Lessons from a Rude Boy

Rest in the Park

"Ahhhh," I sighed, sinking into my favorite wing backed chair, "feels good to be home."

            Alex had been at breakfast this morning with no explanation as to his whereabouts last night, but I didn't press the issue. All morning the library had been calling my name, beckoning me to come down. The table in front of me was piled high with ancient books, poster board, glue, and my laptop; I settled in happily and got to work.

            My eyes darted from the book opened in front of me to the vast filling poster boards, a few finishing touches and I would be done and just as I was gluing the last piece into place the doorbell sounded. I shrugged off the sound, looking over my work with a smile, but the door would not be ignored.

            I wanted to just yell up the stairs for Alex to grab the door, but the image of my mother's disapproving face kept me from doing so.

            "Ding Dong," it screamed again as I ran up the stairs and before it could sound again I slung the door open.

            "Oh not you again," I groaned before I could stop myself.

            "Yes me again," he scoffed, pushing me aside. "Is that any way to greet someone angel face?" I slumped against the now closed door and glared up at him.

            "I have too much to do today," I started, but he held up his hand.

            "I know you have homework," he grinned, "but I just wanted to know if perhaps you could spare some time for your friend."

            "Mason," I groaned softly, straightening away from the door, "I really can't," his smile did not falter. "I have my French test to study for, the brain bowl is coming up soon, not to mention I have a student council meeting in the morning about prom," I shuddered slightly in disgust, but stopped myself.

            "You are a very busy girl," he held up his hands, "I get that, but I really need your help on something."

            "What do you need my help with?" I stepped forward concerned that he was injured, my eyes scanned his body carefully.

            "Colby has to do a science project for school," he lounged against the wall as a relieved sigh fluttered from my lips.

            "Is that all?" I crossed my arms.

            "It is due tomorrow," that I wanted to roll my eyes at. Boys, always leaving everything for the last minute.

            "What does this experiment entail?" I went back to third grade, trying to remember what we had studied in science.

            "If you will just come home with me you can see for yourself," he grinned, already reaching out to grab my hand.

            "Mason," I sighed which he took as acceptance, "I really do have a ton of work to get done today."     

            "I understand that," he pulled me out of the house, only stopping long enough to grab a pair of shoes for me, "but this will only take up an hour of your time," he threw a sweet smile at me and I crumbled. "Please?"

            "As if you would let me say no," I mumbled getting into his car.

            "True," he laughed settling into his own seat. "Seatbelt."

            His warning was unwarranted, I was already seat belted in and hunkered down, hands clutching at the handles and feet pressed painfully into the floor.