Hearts on a Page ~ Enemies to Lovers

Chapter 10: Welcome to My World

"Okay, so we got off work, you have been fed. Is there anything else or can we go now?" Oliver asked from the Panera Bread parking lot, where we just had dinner after our Tuesday shift at Bennett's.

"Patience, Bennett," I said, knowing the suspense for what would happen tonight was itching inside of him. "It's not as exciting as you're probably thinking."

"Then what is it?"

Okay, here we go. Just tell him.

"Drive me to my home."

"That's it, Morrison? Now we just aren't doing anything? I've been waiting hours for nothing?"

"No, we're going to my apartment. Like inside. You're coming over."

"Really? Cool. I still don't get how this plays into whether or not you'll go out with me, but-"

"Don't speak to soon, Bennett. Just drive."

And so, he took off, Queen playing on the radio and all.

I was trying to play it cool, but in all seriousness, I was freaking out. Nobody comes over to my house. I mean, my friends used to, but I stopped inviting them when my parents started fighting to avoid any and all awkward moments. Plus, since there were only three of us, we only lived in an apartment and there wasn't much to do there but go in my room. Letting Oliver over was going to teach him a lot about who I am, but I just don't think he knows what I'm letting him into. I don't even know what's gonna happen; this whole situation is just that unpredictable.

We drove, singing along to "Killer Queen," and my worries were somewhat eased. I kept looking over to see Oliver's face, which seemed content and I needed that in this moment. No matter what happened tonight, there was no doubt the current state of our relationship would be altered in one way or another.

When we arrived at my building, Oliver parked a little down but in front. As I opened the car door, I was met with the November chill and we both quickly walked up the steps. He opened the door for me and followed as I hit the elevator button to open the doors. We stepped inside and I pressed the key to take us to the third level. We were silent. The doors opened and we passed two doors before mine. I took out my key and unlocked the door. We were in.

Using my feet, I took of my shoes and I sensed Oliver did the same. We walked forward, past the living room, into the kitchen. I saw that Dad was sitting at the kitchen table, on his laptop. His eyes didn't move from the screen, but he did acknowledge us.

"Hi Joy and Joy's friend that I don't know," his eyes glanced up. "Wait a moment. Who are you, Joy's friend that I don't know?"

"I'm Oliver Bennett. I work at the bookstore with Joy."

"Bennett? Ah, you must be Tom's boy. It's good to meet you."

"Likewise," he said with a soft smile.

"Well, Oliver, I'm sorry, but someone," he said that bit louder and put an emphasis on it. "didn't cook dinner, so we don't have anything to really offer you."

I froze at my dad's poke at my mom and Oliver sensed it, but saved me from embarrassment.

"It's alright, Mr. Morrison. Joy and I got dinner after our shift."

"Yeah, Dad, we're really okay. We're just gonna do some homework in my room, alright?" I said, turning around to head up the stairs.

"Door open, Joy-Bell. And Oliver's out by nine."

We both gave him a nod and walked up the stairs. I opened my door and Oliver followed me in as I walked to my velvet-cushioned bay window and plopped my backpack on it. He looked around, intrigued. I just sat, criss-cross applesauce, waiting for him to say something. He smiled.

"You got a lot of bookshelves, Morrison."

He walked up to my two large, wooden shelves.

"You seemed shocked. You know I'm a reader."

"Yeah, and so am I. But I don't own this many books."

He moved my backpack on the floor and sat across from me on the bay window cushion. We looked at one another for a bit, and when I sensed he was going to question the point of this evening, I beat him to the punch.

"So, Bennett, you said you were in a band in Chicago. What kind of music did you play?"

"We were called the Dancing Joints."We played some covers. Mostly indie rock. But, we also wrote some stuff, too."

He looked happy talking about his music. I didn't want to stop it.

"My best friend, Spencer, and I started the band when we were freshmen. We started at mostly local stuff, but after a year, we were playing garage concerts nearly every weekend in the spring, summer and fall," he smiled, proud of his group. "This year was gonna be a big one for us, but..."

His voice trailed off, but I wanted to hear more.

"Who were the other members in the band besides you and Spencer?" I asked.

"Wes was on drums and Leo played keyboard. Spencer was lead guitar and vocals, and I played bass."

"Did you ever sing?"

"Yeah, I mean, sure," he smiled, nervously and looking down at his thumbs. "But only sometimes."

"Do you think I could hear you play sometime?" I smiled.

"Yeah, I mean, if you wan-"

"You leave your job, the one where you actually make money, and you can't even cook a meal for your family!"

The instant screams from my dad startled and cut off Oliver, making me jump up and shut the door. I stood, holding the knob, as they continued.

"Not everything's my responsibility, you know?" my mom rebuttled, matching his volume.

"Gosh, is it so wrong of me to assume that my wife, who does nothing all day, make one meal?"

"Oh and you're so perfect?"

The screams continued, and there I stood, my head rested against the door. I heard Oliver get up and he stood behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder to turn me around. I walked away to look at the window, not making eye contact with him.

"Now, you see why I wanted you to come here? I needed you to see all of me. All of what I'm going to be before you and I turn into anything else. This is your out, I'm giving you an out."

"An out?"

The yelling got louder.

"This is my life. All that it entails, and it only seems to get worse. I don't know what's gonna happen, but if you don't want to deal with me and everything, I understand."

He walked in front of me to ensure I was looking at him before he spoke.

"Joy," he never used my real name. "When are you going to comprehend that I understand you. I understand all this. It's my life. It's always gonna be my life. I don't want you to be embarrassed by it. I just want you.

"But what ab-" I was cut off.

I had never been kissed before, until now. It was soft and slow. While the motion of him cutting me off to kiss me was quick, the actual kissing was gentle and warm. His hands rested on my cheeks and our eyes were closed. I don't know how long it lasted, only when it stopped.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have just kis-" Now it was my turn.

I went on my tip toes, grabbing his face to mine to bring our lips together. He grabbed my waist and I moved him backwards so he'd be sitting on the the bayview window. I stood as he sat, both kissing. I pulled away; we were both smiling.

"So is that a yes, will you go on a date with me, Morrison?"

"Yes, Bennett. Yes I will."