𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐑 ━ beckham jr.

8. Teenagers Once More

LUNA

What felt like minutes turned into hours. The child in me came out after a few songs played on the radio and constantly making fun of one another's dance moves. I was able to shake off any discomfort of shyness between us — mostly me, really — by goofing around. 

 We were back inside the spaceship this man called his baby, while heading home.

"I'm pretty sure Olga was fed up with you!" I teased, my Latin accent slipping at the sound of the instructor's names.

"Olga." He impersonated, followed with a laugh.

"Shut up Louisiana." 

"Me?" the fake gasp was hilarious, which spread the laughter through the car.

"You should listen to your accent when you speak too fast."

"Easy, Luna. I wasn't making fun of it — your accent is muy sexy." I found his attempt at trying to pronounce the muy correctly, amusing. And that resulted in a word battle for the next four minutes of the car ride. At one point, I enjoyed the silence that rested after it and gazed outside.

Although Miami was home for me, this felt like a whole different perspective. Obviously, I had never rode in a Maserati before, but besides that, the city was looking different — everyone seemed happy. People were smiling all around and I couldn't tell if it was picking up from my happy gaze, or if it was the contagious spring atmosphere.

"I'll be so sore tomorrow." I broke the silence.

"That's how I work" Odell bragged, as my raised eyebrow turned to face him. Eyes still focused on the road.

"Oh please." 

Although this young man was full with smart remarks head to toe, he could still keep any conversation fun and entertaining, where awkward moments had no place in. Even the silences felt comfortable.

"What do you think sets you apart from the rest?" Odell questioned. I had to take a second to repeat his words in my head, looking for what good words could acceptable.

"I guess you'll have to be the judge of that. I can't speak for others, I can only speak for myself. Respect is a big thing for me" I dragged, in search of words to follow "but then again no girl is like every girl. Sometimes competition brings out a certain stereotype you know? And it bothers me somehow. A lot of strong will is needed to remain true to yourself." I finished, looking ahead at the road. I could see from the corner of my eyes his gaze my way, but I kept my gaze starring forward. "What about you — what do you think you can really gain from this experience?"

"A lot of times, I feel like people perceive me the wrong way. Yes, I can come across as carefree and reckless, but I'm just like every other man my age. A family guy who enjoys having some fun — not much to that" he took a break, licking his lips. "I came to this experience blind, I expect the same as you, as everyone, I think. To be able to exit this with someone trustable under my arm would be the ultimate goal. Someone who would support me for me, someone genuine." His eyes were still on the road and his grip on the wheel intensified. "Man, this speech is turning cheesy as hell, and it's all your fault." He quickly glanced at me, chuckling. 

The silence after I controlled my laughter wasn't long as a familiar melody burst through the car speakers. I looked between the screen, struggling to find the one command that'd allow me to turn up the volume and he soon noticed my struggle, laughing before and helping after. His gesture made way for Kehlani's 'The Way'. 

You so damn important

Everything you do shows me you know it

Behind it all you are the motive

Don't tell you enough, but baby I'll show it, show it

I confidently sang along to the lyrics, eyes occasionally shutting. This was perhaps one of my top songs at the moment; and having no access to music for the past days, made it feel all that much more special. While opening my eyes, I noticed his eyes on me and I giggled, covering my face with both my hands.

It's the way you are, you're a star, babe

It's the way you, it's the way you-

I dragged over her voice, knowing for sure I had nothing on her, but somehow not caring either. The rap part was also in the comfort of my memory and it felt freeing being able to cary it out, as if it was my best friend sitting next to me in our of our dozens of car karaoke sessions.

Short after the song ended, we arrived to the mansion's entrance. Odell pressed the button that shut the whole engine out and he lifted his hand, while opening his car door. "Wait." 

I frowned, before watching him as he made his way to my side of the car and then I understood his rush. I had forgotten about his thing with being a gentleman. Although it was kind of sweet, I must admit. I grabbed onto his extended hand and exited the car. He closed the door behind me and I took slow baby steps towards the entrance, trying not to lose my balance on the gravel floor.

I stood in the entrance, waiting as he took a quick jog towards me.

"This is you." He said.

"This is me." I smiled, copying his words. The silence took over, while I stood there with a dumb smile in my face, not being able to take my eyes off of his.

"Nice house, huh? This all you?"

Always goofing around.

"Yes, it's mine." I shrugged, playing along. "You like it?"

"Kinda jealous, I must admit. A bit too big for you, no?" 

"I have a few housemates, but I guess I can cope" my chin rose and my arms crossed to my chest, mimicking his pose. 

"So I'm not invited in?" 

The mocking expressions gave space to laugher, as I smacked his arm lightly. 

"I should go, it's getting late you know?" I widened my eyes, pointing towards the door.

The small talk took place for a some brief seconds and it did feel comfortable to last for a whole night, although the chill night breeze was starting to intensify when it hit my skin. In his polite ways, Odell came to offer his bomber jacket, but I declined, reinforcing I'd be inside in a few minutes. Oh, wouldn't that be something? Returning home with the pride possessions' belongings.

As I finally opened the entrance doors, I noticed as per usual a group of females turning to look at me. I smiled at him outside, before shutting the door and resting my back against it. And for some damn reason, I had this stupid smile that didn't seem to leave my face.

☾

And another chapter!

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