The next few days I spent trying to stay away from everyone. I didn't really answer any phone calls or texts. Adrian was the only person I could think about. He saw me.
The damaged, broken me and there was nothing I could do about it. Now he won't stop texting or calling and I want to answer because a part of me is ready to open up again, but I can't get myself to do it. I'm afraid of falling in too deep and it doesn't help that he comes over at least three to four times a day. He'll knock, he'll yell my name and it drives me crazy. I just need a little more time and then we could talk and act like nothing happened.
Then Friday hit, I was headed home from school when I saw Alice and Jesse holding hands outside an ice cream shop. They looked happy. It wasn't hard to tell that they had the beginning of something real. I kept driving and eventually got home. When I pulled up, Adrian was sitting on the porch. He was wearing some long, gray shorts and a black muscle shirt with some white socks and black slippers. His hair was messy and all over the place. He looked at me. All I needed to do is act like nothing happened and everything would be okay. I got out of my car and started walking towards him. He then got up and stood in front of me with concern written all over his face.
"Hey," he said.
"Yes?"
"I've been calling and texting you. Is everything okay"?
"Yeah, I'm good. Are you okay?".
"Yeah, why?"
"Because, you look like a bum".
"I woke up late and decided to stay home, plus I've been worried about you so, here I am".
"Okay? If that's the excuse then awesome I guess".
I started for the door but he stopped me.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Everything is fine Adrian. I'm okay, chill out".
"OH MY GOSH", he screamed.
I nearly jumped out of my skin.
"What's wrong with you stupid", I asked while trying to calm myself down.
"You said it".
"Said what?"
"My name, you said it", he said as he grinned from ear to ear.
"Are you serious right now?"
"Dead serious. This technically means we're lovers".
"Ur done".
"Yeah, done trying to fight the love I have for you".
I punched him square in his chest. He instantly hit the floor and grabbed his chest, trying to catch his breath.
"Right, cheesy makes you violent", he said as he gasped for air.
I laughed.
"You remembered"?
"I remember everything about you", he said, finally able to breathe again.
He looked at me and smiled. I looked down trying not to give him the satisfaction of a "well done".
"Hey, would you maybe wanna come in"?
"Really", he asked with excitement.
"Calm down schwick. It's not that deep, but yes".
"I'd love to".
We walked inside and went to my room. I shut the door, threw my bag on the floor, and plopped down on my bed. Adrian sat down next to me and began rambling about something that had happened. A part of me was listening but for the most part i was just staring at him. The way his eyes lit up, the way his muscles would flex anytime he used his hands to describe something, the way his lips always looked so soft. This was really something but I could never let him know that. At some point I guess I ended up staring off into space and about 30 minutes go by, everything was quiet. Staring at the wall, I hear him sigh.
"What"?
"Nothing, just taking in the scenery. You know they say a person's room says a lot about said person".
"Really?"
"Yes, ma'am".
"And what does mine say about me?"
"It says, 'I love Adrian'".
"Shut up, seriously!!!" I demanded, leaning toward him and shoving him.
"Okay, okay, it says... Creativity".
"2 band posters and a painting and you got Creativity?"
"Well when you put it like that, it doesn't really make any sense. However, due to the notebooks on your desk, the piano and guitar in the corner, the pencils, and the balled-up pieces of paper scattered throughout the room, I'd say Creativity is most definitely what this room screams when you look in the right place. Not including the fact that you told me you made music. Then again, it could just be a lucky guess. So tell me gorgeous, was I right" he asked, turning and looking at me.
I turned and looked at him. This dude really came in here and outed me. I feel offended, yet intrigued. So intrigued that I didn't realize how close we were. Our faces only inches apart, I leaned forward by his ear and whispered:
"Don't call me gorgeous".
I then got up and went to the kitchen. Ugh, he gives me chills and I hate it. I grabbed two water bottles from the fridge and went back to the room. After I shut the door, I tossed him his water and started walking toward my desk when he grabbed my hand. Then he pulled me close and sat me down with my legs on each side of his. He then took his hands and placed it against my lower back, pulling me even closer. Our bodies centimeters apart, he whispers, "Well if I didn't tell you the truth then I'd be lying to you. Is that what you want?". My breathing became heavy. I couldn't explain it but I somehow felt safe in his arms, like I'd been here before. Out of it, I put my hand on his cheek. His breath soft against my lips, I was ready to initiate anything at this moment. Right when our lips were about to touch, I heard the front door unlock. I jumped up and whispered, "Shoot".
Moving away quickly, he asked silently, "Is that your dad?"
"Yes! Get in the closet".
"I get to come over and meet your dad on the same day???"
"No stupid, move!!!"
He runs into the closet and closes the door quietly. I quickly laid down pretending to scroll through my phone while trying to catch my breath. Footsteps approached the door and then it opened.
"Hey dad, you're home early".
"Hey little one, you're home pretty early as well. Everything okay?"
"Yeah, Alice and Jesse are kind of a thing now so I have a little more freedom".
"Oh okay. Well that's good for them and how's Lucas?"
I immediately rolled my eyes.
"I guess I got my answer," he said as he laughed.
"He can be a lot at times".
"Well, he does li-"
"Dad, don't start".
"Fine, fine. I'm gonna go ahead and get some rest okay? You should too".
"Alright, good night dad".
"Good night little one".
He shut the door and began walking to his room. Once the footsteps faded away completely, I let out a small giggle. Adrian opened the closet door and came out. I got up and looked at him trying to contain my laughter.
"Dawg, that was a close call", he said while laughing quietly.
"Yea, way too close", I said while walking to him.
"Well, it doesn't have to end here", he said while wrapping his arms around my waist.
I quickly shoved him away and pointed at the window.
"Goodbye".
" Dang it's like that?"
"Yes and will always be like that", I said as I grinned.
"I don't know, you seemed pretty into it".
"I did not, I was simply...trying to…get a better look at the rats nest on your head" I said as I tried to fix his hair.
"Oh whatever".
"I'm serious, now get out".
"Ughhhhhhh okay", he moaned as he walked toward the window. He moved the curtain, opened it, and stuck his right leg through it. Struggling for a while, he was finally able to get out.
"Watching that was a little intense" I said as I walked toward the window.
"Oh yeah?"
"Mhm", I sighed as I bent down.
"Looks like you're gonna need a bigger window".
"And why's that?"
"Aren't I an honorary member now? You even said my name today, that's got to count for something" he claimed as he leaned towards me. I felt his breath against me again but this time I leaned away.
I began to close the window, "Goodnight Stripe".
"Wait, are we still on for tomorrow" he asked with concern and excitement.
At first I was hesitant, but a promise is a promise so I said, " Yes, now go home. Good night".
"Goodnight gorgeous".
He looked at me and smiled. Then he turned and began walking toward his house. I locked the window, closed the curtain, and decided to change. I don't know how we almost…..I just can't stop myself around him. It's like he's got this hold on me, but we're moving way too fast. But with him, is fast a bad thing? I put on some shorts and a long t shirt and laid back down. I don't know what it is about that boy, but I was kind of looking forward to seeing him again.