Dark and Light

Chapter 44

My hands reached to place my purple Spanish binder on the top shelf. Since my books had cluttered most of the space, I had to shove it in. Not going to lie, it felt great to be putting away my belongings. This day had been so long and tortuous. It was great to think it was finally over.

Pulling my backpack out of my locker, I slammed the door shut with my hip. It was finally Friday and I wanted nothing more than to get out of there. My steps grew faster as I could closer and closer to the doors. Freedom was so close. Just a few more feet and then it was the officially the weekend.

“Aubrey!” Colton’s voice yelled after me.

Groaning, I turned my head around to see Colton racing after me. It was bad enough we were all hanging out tonight; did I really have to associate with him more than I needed too?

“Hello cutie! You excited for tonight?” Colton wrapped a sluggish arm around my shoulder.

Instantly, I removed myself from his grip. “Um, sure. It’ll be fun?” my voice rose as if I was asking a question.

“Hell yeah! So do you need a ride? Carter and I can take you,” Colton looked toward me.

Keeping my head down, I shook saying no. It wouldn’t exactly be appropriate of me to take a ride from them. Yes, we have got on well today. That is until now. “Colton, I don’t really think it’s a good idea. We got along well today as friends. Don’t you want to keep that going? In fact I enjoyed class today.”

“Right. Sorry, Aubrey.” Colton blew an exaggerated breath out. “See you tonight.”

Not allowing myself time to answer, Colton jogged ahead to catch up with his brother, Carter.

I hung my head down, letting my hair fall from being tucked in my ears. My hair provided a curtain for me as I walked out of the school. All I wanted was to be at Taylor’s house with Chad. It was the one thing that kept me going.

~~~~~~

Chad and I walked hand and hand to Taylor’s doorstep. The air around us had cooled unbelievably. Just the other day the weather had appeared to be warming up.

“What if they don’t like me?” Chad asked as we climbed the first step.

Hearing the words almost broke my heart. Chad really cared about making this impression on my friends. It really mattered to him. How did I, out of all people, end up so lucky?

“They’re going to adore you as much as I do!” I giggled, rubbing a condolence hand across his back.

Chad breathed in deeply, “If they don’t?”

“Hush. They will. Don’t worry. You’re friends are coming shortly so don’t worry. You won’t be completely alone.” I tried sending Chad a comforting smile before ringing the doorbell.

The metal against the bell chilled my fingers. A large ding-dong-ding sounded from inside.

Within seconds of ringing the bell, Taylor appeared on the side window. Her eyes darted back and forth from Chad and I. I could tell she was trying her best not to check him out completely.

Disappearing from the window, she emerged at the now open door.

“Well hello there, guys! Glad you could all make it here.” Taylor warmly welcomed us.

“Come on in!” she winked.

I subtly squeezed Chad’s hand before we walked in.

A large chandelier hung from the high-rise ceilings.  The whole room had been lightened up. I began to smell the sweet cinnamon smell that always occupied Taylor’s home.

Taylor had been fortunate enough to have a mother who doesn’t work. Their home always looked gorgeous and had the best smells. Her mom’s recent obsession was cinnamon. I loved it. 

“Hey, you’re Taylor I’m assuming,” Chad broke our silence and reached a sociable hand out to Tay.

It turned me on to see how formal Chad had been. Introducing himself first, reached a hand out. Damn.

“I am. You’re obviously Chad. I heard so much about you,” Taylor giggled, accepting his shake.

“Ah, I bet you have.” Chad chuckled, sending a cheeky grin. I managed to catch the little wink he added as well.

Taylor grinned, “Well I’m just getting some food ready. Aubrey, why don’t you take Chad downstairs? That’s where the other two girls are.”

“Oh, yeah. Of course.” I tried to keep sarcasm out of my voice.

Dragging Chad along with me, I wound through Taylor’s house. When we reached the foot of the staircase I took a deep breath. I almost didn’t want this to happen now. My friends can be harsh. Chad may be easy on the eyes but no one said his personality would reciprocate.

“Are we going to go down now?” Chad rubbed my lower back.

I simply nodded and headed down the stairs. Dalia and Cara’s voice had carried on a conversation. I couldn’t quit make the words out but I felt like it was about me.

Before we entered the great room in the basement, I needed a pause. Turning myself to face Chad, I wrapped myself around him.

“What are you doing babe?” he rested his sturdy hands on my bum.

“I’m scared.”

“Shut up, Aubrey. You met my friends and they loved you. I’m sure this will be no different. Now you get a present for being so tough, okay? We can have a sleepover tonight.” Chad smirked.

 “Chad, I’m not real-“ He cut me off.

Chad had softly pressed his lips upon mine. He tasted almost like the mint gum we chewed on in the car. I couldn’t help but giggle.

“Let’s go,” Chad pulled away, grabbing tightly to my hand. This time I was the one of received the reassurance squeeze.

“Hey, hey, hey!” I called, walking into the great room. I tried my best to appear confident for Chad.

Dalia and Cara sat next to each other on L-couch.

The four of us had named it the L-couch because so many of us have fallen in love on it. Taylor had her first kiss, as well as Dalia. I said I love you, to a boyfriend from middle school there too. It just happened to be the place to sit when something romantic happened. Maybe Chad and I could sit on it tonight? I snickered to myself.

 Both of their faces had transformed into elated smiles. Losing all their maturity, they squealed.

Dalia was the first to climb off the couch.

“Hello, I’m Chad,” Chad smiled at her, reached out his hand.

“I’m Dalia. I’m her main bitch.” Dalia winked at me.

“I see.” Chad smiled giving her a firm shake.

“Nice to meet you Cha-“

“Shut up, Dalia. Hi, Chad. I’m Cara. I’m the nice one,” Cara giggled, extending her right hand to Chad.

It almost felt as if I wasn’t there. Not one of my friends had directly said hello to me. I knew it was nothing I needed to worry about but I did. I tended to be worrying about everything lately. All the little things at least.

“It’s very nice to meet you both. I’m really lucky we were able to do this. I thought it was important I can hold a healthy relationship with Aub’s friends.” Chad smiled.

I could see it now. He was so charming. Chad had just the right things to say. No wonder it was so hard not to like him. Chad was just very charismatic.

“This is so cliché of me, and I know I’m not Aubrey’s sister or anything but I’m really damn close. Chad would you mind if we can talk alone?” Dalia turned the conversation topic.