New Beginnings

Chapter 7

     Fall break ends and school goes by quickly. Me and Peyton are cordial to each other. We don't hang out as much. I still haven't broken things off because his dad moved out of their house and I didn't want to upset the fragile balance between us. 

     I'm holding on to him because he was my first love, my first kiss, my first boyfriend. I spent three years of my life with him. I feel like if I break up with him, I'll have wasted three years of my life. 

    When homecoming season rolls around, Peyton asks me to be his date. I'm sure he will win homecoming king but I'm not sure about me winning queen. I agree and he agrees to pick me up an hour and a half before the dance so we can go get food beforehand. 

      The night of the dance was fun. My mother took off work and she helped me curl my hair and do my makeup. My dress is a hunter green silk with a sparkly belt. I'm wearing silver heels to match. The combination of the dress and the fancy hairstyle makes me feel like I'm on cloud nine, like a fairytale princess. 

     I'm sitting downstairs in the den, waiting on Peyton to pick me up, when I get a call from him.

     I pick up the phone.

     "Hey," he says. "Are you dressed and ready yet?"

     "Yes. Why?"

      "Crap. I was hoping you weren't ready yet. 

     I can't come. I'm not going to the dance."

     My heart falls to the floor.

     "What? Why? I bought a boutonnière and I bought a dress and I'm ready! Peyton, why aren't you coming?"

      "It's none of your business. I just can't go. Call Allison. She'll pick you up."

      Then he hangs up.

     I can't believe it. He asked me. He wanted to go. And here I was, ready to go with no way to get to the dance. 

     I picked up my phone and made my own call. 

     A couple minutes later, Houston pulls into my driveway. He climbs out of his truck and I meet him on the porch.

     "You're wearing a suit!" I exclaim. "I didn't know if you'd have one on such short notice!"

     He looks really good. His curls look as if he tried to tame them to no avail.

      "Yeah, this is my funeral suit. Don't tell anyone." He grins.

     "You're secrets safe with me." 

     He opens my door and helps me climb in. 

     "Wanna go get a burger now or afterwards?" 

     I look at the dash clock.  The dance starts in 20 minutes.

     "Is it ok if we go afterwards? I'm not all that hungry right now."

   He agrees and we head to the dance.

     We walk in to the gymnasium. It has streamers and balloons and they even hung a disco ball. 

     We grab a table and I set my bag down. Allison and her date, Nate, walk over to us.

     "Vanessa! You look gorgeous!" She exclaims, tugging on one of my curls.

     "Thanks, Allison. You look amazing too!" She twirls around and Nate looks at her adoringly.

     "Where is Peyton?" Allison questions, looking from me to Houston.

     Houston slips his hand into mine and gives it a squeeze.

     "He called me about an hour before the dance and told me he wasn't coming. I didn't have a ride because my parents needed the car so I called Houston."

     "I didn't have any plans so I picked her up." Houston said. "I'm glad you called me. 

     Do you want to dance?"

      I nod and he pulls me out onto the dance floor. The upbeat song ends and a slower song starts to play. Houston gives me a sheepish smile.

     "I didn't plan this. I promise." 

     He wraps his arms around my waist and I put my arms around his neck. We sway slowly to the music. He pulls me closer. I lay my head on his chest. He feels warm and safe. Houston feels like a safe haven. I never question myself or feel scared around him. 

     I look up at him. 

     "Thank you. Thank you for being there for me. You don't know how much it means to me."

     "You deserve someone who will be there for you, Nessa."

     He puts his forehead to mine.

     "You deserve someone like me."

     I pull away. "What do you mean?"

     "Peyton is toxic. He won't treat you right. I will. I like you, Nessa. I really, really like you." 

      I don't say anything. I don't know what to say. Then it hits me. 

     I like Houston. I like him a lot. Maybe too much.

      "I like you too." I whisper. He smiles so brightly. It makes me happy to see him smile. 

     He grabs my hand and pulls me out of the gym into the hallway. 

     "Can I kiss you?" He says, fingering  a curl.

     "Please."

     He presses his lips to mine. He is gentle and sweet, not pressuring me into more. 

     I wrap my arms around him and he pulls me close, deepening the kiss.

    He pulls away, our lips a breath apart. 

     "You taste like strawberries." He chuckles softly. "I love it."

     "Kiss me again please." I whisper, not daring to look away. 

     He doesn't argue.