Never too late

By: zzmbrashear


Never too late

By: zzmbrashear


“Danielle Joy McKinley, get you butt out to that bus! I swear I will take your phone away for a month if you miss it!” My father yelled to me as I was putting on my shirt shirt.
“Yes Zachary McKinley, oh I’m sorry I mean ‘dad’.” I said back to him a in very snotty tone as I ran down the stairs and grab my bag. I have state testing today and was in no mood to be rushed.
“Get your butt back to your room and put on some clothes! We are a Christian family and you are not one of those burlesque dancers.” My dad said while pointing to the stairs. I was so pissed. I’m 15, doesn’t that make me old enough to dress my self!
When I got on the bus Jerry, bus driver, said have a good day. School was the last place I want to be, that is besides my own house. Jordan was waiting for me when I got off the bus. He was almost 18 and my dad wouldn’t approve so I had to only see him at school. I had 15 minutes with him every morning but since I was running late we had to cut it short.
“Come on, only ten minutes today.” I told him.
“Babe, how can I get enough of those lips in that little time?” He said while giving me a kiss.
“Well we’ll have to make due.” I said while kissing him back. When I got to the front doors I thought I had enough time but I was wrong and Sidney was waiting for me.
“Hey girl, we are late for first period.” She said while motioning me to the door because the bell rang and she wasn’t suppose to be letting me in late. Trixie caught me though. She is the hall monitor, plus the “queen bee” so to speak.
“Late! And thats detention.” She said while writing me a slip.
“Who’s watching your mutts while your here dictating?” I asked in the most sarcastic voice. She gave me a dirty look and handed me the slip and walked away. “I wonder what my dad will say about the fifth pink slip this week and its only Tuesday.” I said while looking at Sidney and then we both laughed.
When I walked into first period Science everybody stared. When I sat in my seat my teacher asked why I was late and I said because my boyfriend couldn’t stick his tongue down my throat fast enough. She got mad and sent me to the principles room. She was not surprised to see me.
“Ah ha, Mrs. McKinley nice to see you again.” She said while getting out her files. “Whats the excuse this time?” She asked.
“Sorry, I didn’t get up early enough.” I said while taking my seat. I usually give a smart ass comment but didn’t today.
School was pretty boring. When I got home, now thats when the fun started.
“Danielle honey, were is my jacket?” My mother Claire asked me.
“I don’t know. It wasn’t my day to watch it.” I said.
“I know your father isn’t much of a punisher but I am and I will take your phone away.” She said while giving me the evil eye. I went to my closet and took her jacket out and handed it to her. “Thank you.”
“Don’t you look fresh.” My dad said to my mom.
“Ah. Dad, don’t say that.” I told him while brushing shoulders with him in the doorway.
“But isn’t that what the kids are saying now?” He replied and that made my mom and me laugh.
“No. They are saying hott, with two t’s.” I said with a chuckle.
“Well no guys better be calling you hott with two t’s.” He said while giving me the exact same stare my mom gave me. I wonder who learned it from who.
“No dad.” I said.
“Alright Zak. We got to go or we will be late.” My mom said while smacking his butt.
“Ewwww..... When will you get home from the dinner party?” I asked.
“Maybe around twelve and no boys.” My dad said.
“Dang. Now I have to change my plans.” I said in a sarcastic voice. All my plans were is to have my friend Braydon come over. We have been neighbors since before I can remember. We study all the time and have fun too. We make it a game instead of just boring studying.
“All right darling.” My dad said while putting his hand on my head and messing up my hair. “We will be back later and tell Braydon that their is soda in the fridge. I love you.”
“Stay out of trouble.” My mom screamed as she walked out the door. Shortly after that the doorbell rang and Braydon was over. Today he brought Meagan with him. Its not that I don’t like Meagan, its that well, she likes Braydon. A lot. We use to be best friends but then I found out she liked Braydon. She knows I like Braydon but he doesn’t know that. A real friend wouldn’t think about there friend that they like.
“I hope you don’t mind, Dani. Meagan called me and I didn’t wanna blow you off so I thought we could all chill.” Braydon said. Meagan flashed me a smile but I gave her a look and looked back a Braydon. He knew I didn’t like the idea with the expression I had on my face. Braydon walked over to me and whispered to me,
“Just for a day. Okay? I promise I will take her home if you you guys have any problems.” I didn’t wanna say yes but I did. I nodded my head then he kissed my cheek. It gave me goosebumps. Meagan gave me a mean look but that was okay. “So ladies, wanna watch a movie?” He asked.
“Sure. How about we watch Friday the 13?” I asked and Meagan jumped up and said yes. When we were watching it Braydon sat in the middle. “Anyone want any popcorn?” I asked. Braydon said yes then I got up and went to the kitchen. When I got back I saw them kissing. I was stunned. I dropped the bowl of popcorn. Braydon and Meagan jumped up.
“Dani!” Meagan screamed. “Dani, I swear!”
“Don’t! Just don’t.” I said in a disappointed tone. I walked to my room and locked the door. It was hard to hold back the tears. I could hear them talk through the vent in the floor:
Braydon: Why was she upset?
Meagan: Its not in my place to tell you.
Braydon: Its not like we planned it.
(Meagan was silent for a minute)
Meagan: Braydon, I’ll tell you but don’t tell her I told you. Dani likes you. A lot.
Braydon: I know.
(I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it.)
Meagan: What?
Braydon: Its not hard to tell. I know were best friends and all but I know the signs. She stares just a little too long and hugs just a little too tight. I love her but just as a sister.
Meagan: She was my best friend. She really loves you. How can you know that and not tell her?
Braydon: Hmmm..... Meagan I just don’t think I like her that way.
Meagan: Her heart will be broken.
(I heard enough. I went down stairs.)
“Uhm.” I said. The immediately stood up.
“Dani,” Meagan started to say but I interrupted.
“Why?” I asked.
“We didn’t plan it. Something popped up on the screen and it scared me so I hid in Braydon’s arms, then when I looked up we kissed. It wasn’t planned.” Meagan said.
“I heard the whole conversation.” I told Braydon.
“I never wanted to hurt you.” He told me.
“Thats okay. I have to clean up so I think you guys should leave.” I told them.
“Danielle, please don’t.” Braydon tried to say.
“No, leave.” I pointed to the door. They grabbed there bag and left. When the door slammed shut I fell to my knees and cried. Then I heard my moms car pull in the drive way. I quickly picked up the popcorn and wiped my eyes.
“Dani Belle, are you awake?” My mom said when she opened the door.
“Yea, ma I’m awake.” I said while walking out of the kitchen. “I’m really tired. Im gonna go to bed I have school in the morning.”
“Before you do Pumpkin, we have something to tell you.” My dad mentioned. I walked back down the stairs and sat on the couch. “I got a job promotion!” My dad screamed. All I could think was this couldn’t come at a better time. “Were moving to New York! I know its a ways away from California but we will drive to save money.” My dad said. I thought this was perfect. I wont tell anyone.
“When?” I asked, trying to hold back the excitement. At least now I can get away from Braydon and him and Meagan can be together without me screwing it up.
“In two days. I know its soon but its what we have to do.” My mom said.
“Thats great! I will pack tomorrow.” I said then got up and went to my room. I stood at the top of the stairs and watched them for a second. They kissed and were so happy. He picked my mom up and then they playfully fell on the couch. When I went to my room I started to cry. I sat down on my bed and looked at the photos on my wall. They were of me and Braydon. I only had one recent one. It was of his football game a few weeks ago. I was on his back. He loved his jersey. It was the number 16. He loved that number because it was his age and he says that that’s the best years of his life. I miss spending time with him.

The next day I was packed by ten in the morning. Everything was loaded on the trucks except one thing. My room looked so empty. All there was was that picture. My favorite picture on the wall, nothing else. The only person I told I was moving was Jasmine. She has been one of my best friends since I don’t know when.
“Who am I gonna ditch gym class with?” She asked while wiping her tears.
“I don’t know. Aww, Jassy don’t cry. Your gonna make me cry.” I told her then we hugged.
“Dani, its not going to be the same. Your like the sister I never had. Promise to call me everyday.” She said.
“I promise.” I told her. When we pulled apart we wiped our tears. “Okay, I guess this is it.” I said as I opened the car door.
“Bye.” She said. When we left I looked out of the moving trucks. I watched her wave and disappear in the distance. Watching my life slowly disappear. We had an old victorian house and watching it disappear with Jasmine the further we drove almost broke my heart. I faced forward and turned on my music. The song Already Gone by Kelly Clarkson came up. I listened through half and then changed it because I felt tears coming. I fell asleep, when we got to the new town I woke up. Everything was so different. There was hardly any traffic and there was trees. Not palm trees but actual trees. The town we are living in is called Richfield Springs. We live in a part that has a lot of trees. Its pretty much isolated. There is no car horns or big mobs.
When I went to my room everything was already in it. I decided to take all my photos down, well at least the ones of Braydon. I went down stairs and headed for the door.
“Where are you going?” Mom asked. She was putting photos up on the wall and Dad was watching the game on TV.
“I was just gonna walk around. See whats to do.” I explained.
“Be back in an hour.” I opened the door and was half way out it before she remembered to say something else. “Oh! and be careful. We don’t know anyone in this town.
“Of course.” I said. The streets were not as crowded as California. This was going to take some getting use to. I went to the park and sat on the tire swing. My luck it started raining. I decided just to sit in it. What was the point of moving. When I look up I see these two teenage girls and a teenage boy. They are about my age. One of the girls runs to the boy and they kiss in the rain. It was so passionate. So beautiful. To have a love like that. I got up and started walking. I don’t know where I was walking but I was walking. Just to get away.
“I love you, Baby girl.” Says the boy when he holds her cheek and gives her another kiss.
“I love you too. So much.” I heard her reply. A tear fell down my cheek. I didn’t look where I was going and ran into the other girl.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I said.
“No, it was partly my fault.” She said. “Are you new around here?”
“Yea. I just moved into the house on Bronner.” She looked surprised and she nodded her head.
“I’m Kelly.” She told me while shaking my hand.
“Im Danielle but everyone calls me Dani.”
“Okay Dani, do you wanna chill with us for a bit?” She asked. The people around here are really nice. All I could think was I wonder if they know I’m gone.
“Sure. That would be great.” I said then she yelled at her friends to come and meet me.
“Hey guys this is Dani, Dani this is John and Maria. Dani is going to hang with us because she’s new.” Kelly said.
“Nice to meet you.” Maria said.
“Where you from?” John asked.
“Im from California.” I said. They looked surprised.
“Wow. Thats cool. It must be a big transformation.” Maria stated.
“Yeah, defiantly. You know the show, Innocent Menace?” I asked.
“Yes.” Everyone replied.
“I was the innocent menace. That was when I was younger. I played Sally.” I told them and they all looked surprised like they saw the show.
“Why would you move?” Maria asked.
“My dad got a new promotion and I was too old to say the innocent menace thats why a different girl does it now.. Don’t tell anyone okay.” I said in a serious voice.
“Okay.” They said.
“Well, I think I should get going.” I said.
“No. Please don’t go.” Kelly said. “We can go to the school play ground and hang there for a second.”
“Okay but I don’t think I can stay long.” I said. When we got to the play ground I was confused. There was no little kids just big kids acting like little kids. Apparently this was one of the hang out spots. I chuckled quietly. As soon as we got to the bleachers and sat down a guy said heads up and threw a football our way. I caught it and then threw it back. Then the guy who threw it came over.
“Woah. Where did you learn to throw like that?” He asked.
“Oh. Where I use to live, my best friend Braydon and I use to play all the time.” I told him.
“Awesome. I’m Jesse.” He said.
“I’m Danielle, but you can call me Dani.” I said. Kelly nudged my arm and smiled. I guess she noticed he was flirting with me too.
“Well, we were just going to start a game. Wanna play?” He asked.
“Yea but I think Kelly should play too.” I said and nudged Kelly.
“Alright. Here we go.” She said. She took off her sweatshirt and walked off the bleachers. She saw her boyfriend Tom. She ran up and kissed him. “This is for you babe.” She said while smacking his butt. We played full on football. No tag or any girly stuff like that. Kelly threw a spiral to me. I caught it then was heading for the touch down. I was two feet away then Jesse got me. He didn’t tackle me, he sort of grabbed me then lightly fell on top. I’m just happy he didn’t treat me like one of the guys and tackle me. He fell on top of me and we locked eyes. I heard Tom say come on man, at that moment we were about to kiss but I couldn’t at least not like that. I rolled on top of him and we were still locked on each others eyes. Then I stood up and brushed off.
“I should get going.” I told them.
Kelly said, “ But Dani, the game just started.”
I told her, “I know but I was suppose to be home an hour ago. I will see you guys later.”
“Okay then, bye.” Kelly said while waving. After I got about 100 feet away I heard a voice. It was Jesse.
“Hey Dani, wait up.” He said. Once he caught up to me he caught his breath. “Can I walk you home?”
“Uh. Sure.” I said.
“Sorry about the tackle.” He mentioned. Jesse had wavy semi long hair and he wore a Holister sweat shirt with Nike skater shoes. I thought he is cute.
“No problem. Football is rough.” I chuckled. He chuckled too. When I got to my door he stopped me before I touched the door knob.
“Listen Dani, I would like to take you out on a date or something.” He said.
“Oh, yea that sounds fun.” I said.
“Your not like the rest, are you? Your something Dani. I’m looking forward to figuring you out.” He said. Then he started walking away. “Pick you up at 8.” When I got inside I went straight to my room. Then I heard a knock at my door. I opened it and it was my mother.
“Jasmine called.” She said.
“Okay, I will call her right now.” I said while plopping down on my bed.
“Oh and who was that boy?” She asked.
“Just someone I met.” I told her and she gave the sound umh and then left. I picked up my cell and called Jasmine. I hadn’t talked to her in so long.
“Hey, Hows life in California? Has it changed much?” I asked.
“No girl but we miss you so much. We all do. When are you coming to visit?” She asked. I really didn’t know when but I’m defiantly going to visit.
“Soon I hope.” I said. “Hows school?”
“Good. Your lucky you don’t have to start yet. Listen Dani, Braydon has been asking about you. I didn’t say anything.” She said. I don’t want him to know where I was. He was better off with out me.
“Don’t say anything. Please.” I told her.
“I was with him when he went to your house. He went to your room and saw the picture. He started crying. Dani, he misses you.” She told me. I felt a tear.
“Jasmine you know I can’t.” I said.
“I know girl. Well I have homework. I will call you some time this week. Love you, bye.” Then she hung up. I miss her so much. Its so hard not to have someone who is like your sister. I was really happy that Jesse asked me out. Jesse showed up at 8 and I ran outside and got in his truck. It was raining. The sound of the rain was so soothing on the top of his truck.
“So where are we going?” I asked.
“You’ll see.” He told me. I wasn’t sure what we would be doing so I dress casual. I saw he was dressed casual too so that made me sure we weren’t doing anything big. When we got to the spot I was shocked. It was a skating rink. I use to skate all the time. When I got out of his truck he opened the door for me. “I hope you like skating.” He said as he opened an umbrella and held it over my head. He put one arm around me then the other was holding the umbrella.
“I love skating.” I told him. When we got inside we put on our skates and then hit the rink. As soon as we did they called couples skating, which means only couples can be on the rink. Jesse and I held hands and skated. After a while we sat down.
“Tell me about you.” Jesse said.
“What do you want to know?” I asked while giving a chuckle.
“Everything.” Is what he replied.
“Okay. I’m 15 turning 16 in a week. I have no siblings. My parents met in a weird way. I had the most best friends you could have. I’m from California. I use to star in a show as a child.” I told him. “Anything else?”
“Why did you move here? Don’t you miss your friends?” He asked. I didn’t want to tell him about Braydon but if I want this relationship to last I can’t keep anything from him.
“I moved because my Dad got a job up here. I miss my friends dearly. Especially my friend Braydon.” I told him then looked down.
“Oh.” He paused. “There’s a guy.”
“We were best friends since we were babies. I grew to love him. More than he loved me. He didn’t feel the same and ended up liking one of my other friends so the move happened at a great time. I only told my friend Jasmine. She is the only one who knew I was moving.” I told him then he didn’t look as sad.
“I’m sorry.” He said.
“Yea. So um wanna dance?” I asked. There was a small dance floor in the corner. We danced to I don’t believe you by P!nk. It was so nice. The slow motion, together we danced as one. I laid my head on his shoulder and he kissed my head. Then when the song was over we didn’t stop dancing. We stayed together, hugging.
When the rink closed we were going to his truck. It was still raining. When we got to the truck I put his skates in the back and my foot twisted and I fell... But he caught me. Then our eyes locked. My glasses were blurred because of the rain. He slowly pulled me in for a kiss. We kissed for what seem like forever. Then he started helping me up into the truck but I jumped into his arms and we started kissing. He lifted me into the back seat and gently laid on me while we were kissing. He shut the door with his feet. We switched positions. We were there for more than an hour. We started taking our clothes off. We could hear the pitter patter of the rain on his truck. The windows were fogged up. When I got down to my bra I snapped into reality.
“Jesse?” I said. He stopped and looked up at me. “I can’t.” I told him.
“Dani honey.” He said. “I’m a virgin too. I’m ready but if your not thats fine. We can do this and not have sex.” Then he touched my cheek and kissed my forehead. “Don’t ever feel like I’m rushing you. Tell me if I’m going over your boundaries.” He put his shirt back on and zipped up his pants. I buttoned my shirt on and put my belt back on. We both got out of the back seat and I wiped the steam off of my glasses. A couple who passed us gave us a dirty look. I didn’t care. That was amazing. The mixture of his warm, muscular body touching mine and the rain was so romantic. When I do have sex I hope it will be as magical as that. When we got to my house it was still raining. He walked me to my door.
“I had so much fun.” He said.
“I did too. I hope we can do it again.” I told him.
“Yea. Can I have your number?” He asked.
“Oh course. Can I see your cell?” I asked. He handed me his phone and I put me into his contacts and handed his phone back to him.
“I will call you.” He said. It was raining hard and we were soaking wet. He turned and started to go to his car.
“Jesse!” I yelled. He turned and I ran into his arms. We had the most powerful kiss. I finally had my kiss in the rain. I felt like time stopped. I could see us kissing, like I was watching it. Then I pulled away before I did something stupid. “Sorry.”
“For what?” He asked. He was breathless.
“Kissing you.” I told him.
“I think I kissed you back.” He said with a laugh.
“Nah.” I told him. “I will be expecting a call from you.” Then I turned and headed for the door. Then I heard him say my name. I turned around and he grabbed me and put two hands on my face and kissed me. I was so happy. He felt what I felt. I stood there speechless when he pulled away.
“Now that was me.” He said. We both laughed. We both turned and went in the opposite directions. When I got to my room I looked at my cell and I had a voice mail. When I checked it it was Jesse. “Hey girl. Its just me saying that I love spending time with you. I’m taking you out tomorrow because I cant stand to be away from you for more than a day. I will pick you up at 4 and by the way the kiss was amazing. Don’t change a thing about you Dani. Your amazing just the way you are.” Then he hung up. I couldn’t believe it. I called Jasmine the very next second and told her everything.
“Are you serious?” She said as I finished telling her everything from the football game to the message.
“Yes.” I told her. I was so happy.
“Danielle?” She said. I knew she was serious cause she always calls me Dani.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Have you forgotten?” She asked. She was sincere.
“About what?” I asked. I didn’t know what she meant.
“Braydon.” She said. I almost dropped the phone.
“Jasmine. He broke my heart, not the other way around. I will never forget him but I need to move on.” I told her. I could tell the phone was on speaker. I was wondering who was in the room with her. It was quiet for a while. “Jasmine? Are you there?” I asked. Then a voice came on the phone. It wasn’t Jasmines.
“Dani, how could you? How could you move and not say goodbye! Dani bear please come back!” Braydon said. I could tell he was crying. I started to cry. I couldn’t believe it. I was speechless so I hung up. Then one minute they called back but this time it was Jasmine.
“How could you put him on the phone! You know Jassy.” Then my voice got quieter and I wasn’t trying to hide the fact that I was crying.
“I’m sorry. He loves you. You have to know that. He didn’t know what he had till you were gone. Give him a chance. You two are my best friends, please you deserve to be happy. Together.” She said.
“I’m happy. Do you hear that? I’m finally happy. With out him. I’m happy with someone else. He blew his chance.” I told her. I could tell the phone was still on speaker and I heard him weep even more. Then they hung up. I was crying so much I had to catch my breath so I went for a walk. When I was walking I saw a sign that said free puppies. So I got one. He is a chocolate lab. He’s so tiny. I will name him Charlie. I walked for what must have been two hours. When I got back to the house I went to the living room to told my parents what I got. When I got through the front door I heard slamming and screaming. I have never heard my parents fight before.
“Hey Mom, I got a puppy!” I said so excited but she did listen, instead they were still fighting. My dad ran down the stairs with a suit case and my Mom was running after him screaming. They took it out side.
“How could you?” She said crying. “I thought we were happy. We have a daughter! How could you!”
“Claire, its not your fault. I just needed something new.” Then he got in his car and started rolling up the windows. I felt a tear go down my face. I put Charlie down and shut the door. I felt like I wasn’t even there.
“No! You can’t leave me! We have a family! You can’t leave me! Zachary! No!!!” She screamed while banging on his car as it drove away. She fell to her knees in the middle of the road. How could he see her in his rear view mirror and still keep going. I ran to her. She was crying so hard. I held her tight so she knew she wasn’t alone. She was still crying after an hour.
“Mom, its starting to get dark. We have to get inside.” I told her. She said no so I picked her up and put her inside on the couch. Charlie ran up and laid next to her. I was still in shock. How could he cheat on her. She doesn’t deserve it. She didn’t get up till seven days later. “Good to see you up.” I said when I saw her eating cereal at the breakfast table.
“Dani Bear, we need to talk about this.” She said and I agreed. “Your father cheated on me but we don’t need him. I want you to be totally honest with me from now on, okay?”
“Yea Mom always.” I told her. I had school today but I was scared of leaving her alone. I had every class with Jesse. He carried my books for me and always held me hand. The first day when he saw me walk through the front doors he ran to me and picked me up.
“Dani baby, its so good to see you!” Then he gave me a kiss. “I have some people I want you to meet.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me through the crowd to a little group. “Dani these are my friends.” He said while pointing to everyone. “This is Kyle and Kailey. This is Heather, Mark, and Josh. Kailey and Heather are on the cheerleading team and Mark Josh and myself are on the football team.” Then he pointed to me and said, “Everyone this is Dani. My girlfriend.” Then he put his arm around my waist. They all said hi. Mark and Josh and Jesse had to go to the locker room so I stayed with Kailey and Heather.
“So Dani right?” Kailey asked.
“Yes.” I said.
“Jesse is one of the good ones. Don’t take him for granted.” Heather said. Then I looked at him and he saw me then blew me a kiss.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” I replied. “So which one are you with?” I asked Heather.
“Mark.” She said.
“So, Josh is the odd one out.” I said joking around.
“Yea, I guess you could say that.” Kailey said. They all seemed so nice. Then Jesse and the rest of the guys came our way running. Josh was leading them.
“What are they doing?” I asked Heather.
“You’ll see.” She told me. Then Mark came and picked up Heather and then Kyle picked up Kailey and Jesse picked up me. We were all screaming but in the good way. They ran all the way to the football field outside. Then they sat us on the bleacher and ran to the field. I think it was a pep rally or something. The guys started playing a game of football while us girls sat on the bleachers.
“Why can’t we play with them on the field?” I asked all of them.
“Because its a guy sport.” Kailey said.
“Well, I’m gonna change that.” I told them then walked to the field. I talked with the guys and they allowed me to play. Mark threw a horrible spiral to me and I looked for an open but there was no one open so I ran. I was just about to throw the ball into the goal then I got tackled. Jesse fell right on top of me. He looked me in the eye and then kissed me. Then I rolled over on top of him.
“Cheap shot.” I said then chuckled. When I got up the guys looked at there girls and winked. Then the girls came to play. They were really good. The game lasted about an hour before I was totally dirty. I climbed into Jesse’s truck. We sang songs together in the car. I tried to make small talk.
“So how many girlfriends have you had?” I asked. He laughed and glanced at me. Then he picked up my hand and kissed it and said,
“Just you.” I was surprised. He seemed so experienced. He was sweet and everything nice. “How many have you had?”
“I have never had any girlfriends.” I said and chuckled. He gave me that look that says you know what I mean. “I have only really loved one but he didn’t feel the same way.” I looked down to avoid his face. We were quiet for most of the ride. “Where are we going?” I asked because nothing look familiar.
“My house.” He said with a smirk.
“What?” I said with a loud tone.
“Well, I can’t bring you home like that.” He said and pointed to the mud. I didn’t reply, I was someone irritated that he didn’t warn me. When I got out of his truck we walked into his house.
“I can’t meet your parents looking like this.” I told him in a serious voice.
“Its okay, relax. They’re not home.” He said with confidence. I hopped into the shower first. Then I heard a knock on the door and Jesse walked in.
“I have some of my sisters clothes that look like it will fit. Do you want company?” He asked, I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not. Then I opened the curtain and he dropped the clothes and his jaw.
“No, I’m done.” I said. Then I grabbed a towel and grabbed the clothes and walked out of the bathroom. His jaw was still dropped. I thought it was funny. When I got dress I came back into the bathroom. I dried my hair, then I looked at him.
“Are you okay?” I asked because he was in the same spot he was when I left to get dressed. He was still shirtless and speechless. I was in love with the metal picture I just took. His muscular body, his hair and baby blue eyes made me fall in love.
“I love you.” He said then grabbed me and bent me down and kissed me.
“What has gotten into you?” I asked.
“Shut up and kiss me!” He said. He picked me up and I wrapped my legs around him. He carried me to his room. Our lips didn’t separate. He laid me on his bed and still our lips didn’t separate. After making out for an hour or so we hear a door close. We look out side and see his parents walking into the house. “Shit! They can’t know your here.” He said and got up fast and put on his shirt.
“I think its a little late for that. We should go down stairs.” I said then he nodded his eyes. We tried sneaking down the stair but his mother caught us with out even looking.
“Jesse.” She said when we hit the last step.
“Yes, Mom.” He replied.
“Don’t be rude, introduce her.” She said then turned to me. My hair was still wet and a mess. I was wearing Jesses sisters dress.
“This is Dani.” He said while rubbing his neck. Then he turned to me. “Dani, this is my mom, Kim.” He said. He was wet from me being wet but he was also muddy from not taking a shower yet.
“Hello, nice to meet you.” I said.
“Its nice to meet you too.” Then she directed the conversation to Jesse. “Jess honey, you know the rule.”
“We just came from the school. We played a game of football and she was covered in mud. She came to shower before returning to her house. Thats all.” He said.
“Did you take a shower too?” She asked.
“No.” Jesse replied.
“Nice inside shirt.” She said. Then Jesse looked down and hit his head with stupidity. “She plays football?”
“Yes. Very well so.” Jesse told her.
“Hmm... I hope we meet again. Maybe under better circumstances next time.” She said to me. Jesse put his arm around me and motioned me to the door. When we got in his truck he pulled out of the driveway fast.
“Well, that was pleasant.” I told him. He laughed. When we got to my house we kissed and he said see you later. When I got inside my mom was waiting.
“Who was he?” She asked.
“A guy I’ve been seeing for almost a month now.” I told her.
“Why, haven’t I heard of him?” She asked.
“Because he wasn’t important enough. Mom, he is really important to me.” I told her smiling from ear to ear. She didn’t say anything for a while.
“Honey, don’t get too into it. I don’t want you to get hurt like I did.” She said then looked down.
“Truth is everyone is going to hurt you, you just have to find the ones worth hurting for.” I told her then went to my room. When I got there I had a missed message, it was from Braydon. He said,
“Dani, I miss you. I should have never let you go. Studying isn’t the same. Nothing is the same. Come back, Dani. Please.” Then he hung up. He sounded so sad and helpless, but he realized too late. I didn’t want to think of it anymore. I haven’t talk to Jasmine in a while because of what she did with Braydon on the other line.
Jesse took me out to a restaurant for our one month anniversary.
“Have you been here before?” I asked as he opened the door for me.
“No, this is my first time.” He told me. I had been bothered by the phone call from Braydon. I didn’t want it to affect the time I spent with Jesse but some how I knew it would. We sat down and I couldn’t help but daze off. I kept thinking of Braydon and what he said. “Dani. Dani!” Yelled Jesse when I didn’t answer.
“Yeah, sorry.” I said and looked him in the eyes to show I was paying attention.
“Is this about Braydon again?” He asked very mad.
“Jesse, I’m sorry but everyone has a past and its not my fault that mine is back!” I said. “I’m just going to leave. Happy one month anniversary!” I said in a loud sarcastic voice.
“Dani, don’t. Come back, Dani!” Jesse yelled from the table. When I walked out the door I heard him come after me. I kept walking and walking. I didn’t stop till I got to my house. I must have been walking for hours.
“Danielle! Where have you been?” My Mother asked as soon as I walked through the door. I saw Jesse standing next to her.
“What is he doing here?” I asked very hostile.
“I asked you something first. Where have you been!” She screamed.
“I walked home.” I stated. Jesse started to walk near me. “Don’t.” I told him in a very serious voice. He took three steps back.
“Why didn’t you ride home with Jesse?” She asked me. She looked at Jesse and he hung his head.
“Can we talk outside?” Jesse asked me.
“No.” I said and then my Mother gave me a look which I knew she was making me go talk things out. I headed out side and Jesse followed. We stood by his truck so my Mother couldn’t listen. “What do you want, Jesse?” I asked. He could tell I was ticked off.
“I’m sorry. I was wrong to question you. I know you would never do anything to hurt me.” Jesse told me. I didn’t say anything. “Dani, say something!”
“I think we should take a break.” I said and he dropped the books he had in his hand.
“What?” He asked. “You come into my life like a bullet headed for my heart and now you want to ‘take a break’? Don’t you understand that I love you?” He said. I loved Jesse but I wasn’t in love with Jesse. I didn’t say anything to him. I walked straight to my house. I didn’t want to leave him like that but I had to. I couldn’t keep leading him on when I know I would never be in love with him. When I got inside I knew my mother heard the whole thing. Later that day at dinner I decided to ask my Mom about something that we had never talked about.
“Mom?” I asked as she passed me the potatoes.
“Yes, honey.” She replied. I took a deep breath.
“Do you think Dad will ever come back?” I asked. She stopped dead in her tracks.
“Why?” She asked avoiding the question.
“I don’t know. I just miss him. You two seemed so happy.” I told her. I knew she was holding back tears.
“Danielle honey, you Father was only happy because he was banging his secretary in his free time. He was happy because he got what he wanted and not thinking about how it would affect his family. Your Father is a bastard!” She said. Her voice got louder towards the end. I know my Father cheated and I know it was wrong but he is my Dad and I can’t just forget him. My Mother and I didn’t talk the rest of dinner. Although I was kinda surprised about what she said I also expected it.
I would be in school right now if a idiot in our science department listened. Our school had a explosion in the science lab. Two kids mixed the wrong solutions and blew up half the floor. They were okay but were temporarily blind. I thought that they deserved it. When my Mom was at work I heard a knock at the door.
“Who is it?” I asked before touching the door knob.
“Jasmine.” The person answered. Once I heard there reply I quickly opened the door. It was Jasmine. At that moment all my hatred for her disappeared. She jumped in my arms.
“I’m so sorry Dani!” She said.
“Its okay. I forgive you.” I said. She looked at me in a weird way like she was hiding something. “What is it?” I asked her.
“Dani, your my best friend and I love you. I’m sorry I did this behind your back but you deserve to be happy.” She said and then stepped aside. Braydon walked through the door. I was speechless. He didn’t say anything either.
“Say something.” Braydon said. I wasn’t sure if I was furious or over flowed with love. I walked out side so he followed. It was partly dark and it was muggy. “Dani, say something.” He repeated.
“What do you expect me to say, Braydon? Do you want me to say that I couldn’t sleep? That I couldn’t even stand to get up in the morning but I had to? Do you want me to say that I thought about you every second of everyday? What do you want me to say?” I asked him. His tear hit the pavement like shattered glass.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you. The further you were went away the more I noticed I loved you.” He said to me. He tried to reach for my hand but I pulled away.
“Its too late.” I told him. I turned around and started for the house but he grabbed my hand.
“Its never too late.” He told me. My heart broke into a million pieces. What if he hurt me again? Could I take it? He pulled me in for a kiss. I saw Jasmine watching from the front door. After he kissed me I looked into his sparkling brown eyes.
“I love you.” He told me. I couldn’t believe it.
“I love you too.” I said with tears rolling down my cheeks. He wiped them and then hugged me.
I’m now fifty years old. I have been married for thirty years. Braydon and I have six grandchildren and three of our own. I’ve told the story of Braydon and I many times to my grand children and they keep wanting to hear it more. I don’t know what happened to Jesse. Braydon moved in with us. Jesse transferred to a different school. I still wonder what would have happened if I stayed with Jesse but I wouldn’t want to miss what had happened for the world.

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 29.09.2011

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