Thankfully, when the last bell of the day had rung Allie began to pack up her things and headed out of her art classroom that happened to be the most awkward place ever. All through class, Allie felt Michelle's glaring eyes on her; Allie had to try so hard not to look or retaliate back. Trying to ignore someone is really hard to do, Allie just happened to realize that.
Once Allie had made a mad dashed out of her classroom and out into the hallway where all the other students were feeling just as relieved as her to be walking out of the school for the day, Allie half hoped to see Dustin waiting for her, but instead it was Nicole.
Damn it, Allie thought to herself. She silently cursed Nicole, because they saw Dustin, she couldn't be the girlfriend she wanted to be around him, she had to hate him, Allie regretted ever suggesting the word hate. To let Nicole know that nothing was wrong, she smiled to her happily. Even before Allie or Nicole had the time to say hello, Dustin came walking up to them on Allie's side of the hall.
This is exactly what I'm talking about, Allie thought to herself. She pretended to notice Dustin only because someone was standing next to her, and not because she felt her heart start to melt.
Dustin: Hey Nicole, do you think that you could get a ride with Allie and Lola?
Nicole: Why?
Nicole said with a snarl, Allie felt like smacking Nicole over the side of her face. She told herself not to, because knew that it wouldn't be the most appropriate thing to do. Unfortunately, she kept her hands to herself.
Dustin: Because I might be getting a job and I have to go straight over there now.
Allie felt like congratulating Dustin, but knew that she couldn't. Before Nicole could give another one of her ever so rued comments to her brother, Allie stepped in.
Allie: Yeah, I'm sure Lola wouldn't mind an extra person.
Dustin: Ok good.
Dustin said with a wave as he walked ahead of Allie and Nicole, then out of the school building doors.
Allie: So, your brother's getting a job?
Since Allie couldn't congratulate Dustin, she thought that asking about it would do just fine. Instead of just answering her question, Nicole had a once again annoyed look on her face.
Nicole: Yeah, if he can keep it.
Allie: Why is your brother bad at keeping jobs or something?
Allie knew that what she asked wasn't true, but in order to play her act she decided to sound like she was agreeing with her friend, for once.
Nicole: He's never really had a job before, but he's a total screw up.
Nicole said as she and Allie had walked out of the glass school door and to the outside just like their other classmates around them. Allie felt like shaking Nicole silly right there and then, all the while screaming: Why are you such a bitch to him? But just decided to keep positive instead.
Allie: Well, have a little faith.
Nicole: I don't.
Allie looked in the opposite direction of Nicole so she wouldn't see her roll her eyes in sheer annoyance.
------
When Lola had approached her blue parked car in the school parking lot, she saw both Allie and Nicole approaching the car in the opposite direction, she began to wonder why was Nicole here and not with her brother?
Lola: Hey?
Allie noticed the slightly confused look on Lola's face, so she began to explain before her friend's head started to spin. Confusion usually did that to Lola.
Allie: Nicole needs a ride home.
Nicole: Hey, if you two want we can just chill at my house?
Nicole asked with hope inside her eyes. Allie and Lola quickly looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders as if they just had a secret agreement with one another.
Lola: Yeah, sounds good.
Lola said as she unlocked her car, so Allie walked over to the passenger side of the car just like she's done ever since Lola got this car two years ago, then Nicole followed behind and got into the backseat of the car. When everyone was seated and buckled, Lola started the ignition -which she loved to do- and started to pull the car out of the school parking lot.
**********
[Meanwhile...]
Dustin had arrived to the auto shop that was a big bricked building entitled Billy's Auto Shop, self-explanatory Dustin thought to himself. As Dustin opened the door of the auto shop, he felt himself starting to get butterflies in his stomach. Soon they went away, because he saw different makes and models of cars and car parts lined around the auto shop, it was like car heaven to him.
After looking at everything in amazement, Dustin saw and walked over to Junior's brother Tony dressed in a grease and oiled up jumpsuit while working on a car. 1967 Chevy Impala, LS, leather interior, Dustin said to himself, he knows his cars.
Dustin: Hey Tony.
Dustin said as he began to eye the car. As soon as he heard his name, Tony popped his head up from under the hood of the car and set down the tool in his hand. Tony began to wipe his greasy hands on his red rag that was sitting on the edge of the hood of the car, and smiled to his friend.
Tony: Hey glad you could make it, my boss is desperate to find somebody to fill the opening.
Dustin: And I'm the best you could find?
Dustin said with a playful cocky tone, Tony just laughed to himself because he knew that Dustin was only kidding, well slightly.
Tony: Well it was either you or my brother, but you're a better mechanic than he is.
Dustin: Well thank you for that.
Dustin said and then gave a look as if to say I think. Tony laughed a little to himself, then dropped his red rag back where it was before he picked it up.
Tony: You're welcome. I'll take you to my boss now.
Tony said with a gesture of his fingers for Dustin to follow him. As Dustin followed Tony to an opened door that looked to be an office of some sort, he felt his nerves starting to act up again. To calm himself down, he began to repeat to himself: I got this, I got this. Dustin stopped nervously walking and started nervously standing as Tony stood in the doorway of the office of a big looking man with dark hair, and seemed to be around his parent's age.
The man was sitting at his desk that was covered in papers that looked to have signatures on the bottom of them, Dustin observed, then looked up as soon as he heard Tony speak.
Tony: Hey Boss, this is the guy I was telling you about.
Tony looked back at Dustin as soon as he said his name; Dustin just nervously smiled at Tony's boss and hopefully soon his boss.
Billy: Come and sit down then.
Oddly enough, Tony's boss had said happily. Even though he looked like a big bad man, Dustin knew from the sound of his voice that he was a kind big man, never underestimate he told himself. As Dustin started to walk into the office and Tony began to walk back to his work, Tony gave Dustin a pat on his back in order to say good luck. Once Dustin was inside the office, he closed the door behind him; there's no turning back now, he said nervously to himself.
**********
At the house of Nicole or Dustin, Allie wasn't too sure of what to consider it yet, Allie and the girls just sat upstairs in the living room that looked oddly like the downstairs living room minus the TV. Allie and Lola sat on the big couch, more like Lola sat and Allie laid with her legs resting across Lola's lap -they were comfortable with each other enough to do so- while Nicole sat on the smaller couch. They were just hanging out and talking with one another.
Suddenly Allie began to feel and hear her cell phone vibrate inside her pocket, apparently everybody else heard Allie's phone vibrate because Lola and Nicole were looking directly at her; she just quickly pulled her phone out of her pocket to see who it was. Once Allie opened her phone, she began to bite her lip in order to hold back a big grin from running across her face, because her phone flashed New TXT MSG: Dustin.
Lola: Who are you texting?
Oh, God, I'm turning into my mother, Lola freaked to herself because her mother was always asking Who, Who? when Lola's phone rang in front of her. Lola always thought of an owl hooting when her mother asked that and now she was doing the same with Allie.
Allie jerked her eyes up from her cell phone screen that Dustin had simply stated that he got the job, she was just about to text back until she heard Lola's questionable voice; she began to panic on what to say. I hate lying to my best friend, Allie couldn't help but think that like almost every day of her life.
Allie: Umm... my mom got a new phone and someone stupidly taught her how to text, so she's going crazy with it right now.
Allie said as she closed her phone and gave a reassuring look to Lola in hopes that she had convinced her; Lola looked to be convinced so Allie figured that her lying work was done.
**********
As Dustin walked out of the office, he took a deep sighing breath out, feeling as if a 10,000 pound weight was just lifted off of his shoulders. That was the most nerve racking thing I've ever had to do in my life, Dustin thought to himself but knew that it wasn't true, because that didn't come close to every moment he spends with Allie.
Just like when he first walked into the auto shop, Tony was working on his car with the hood propped up. Dustin walked over to Tony's car and leaned against the window, feeling as if his composure had just come back to him.
Tony: So how'd it go?
Tony asked with the sound of his tools in the background, he quickly looked up to Dustin, then back to the engine of the car.
Dustin: I got the job, I start after school tomorrow.
Tony: Isn't it good to know me?
Tony said with playful cockiness behind his voice accompanied with a laugh; even though Dustin couldn't see his face, he knew that Tony was grinning playfully to himself. Just as Dustin was about to answer Tony, he felt his cell phone start to vibrate inside of his pocket so he pulled it out to take a look at who it was. As he did, a smile slide across his face because it was the exact person he hoped would be texting him back.
Soon Tony only came to hear the sound of his tools, he began to wonder if Dustin had walked away, but he knew that Dustin wasn't the type of person to ditch without saying anything first. Tony popped his head up from under the hood of the car, and he placed his tool down. He came to realize that Dustin was silent because he was texting on his phone, he just stood there and stared at him.
Tony: Dude, you just got the job and you're already text.
Dustin sheepishly looked up from his cell phone screen and over to Tony as he pressed the send button, then locked his phone screen without even having to look. Dustin felt the room becoming awkward as he knew what was going through Tony's mind: who are you texting?
Dustin: Can you keep a secret?
Tony: Do you even have to ask?
Tony looked at Dustin with raised eyebrows as if the say: you're kidding me right? Dustin decided to trust his instincts, still he felt himself becoming nervous to tell the truth. It was the first time he ever had to think about saying it out loud, so he began speaking with a nervous tone to his voice and look on his face.
Dustin: I'm texting Allie.
Tony: Isn't that your sister's friend you had your eye on at the race track?
Tony painted such a visual picture for Dustin, even though he didn't need any help to make Allie's face pop into his head. Dustin began to think of the conversation at the track he had with Tony when he asked Is that your girl? He had to laugh to himself.
Dustin: Yeah her, umm... I'm kind of dating her now.
Dustin said while scratching the back of his head nervously not exactly knowing what Tony would do or say. I totally called it, Tony said to himself inside. On the outside, he looked to Dustin was a slightly shocked type of expression.
Tony: Really?
Dustin: Yeah, but you can't tell anyone.
Tony: Oh, so you two are sneaking around?
Once Tony asked his question, Dustin began to realize how bad this all sounded out loud. He became shameful to himself and knew that at that moment Allie deserved better than this.
Dustin: I know that Allie deserves so much better than a secret relationship, she deserves the world, but if Nicole ever found out about us she would do everything she had in her power to keep us apart. I just couldn't bare that.
Tony looked to Dustin as he observed the almost devastated look on his friend's face and knew that this wasn't a joke. In the back of his mind, he knew that Dustin wouldn't even joke like this in the first place. Tony took what Dustin had said about his sister wanting to tear them apart into consideration and felt like slapping the bitch. If he was ever with a girl that he loved, but no one wanted him to be with, he would just be livid. As he started to speak, a sour look washed over his face just like the time Nicole had talked to him at the track.
Tony: What's your sister's deal anyways?
Dustin: She's an evil troll, and doesn't like me very much. She hates me, but at the same time she has to concern herself in my business.
Dustin paused, but then realized that he should say something before Tony even could get the chance to ask why Nicole doesn't like him. Dustin didn't feel the need to tell everyone about his sexual assault scandal, even if Tony was a good friend. It's the past so it should stay there, Dustin figured.
Dustin: But, your brother seems to like her.
Dustin said with a laugh as he started to feel that much hated queasy feel in his stomach; it was the same feeling as when he found this information out from Junior earlier that day. Just like Dustin had, Tony suddenly made a face as if to say WTF.
Tony: You're shitting me right?
Dustin: NO! He asked me to help him get with her today.
Tony: Yeah... for a book smart genius, my brother can be dumb sometimes.
Agreed, Dustin thought to himself. As he started to run through the conversation he and Junior had today in class, he began to consider it for the first time what it really was or looked to be.
Dustin: Yeah, he's black mailing me into it, because he kind of saw me and Allie making out.
Tony: Wow! I guess my brother isn't so dumb after all.
Tony made a face as if he was impressed and proud of his older brother.
Dustin: Not too smart in wanting to be with my sister.
Tony: This is true.
Tony's face from earlier had wiped away and back to disgusted again. He and Dustin started laughing to themselves all the while thinking the same thing, What the hell is wrong with Junior?
Moments later as Dustin pulled his Wrangler into his driveway, he felt a flutter inside his stomach. He saw the blue Chevy car that belonged to Lola parked in front of his house once again like many other days before, he knew that if her car was here then Allie was here too. Dustin knew that he couldn't go up to Allie and do what he wanted to, take her into his arms and kiss her, but just seeing her face was all that he was happy to have at the moment. When Dustin walked into the front door, he could already hear Allie's loud, humorous, and beautiful laugh coming from upstairs. Sure enough, when he walked up the top stairs, he saw Allie laying on the couch with her legs spread over Lola's lap.
She would, Dustin thought to himself of the way that Allie had decided to lay. Dustin quickly smiled knowingly to Allie, she did the same back, then they wiped their faces clean before anyone could notice what has been done. Also, because of the fact that Nicole started to open her mouth as if she wanted to say something. Oh great, here it comes, Dustin moaned to himself.
Nicole: Did you get the job?
Dustin: Yes I did. Hey, Lola do you think that you can give Nicole a ride home from now on?
Dustin turned his attention from Nicole to Lola just so he couldn't say or speak anything hurtful toward his sister, whom spoke with her tone of voice that was permanently inside of her. Also, so he wouldn't have the opportunity to make the girl of his desire angry, he would hate himself for doing so.
Lola: Yeah that's fine with me.
Without knowing what else to do, Dustin started to walk away to his room. To ruin the moment, Allie was sure of it this time, Nicole started to turn her bitch switch on. When was it ever off? Allie felt herself cringe inside.
Nicole: Hey Dustin piece of advice, don't screw this job up.
As Allie watched Dustin stop dead in his tracks, she noticed how his back muscles that she loved to touch every time they hugged, had begun to tense up, it was like every muscle in his body tensed up.
Dustin: You know what Nicole...
When Dustin had turned around to speak, Allie could see a raged glare in the corner of his ocean blues. She knew that look very well, and knew that Dustin would regret what he was about to say only because she was in his presence.
Before Dustin could say those regretful words, Allie jumped herself up from where she laid on the couch, almost fearing that she hit Lola when she had gotten up.
Allie: I'm thirsty, anyone want anything?
Allie started to look around the room from Lola to Nicole for an answer as she adjusted her shirt from how it rode up when she jumped up from the couch and to her feet. Instead, Allie just heard Dustin's voice suddenly speak clear.
Dustin: Yeah, I could use a drink.
Allie looked to Dustin knowing what he was trying to pull off, he just wanted to be alone with her and so did she. To fool everybody else, they had to make it seem like that wasn't the case.
Allie: Well, you're getting it yourself because I only get things for my friends.
Allie said, then walked into the kitchen with Dustin trailing behind her. Once Lola had heard Allie speak her words, she wondered what it was all about because that was unusually rued for her friend. Nicole yes she understood would say that, but not Allie. Altogether, she just decided not to let it interrupt her mind.
While walking into the kitchen behind Allie, Dustin was thankful for her and her quick mind because if she wouldn't have jumped into the conversation like she did, then the living room would have become a very ugly place. Dustin was also thankful that the wall separating the kitchen from the living room was big and long enough so that whoever was sitting out in the living room couldn't see into the kitchen. Even before Allie had the chance to place her hand onto the fridge door handle, Dustin grabbed her by the waist and took her into his arms. Dustin loved the feeling of Allie's hands firmly on his back when they kissed.
Once they had released from the kiss, Allie looked up at Dustin as if she had something to say. As she began to speak, she kept her voice low so only he could hear her.
Allie: Oh hey, congrats on the job. I knew that you would do great.
Dustin: Thanks.
Dustin wasn't up for that much talking, he wanted the taste of Allie's lips on his, so he pressed his lips against hers once again.
Even through her kissing haze, Allie could feel Dustin's muscular hands move slowly down her back and stop at the top of her fitted jeans. This gave Allie an idea so that once she and Dustin actually walked out of the kitchen, Lola and mostly Nicole wouldn't speculate anything that was going on in the kitchen.
Allie: DUSTIN!
Allie yelled out aggressively and with a hint of anger behind her voice as she released herself from Dustin's lips by pushing him away from her. Allie could feel Dustin's chest muscles under her hand as she pushed him away, but she told herself to keep herself straight.
Dustin: What?
Dustin was confused at why he heard her speak in a tone she never spoke in before, it sounded like disgusted annoyance. What did I do? Dustin thought to himself, but then realized that Allie's voice was higher pitched than usual; almost like she wanted someone to hear her. Dustin started to catch on to Allie's act.
Allie: Just play along.
Allie said in a whispered tone and a wink of her eye, Dustin now knew that this was just a part of Allie's act, so like she said he was willing to play along. Before Allie walked out of the kitchen, she opened the fridge and pulled out two cans of Coke, handing one to Dustin politely with a kiss, then as she started to walk out of the kitchen and into the living room, Dustin saw her put her hand down the back of her pants. Dustin was willing to play along, but he was a little curious at what he was really playing along with.
When Allie came walking out of the kitchen, both Lola and Nicole started to look disturbingly and curiously at her. She had a distraught look on her face and her hand down her pants. Nicole saw Dustin emerge out of the kitchen behind Allie with a devious grin shown on his face, she started to understand that he just may be the culprit.
Nicole: What happened?
Allie: Your shit for brains brother just gave me a wedgie.
Allie said with annoyance as she still dug her hand in the back of her pants, noticeably trying to fix her underwear from the "wedgie" that Dustin gave her. Dustin started to laugh out loud at Allie, but Allie just shot him an evil glare as she sat herself back down on the couch next to Lola, still trying to fix her underwear into the feel good position.
Dustin: Sorry. I just couldn't resist
Allie: You still didn't have to do it; I'm not one of your guy friends.
No you are definitely not, Dustin thought in his head as he listened to Allie talk her words, she was so much more than a "friend" to Dustin. Before Dustin let that thought overwrite everything he and Allie were hoping to accomplish, he kept on talking almost like an asshole would, Dustin figured.
Dustin: Yeah, but it was funny.
Allie: Yeah, not so much.
Allie said with a snarling look on her face, she's good at pretending, Dustin hoped to himself that that's what Allie was doing. But then knew that it's exactly what she was doing because he didn't even give her a wedgie, even though it would have been funny if he really did. Where does she come up with these things? Dustin laughed to himself.
Nicole: Dustin, why don't you just leave me and my friends alone.
We're back to that, Dustin said to himself about his sister's tone of voice that got him so heated earlier. Dustin just told himself to breathe in and out silently before he really flew off the handle.
Dustin: Gladly.
Dustin said with a snarling smile, then turned and walked away to his bedroom. Once the door was closed, Allie was still listening and she could hear the sound of him finally opening his can of soda that she had handed to him politely inside the kitchen.
When the sky started to get dark and the clock turned to after 8pm, Allie was all out of soda -- and didn't feel like getting another -- and the conversation was getting a little dry between all three girls. Allie felt her cell phone vibrate and once again Lola and Nicole began to look at her. Who thought that vibrate tone would be so loud? Allie thought as she picked up her phone.
Lola: Your mom again?
Allie: Yeah, she wants me home because it's getting late.
Allie said convincingly, even though she knew that it wasn't the truth because the text message was really from Dustin telling her that his window would be opened. Allie wondered what that entailed, but didn't exactly feel like getting all worked up about it.
Lola: Yeah I probably should go too, I can drop you off.
Allie: No that's ok, I kind of feel like walking.
For reasons you may never know, Allie thought to herself as she picked herself up from where she sat on the couch and started to stretch; Lola and Nicole began to follow.
Nicole: Well, see you two tomorrow.
Nicole said with genuine happiness, Allie could actually prove it this time, because she hugged both her and Lola before they walked down the stairs and out the door.
Lola: Are you sure you want to walk?
Lola said as soon as she and Allie got to the end of Nicole's driveway, she wagged her keys in Allie's direction. Allie could hear the slight concern behind Lola's voice and slightly understood the reasoning, but at the same time not at all. It's just a walk, Allie said to herself even though it wasn't the truth, still she felt as if her friend was being a little too protective.
Allie: Don't worry mom, I'll be careful.
Allie said as if she was talking annoyingly to her real mother, Lola just playfully rolled her eyes and hugged Allie while thinking: the things you say. Allie watched as Lola got into her car parked in the street; as Lola started driving away, Allie tried to convince her by slowly starting to walk down the street in the direction of her own house. Once Lola's blue car was out of sight, Allie turned back to where she just came from, and as sneaky as she could she began to walk to the back of Dustin's house until she approached the porch outside his bedroom window.
If there wasn't stairs connecting from the ground to the porch, Allie would have started to say out loud Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair, just to be funny. Allie remembered the day that Nicole had first given her and Lola a tour of the house. Allie never predicted that when she saw the porch outside Dustin's window, she would one day be walking up them as if she had a secret to hide; which she really did. Just like Dustin had said in his text message, his bedroom window was opened and once Allie had made it all the way to the top of his porch, she saw all his lights glowing out into the dark of the night. When she saw him sitting there on his bed, Allie just stood there and smiled to herself for a moment.
After basking in the moment, Allie made a soft knock on the window as she opened it and started to climb through it. As soon as Dustin realized Allie was at his window, he jumped up from his bed and went over to help her climb into his room. What a gentlemen, in a weird way, Allie thought as soon as he had grabbed her hand and helped her in the window.
Allie: Hello Lover.
As soon as Allie said her words she screamed LAME! inside of her head. At that moment that was the only thing she could think of in his presence. Thankfully, when Allie looked up to Dustin's face, he didn't seem to be weird-ed out or even bother by it.
Dustin: I thought you would never come.
Allie knew that Dustin's words were true because he gave her a gentle kiss. Allie felt her knees suddenly begin to buckle, she was glad that she was holding on to Dustin and he was holding on to her because otherwise she would have fallen. Just like she feels her heart doing every moment she spends with him.
Allie didn't have any words to say back, so she just intertwined her fingers with Dustin's and brought him over to his bed. She didn't do it seductively, but ever so sweetly so she wouldn't imply anything other than the fact that she wanted to be next to him. Thankfully, Dustin didn't take her gesture wrong; he took it right, because he began to cuddle up to Allie on his bed. Allie felt so warm and safe in Dustin's arms, her safe haven, she reminded herself.
As the room fell to silence, Allie couldn't help but let her mind wonder into thoughts that almost made her freak out. Even worse, they made her freak Dustin out; but she knew that some time she had to ask them before anything else could happen. Dustin heard Allie's muffled voice against his chest because of where she laid with him on the bed; it was what broke the silence.
Allie: So... since we're dating now, it's time to dig down deep.
Allie began to state nervously, she put emphasis on the word dating because that's what this was, wasn't it?
After Allie had finished, Dustin looked down at her only seeing the top of her brown hair; as if he was frightened and wondered what she would want to know that she doesn't already exactly know. She already knows about my sexual assault, Dustin thought.
Dustin: Uh oh! What do you want to know?
Allie's arm was draped around Dustin's chest so as she heard Dustin freakishly speak, she extended her arm and playfully hit him on his side in order to say not funny.
Allie: Tell me something that may be unknown to other people.
Allie awkwardly said as she didn't have any idea of how else to put her question. She just wanted to know everything she could possibly know about Dustin.
Dustin: Okay...
Dustin thought hard to himself as he began to speaking nervously. He had no clue of what to tell, then like a light bulb something come into his head.
Dustin: I like to sculpt.
Suddenly, Dustin became startled as he felt Allie begin to lift herself up from where she laid on his chest. What did I say? Dustin thought.
Allie sat up straight in Dustin's bed and looked down to him, as he still laid in his same position on his pillow.
Allie: Really? So you're a sculptor, that's the correct term right?
As Allie finished her question, she looked up at the ceiling puzzled, almost like the answer she was looking for would somehow be up there. Allie kind of felt like she pulled a blonde or a Nicole moment right there and then.
Dustin just laughed to himself at Allie, not because he thought the way she was unsure of her question was a brainless thing to do, but because he thought it was the cutest thing he's ever seen.
Dustin: Yes, I believe that would be the correct term.
Allie: How did you become a sculptor?
Allie asked Dustin curiously, he looked as if he seemed to be thinking to himself of how to answer that. Just like Allie had, he looked off into the distance for an answer somewhere in his room. Dustin couldn't exactly remember how it all started or even when it started, it was like all the sudden something that he came to be passionate about, a stress reliever especially with everything that happened last year.
Dustin: I don't know... it just kind of became something that I did when I would work on my car, the parts that were left over I mounted them into a sculpture.
Allie: Figures...
Allie said with a roll of her eyes, then gave Dustin a playful smiled all the while thinking: I should have known, car parts. Allie began to wonder what these so called sculptures would look like; she wasn't exactly the artistic type -hint, hint, her pathetic drawing of a beaver that sit in the art class room-.
Allie: Can I see any of your work?
Dustin: I don't have any of my actual work because we had to leave it in the move, but I have pictures.
Even before Allie had to think of saying can I see them? out loud, Dustin was already up from the bed and onto his feet as he walked ever so smoothly -mostly because he knew that Allie was watching him- over to his desk placed up against the far wall. Allie half expected Dustin to arrive back with a camera in his hand, but when he had returned and sat next to her on the bed, he handed her three different portrait pictures that were obviously printed out from a colored printer. Once Allie flipped through the photo of Dustin's sculptures, she became more than amazed; she felt herself becoming proud. Yup, this is my boyfriend, he's a sculptor, what does yours do? Allie felt like saying to everyone at school tomorrow, but knew that she wouldn't dare do it.
In the photos that Allie was taking her time looking at, she could make out that the pieces on the sculptures where indeed car parts; she couldn't exactly name the car parts that she noticed. She thought that she was looking at something that you would see inside of a museum on display, but no they were created by Dustin. After examining the extraordinary pictures, Allie looked up to Dustin sitting next to her with a pleased look on her face.
Allie: Dustin, these are really good. How did you learn to do this?
Dustin: Well I've been fixing up cars all my life, like the engine...
Allie's thoughts trailed off as Dustin began to speak in car talk, listing almost all the car parts that he's worked on in his lifetime, it was going over her head but she still looked at him as if she was listening. Even though she had no idea what he was talking about, Allie was still getting a kick out of him talk about his cars, and began to realize that it was his passion.
Dustin: I took a welding class in my old school so I just kind of put pieces together the way that I wanted it to be and there you go, a sculpture.
Nice way of putting it, Allie thought of Dustin's explanation that sound very much like how she would explain something; her speak is starting to rub off on him.
Allie: It's art, so technically you're an artist.
Allie figured that she'd boost his confidence a little bit, only because that's what she looked at his masterpieces as. Then, thought of something in her head that made her laugh on the outside.
Allie: Hey, since you're an artist maybe you could draw my beaver for me and when I turn it in at the end of the year it won't look like it has rabies.
Allie and Dustin began to laugh out loud together, then realized it was a little too loud. They soften their laugher in fear that someone soon would come knocking on the door, wondering what Dustin is doing inside his room.
Dustin: But I love that your beaver has rabies, when you're done with it I'm going to frame it.
As Dustin thought of Allie's beaver drawing, he began to remember the first time he saw it, it was also the first time he began to feel like someone normal -for once- around Allie. A girl like Allie, those are the memories that will forever stay with him.
Allie didn't know whether she was laughing because Dustin suggestion sounded so humorous, or because he looked to be telling the truth.
Allie: *humorously* You would, wouldn't you?
When he answered her question that she meant to be a joke, Allie felt her heart begin to swoon. Old school love lingo, Allie thought.
Dustin: Yes, only because it's yours.
Allie smiled happily to herself then gave Dustin a sweet simple kiss before they both laid next to another again on the bed. Just like before, Allie draped her arm across Dustin's chest, but this time Dustin begin to hold her hand as he placed his chin on the top of her head.
Dustin hoped that he didn't look like a creeper, but he smelled Allie's hair and got the whiff of the scent vanilla and became entranced by it. That's why I always smell vanilla around her, Dustin realized to himself.
Dustin: Hey, it's your turn. What's unknown about you?
Dustin felt as if he and Allie were playing the game 20 questions, but he didn't exactly mind. Just like her, everything she had to say was interesting.
Allie: I play the drums.
Allie didn't even hesitate with her answer after Dustin asked his question. Dustin figured that this is the reason the questionnaire even started because she really just wanted to tell him that. He took it as cute, rather than what it could have seemed to someone else.
Dustin: You do?
Allie: Yeah, ever since I was eight.
Dustin: My girl can rock.
Dustin started to picture Allie sitting in front of a drum set just banging the hell out of those drums. He then realized something wrong about that picture, the ability to actually see and hear her.
Dustin: Well, actually I don't know because I never heard you. but I'm sure you can.
Allie could hear the skepticism and the faith at the same time behind Dustin's voice.
Allie: Oh I can, trust me.
Allie said with playful cockiness, Dustin laughed a little to himself then he came up with a brilliant idea and started to fill it into Allie's head also.
Dustin: Well then, let's hear you.
Allie: Now? But, hello I don't have any drums in from of me.
Dustin: Do you own drums?
Allie: Yeah, at my house.
Allie saw through what Dustin was implying, he was egging her on, but she wasn't exactly complaining because she was the one that brought up the ability of the drums.
Dustin: Well then, let's go.
Dustin patted Allie on her back as a gesture to say exactly what he had said out loud so that's exactly what Allie did, sat up on the bed as Dustin brought himself to his feet. Allie loved this plan, but as she looked to Dustin's closed door she began to wonder something.
Allie: But what if...?
Dustin knew exactly what Allie was worrying herself about, but knew that she shouldn't so he looked at her reassuringly.
Dustin: Don't worry, everyone thinks I'm asleep, and my door is locked.
Allie: Good thinking.
Allie told herself to be convinced, only because she wanted to go where Dustin so excitedly wanted to go to, so she followed Dustin's lead over to the window. Just like the way she came into the window, she went out the same way with Dustin grabbing her hand and helping her.
In the dark of the night, with a street lamp on for their only light, Allie and Dustin started walking down the street hand in hand toward Allie's house. I'm just taking a late night stroll with my boyfriend, Allie said happily to herself. If Dustin wasn't here by her side and holding her hand, Allie would either be shitting her pants or running for her life because the dark misty night seemed so creepy to her. It was almost like at any moment, someone could jump out at her, but Dustin was here to protect her.
Dustin: Hey, is your mom home?
Dustin said once he and Allie had approached the edge of her driveway to her house. It only had one single car in the driveway, but no lights to be had on inside the house, Dustin observed. Allie knew by Dustin's curious question what he was trying to imply, getting caught.
Allie: Yeah she's probably sleeping, but just in case go around to the back door and I'll let you in.
It sucks that it has to be this way, Dustin thought sadly to himself, but in a way there was no other choice. Just like Allie told him to do, Dustin made his way around to the back of Allie's house while she walked straight into the front door of the home. Dustin walked as quickly and quietly as he could, making sure not to make a whole lot of noise just in case Allie's mom or even a neighbor was up, they could think he's trying to break in or something and he really didn't need any more cops on his ass.
As Allie walked into her house, she started to walk through in the pitch black darkness knowing for a fact that her mother was asleep, so there was no need to announce her arrival. Allie didn't exactly need light to know where she was walking because she already knew the feel of her house; entry way check, stairs leading up check, stairs leading down check, now all she had to master was getting herself down the stairs and through the living room to the back door.
Dustin waited patiently outside the back of the house, he felt the cold and misty night air giving him goose bumps on the arm. Suddenly, he saw a dark figure walking toward the door from the inside. Dustin figured it had to be Allie and sure enough when he heard the unlocking click of the door and as it began to open slowly thankfully making no noise at all, Dustin saw Allie's face emerge and watched as the moonlight hit her face. Beautiful, Dustin thought.
Allie: My mom's sleeping, so we got to be quiet.
Dustin: Allie I'm starting to think that playing the drums in the middle of the night, isn't the best idea I've ever had.
Dustin spoke softly and nervously, Allie just laughed quietly to herself while thinking you have no idea. As if to reassure Dustin, Allie grabbed his hand and pulled him inside the house.
Allie: Just come on scared-y cat.
As soon as Dustin was inside the door, both he and Allie closed it like the way it had opened, quietly. Still holding Dustin's hand, Allie led the way as she walked up both staircases, once she was on the top floor she stopped walking and dropped Dustin's hand. Dustin hoped that one day he would see what Allie's house looked like in the light because in the dark he couldn't exactly make everything out, he was just glad that Allie was leading the way otherwise he would have fallen flat on his face and made a fool of himself.
Allie was thankful that the moonlight shining through the top floor window was bright enough so she could see what she was doing, not like she exactly needed it. Just like she's done so many times before, Allie reached up with both of her hands to a string dangling from the ceiling. Dustin watched as Allie reached up to the ceiling, pulled downward on a string, it looked to be attached to an attic or a secret room, Dustin wondered to himself. When Allie had fully pulled down on the string, Dustin saw a staircase emerge to the bottom of the floor. Once the staircase had reached the floor, Allie had no more control over it.
At first Allie thought the loud thud noise was the skipping beat of her heart, but then realized that it was the staircase hitting the floor in the silence of the night. She doesn't know, why but to her it was the funniest thing that could have ever happened so as she put her hand over her mouth as a muffled giggle started to spill out. Dustin had to admit it was pretty funny, of course this happened he thought, so he also laughed because he heard Allie humorous giggle that he loved listening to above anything else. Then suddenly, a voice that Allie nor Dustin didn't want to hear began to speak. Allie stopped giggling instantly as she heard her mother's sleepy voice call out, Allie grabbed Dustin's hand as if to say oh No! We're busted.
Lori: Allie is that you?
Allie: Yeah, I feel like going up to the studio, go back to sleep.
Allie said nervously because she didn't know how convinced her mom would be, but then realized her mother was convinced and actually took her advice because Allie began to hear the soft sound of her mother's snoring. I don't snore, Allie's mother always said when Allie made a comment about her snoring, now Dustin was her witness.
Trying this time not to make too much noise in case her mother was pretending to be asleep or something --she sometimes did that-- Allie started to walked up the staircase and as she did she turned to Dustin and made a motion wave of her hand telling him to follow, so that's what he did.
Once up in the studio as Dustin had just learned it was, he looked around in amazement at the dark coded walls; but it wasn't like paint, it was almost like it was carpet on the walls. Along the walls were different brands like from Gibson to other guitars in their placements, a big home computer sitting on a desk pushed up against the wall and a chair pushed out from the desk almost like someone had recently been sitting there. Dustin also saw different wiring along the floor, and as he followed to where the wires ended, he saw a red colored drum set with two drum sticks carefully laying on one of the top drums.
Dustin came to consider this Allie's place. It was just like when he was in a garage working on a car, it was his escape from everything around him. Dustin figured that this is what worked for Allie.
Dustin: You have a studio in your attic?
Dustin said as if it was a question of disbelief while he turned around the look at the entire room in one view. Allie laughed a little to herself and then thought I guess it is pretty unusual, it was the norm for Allie.
Allie: Yeah, it's sound proof and everything.
Allie said as if she was relieving Dustin from unwanted stress, which she pretty much was.
Dustin: So your mom won't hear you?
Allie: Or bother me, because she knows that when I'm up here not to open the staircase.
As Allie spoke the word, she pointed her index finger to the now pulled all the way up to a close and locked staircase; Dustin's eyes followed and looked. Dustin made a face it if to say impressive, then remembered why they came here in the first place.
Dustin: So now are you going to show me what you got?
Allie: Of course.
Allie said with confidence, then walked behind her drum set like she's done since she was seven years old, only difference now is that she really knows what she's doing. She sat down on her drum stool, and as she was about to grab her drum sticks resting on top of the drum, she paused and looked to Dustin standing in front of her.
Allie: Before I start, I want you to know that the song I'm going to play is not an original. I can only play songs from like the radio or written by somebody else. I can read sheet music, but I'm not very good at making stuff up.
As Allie said her words, she took a moment to think, at the exact moment as Dustin gave her a look as if to say yeah right.
Allie: Well... with music that is.
Allie smiled sheepishly then finally --she said to herself-- she picked up her drumsticks, and just like any good drummer did she started to knock her sticks together in a rhythmic motion as if to count herself in before she officially started. *Desperately Wanting- Better Than Ezra* Once Allie starting to bang on her drums to a music rhythm, Dustin just stood there and listened as he couldn't quit put his finger on the song or even the band that Allie was playing. Dustin just watched Allie, he was getting such a kick out of watching her because she looked to be enjoying herself.
As Dustin stood and observed, he noticed Allie's lips slightly moving as if she was silently singing the lyrics to herself of whatever song she was drumming to. When Allie finished playing her song, she gave one last bang on the drums for good luck -she always considered it that- then looked back up to Dustin with a look of satisfaction.
Dustin: Are you sure that wasn't an original?
Allie: Yes, because it's by a band I like.
Dustin: What band?
Allie: Better Than Ezra.
When Allie said the band name, she instantly thought of her Dad, because she was introduced to Better Than Ezra by him. It was an older band, so Allie understood that Dustin was becoming confused by the name, but still she enjoyed their music.
Dustin: Never hear of them.
Allie: That's what I thought. So now that you've heard me play, can I rock?
Dustin: Yeah, a little.
As soon as the words rolled off of Dustin's tongue, he realized how rued they must have sounded to Allie. When he said his next words, he began to speak in a teasing tone to let her know that there was nothing literally meant by it.
Dustin: But, chose a song I know next time.
Allie still had her drumsticks in hand and as she heard Dustin's words, she put her hands up in an offended manner and dropped her mouth opened in shock.
Allie: What? Would you rather have me drum to Kottonmouth Kings?
Allie said to Dustin as a joke, but then as she looked up to his face, she noticed how he seemed to be considering her offer.
Dustin: That would be awesome if you could.
Dustin smiled to Allie and she knew exactly what he was thinking, she just rolled her eyes and shook her head all the while thinking What is it with you and Kottonmouth Kings?.
Allie: Oh yeah, I'll get right on that.
Dustin laughed at Allie's expense, then he started to look around the studio just like he had when he first stepped inside the room. He began to wonder for the first time, if Allie plays the drums, then why are their guitars on the wall?
Dustin: So why did you choose the drums?
Allie: You see the guitar's along the wall?
That's the first thing I noticed, Dustin thought to himself as he followed Allie's index finger and looked at the guitars.
Dustin: Yeah.
Allie: Those are my dad's, so when I was seven and he asked if I wanted to learn how to play an instrument, I said "Dad, guitar is your thing."
As Allie began to speak of the time she was seven, Dustin began to imagine what Allie was like at seven years old. By what she had just said, he figured she was just as headstrong as she was now, only more now.
Allie: So I chose the drums, it's a great stress reliever.
Dustin: I bet.
Just like Dustin had figured, this was Allie's place. It was her garage, all her problems would seem to soar away in here.
Allie began to think of all the other times she spent up here and the times she spent up here with her dad, it was their favorite thing to do together.
Allie: My dad and I used to come up here all the time and have jam sessions.
Even though this studio mostly brought back good memories, it also brought Allie the worst memory she has of her dad. When her dad had died two years ago, she had come up here out of anger or sadness, she wasn't sure which one it was. She came up here and destroyed the studio, throwing sheet music all around the room, kicking over her drum set, but as she knocked down her dad's favorite black Gibson electric guitar and broke the handle, she realized what she was doing. After that happened, she just sat there with his guitar hugged to her chest and cried with what she didn't even know she was hiding.
Before Allie let what she was thinking show on the outside of her for Dustin to see and wonder what was going on in this head of hers, she looked to him and smiled as she began to remember the good moments instead. Allie wasn't exactly ready to tell Dustin everything about her dad's death, she wanted to seem like she was strong to Dustin.
Allie: We even have a recording of us *tilting her head as if thinking* well... many actually.
Dustin: Really? Can I hear it?
Dustin asked curiously, he knew that it pleased Allie to ask because he saw her smiled delightfully to herself as she started to get up from her stool at the drums and go over to the computer that was placed against the wall on the desk. When Allie approached the computer, she pulled the chair out further than it already was and made a motion for Dustin to sit down in it, so that's what he did. Allie didn't feel much need to stand beside Dustin, so she placed herself into his lap and she wrapped one arm around his neck while the other she placed on the computer mouse.
Dustin began to like how this looked with Allie in his lap, while he watched her start to click in different files on the computer screen. When Allie found the file she was looking for entitle "James and Allie #8'" -- her favorite track -- she clicked play, then leaned back against Dustin's chest and just listened. Allie was surprised that she wasn't sick of this song by now because she listens to it so often.
As Dustin began to listen to the song he could hear the sound of an electric guitar, which he now knew was Allie's dad, and the sound of drums, his girl. Allie knew that Dustin was enjoying the song because his hand that was draped around her began to tap against the side of her leg. If Dustin didn't know, he would have sworn that it was an actual rock band playing, but it was really someone greater.
Dustin: Is this song by another band that I don't know?
Allie: No. My Dad wrote the music, which was the only way I knew how to drum it.
Dustin: Well I like it, it's really good.
Dustin said soft and sweetly as he pulled Allie closer to him in the chair. Allie leaned her head down to Dustin and pressed her forehead against his as their lips became just inches from one another. She felt the butterflies in her stomach started flying around like crazy, and a burning sensation on her lips that just wanted to make the sudden urge of lunging forward. This moment was becoming very intimate to both Allie and Dustin.
Allie: So I can rock now?
Dustin: Yeah, you can rock. What I loved the most, is the way you looked while playing.
Dustin said with a smiled as Allie suddenly began to fear that he was trying to play a joke on her. How stupid did I look? But, the smile that Allie saw on Dustin's face wasn't jokingly at all, it was more pleased or satisfied.
Allie: Well thank you, I'm glad I could satisfy your desire.
Allie said with a laugh behind her voice, Dustin just smiled as he leaned into her and met her burning lips with his. As Allie ran her fingers through Dustin's hair when they began to kiss, she didn't want this to stop, but knew that it was the best thing before things got heated and a little too intimate for this moment.
Allie: As much as I hate to say this, it's getting late.
Allie was afraid that she was going to disappoint Dustin with her words, but when she looked to him it was as if they were on the same page. Thank god, Allie thought.
Dustin: Yeah, it's a school night.
Dustin felt like his mother saying that, that's a scary thought. When Allie picked herself up from Dustin's lap and got to her feet, she extended her hand in order to help Dustin up from the chair. Disappointment was inside both of them, but they tried not to show it to the other on the outside.
Unlike the way it had opened the first time, the staircase dropped to the floor lightly and soundlessly giving Allie and Dustin a piece of mind. The only thing that Allie and Dustin had to master now was getting down the steps and to the floor without any loud noises like before and without making Allie's mom wake up again. As Allie walked down, step by step, she felt her heart beating to each step because she kept fearing that her mom would freakishly appear out of the darkness, tapping her foot on the floor like she always did when Allie was in trouble. That was the last thing that she or Dustin needed at the moment.
Thankfully there was nothing of the sort, but still as quietly as she could Allie led Dustin down both her staircases, through the living room and to the back door all the while holding his hand in the silence of the darkness. It was just like the way they first came in, Dustin stood out in the cold of the night while Allie held to door opened for him, with the moonlight upon both of their faces acting as their only light.
Dustin: So, I'll see you tomorrow?
No sorry you won't, Allie said to herself with a laugh because she knew what Dustin was doing, stalling so he didn't have to go home just yet. Allie didn't want him to go either, she wanted to be held in his blue ocean eyes all night long.
Allie: Yeah, you will.
As Allie and Dustin began to kiss goodbye, Allie wrapped both of her arms around his neck but kept her foot pressed to the door so it wouldn't creek into the silence of the night; and also so her mother wouldn't wake up and think that somebody is trying to break in. The last kiss of the night, Allie sadly thought to herself.
As Dustin began to walk away ever so quietly and smoothly, Allie heard him say the faintest bye into the night. Before Allie even bothered closing the door and going inside, she watched as Dustin gave her one last look while he walked away, their blue eyes met and were saying the same thing. Neither of them were quite sure what exactly they were saying to one another, but it didn't exactly matter what is was because this moment, this night was too perfect to analyze.