6 weeks earlier…

I watched her, somewhat stalker-like, for three days. And for three days she walked around oblivious to my existence. Or so I thought. She corned me in the girls bathroom, pushed me up against the wall, held my personal space captive and breathed on me. Sweet vanilla engulfed me, assaulting my senses.

Do you have any other questions about me or has everything already been answered.?

I did, but the nearness of her completely dismantled me.

Why so quiet? Cat got your tongue?
No, but you do, I said suddenly catching her off guard and kissing her.

The kiss was something I wouldnt ( even with all the words in the english language) be able to describe. The firm but softness of her lips, the way she took control even though I initiate I, the way only her lips were touching me and nothing else, all made me want her more.

We parted. With my eyes closed, with her forehead resting against mine, nothing but our labored breathes filled my ears. It was eerily quiet. Cemetaric ( a new word I made up) with silence, as if no one else was present in the universe. It gave me the chills.

Wow, I sighed.
She speaks, she laughed.

I felt a sudden cold emptiness replace the much desired warmth of her body. I opened my eyes and saw her back away from me. Her facial expression changed.

Do you think with that one unsuspecting kiss, Id be yours?
Yeah, I said confidently hoping my fear wasnt showing.

Her expression changed temporarily, smiling at my boldness.

Maybe, she smiled and then, but dont think its that easy. I dont like people asking about me. Even if its an amazingly cute girl who happens to be an equally amazing kisser. No, I dont like it. I prefer the upfront approach. I like knowing that Im wanted. The other way can lead to misunderstandings. I definitely dont like misunderstandings, especially ones dealing with my heart. Okay?

I stood still backed against the wall, watching her point fingers and wave her hands around. I guess with her questioning okay, it was time for me to speak.

Okay.
Okay, good, she smiled clapping her hands together.

The thunderous sound in the empty bathroom made me jump.

I know your name, Evan-Marie Porter-Kennard. Im Lindsey Morante, she introduced herself holding out her hand.

Smiling, I took it and said, Nice to meet you.

*****

I awoke that morning feeling terrible; more tired than anything. Too much thinking last night. My thoughts wouldnt stay quiet long enough to allow me to get some sleep. Thoughts ranging form a panicky why was my mother so calm last night and what did she say to Lindsey when she drove her home to impure thoughts about said girl. Not to mention when would Mr. Carville get off my back about his class (history). I nearly crawled into the kitchen and was met with Tinas cheery good morning. I muttered a grumpy greeting back. I sat at the table with my head on the place mat trying to catch a few sheep.

Hungry? Tina asked.
No, was my muffled reply.
Dont fall asleep. Were leaving in ten minutes.
Huh? I muttered.
Ten minutes.
Bette, give her a break. She woke up late.
And thats suppose to be my fault, my mother complained.

Her heels clicked violently off the kitchen linoleum onto the hardwood floor to her bedroom.

Evan, come here, Tina said.

I walked over to where she stood leaning against the kitchen and slumped my body into hers. She held me.

Want to stay home and sleep til noon? And then we could grab lunch at The Planet and fo shopping?

I drew my shoulder up at the word shopping.

Your kind of shopping, she added.

I was putting serious thought into her plan. I decided that it sound good.

Okay, I responded.

The clicking sound of her heels approaching caused me to snuggle deeper into Tinas embrace.

Tina, she sighed.

I could picture her brows furoring together with disappointment.

But then you wont get to see Lindsey. And give her a good morning kiss. And believe me when I say a good morning kiss is the sweetest kiss of them all. Do you know why?
No, I said with my eyes still closed.
Cause its the only thing you think about doing when you first wake up. Kiss the one you are deeply in love with, to taste their honest emotions on their lips and know that there is no where else they would rather be than to be kissing you.

She paused.

But were going to have a girls day out so you shouldnt even bother yourself with those thoughts.

Problem was I already did.

I think I should go to school. Yeah, I mean, I could have a pop quiz in…history and we all know I cant afford to miss that, I said pulling out of Tinas hold.
Of course, you cant miss that, she smiled.
Ill go wait in the car, I said to my mother.
Just dont leave without me, she yelled after me.

*****

Have a good day at school.

I jumped out the car and walked over to the crew. None of them had seen Lindsey. Minutes later…

Hey, you, she said bumping into me.

I leaned forward and kissed her.


Good morning, I smiled pulling away.
Good morning.

Tina was right, good morning kisses were the best.

*****