New Beginnings

Chapter 3

Vanessa meets with Houston at Sal's

*Vanessa* 

     I pull into the parking lot of Sal's at 5:20. I'm still shaky and scared from Peyton's visit this afternoon. I'm scared that his parent's divorce will only make him angrier. I sit there and mentally prepare myself to go in until a couple minute before five. I grab my bag and my binder and head inside. The smell of grease and garlic accosts me as soon as I open the door. It looks like the iconic pizza parlor. Red checkered tablecloths and everything! 

     I notice Houston at the counter and wave. He smiles. 

     "Pick any table. Let me clock out and I'll be over in just a second." I nod and pick a corner booth, one where I can see the door. He walks over to me and pulls off his baseball cap with the Sal's logo. His hair is wild and messy from wearing the cap. It actually looks good. 

    He sets his backpack down and pulls out his notebook and his copy of 1984.

     "Did you read the chapters?"

     " I did!" I smile. "They were a little confusing so I listened to the audiobook and read commentary notes." He smiles at that. He opens his notebook and we get started.

     We didn't talk about anything outside of the book. A little ways in we ordered a cheese pizza and some Cokes. We ate while we discussed and went over our notes. I found that Houston was really smart and easy to carry a conversation with. He was funny and clever. And he didn't make degrading jokes like Peyton sometimes did. It was refreshing to talk to someone like Houston.

     When we were done, we decided to meet at the same time and place next week. I was actually looking forward to it. 

     The next day at school was no better than last night. Peyton was cold and distant. He answered my questions with mono-syllable answers, never saying more than necessary to answer my questions. 

     I was at my locker before class when Houston came up to me. 

     "I have to ask you something. And before you say anything, I know you have a boyfriend. I'm not trying to make a move on you or anything. It's just that my friend is having a party  on Friday and is pestering me to bring a date. I obviously don't have a girlfriend. And I don't have many girl friends either. So, would you want to go with me? As friends, obviously." He looked nervous and he stumbled over his words. I considered his request. I knew Peyton would be upset. I really wanted to go so I said yes. 

     " I would love to. When is it?"

      "This Saturday. It'll be casual. No need to dress fancy or anything."

      "I can't wait." 

      "Me either."

*Saturday*

I'm so excited and nervous that I'm giddy. I quickly pull on a jean skirt, a light green t-shirt with a lacy neckline, and my beat-up pair of converse that I embroidered flowers onto. I pull my hair up into a neat ponytail, apply a small layer of makeup and head out the door. Houston texted me last night and said he'd pick me up so we could go together. I sit on our porch swing and wait. A couple minutes later, Houston pulls into my driveway in a beat-up pickup truck. I hop in and he peels out.

     "You look really pretty. I like your sneakers. Did you do that yourself?" He asks me, glancing at my sneakers.

     "Yes, I did, it took me a long time but it is worth it!" I spent almost a week embroidering daisies, poppies, and roses onto my white converse. I love having unique shoes.

      "That's really cool." 

     "Thanks."

      He is quiet for a while before he says "How are you and Peyton? I noticed that ya'll seemed distant lately." 

     I suck in a breath. I really don't want to talk about it. But I also don't want to be rude. So I answer him. 

     "Things have been, well, not great." I hesitate before continuing. "Things at home and football have been really tough lately and he isn't handling it well."

     He nods in understanding. 

      "I understand things at home being rough. My mom left when I was little and it devastated my dad." He stares straight ahead, not daring to look at me directly. "He was an alcoholic for almost six years before he got in a wreck. He realized that he was wrong and got sober. He's much better now."

      I was shocked that he told me something so personal when we weren't close. I was honored. 

     "I'm sorry about your mom. I couldn't imagine losing my mom. Even though they bug me, like all parents do, I could imagine losing either of my parents." 

      He smiles. "It's fine. I get a call on my birthday and Christmas so I'm not complaining. I have it better than others."

    With that comment, we pull into a small house on a lake. There are teenagers milling about all over. 

     "Whose party is this?" I ask. 

      "My childhood friend, Libby. We had a brief fling and then she realized that she wanted 'different things' and moved on. I was too predictable I guess. She's dating the lead singer in a rock band now." 

     "Yikes." Was the only thing I could think to say in response. 

He gets out of the truck so I follow suit. We open the house's door to blaring music and swarms of sweaty bodies. A tall girl with bleach blond hair and a nose ring greets us with a shriek.

      "Houston! You came! And you brought a girl!"  She pulls me into a hug and I tense. She smells of cigarette smoke. "Nice to meet you! I'm Libby." 

     "Vanessa" I tell her. 

     Houston grabs my arm. "Let's go get a water." I nod and follow him. I hope he doesn't want to stay too long. We make our way through the crowd into the kitchen. We grab a couple waters and go outside. It isn't as crowded and is much cooler. We sit on the porch and watch the groups of drunk teenagers dance to the music. 

     "Do you normally go to parties?" Houston asks me.

"No. I don't like them. But I wanted to come to this one so I could get to know you better. You seem fun."

     He looks at me skeptically. 

     "What?" I ask, confused. 

     "Nothing. I was just surprised is all." I decide to drop the subject. We talk aimlessly about school and his job and my hobbies until he looks at me and says "I think we've done our time. Want me to take you home?" I nod and he stands up and holds out his hand for me. He pulls me up and we make our way to his truck so he can drive me home. 

      When we pull into my driveway once more, Houston smiles. 

     "I had fun today."

     "I did too. We should hang out more. As friends." 

     " I agree. Have a good night. I'll see you on Monday." 

     "See you on Monday."