Losing Charley

Chapter 6

As I leave Biology Wednesday and begin to walk to Freshman Seminar, I see Joe waiting outside.

"Mornin', Joe."

"Hey, Charley, just wondering if you looked at the syllabus yet?"

"I did," I say with a smile.

"So, I mean, since we already kinda know each other, do you wanna work with me?" he asks while adjusting his backpack. Is he nervous? I mean, it's just me.

"Yeah, I guess so," I answer, trying my best not to look too excited.

"Don't act so excited, Charley," he says as he starts to laugh.

We both laugh as we make our way to class.

Entering class, Dr. Cope informs us that once we have a partner we are free to go. We are expected to meet on Mondays in the class, but during our other scheduled class time, we are to meet with our partner and work on the project.

"All right, Joe. When and where are we going to meet?"

Joe bursts out laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"You weren't kidding about getting things done, being organized, and not procrastinating. I'm so glad you said yes."

"Well, it's not a bad thing," I say with just a tad of an attitude.

"I know. It's cute, and at least we will have our project finished and can have fun the rest of the semester."

"So, when and where are we meeting?"

"Let's meet during class time at the picnic tables between the dorms. That is unless you want to meet in my dorm room?" Joe says with a wink.

"I think option one will be just fine. I'll meet you there Friday. Bye, Joe." I turn around to walk across campus with a smile plastered on my face.

Glancing over my shoulder, I see him wave and smile. Oh, that smile. I seriously hope I can keep enough distance between us because I already know how this scenario will play out. Girl falls for boy, boy falls for girl, shit happens, and boy breaks girl's heart.

The rest of the day goes as planned: class, more class, studying, and getting ready for the next day. I wake up Thursday morning and decide to take extra time getting ready. I don't have class until nine, and I have to meet Cash this afternoon.

I curl my hair and then pull half of it up, grab my cut-off stone washed jean shorts, blue plaid button up shirt and my white cord sandals. I want to look like myself, plain old Charley when I see Cash today.

Class flies by, and before I know it, I'm telling Georgia and Caroline I'm meeting Cash to pick up my swim bag and will be back by supper. They both look at me like that's not all I'm up too this afternoon. Then they inform me that we are going shopping right after class tomorrow because we're going to Hank's Tavern Saturday night.

"What's Hank's Tavern?" I ask curiously.

"It's this redneck bar that is like five minutes from campus. Everyone says they got the best pizza and steak around, but on Saturday night there's a lot of bumpin' and grindin' going on, especially when Southern's classes are in session," Georgia states as she tries to do her best bumping and grinding impression. I can't help but laugh. Now I know why that girl likes to drink liquid courage in a glass!

"Sounds like fun! But I'm not eighteen yet."

"Don't worry, Charley. Someone will get us in. We'll work on that tomorrow."

"Okay, see y'all in a little while." I walk downstairs to the stoop, text Cash, and get into my Honda. I feel like I haven't driven in forever. I open the sunroof, crank up the local country station and down the highway I go.

Arriving at Hooters in record time I think I'm going to have to wait on Cash but when I turn into the parking lot, I can see his truck. The closer I get to that truck the more butterflies I begin to feel inside my stomach. I love the feeling of being with Cash but I also love being on my own.

I put the car in park, close the sunroof, and take a minute to fix my hair before getting out. As I'm about to open my door, Cash opens it for me. "Hey, Char," he says as he wraps his strong arms around me and pulls me in for a big hug. After we break apart he hands me my swim bag.

"Here's your bag. I hope everything's there. And just so you know, your mama might be onto your game. Just a hunch," he says with a wink.

"Thanks, Cash." I give him a kiss on the cheek.

"Let's go eat."

Cash and I have a fun-filled afternoon laughing at what's been going on at home, the waitresses in the Hooters getup, and old times. At times, I catch Cash looking at me with those beautiful eyes that are full of hope and wishing we were together again.

"Oh crap, Cash. I didn't realize it was gettin' so late. The girls at school are waiting on me for supper."

"We're having so much fun. Why don't you text them and tell them your plans have changed?"

"Cash, I've had a great time, but they were giving me a hard time already."

"What do you mean 'hard time'?" he asks with that cute grin and a little chuckle.

"Cash, you know how girls talk. They probably think we're on some back road getting our freak on!"

"I like how those girls think, and you know your wish is my command."

I slap his arm.

"That is so not funny!"

After a few minutes of awkward silence, he finally speaks.

"Char, you promise you're coming home soon? Blue misses you really bad."

"If I didn't know better, I'd think Blue isn't the only one person that misses me." I smirk.

Once Cash pays the bill, he holds the door open as we make our way outside. Placing his arm over my shoulder we walk toward my car to say goodbye.

As he begins to open the car door, he pulls me close to him and hugs me like he is never going to let go.

"Cash..." And before I have time to finish my sentence, his lips are on mine. He is kissing me with every ounce of his being, and I want nothing more than to kiss him back, so I do.

Undoubtedly, we must be causing a scene because we hear people honking their horns. The sounds bring me back to reality. I can't believe I just kissed Cash.

I pull away from Cash's perfect lips and try to get into the car. I know this isn't going to be easy. As I turn to get in the driver's seat, he grabs my wrist with a gentle grip. I turn to look at him, and that is when I know he is never going to leave me. I know that no matter what life puts in my way, Cash will always be a part of it. I don't know if he will continue to be my knight in a pair of Carhartts and an F250 or if he will just continue to be my rock that I lean on, but whatever it is, I will not let him go. I just need time.

"Since you've gone away, it's been harder on me than I imagined. Even when we weren't talking I was able to see you at a distance. I was always watching out for you and I always will. I meant what I said that night in the club. I'm here, and ready when you are."

All I can do is look into those beautiful eyes, and that is all the affirmation he needs. I don't need to tell him how I feel; it is written all over my face. He pulls me into his strong embrace and kisses my forehead.

"Cash, I love you too, but I want us to take this slow. I'm not at home; I want to live my college experience to the fullest. For so long, I've lost myself. In Grassy Pond, I've felt smothered. I can't get away from the memories that haunt me. Finally, I've started to find myself little by little, but I know I need you in my life. Cash, I need you to be patient with me."

"I always will," he says as he uses his fingersto guide my eyes to him. I start to melt as he brings his soft kissable lips tomine. We break apart all too quickly,and he gives me a few quick pecks on the lips before sending me on my way. In a million years, I never expected this tohappen today.