BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE

Chapter 2

Casadee felt a familiar feeling in her gut. Butterflies. It began happening more often than usual, every time she saw Will. In an almost daze-like manner, she made her way to the kitchen to help her mother. Clearing the table and washing the dishes was something they did together every night after dinner. As she washed and rinsed at the sink, her mother pursued conversation. “Will is such a nice young man,” she remarked, watching carefully at Casadee’s reaction. As expected, a light blush spread across her face, revealing the dimple in her left cheek. “He’s alright,” was all she said. That was that. There was no need to pursue the topic. She was almost certain now.

~TIME LAPSE~

The morning sun light poured through Casadee’s window but she couldn’t see it. Her head was beneath the pillow, deliberately blocking it out. “Right on time,” mumbled Casadee’s mother downstairs as she opened the door for Will. “Mornin’ Ms. Johnson.” She pointed up the stairs and Will followed the direction. The door creaked open and Will walked in. He sat on the edge of her bed, but didn’t wake her. He took the time to observe her, asleep. She looked so peaceful. Her hair of course a disarray of disaster. Her long eye lashed touched the top of her high cheek bones and her full pink lips were parted, breathing in and out slowly. Will couldn’t help himself. He was almost mesmerized by her in this state. The effect he had on her! And without thinking, his cellphone peeked out of his pocket and he took a picture of her this way. Asleep. Peaceful.

She mumbled something. What was it? It sounded like…”Food,” she mumble again. Will chuckled silently. She’s dreaming of food? “Casadee…” he shook her shoulders lightly and she turned. “Cas…get up. We gotta go. Time for school.” With that, she bolted out of bed in a ninja pose. “Where’s the bucket?!” Will burst out laughing. “Calm down. No bucket this time. Go on. Get in the bathroom.” She pouted and punched him in the arm but reluctantly did what she was told. Will made his way downstairs again. To wait. For her.

The school was buzzing by the time they got there. As usual. Nothing different or unusual. But by the time lunch, something was about to happen. “Will, don’t forget the pep rally, okay?” This was one of the cheerleaders that suddenly took interest. Will wasn’t the type to go to pep rallies and school activities but he heard something good was supposed to happen at Friday’s game. Casadee wasn’t the social type either but if Will wanted to go, she would go. Of course, the game was tomorrow. “Well, I guess I’ll see you there.” The cheerleader perked up. “Cool. Bye, Will….Camadee.” “It’s Casadee. Hear the ‘s’?” The cheerleader rolled her eyes and walked away. Will was smirking at her. “What?” His eyes glinted. That familiar glint of mischief. “Nothing.” “C’mon. Tell me.” Will breathed out and continued. “You’re jealous.” “Me? Of what? Bimbo over there? You’ve got to be kidding.” Will chuckled. “I know you are.” “Am not.” “Suuree.” Casadee pushed her lunch tray away and folded her arms. “You seriously think I’m jealous. Of who? Her? You?” “Both.” Casadee let out a mock laughter. “Reaally? I’m jealous…of the two of you. Okay, then.” Will was trying his hardest to get her mad. He wanted her upset. Why? He had no idea. Probably looking for the moment. “Just admit it. You’ve been jealous since day 1.” “Day 1? That was nine years ago, Day 1!” Will smirked. “Uh-huh. You’re….JEALOUS.” Casadee laughed. “I can’t believe you’re making a big fuss out of this.” “It’s ‘cause you know I’m right.” “YOU ARE NOT!” “Of course I am! I’m always right!” Okay, Will knew that last part was a complete lie but he knew he’d made the right move. Now she was mad. Mad enough to kill him even. “Now, you listen here WILLIAM. I’m not jealous of you and certainly not….” Will concluded the argument and did what he meant to do years ago. He kissed her. On the lips.

It wasn’t a forceful kiss but he knew Casadee wasn’t expecting it. Her eyes were wide, like a deer caught in the headlights. She wasn’t sure exactly what to do, but for once, instead of listening to her mind, she listened to her heart and kissed him back. Her delicate hands found his face and caressed it dearly. She was so familiar with him that she didn’t mind who was watching. Will’s hand tugged at her ponytail and wound it around his wrist. Their lips moved in sync with each other, quenching the thirst that they didn’t even know was there. Then, after what seemed like forever, they broke the kiss and leaned on each other’s foreheads, breathing the familiar scent of each other. “I’m not jealous,” she retorted and he kissed her nose. “I know you’re not.”

There wasn’t any words needed to say. Casadee was Will’s…all his. They weren’t said in official words, “Will you be my girlfriend?” but the way things were after the kiss. They started holding hands and he’d wrap his arms around her, steal a kiss and they wouldn’t care who’s watching. Ms. Johnson didn’t need to be told because she knew this day would come eventually. It was all the matter of time. People at school began realizing and Will’s fan-girls didn’t bombard him as much because…well, they were civil and knew their limits. Casadee and Will. Will and Casadee. Who knew? Everyone did.