The Road is not Mislaid

Two

School was just as boring as always. Although today there was a bit of an uproar among the girls. According to my best friend Gwen, Savanah McKenzie spotted a new boy in town who’s absolutely gorgeous.  Everyone was delirious with this apparent rumor. New boy means new prey.  Someone different for the wild girls of Lake City to hunt down.  I must admit, I was intrigued by the idea of someone unfamiliar, but it couldn’t possibly be true. I had no reason to get my hopes up over some naive fantasy.

 “You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.”

“Why thank you, but I’m nothing compared to you, honey bear.”

“Stop talking like that. You are my bright star in the pitch black night.”

“Oh stop it! You’re making me blush!”

I sit and listen in disgust as I drive my best friend Gwen and her latest boyfriend, Xavier, to McFarland’s coffee shop. Gwen and I were practically forced into our friendship when we were kids. Our parents were always at one another’s house when we were growing up.  Gwen and I always had to play together. I hated her at first, but I’ve grown used to her aggravating ways over time.

Going to the coffee shop had become our after school tradition about four years back. I’ve had everything on their menu at least twice since the small joint opened. The coffee tends to taste a little too bitter and the pastries tend to taste a little too sweet. However,  the shop is in a beautiful location. I love it. It’s my little escape from reality.

“You two make me sick,” I say a little louder than I mean to.

“Whatever Marie. Just admit it. You’re jealous of our extreme cuteness.” I want to throw up as soon as she says it.

“More like extreme stereotypical obnoxious relationship-ness.” I reply.  Gwen has always been one to fling herself at any boy that gives her attention.  Especially Xavier.  They have dated at least six times.  Each and every one has ended with him cheating on her, or her cheating on him. I don’t understand how they can look past each other’s indiscretions and get back together. I guess love is love, right?

“Whatever.  I’m going to die of a heat stroke.  Does this piece of crap truck have air conditioning?” A car insult. Too far. I try to ignore her impudence.

“No. It doesn’t.”  I say with as much restraint as I can manage.They probably heard the irritation in my voice because, for the rest of the ride, no one dares to speak. Not until I pull into my regular parking spot right outside the shop does the flirting resume.

“Your eyes are the window to my soul. I could melt inside of their warmth.”

“Your lips are as pink as a tulip.  I could kiss the soft skin on them for hours.”

“You are both so annoying I could jump off of a cliff without a second thought,” I chime in.

 The trifling ceases once more. I skip a few steps ahead of them to avoid embarrassment and reach for the door to the shop.  As I open it, a strong aroma of week old coffee beans instantly fills my nose. At first the smell is overwhelming, but after a few seconds I grow used to it. I step inside and head towards my typical booth.  It’s right by the front window with a perfect view of the town. Best spot in the whole place.

Then I see him.

In my seat.

The new kid.

He is more beautiful than Gwen made him out to be.  I instantly want him.  He has lurid black hair with a matching pair of lucent blue eyes.  His jaw line is distinct from the rest of his body. His shoulders are expansively broad. His biceps are easily perceived from his tight fitting black V-neck. His long legs reach out from under the table. I am breathless.  Words fail me. 

 “Marie stop staring. You’re being creepy,” Gwen whispers in my ear as she pushes past me and takes a seat in an empty corner with Xavier.  I follow slowly with a stunned expression sprawled across my face.  Once I sit down I find that Gwen and Xavier’s irritating banter doesn’t bother me as much. In fact I manage to almost completely tune them out.  The only thing on my mind is the impossibly inhuman charm of the mysterious new boy. For once the seemingly false rumor spread around my school proved to be true. I could already tell this boy was going to be the talk of the town for weeks.

“Gwen. How is he so handsome? I mean-“

“He’s perfect right! Ugh! I can’t believe that Savanah saw him first.  She’s pretty much declared dibs on him already. So not fair!”

“You have a boyfriend remember.” Xavier adds. The first thing he’s said all day that hasn’t made me want to punch a brick wall.

“Yes I know and I love you honey bear, but. Just. look at him.” I suppress a slight giggle as Xavier’s face twists in hatred.  “Oh. My. Gosh. Marie. Don’t look now, but he’s staring at you.” My face turns a vibrant shade of maroon. Even though Gwen warned me against it, I can’t help but glance in his direction.  He is staring. He won’t stop staring at my red face. I won’t stop staring into his bottomless eyes.

Emily, the only waitress in the shop, approaches him and he turns away. The glance broken like a glass shattered into a million tiny pieces.

“You two totally just had a moment!” Gwen nearly screams.

“No we didn’t,” I lie through my teeth. We did. Blue on green. Eyes locked. It was perfect.

“Amarie Mae. Yes you did!” I blush even more, if that’s even possible. Words couldn’t describe how euphoric that moment was.

“No. We didn’t,” I say with a hint of finality in my voice. The conversation ends. Gwen and Xavier continue their schoolyard flirting.  After contemplating my “moment” with this new mystery boy once more, I collect myself and begin doing homework.