"Ah, um. . .I, um. . ." Never have I heard anyone say something like that to me. Never in front of my face, and never so genuinely and passionately. "Well, you are very handsome, too? I mean, it's not a question, it's just, I think you're a good looking man."
Smooth.
He bursts into laughter as I fuss for words. I can't exactly think straight right now.
"Well then, maybe we're meant to be," he says in a teasing voice. I laugh a preposterous laugh even though it's not that funny to me, mostly because of the fact that all the blood is rushing to my face and everything looks fuzzy.
"Right? We so are."
"So you're agreeing with me?"
I can't exactly tell if he's being a very convincing actor, or if he's being honest, but I go along with the coquetry. "Maybe if we find more things in common. Do you like cereal?" I joke.
"As a matter of fact I do, I love cereal."
"How's your grammar, Mr. Cereal lover?"
"It's superb, if I say so myself. I am a man who appreciates fine works of literature, and demiurgic pertinence of words through communication." I raise an eyebrow.
"Interesting. Aside from your musical talent and your "superb" linguistic skills, what else can you say about yourself?"
He gives it a thought, placing his hand on his structured chin. "Has this become a job interview? As much as I would love to boast about my endless abilities, I would prefer to hear more about you, Miss Claire."
"Not much to say. I'm not as omnipotent as you, as to my disadvantage."
"I don't believe what you're saying, so don't speak nonsense."
"You know nothing about me. I know nothing about you."
"That's not true. Within minutes, we've learned one another's names, the importance of cereal, and our once again "superb" knowledge of the English language." Did I introduce myself before? He probably heard my name from other people, like I did for his.
"Hmm, you'll have to prove yourself more than that, Colin Soares." I say.
"It's all good, I have time. I'll be bothering you then."
I see Eli approaching me all of a sudden. I didn't notice him. "We're going home," he says, almost as if it's a command.
"What time is it?" He grabs my hand without a response. I follow him, looking back at Colin who's confused. I just wave back, depicting it's all good, and that is that.
"Eli what's wrong with you? Are you drunk or something?!" I take my wrist away from his grip, distancing myself a few inches.
"I told you not to go upstairs. That guy could've molested you."
"So is talking considered molesting nowadays? Cause I'm pretty sure it's not, Wolfsfeld,"
"You don't know what you're talking about. You're just a girl, and honestly Claire you haven't seen reality."
"What does gender have to do with this? I choose my friends well. I know right from wrong. And if ever I get into a situation where trouble may arise, I won't be stupid enough to stay."
"It doesn't matter how wise you are. Once you show your vulnerable side to strangers, they're gonna take advantage of you."
"Okay, you're right Wolf. But I'm seventeen. I don't want to be protected in some invisible shield. I don't mean to say I'm gonna go ahead and smoke weed and drink myself to insanity or anything, but I want to meet new people. I want to experience the world, and not feel so restricted all the time." I meet his eyes convincingly, hoping he would understand. Yet the eyes of a drunk man is what I see, and I know my hopes are useless.
YOU ARE READING
The Official Beauty Rules (according to Claire Mintz)
Teen Fiction"Who are you, really?" I look at the scenery, forcing myself not to meet his eyes. "Colin Soares. Seventeen years old, turning eighteen this September. Lead singer and guitarist of a band." "That doesn't really tell me anything." "Maybe that's...
