Eye Of The Beholder-BWWM

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Chessica

"Well don't just stand there, get dressed," Mary looked around the room as if spying for something else unusual. Her eyes fell on Gavin's boots at the exact same time Chessa's did.

Mary looked at Chessa.

"They're Dad's," she lied unconvincingly.

Mary raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure." She sat down on her bed and patted the mattress. "I think it's time we had a little talk about the birds and the bees."

Chessa's face grew hot as a horrified expression crossed over her features. Elliot had attempted to tell her a thing or two about that. All she managed to get from that uncomfortable brother-sister talk was that if anybody even tried he would kill them.

"I'm going to get dressed." She hurried to her bathroom.

"I don't think your father would approve," Mary called after her.

Chessa knew he wouldn't approve. A boy, especially a colored boy, in her room would give her father a heart attack. What he didn't know would not hurt him.

She showered and to her relief Mary had left the room before she emerged from the bathroom. Quickly she combed and brushed the curly hair she was trying to grow out, put on some decent clothes and placed her homework and Gavin's boots in her book bag. She hurried downstairs where her driver awaited her.

At school Chessa looked for Gavin, but she didn't see him until they were heading for lunch that afternoon. She gave him the signal to meet at their cave. He gave a slight nod to confirm he had seen it. Mark was with him. He smiled wide and waved at her. She blushed and looked away but not before she saw Gavin scowl.

"What's wrong with him?" Ava asked walking next to Chessa. "He gave you a strange look."

"Gavin? Oh, he's just being Gavin."

"You guys seem to be really close."

"We are."

Ava's expression, partially hidden under her hair, struggled with disbelief. She shook her head. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

"That I'm friends with a colored?"

"That you would openly admit to being friends with a colored."

Chessa shrugged. "I am. He's my best friend."

"I think his friend is pretty cute." Ava admitted shyly.

"Mark?" They were almost near the cafeteria.

Ava nodded. Chessa could almost see her blush underneath her shield of protection made by her hair.

She giggled, "Yeah, he is, isn't he?" They entered the lunch room and were immediately swallowed by the chatter and shouts of adolescence.

"Want to take our lunch outside?" Chessa yelled above the noise as they joined the lunch line.

Ava nodded.

"Did I hear you say you're taking lunch outside?" Mark stepped in line behind them. Gavin was not far off. He came into the line seconds later. "I think I'll join you." Mark picked up his tray. "It's getting crowded in here."

Ava kept her head down, her face fully hidden by her hair. Chessa grinned up at Mark. Gavin groaned. He picked up a tray. "I guess I'll eat out side too." His words were a barely audible mumble.

Mostly couples ate outside, doing more making out than actually eating in the shade of the trees. Chessa usually ate lunch out there alone when she was sick of sitting with the shallow, flakes at her normal table. Most of the time they didn't follow her out. They enjoyed the climate controlled building far better than the too hot, too cold or very rainy that was the outside. Today however was just right. The four were greeted by the bright sun and a cool breeze and an almost cloudless sky.

"This was a good idea," Mark said as they took a space by a particularly large tree. Couples were scattered all over the schools lawn and the five picnic tables each hosted only two people.

Chessa sat with her legs folded underneath her. Gavin quietly sat next to her. Across from them Mark and Ava sat. She noticed Ava looking a bit uncomfortable and decided to make introductions.

"Gavin, Mark, have a introduced you to Ava yet?" Chessa reached over and squeezed her slender shoulder, "She's probably the only true friend I have at this school. Well, besides you, Gavin. And now you, Mark."

Mark smiled at Ava, "Do you always hide behind your hair?"

She ducked her head and shrugged.

Gavin raised an eyebrow.

Chessa scowled at him.

Mark kept pressing. "I'm willing to bet there's a pretty face under all that hair." He began to eat.

Chessa couldn't figure out if he was flirting with Ava or  if he was just being nice. She began to eat as well.

"Is there room for more," a female's voice sounded from above them.

Chessa looked up and saw one of the girls who sat at Gavin's table looking directly at her with an uncertain smile on her face.

"Ellen!" Mark grinned up at the girl. He motioned for her to sit.

"Make that two more," Gregory joined Ellen.

"Yes!" Chessa was ecstatic. She practically bounced with excitement as Ellen and Gregory sat. This was exactly what she wanted.

Gregory, being the diplomatic person that he was, began to introduce himself. He started with Ellen who sat the closest to him. "Hey, I'm Gregory." He held out his hand with a friendly smile.

Ellen took it, "I think we all know who you are. You're the nephew to the President."

Gavin snorted, "That doesn't exactly make him a celebrity."

Chessa's head whipped his direction. She made sure her face showed her displeasure. As far as she was concerned if he wasn't going to be pleasant he could leave. She started to tell him as much but then remembered what happened the last time she sat with the coloreds. She clamped up afraid Ellen would leave as well if Gavin left.

Gregory chuckled, "I completely agree. People take stuff like being related to government officials way to seriously." He offered Gavin his hand. "I don't think we’ve met before."

Gavin looked at his hand before taking it. He gave it one stiff shake. He cleared his throat, "The name's Gavin." He said after meeting Chessa’s ticked off “mom” gaze.

Chessa rolled her eyes.

Gregory turned to Mark next. "You're in my History to Art class aren't you?"

"I am." They shook hands.

"I never got your name though."

"Mark."

By this time Chessa was beside herself with joy. "We should do this every day!"

Everybody nodded.

Except Gavin.