Kayla left early on Sidero morning. Slightly depressed Aless watched her friend leave then trudged inside. Tomorrow would be Prota, the start of the week, though school wasn't for two more days. The first two days, Prota and Deftero, were dedicated to athletics, artistic studies, and temple. The next five days Alessandra had school, Pumic through Hyaloc. The fact that there were nine days a week, seven of which, she included Prota and Deftero, were school days seemed completely arbitrary to Aless. Yet the Nᵫlgᵫn calendar had been used for over a hundred years, so it had to work somehow. As she began to cook her breakfast, Aless's phone chirped at her. Snatching it up, she grinned at the sight of digital message, or dm, from Danny. After a few dms, Danny called, claiming he wanted to hear her voice. They talked for over an hour, with Danny making Aless laugh a lot. When she brought up their date for the upcoming Hyaloc, Danny smiled over the phone, but wouldn't tell her anything.
"It's a surprise," he told her teasingly. "You will have to wait."
"I hate surprises!" Aless whined playfully. "I'm nosy. I like to know what is going to happen."
"Too bad," Danny laughed. "You are going to have to give up the controls for one night."
The idea both thrilled and terrified Aless. She wasn't a control freak or anything, but she hated the idea of someone else controlling her. They continued to talk for a little longer before Aless had to excuse herself to do homework. Once she had finished all her boring schoolwork, Aless stretched and groaned. Aless dreaded the idea of waking up early for school. Yet she was in her final secondary school year, so she could see the light at the end of the tunnel. If she made it through this last year, then next year would be college. Studying the large wall calendar that reached from floor to ceiling in the kitchen, Alessandra studied the thirteen months that compiled one year. They were barely in the Third Sun Month, which mean she still had the Fourth Sun Month, the Large Moon Month and the Gold Moon Month until Solstice break. After the Dark Moon Month was over, she would return to school for the First through Third Sunless Month. Then finally, Aless would enter the First Moon and Sun Month and then graduate in Second Moon and Sun Month. Ten long months away. So close and so far. Studying the calendar made her depressed, so Aless went to eat dinner then sleep. Once she was safe in her bed, Aless messaged Danny good night and then went to sleep.
Waking the next day, Aless found her Prota to be an uneventful day. Deftero was similarly uneventful. The only troublesome part was at school on Pumic. Tyler had apparently not accepted that Alessandra was not interested in him. She managed to dodge him that day and on the following three days, Tachy, Palagon, and Okto. Her luck ran out on Hyaloc though. Hyaloc afternoon, Tyler cornered her in the empty hallway during lunch.
In her gut, Aless knew she wasn't going to be able to avoid him as soon as she saw Tyler in their first class of the day. His gaze had been intense and fixated on her. Kayla, noticing, had let out a low whistle and said, "Girl, he has his hunting eyes on. You better hide in the girl's bathroom until the end of the day."
Of course, that wasn't really an option. When Aless went to retrieve her lunch from her locker, Tyler made his move. Approaching Aless as she searched her backpack, Tyler post his arms on either of side Aless's locker. The soft jingle of his expensive watch told her he was there. Looking up, Aless grimaced. Leaning over her, Tyler smiled as she found herself trapped between the lockers and him. He wore one of his best outfits and his cologne wafted off him. She could tell he had taken extra care with his looks that day and was trying to come off as cool and impressive. Aless was neither impressed nor attracted to him.
"Aless, we finally have a moment alone," he purred as he leaned in closer. "I am so glad. I was hoping you and I could have a private date tonight. No wingmen this time."
"You do realize we were the wingmen last week, right?" Aless said calmly, trying to divert his attention.
"Not from where I was standing. We had that private little section of the theater and I was able to finally taste how sweet you were. I was just hoping that this time we wouldn't have to worry about another couple. We could go see another movie, or get something to eat, or just hang out at one of our places. Which do you prefer?"
Remembering what both Kayla and the delivery guy said, Alessandra straightened as much as she could. Shaking her head, she set her jaw into a stern position and narrowed her eyes seriously.
"I do not want to go out with you, Tyler. I do not like you like that, and I have no interest in any future dates. As it is, I have a date tonight with someone else," she said matter of factly.
"Really? Who?" Tyler smile hardened and turned more into a smirk. He did not believe her.
"No one you know. He doesn't go to school here."
"When did you meet him?"
"That's none of your business. Now excuse me because I want to get back to lunch."
She shouldered past him hard and walked away without looking back. Aless could feel his eyes boring into her, but she refused to look back and give him that satisfaction. Once back with Kayla, Aless told her what happened.
"Good for you, Aless!" Kayla beamed. "He should get the message now. And if he doesn't then he is dumber than he looks."
"I hope so. It felt so uncomfortable having to talk that way with him. I felt mean."
"You weren't mean. You were being assertive and standing up for yourself. That is all some men understand. They don't listen or pick on subtleties."
"You are right. He didn't listen last time. He wouldn't have listened again. I guess its just easier when they are just total jerks to someone else. I never had any trouble telling guys to back off you in the clubs."
"It's always easier when it's a stranger. We both have known Tyler for years, so it feels weird. I get it, but now he should leave you alone."
Nodding, Aless hoped so.
As soon as school let out, Alessandra raced home. She knew that Danny was picking her up at seven and wanted to be ready. He had given her no hints about what they were doing so she had no idea what to wear. On top of that she wanted to eat something before the date, so she didn't look like too much of a pig. Showering, she washed her hair, shaved her legs twice, and allowed conditioner to sit in her hair so that it would be extra soft. Towel drying, Aless rubbed in lotion while her skin was damp as to ensure her skin's moisture. Then she slipped on a sexy lace bikini underwear and lace push-up bra. Danny would not be even close to seeing them, but they gave her confidence. Wrapping herself up in her bathrobe, she trotted down the stairs to eat. Her hair was twisted into a bun so that when she took it down later her natural waves would be accentuated.
Remembering that she forgot to grab the mail when she got home, Aless slipped on sandals and dashed outside to collect the mail. Running back into her house, she gently brushed the door closed behind her with her foot and then made her way to the kitchen. She played music on her phone radio loud as she danced around and cooked. It had been a long time since she was excited for date. Just as she was scooping her food on to her plate and shaking her butt hard to the music, there was a soft noise of someone clearing his throat. Gasping, almost dropping the plate, Alessandra turned on the spot.
Behind her, standing in the kitchen doorway was the same delivery guy from the club. He half smiled at her then blushed violet as his eyes trailed down. Following his gaze, Aless saw that her robe had come loose during her dancing and she was standing mostly exposed in her under garments. With another gasp, she dropped the plate on the counter and secured her robe around her front. The man blushed and averted his eyes apologetically.
"What the hell are you doing in my house?" she barked chagrin.
"I have a package that needs to be signed for. I came up to the front door and it was open. After what happened last time I was here, I was worried," the man explained.
His voice was calm and melodic. Aless noticed that without the loud club music, she could hear a slight accent.
"I know we are not supposed to enter people's homes, but I guess I just have an overactive imagination and I was worried."
Frowning, Alessandra analyzed his face to see if he was being truthful. There didn't appear any signs of insincerity and Aless could understand his concern after the last time he was at her home. Sighing she relaxed only slightly. Studying him, Alessandra finally got a good look at the man. He was six feet tall, maybe six-one, with a very oval face. His nose was straight and lean with medium size mouth and full lower lip. His eyes were a rich blue with green flecks around the irises, almond shaped and nicely placed on his face. The spider Josӕng complimented his face structure and eyes. Overall his face was pleasant, but average. Short mahogany colored hair covered his head and, even in his uniform, Aless could see the muscles that Kay had referred to.
"Must be from lifting all those boxes," she reasoned to herself.
"Well, are you going to give it to me?" Aless said to him.
Jolting, the man appeared to have been deep in thought.
Blushing plum, the man stuttered, "Excuse me?"
"Apparently he watches too many pornos too," she thought with mild humor.
Out loud Alessandra said, "You said you have a package to deliver that needs a signature."
"Oh, right, sorry."
Holding out the clipboard for her signature, the man studied her. She pretended to ignore him. In the light of her kitchen, he did look older than she had thought. Maybe twenty-six. Not a bad age difference but a large enough one to deter her from flirting. As she signed, she felt her belt on her robe slip. Barely managing to catch it time, Aless cursed silk belts as the shoulder of her robe slipped off her shoulder, exposing part of her lace bra. The man's eyes darkened, and he couldn't look away.
"I'm sorry," she blushed soft periwinkle. "I hate robes. They never stay tied. Please don't think this is on purpose."
Forcing a laugh, she awkwardly handed back the clipboard and held her robe closed. The man took the board, his eyes transfixed on her. Coughing, she adjusted the robe and closed it tight, double knotting the belt. Blinking, the man smiled softly. Handing her the package, he excused himself from her house. This time Alessandra made sure to lock her front door. She did not want any more intrusions.
Just as Alessandra was finishing her makeup, the doorbell rang. She skipped down the stairs, her stomach full of butterflies. She couldn't wait to see Danny again. Reaching the door, Alessandra paused. Straightening her dress's hem, Aless took a deep breath and then open the door. To her dismay it was Tyler, not Danny. His eyes were red, and she could smell kettle beer radiating off him from a foot away. Holding her nose, Aless felt confused.
"Tyler, what are you doing here?" she inquired.
Leaning past him, Aless glanced up and down the street.
"I wanted to see you," he slurred, taking half a step forward. "You look nice."
His eyes roved her body. She had chosen to wear a sundress, despite the fall weather. Standing a few inches taller, Aless wore cute wedged sandals.
"I told you at school, I have a date," she said coolly.
"Yeah, with some mystery man," he scoffed. "I asked around and no one in school knows who it is."
"I told you that he doesn't go to our school," Aless sighed.
Aless did not have time for this. Danny was going to show up any minute and she didn't want him to get the wrong idea. Not to mention, Aless had no patients for drunks.
"I think you are making him up to make me jealous."
He took another half of a step closer. Backing away slightly, Aless shook her head to deny his accusation.
"I think you were waiting for me because you knew I'd be by."
"No, Tyler. I do not like you that way. I have a real date with a guy named Danny. Please leave."
"You know most girls love going on dates with me. They say I'm exciting and a good kisser, but you wouldn't give me even one kiss."
"I am not interested in you. You are not my type."
"I'm every girl's type."
"Not mine."
"If you are really going on a date, why are you dressed so sexy when you wore jeans for me?"
"If you must know I only went out with you for Kayla and John. I had no interest in dating you."
"Liar. You let me kiss your neck and you held my hands."
"I only held your hands to keep you from fondling me and I didn't want to cause a scene by slapping you for kissing my neck."
"You're a lying bitch. You liked it. It excited you."
He grabbed at her and she slapped his hands away. Lunging, he grabbed her wrists and she yelped in surprise, demanding he let her go.
"I am just going to take one kiss to prove I'm right. You want me to kiss you. You like when I kiss you," he snapped.
His words slurred, and his eyes were glassy and blurry.
"Let go, Tyler!" she ordered.
Struggling to pull away, Aless cursed her heels.
"You heard her, Tyler," a voice cut in.
Once again someone had come to Alessandra's rescue. Her pride stung as Aless scolded herself. She was a damn Pakido student and good one. Why couldn't she defend herself in real life? Footsteps signaled that her rescuer was approaching. Looking up, Aless felt her face flush. It was Danny.
"Who the hell are you?" Tyler growled.
His grip only tightened on Aless's wrists.
"I'm her date," Danny replied, his voice like ice.
"Oh, so you are real. I thought she was lying."
"She wasn't, so I'm asking you nicely to let go of my date."
"She and I have unfinished business. You can have her when I'm done with her."
"That is not how this is going to work. You may have had to share her on your date, but I don't share."
"What does that mean?"
"It means that while you were rubbing yourself off in the theater, she was hiding from you in the hallway, talking to me."
Eyes flashing, Tyler looked at Aless for signs of the truth. When she flushed periwinkle and wouldn't meet his gaze, Tyler roared and slapped her across the face. Grunting, Aless felt her face sting as she flinched in surprise. Outside of Pakido, no one had ever struck Aless. She was in shock. There was a crunching sound and Tyler's grip left her wrists. Opening her eyes, Aless found Danny standing next to her and Tyler sprawled on the ground near them. Danny had punched Tyler in the face.
"Your type is the scum of the earth. You don't listen or care what women want. And on top of that you would strike a woman. I don't ever want to see your face around Alessandra again," Danny snarled, his teeth bared.
He swiftly approached Tyler, who was struggling to get up. Shaking, Aless followed him, grabbing his arm and pulling him away. Glancing at her, his expression softened, and he touched her purple cheek.
"Let's get you some ice," he whispered.
Turning his back on the cursing Tyler, Danny escorted Aless to his car before Tyler could even stand again.
Taking her to a gas station, Danny bought some ice for her face. Sitting at one of the lunch tables out front, Danny tenderly held the pack to her face and cursed Tyler.
"So that was the loser you were out with last week? No wonder you escaped to the hallway," he fumed.
"He wasn't like that last week. Handsy yes, but not physical. I would never have tolerated that," she explained as she winced from the cold.
"You are too nice, Aless. That guy was creep and he deserved what he got."
"I know. Is your hand alright?"
"It's fine. Don't worry about it."
Ignoring his protests, she pulled his hand towards her and looked at it. Seeing his knuckles, Aless sucked in air. His knuckles were purple with mild bruising. Yet what had surprised her were the large thick scars that covered his knuckles. They looked as if the skin over his knuckles had been torn away and now knotted scars covered them. It looked painful. She knew better than to pry into his personal life on the first date, but the scars worried her. Taking the ice pack off her face, she laid it on his hand.
"Aless, I don't…" he began to protest, but she shushed him.
"Your knuckles are bruised, and my face is just a little purple. Tyler must have a really hard head."
She laughed, but Danny did not.
"Don't worry. I'm going to use the rest room. I don't want this ice pack off your hand until I return," she lectured him.
Half smiling, he agreed. Walking to the bathroom, Alessandra thought about Danny. He had to have been in a serious fight before or maybe it happened at a job he had. Hitting Tyler must have hurt those old injuries, but he had done it anyways. Heart fluttering, Aless knew that she liked Danny a lot already. The idea scared her. She wasn't good at relationships.
In the bathroom, Aless moistened a paper towel with cold water, holding it to her cheek. Analyzing herself, Alessandra sighed. Her waist length hair had lost its composure and now looked like a hot mess around her. Her face looked drawn and the hot purple of the contact spot was impossible to miss. Her eyes, flashing in anger, radiated aqua blue and silver. Whenever she mad or sad, Aless's eyes seemed to gain more aqua blue and blazed brightly as if a lantern shown from her eyes. People always told her that her eyes at those times looked like the Sǐwáng Moon, or the Death Moon, which marked the beginning of the cold season.
Looking down, Alessandra adjusted her dress. It was one of her favorite because it accented her small waist while deemphasizing her large hips. She didn't mind her large hips, but she didn't like making them look any bigger. Sighing, she once again wished her chest was as big as Kayla's. She was a solid C cup, nice but nothing to brag about. All together she was proud of her figure, most days at least. Taking a deep breath, Aless left the restroom and returned to Danny.
The rest of the date ended up being the exact opposite of the beginning. They had a wonderful time as Sᴔmian circus that was in town. Danny's family attended it every year and, while Aless did not speak Sᴔmian, she enjoyed the acts and feats that were performed. Danny tried to translate as he explained that his family had only immigrated to Mᴔjin shortly after he was born. Afterwards they went for ice cream. At the dessert restaurant where they got their ice cream, Danny stopped to talk to several people. He seemed well known and liked. On their way out with their ice cream, Danny nodded seriously at an older man with simple Josӕng in the shape of sideways Ms.
"He is very popular here," Aless thought with a smile. "Everyone seems to know him."
Heading outside, they decided to go for a walk while they ate their ice cream. It was a warm fall night and it could not have gone better
At the end of the date, Aless was sure that Danny would try to kiss her when he walked her to her door. Normally, she never kissed on the first date, yet she was willing to make an exception for him. Once they reached her place a little after midnight, however, Danny merely smiled and wished her good night. Stunned, Aless didn't know what to do as he walked back to his car. Swallowing hard, she unlocked her front door and went inside. Locking it behind her, Alessandra was very confused. Had the date not gone as well as she thought? Did he not like her? Maybe Tyler had ruined things and she just didn't notice.
Glancing around the entrance way, she saw a jacket and pair of shoes. Her father was home. At this hour he would be sleeping, so she trudged to the kitchen and grabbed a bowl of cereal. Once her bowl was empty, she rinsed it and went upstairs to shower. The lights were off in her father's room, confirming that he was asleep. Taking a quick shower, Aless could not stop thinking about Danny. How could he have not even tried to kiss her? Did he not find her attractive? The thoughts circulated in her mind as she changed into her pajamas and went to bed. His polite end to the night wouldn't leave her mind. Tossing and turning, Alessandra didn't know what to make of it. As a result, Aless couldn't fall asleep for a long time.
In the morning, she checked her phone eagerly to see if Danny had messaged her, but he hadn't. Feeling depressed, she returned to the kitchen where her father was eating his breakfast, already dressed in a suit. He wore his white-honey blonde hair short on the sides and longer on top, just enough so he could gel it back slightly like a wave. Green-hazel eyes focused on his newspaper, not even acknowledging his daughter as she walked in. Approaching the table, Aless could see the elegant designs of his whipping vine Josӕng that decorated his temples. Aless didn't need the morning light to know that her father's Josӕng reflected deep forest green, which complimented his rich skin tone. Since she was a small child, Aless had admired her father's elegant Josӕng, especially the way they flickered from black to rich green. They were simple and regal like her father.
That morning, like most mornings that he was home, Aless could barely see his slightly oval face behind the paper as his strong, round jaw chewed. Aless knew that when he stood, her father was about five-ten and solidly built. He maintained his weight, but never had enough time to develop thick muscles. When he smiled, Aless's father, Aaron Yᴔsin, was a handsome man, but he rarely smiled anymore.
"Morning, dad," she said pleasantly.
He did not respond.
"What time did you get in last night?" she continued.
"About eleven. Where were you?" he responded blandly.
"I was on a date."
"Boyfriend?"
"I don't have a boyfriend, dad. It was this guy I just met. Danny. He took me to a small circus and…"
"Uh huh…that's nice, Catherine."
For some reason, her father always called her Catherine. It wasn't even her middle name or a family nickname. She couldn't even remember when he had started calling her that. He just had one day many years ago. Taking the hint, Aless stopped talking. She served herself some breakfast and sat down across from her father. He never even looked at her.
"I will be going on another business trip to Nᵫlgᵫn tomorrow. I must go into the office to organize things today, but I will be back tonight. I don't know what time," he finally said as he took a sip of coffee.
"How long will you be gone?" Aless asked pretending to care.
"About two weeks. I hate these long trips but our Nᵫlgᵫn office is going through some major problems. I must try to fix it before people lose their jobs. You have your credit card so just charge whatever food and groceries you need to it."
"Okay."
Aless already knew the drill. It happened all the time. For a brief moment, as always, she had hoped that he would be home for a while, even just a day. She knew that he had his own bed at his office because he spent so much time there. It hadn't always been like that. When Aless's mother, Sydney Yᴔsin, had been alive, the family spent every weekend together. That had ended over ten years ago. Cancer had taken Sydney from Alessandra and Aaron.
"I must be going. Would you mind washing my dishes for me? I am running late," her father said standing.
Standing as well, Alessandra agreed and waited for a hug. He merely patted her on the head and left.
"Never leave without a hug and kiss," she whispered to herself as her mother had always said.
Two men in less than twenty-four hours had snubbed her. It was beginning to bug Alessandra. What did she have to do to get these men's attention? As if reading her mind, Aless's phone buzzed. Irritated, she looked at the screen and saw it was a message from Danny. At the moment she was so annoyed with him and her father that she almost didn't want to read it. Yet her curiosity won out and she opened the message.
Hey Aless, the message said. I had a great time last night and I was hoping we could do it again tonight. I know it is last minute, but I hope you will say yes.
Part of Aless wanted to play it cool and take an hour to answer, but the other part of her knew that was stupid. So, she compromised and waited five minutes before replying. Quickly, Danny responded, and they made plans to see a movie and go star gazing. It would mean she would get back late and probably miss seeing her father again. Yet her father didn't seem like he really wanted to see her, Aless rationalized, therefore she didn't need to waste the effort to see him.
The next month flew by with Danny now in Alessandra's life. She worked hard to balance school, Kayla, and Danny. It was easy at first because Kayla had John. Unfortunately, after a month, they broke up and suddenly Kayla wanted more of Aless's time. This wouldn't have normally been a problem, however around the time John and Kayla broke up, Danny asked Aless to be his girlfriend. Danny and Aless had been taking things slow and keeping their relationship casual. Initially, Danny was concerned about the fact that Aless was only seventeen and he was twenty, but with time issue became unimportant. In fact, after only a month, they knew they wanted to be exclusive.
The night Danny asked Aless to be his girlfriend, Danny took her home to meet his sisters and mom. Danny's father had been killed when Danny was ten by local mobsters after his father had intervened on behalf of a young woman the thugs had targeted. Life had been rough with Danny's dad gone, yet Danny's mother loved her children enough for two parents. As the oldest, Danny went straight to work after secondary school, helping support his four younger sisters, all who were close in age. Each one was as pretty as Danny was handsome. His mother was small, heavy set woman with big brown eyes and a big warm smile. She immediately welcomed Aless into their home and made her feel like family.
"I have been begging majo for weeks now to bring you here," she told Alessandra in her heavy Sᴔmian accent. "He kept telling me no mama, it is too soon. How can it be too soon when he spends all his time with you? And you are so beautiful, maja!"
"Thank you, Madame Gᵫjismal. You are too kind," Aless laughed.
Out of the corner of her eye, Alessandra saw Danny watching closely as his sisters pestered him with questions about her.
"Let us feed you! You are so skinny!"
It was the official start to Danny and Alessandra's relationship. Overall, they were good together. Alessandra had a temper and Danny remained calm about most things, allowing them to balance each other out. Danny worked full time as a mechanic. Growing up poor, Danny always seem to understand more about the world than Aless did. Yet being forced to be the man of the house at early age had cause Danny to forget that he was still young. Often, he acted too old for his age. So, Aless helped him have fun. With Aless, Danny could be twenty, not forty.
Around the time that Aless met Danny's family, Danny also met Kayla. In the beginning the three got along wonderfully and Alessandra was excited to be able to hang out with both her best friend and her boyfriend. By the second month of their official dating, Kayla seemed to change around Danny. She was more distant and even resentful acting. Every time Aless mentioned it, however, Kay would say that she was imagining it.
"Maybe I just want some actual girl time," Kay finally said when Aless would not drop the topic. "All you ever do is hang out with Danny. We never have just us time. I mean when was the last time we went out dancing, just the two of us?"
"I am sorry, Kay. I thought we did. I can make more time," Alessandra apologized.
Feeling guilty, Aless wanted to make Kayla feel included, but part of her wondered why it was never an issue when Kay had a boyfriend. When Kay was in a relationship, Aless was constantly Kay's second choice. Aless had always accepted it and tried to understand, yet now that Aless had a boyfriend it was an issue. It seemed unfair and part of Aless felt as if Kayla was hiding something from her.
After a month and half of Kayla acting weird, Aless brought the subject up to Danny, which instantly became visible uncomfortable. They were hanging out one Hyaloc at a local frozen dessert place when Aless finally mentioned her concerns to Danny. Surprised, Danny didn't speak for long moment.
"What?" she pushed.
She studied the serious lines around his face.
"It's nothing," he tried to wave it off.
"It must be something for you to say it's nothing," Alessandra countered, annoyed.
"It is really nothing," Danny insisted.
His face told another story. A slight flush was creeping up his cheeks.
"Danny, I want to know the truth. What is going on between Kay and you?"
"Nothing, honestly. It's just I'm not crazy about Kay because she tried testing me."
"What do you mean testing you?"
His discomfort increased. Danny began fidgeting in his chair.
"Danny?"
"A few weeks after you introduce Kayla and me, we were all hanging out at that restaurant you guys like. You know the one with the big fried ice cream thing."
"Yes, I know which one you mean. I remember that night. So, what happened?"
"You left to use the restroom and Kayla put her hand on mine and leaned in close. At first, I thought she was just trying to make a snarky comment about one of the other customers like you two do together, but she just smiled at me."
"Okay…"
"When I asked what was so funny, she told me nothing and that she liked looking at me. I thanked her, but I was very confused. Then she said that we should hang out some time. I told her sure, that we'd just check with you to see when we were all free again. She said not the three of us, just her and me."
Leaning forward, Aless listened intently. As Danny continued to speak, he began to wave his hands around a little just as he always did when he was uncomfortable.
"I became even more confused and asked why. Kay said she wanted to get to know me better. I figured that wasn't a bad idea, so I was like sure, we should be friends since we are both important to Aless."
Alessandra listened with her stomach clenching. She didn't like where this was going. She trusted Danny and she trusted Kayla, but this sounded like it was going somewhere bad, which wasn't possible because Kayla had been her best friend since second grade. There is no way Kay would actually hit on Aless's boyfriend. It didn't make sense.
"Kay then told me that she didn't want to hang out as friends. That she wanted to get to know me more personally and she drew little hearts on my hand with her fingernail. I guess I responded a little harshly. I pulled my hand away and asked her if she was crazy. I asked what the hell she was thinking because she was your best friend and you were my girlfriend. Did she actually think I was that type of guy? Kayla's face went blank and she didn't speak for a moment then she burst out laughing.
"That made me mad and I asked why she was laughing. Kayla told me that she couldn't believe I thought she was serious. That she was just teasing and testing me because I was your first real relationship in a long time. That I didn't need to bite her head off. I didn't say anything else and she kept laughing talking about how serious I had gotten. Eventually I shrugged it off, but I didn't like her testing me like that. I get she was looking out for you but what if I was a creep or something? I don't know. I guess I haven't like Kayla that much since then and she probably can tell."
He looked at his hands and Alessandra thought about it. She could suddenly remember a day when they had been out together as a threesome and had used the restroom. When she had returned Danny and Kayla had seemed awkward and flustered. Instantly, she knew that had to be the day Danny just told her about.
"I am sorry she did that. She didn't have the right to test you like that. I trust you and I hope you didn't think I had anything to do with it," she finally said.
Taking a hold of his hand, Aless studied the scars that covered both sets of knuckles. She still hadn't gotten the courage to ask what the scars were from.
"I know you didn't, Aless. And I know she meant well, but I don't know. It's silly…"
"She hurt your ego. I get it. I just hope that in time you two will get over it and be able to be friends. You are both very important to me."
"You planning on keeping me around for a while then?"
"Long as I can have you."
Kissing gently, Aless wished the knot in her stomach would go away. Kayla had never once tested any guy Aless had dated before. She trusted Kayla and Danny, but it just didn't sit right. Yet Kayla would never actually try to steal Alessandra's boyfriend. Best friends just didn't do that.
Aless debated about asking Kay about it but found that when she had the chance the next day she couldn't. Too scared and embarrassed to bring up what Danny had told her, Aless suggested that Kay, Danny and her all hang out that night.
"We could go out dancing or something," Aless suggested.
"That sound awesome! Maybe Danny could bring a friend for me since I'm back on the market," Kay giggled.
Kay had briefly dated a guy named Lance from their school, but the relationship had lasted only two weeks.
"Sure, I bet his best friend DJ will be available."
"Is DJ cute?"
"Super cute. He's twenty too."
"Great! Set it up!"
Aless purposefully didn't mention that DJ was a mechanic like Danny, because Kay would have immediately changed her mind. Kay had a bad habit of ignoring perfectly nice guys just because they didn't have money. Confirming with Danny, Aless told Kay that everything was set. Excited, Kay began talking, babbling on like her normal self. In fact, she seemed genuinely excited for their plans to hang out with Danny and DJ. Aless struggled to piece together her friend's behavior and Danny's story.
Strolling home later that afternoon, Alessandra mulled it over. Did she really have any reason to doubt Kayla? No, she rationalized. Did she really have any reason to doubt Danny? Another no. She was over thinking it, she told herself. Kay probably saw how serious Aless felt about Danny and that's why she tested him. Never before had Aless been so crazy about a guy. Kay had just been acting as a good friend.
Wiping her forehead, Alessandra smiled in the sun. It was hot for fall, but Aless didn't mind. A shadow passed by and stopped next to her. Turning, she saw a large delivery truck with the same delivery guy from months before.
"You doing okay?" he inquired politely.
"Yes, just walking home," she smiled.
"You need a ride?" he offered.
"No but thank you."
"Are you sure? I'm headed that way."
Pausing, Alessandra looked at her watch. Danny would be coming over in a little over an hour and walking would take her another twenty minutes. With the heat, she wanted to shower and dress before he had arrived. Their relationship was too new for her to be okay with being sweaty.
"Okay, sure. I'd appreciate the ride."
Holding out a hand, the man pulled her up into the truck and she took the seat next to him. Cold air blared out of the truck's vents and she sighed a little in relief. The man smiled and took off. For a long moment they were silent.
"I'm sorry I didn't properly introduce you to my friend Kay. I didn't know how to pronounce the name I saw on your shirt the first time we met," Alessandra finally admitted.
"Just call me Bal," the man laughed.
His laugh was soft and delicate. It was not feminine, just airy sounding rather than deep and heavy.
"Alright then. Thank you for the ride, Bal," Aless smiled.
"You're welcome…?" he started.
"Alessandra," she offered.
"Ah, okay. You're welcome, Alessandra."
He took a right turn and Aless had to brace herself, so she wouldn't fall into his lap. Apologizing, he explained that he wasn't used to considering passengers.
"You always ride alone?" she asked out of curiosity.
"Yeah, delivering packages isn't rocket science so I man the truck alone."
"Does it get boring?"
"Sometimes, but at least I'm not stuck in an office."
"That's true. Did you always want to become a delivery guy?"
Glancing at her, Bal raised an eyebrow.
"That was a stupid question," Aless acknowledged.
He laughed, taking another left turn.
"Naw, it's okay. I have only been in Mᴔjin for four or five months. It was the first job I could get."
"Where are you from originally?"
"Alᵫmdaun."
"Really? I've never been there."
"You should go when you can. It is beautiful. Large lakes, rolling green hills. Freshest air of anywhere I have ever been."
"Sounds beautiful. Why did you come to Mᴔjin?"
"Work."
"But you just said that you are delivery man because it was the first job you could get."
Clearing his throat, Bal nodded. Reaching for a bottle of water, he took a large sip before answering.
"Yeah, that's right. I came originally with a job in mind, but it fell through. That's why I do this now."
"Oh, okay."
Something about his answered seemed false, but Aless didn't feel it was her place to question him. If he was lying, he had to have a reason.
"How old are you?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Twenty-six. Your, what, seventeen?"
"Yeah. I'll be eighteen during in the Golden Moon Month."
"Wow, that's pretty close."
"It is. My friend Kay will be turning eighteen next month."
"Are you doing anything special for her birthday?"
"Naw, probably a girls' night out dancing."
"Do you all always go to clubs underage?"
"There aren't any clubs for minors, so what choice do we have?"
"Not going."
Giving him an incredulous look, Alessandra couldn't tell if he was being serous.
"Those clubs can be dangerous," he insisted.
"I know how to take care of myself in a club."
"What about that…"
"Do not bring up Tyler. That was a special case. It's different when you know the guy, but with a stranger I have no problem telling him to back off."
"Why is it different?"
"I'm not sure. It just feels different. Like I know this person, so I don't want to be too mean."
"But it's okay to mean to strangers."
"Hell yeah. If some weirdo is grabbing up on me, you bet your ass I'm going to break his pinky finger."
For a moment, Bal just stared at Aless then he burst out laughing. Removing his foot from the gas pedal, Ball laughed for a long time before regaining control of himself.
"You are funny, Alessandra.
"You can call me Aless. Everyone does."
"How about Ale?"
"That works too. I'm not picky. Just don't call me Catherine."
"Weird, but okay…Gotcha."
Taking a final turn, Bal pulled up to Aless's house.
"You didn't have any packages to deliver on the way here?" Aless asked.
"I did but I'll swing back around and do them. Thought I'd get you home first."
"That was nice of you. Thank you."
"No problem, Ale. I'll see you around."
Climbing out of the truck, Aless waved goodbye as Bal drove off.
"Huh," Aless smiled. "He seems pretty cool."