dragging me with her.
"You can't," I said.
"Watch me," she answered. She poked me in the ribs knowing I was ticklish and when I let go of her arm, she escaped out the door.
"Meg!" I called out but it was too late. She was already downstairs and opening the door.
"She upstairs," I heard her say.
"Damn it," I mumbled. I closed Meg's door and leaned against it. I sat absolutely still dreading the confrontation. I could hear him walk up the stairs, each step echoing dramatically throughout the house. I sat waiting my doom.
"Allie," he said softly but for some reason his voice sounded far away. "Allie, please come out. I want to talk."
"She's in my room dumbass. Wrong door," said Meg before opening her door and wacking me on the head in the process.
"Get out," said Meg as she trudged to her bed and collapsed on top of it.
I turned around and found Noah standing outside staring at me hopefully. When I left Meg's room and closed the door behind me, Noah reached for my hand and held it.
"Look Allie, I'm sorry I kissed you," he said looking down at the floor.
"And?" I pried when he didn't continue.
He looked up, his green sparkling like pixie dust. I couldn't look away so I simply stared into his eyes. He smirked/smiled as he played with my hand, tracing random patterns on it, and interweaving his fingers through them.
"Stop it, it's distracting," I said pulling my hand away but he easily grabbed it again and continued to play with it.
"Is it?" he asked in that all too familiar mocking tone.
"Yes," I tried to yank my hand away again but he held on tight. His eyes turned serious and he stooped down to match my height.
"Allie, I'm really sorry," he whispered. "I never meant for things to get awkard."
He leaned in closer and rested his forhead on my shoulder. I stiffened a little at the proximity but relaxed and patted him on the back. He took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around my waist bringing me closer to him.
"Um," I said a little uncomfortably.
"Just for a little while," he said into my neck.
"Are you, are you sniffing me?" I asked when I felt Noah inhale me a few times.
"No," he lied. I could feel him smiling against the crook of my neck.
"Creepy, Noah. This is getting creepy," I reprimanded as I gently pushed him away.
He didn't back away far enough though as he still invaded my personal space and his face was only an inch away from mine.
"You look beautiful," he said.
"Not helping," I replied.
"But you are," he said touching my hair. "I always wanted to do this. I wondered if it was really as soft as it looked."
I ruffled his hair and smiled. "You're weird," I said.
"Loveable weird?" he asked smiling, his eyes green twinkling again.
Before I could think I heard myself saying, "I love your eyes."
His face lit up and his smile deepened. "You love my eyes?"
I smiled back. It was too late to take back what I said. "Yes, I love your eyes. They're beautiful."
"Do you fantasize about having children who have my eyes?" he asked grinning cheekily.
I laughed out loud and shook my head. "No, I don't."
"It's nice to hear you laugh and see you smile," he said in a low whisper, his eyes falling fondly on my face. "I love your smile."
I blushed and looked away.
"Is it okay if I kiss you?" he asked.
I turned to look at him but could only see the sincerity in his expression.
"Um," I stumbled.
"I'm going to kiss you," he said slowly leaning in closer.
I backed up until my back hit the wall. "Um," I said again not being able to move.
He smiled and kept leaning in until our nose touched and he was only a few centimeters away from my mouth.
"You know how you owe me an IOU," I whispered.
"Yeah?" he answered looking confused.
"Kiss me," I said.
He smiled brightly and did as told. He closed the gap between us and kissed me. His hands were wrapped around my hair and he gently stroked my neck sending light shivers up and down my spine as his body boxed me between him and the wall. I was trapped but I didn't mind it at all. This time it felt right.
Noah broke the kiss and I blinked up at him feeling dazed and a little giddy.
"What is it?" I asked missing his warmth and soft mouth on mine.
"I like you," he said stroking my cheek.
"I like you too," I said. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. He was suprised at first as I had initiated the kiss, but he quickly recovered and kissed me back.
We stood smiling in the hallway as we kissed each other senselessly. I wrapped my arms around Noah as his hands traveled down to my waist and traced slow circles across my exposed stomach, making my heart flutter.
"I could seriously get used to this," I thought as his lips wandered away from my mouth and to my neck, and as I took a deep breath his mouth devoured mine all too soon, kissing me all over again.