Georgia

Chapter 12

Caroline

The past six months have been crazy. I have definitely taken the whole "New Caroline" thing and ran with it. At one point I even tried out for cheer and softball! My lack of coordination prevented either of those from happening but at least I tried out, before I would have looked at it as a punishment to be out there putting myself in front of people.

Another huge change has been my relationship with James. It happened slowly and so completely unexpected. We'd be hanging out like we always do and I'd notice him looking at me, staring just a little too long or I'd catch myself finding an excuse to touch his arm or his hand. Our back and forth banter becoming more flirty. Him putting his arm around me walking thru the halls at school, me sitting a little closer to him those movie nights on the couch. Months of those little changes taking us to the one night that took our friendship to a level I don't think either of us anticipated.

I was at the Homecoming game with a couple girls from my English class watching James and the rest of the team beat the crap out of the visiting school. I was cheering like an idiot, face paint and all, having a really good time. We won the game and when it was over a couple of the guys had James up on their shoulders running him around the field. I don't know if it was the football uniform, him being all dirty and sweaty or just that proud look on his face, whatever it was I saw him a little differently.

After the crowd cleared out I was sitting on the trunk of James' car texting Michelle, getting caught up on her crazy new love affair with this baseball player she met online. The school parking lot was almost empty when James walked out his arm in a sling. "I was wondering what was taking you so long. What happened?" I asked.

"One too many tackles. I'm good, just a sprain." He's standing next to me leaning against the car. "You looked like you were having fun tonight."

"Yeah?" I question. "Was it the bad dancing and screaming that gave you that idea? Or this fantastic work of art on my face?"

"The bad dancing...for sure the dancing. I don't know about this face paint though." He says turning to stand in front of me reaching up and placing his hand on my face. "Don't get me wrong I admire your school spirit and all but it's a shame to hide this face." His thumb smearing the red and yellow paint I had caked on my cheek.

"I'd think after all these years you'd be tired of seeing this face." Thankful for the paint hiding my uncontrollable blushing caused by his touch.

Looking at me with his big hazel eyes he says, "You know Caroline, I'm slowly realizing I might not ever get tired of seeing this face."

He pulled my face to his, bending his head down slightly. I put my hand on his waist pulling him closer to me and we kissed.

The way our time together had been going I had thought about what it would be like to kiss James. Wondering if I would have the same heart-pounding, knees weak, breathless feeling I had for my first kiss or if it would be weird and awkward because I've known him for so long. Kissing James felt natural. Safe and comfortable but still so passionate.

Going from friends into a relationship took some getting used to on my part. I held back a little at first just afraid that if for some reason it didn't work out I'd be losing my best friend too. It's been going great though and apparently everyone else saw something we didn't because no one was surprised that we had gotten together. "Finally" and "It's about time" being the reaction we got when people found out.

Now here I am sitting in my room getting ready for a date with my best friend/boyfriend. As much as I've tried not to think about him, I can't help feeling like none of this stuff would've happened if it wasn't for the confidence boost I got from that handsome country boy.

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Luke

It's Febuary now, my junior year flying by. Between the parties and bar gigs I feel like we're out every night playing. We've got a ton of new songs everyone seems to be loving. We're even thinking about booking some studio time and getting some tracks down on a cd. This weekend is the first time in awhile I'm free. I'm heading home for mama's birthday. It'll be good to be home for a few days I've been missing the family something awful.

I roll over giving Katie a little shake. "Hey, ya need to get up. We gotta get going."

"Mmm? No, it's too early. I need sleep."

"Rough night?" I ask chuckling.

"I'd say so." She says draping her arm across her eyes. "I was at this party watching this sexy southern boy shaking his ass, singing his heart out, making all the girls swoon."

"Alright now, sounds good. Tell me more." I say propping up on my elbow.

"I might have drank a little too much and I think I took him home with me. Have you seen him?" She peeks out at me from behind her arm.

"If he got up and saw that mess you got going on top of your head he probably ran for it!"

"Oh whatever!" I grab her arm before she can take a swing at me, pulling her next to me and kissing her.

A couple months back while we were out walking to grab some food Katie and I had the discussion about what her being here meant for us. We'd always been so off and on because we've never been in the same place for long but now it just seemed like the right thing to do to give it a try. It's been good. The same feelings and emotions there that have always been there, just growing a little stronger since we're spending so much more time together.

We're finally on the road now making the drive to Leesburg, about an hour later than I wanted but well worth the extra time spent in bed this morning.

Pulling up a few hours later to daddy's peanut farm I see a black Mercedes parked outside. Katie and I get out just as dad and Mr. Boyer are walking out of the office.

My very first thought is Caroline.

"Hey y'all! Was expecting you two a little earlier. Hey Katie-girl, how are you darlin'?" My dad says pulling Katie into a hug.

"I'm good Tommy, how are you? Looking younger every time I see you!" She says giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Yeah, don't I wish. Mr. Boyer this Katie and you remember my son."

"Of course, Luke. Hello Katie, pleasure to meet you." He says shaking my hand and then hers.

All I can manage is a slight nod, I'm afraid if I open my mouth the only word I'll be able to say is Caroline. My dad takes Katie inside to show her the gift he bought for mama leaving Mr. Boyer and I alone outside. I have to ask, I'll regret it if I don't.

"So...um. How is...ah...Caroline? Is she here with you?" I nervously ask.

"Caroline is doing fine. She's not with me. The trip was sudden and she had important plans with her boyfriend."

Her boyfriend.

What he said shouldn't have affected me as much as it did since all Caroline and I had was that one night and most especially cause my own girlfriend was standing about 20 feet away. But those two words hit me like a punch in the stomach.