The Older Guy

Chapter VII

It was sunny out, well, as sunny as it could get. Karrah had just stepped out of the shower and was looking over the outfit she'd laid out on her bed earlier. It should have been a simple task; picking out something to wear to class. She did it every day. It was usually no big deal. But today, today was different. Today Michael had offered to drop her off. Karrah wanted to look good for him even if it was only for a brief car ride. She just wanted to dress up. She'd never had anyone to impress before but now that she did, she was going to try her best.

What would do the trick? What would impress him without her having to change her style too much? Karrah threw the plain white shirt back in her closet deeming it too, well, plain. With her hands gripping her hair, Karrah paced up and down her room. What was she going to wear? Michael would call any minute now. And then, she remembered. She rummaged through the back of her wardrobe until she finally found what she was looking for.

"Thank goodness." She whispered to herself.

Karrah pulled out the Joy Division tank-top Samuel had bought her a while back. She'd loved it when he gave it her but she never got the chance to wear it because of the bloody weather. But now that the sun was out, there was nothing stopping her. She ironed it. And with that done, Karrah threw on the top pairing it with black skinnies, the left knee ripped, and her all black converse. For a final touch, Karrah slipped on Michael's jacket. Perfect, she thought. Her phone rang.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Hey love." Michael spoke with a raspy voice sending chills down Karrah's back. "I'm downstairs."

"I'll be right out."

Making sure she had everything; books, phone, money and bag, Karrah zipped out of her flat, not forgetting to lock up, and headed downstairs. Once she spotted Michael's Land Rover, Karrah stopped to run a hand through her hair. Michael watched as Karrah made her way over. He stifled a smirk as he watched her hips swing, her hair bouncing as she walked. She was his and boy did he love the thought of that.

"You look amazing." Michael said, genuinely impressed by her appearance.

Karrah's cheeks reddened. Mission accomplished. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."

Michael sported a tight long sleeved V-neck that hugged him very well and dark jeans. His hair looked like he was straight out of bed but in a sexy way. Karrah couldn't help but drink him in. He was hers. He was really hers.

"Shall we go? We don't want you to be late."

As Michael navigated his way on the road, he slipped his free hand into Karrah's; their fingers intertwined. Her hand fit perfectly in his giving him a sense of comfort. This feels right, he thought giving her hand a slight squeeze.

"So Karrah..." he started, prompting her to look at him. "I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner tonight."

Karrah smiled. It would be their first date, not counting the little rendezvous they had at the pub. That was a day Karrah chose not remember for obvious reasons. The thought of spending time with him at a place other than the pub whilst enjoying fine dining sounded absolutely fantastic. She couldn't turn him down.

"I would love to."

Michael gave a lazy smirk as he brought her hand up to kiss it. It was a simple gesture but to Karrah it felt heavenly. His lips left a tingle on her skin. A feeling she desired to feel on her lips again. How lovely that would be. Once Michael pulled into campus grounds, he jumped out of his seat and ran over to open the door for Karrah.

"You're such a gentleman." Karrah giggled.

"I do my best."

Once out of the luxury car, Michael noticed a slight frown forming on Karrah's face. She adjusted the strap of her backpack with a sigh. Michael placed a finger under her chin, tilting her head up.

"Why so glum?"

"I just don't want you to go. I'm afraid you'll miss me too much."

He gave a soft smile. "Don't you worry; we'll see each other tonight."

"Promise...?"

He chuckled. "Promise."

With that, Michael leaned in and gently pressed his lips against hers. They were soft and sweet. Karrah couldn't help but smile into the kiss, her hand entangling itself in his ginger locks. Feeling a bit naughty, Karrah slipped her tongue into his mouth, deepening the kiss. Michael let out a groan letting his hands slide down her back to her-

"Karrah...!"

With much reluctance, Karrah broke the kiss. Her cheeks were red as she looked into Michael's eyes. He smiled down at her and cupped her cheek.

"It seems your presence is required."

"It would seem so." Karrah said begrudgingly making Michael laugh.

"Don't worry. We can always continue this after dinner."

With one finale kiss to her forehead, Michael hoped into his car and sped away. Karrah waved him off before turning to face the person who had so rudely interrupted her. To her surprise and displeasure, Karrah found herself staring at Aria. They hadn't spoken since that day in the café despite Aria's fruitless tries to apologise. Karrah said nothing as her friend smiled sheepishly at her. She began to walk.

"Karrah...! Karrah wait!"

Seeing that Karrah wasn't going to stop and listen, Aria jogged after her. Karrah tried to ignore the fact that they were walking beside each other. She didn't hate Aria. She hadn't abandoned their friendship. Karrah just needed time away from Aria; especially now that she was in a relationship with 'the paedophile'.

"You look nice, Karrah."

Karrah sucked on her teeth "Thank you..."

"Do you mind if I walk to class with you?"

Sigh "You're already walking with me, Aria."

Silence...

"So was that Michael?"

Karrah curtly turned to face Aria causing the latter to flinch. Aria bit her lip, averting her eyes. At that moment, Shawn showed up. He smiled at the both of them until he noticed the tension looming in the air.

"That's none of your business." Karrah retorted.

"What's going on guys?" Shawn greeted "Is everything okay?"

Karrah looked up at Shawn, her mood shifting into one of happiness. "Hey! Yah everything's fine. Walk with me to class?"

"Sure. Are you coming Ari?"

"No, no. You two go ahead. I left something in my dorm. I'll catch up with you."

As Aria walked away, Shawn couldn't help but wonder what had just happened. He thought they would've started talking by now but clearly that wasn't the case.

"Karr...? Are you still upset with Ari?"

Sigh "I don't know Shawn. Maybe I am and maybe I'm not. I don't know..."

"Well you guys should fix things. You've been best friends since for ever. Don't let one stupid slip of the tongue ruin your friendship."

Shawn was right. Karrah needed to forgive Aria. She was over reacting over something stupid. Karrah made up her mind to mend things once class was over.