Where We Begin

Chapter 4 - You Have No Idea

July 2nd, 2002 - Taylor

"Green streaks?" Kiki made a face.

"It looks better than it sounds, trust me, he was so cute. And so shy, literally nothing like Kit," I went on.

"HEY! No bringing up the 'K' word. You said yourself there was to be no more mention of him this summer," Amber interrupted.

"I know, I know. And I said I wasn't going to get hung up on any guys. But that was back when my dating pool consisted of only our classmates we have known our whole lives. This guy is new, and so different. Number one, he has a job, one that involves manual labor."

"So he's probably good with his hands," Brandy said and we all giggled.

"Exactly! Cool hair, a ripped rock t-shirt, all sweaty and sexy. And the sweetest smile, you guys. You have to see him," I rambled.

"Seriously, because if we don't, I don't think you're ever going to shut up about it." Amber laughed.

"I know, that's why I'm going to ask him to come to my party. My mom told me he's Ivy Clark's nephew, you know, the yoga chick? He just moved in with her and he told my mom he was 16, so he'll probably be in our class next year!" 

An older guy in the row of seats in front of us abruptly turned around and shushed us.

"Uhhh the movie hasn't even started, it's just previews," I mumbled. 

I didn't even care about watching it anymore. I just wanted to talk about Simon all night. I know I was probably driving my friends nuts, but I was so intrigued by this mysterious new stranger. I wondered when I would see him again. It had to be really soon, because my party was only two days away. 

Suddenly, I had a brilliant idea. The movie was starting, so I quickly texted my mom, saying I didn't like the way the lights were hung for the party and that we should have the guys come back. I was so pleased with my plan, I sat through the whole movie with a big smile on my face.

Afterwards, we were walking out and my mind was still wandering. The girls were making plans to go get some pizza, but I was spaced out. It was actually really hard to not bring up... 

"Simon!" I exclaimed.

"Taylor, new subject please," Kiki whined. 

"No, he's here! That BMW parked at curb, with the kid getting out, he's the driver!" 

I ran over to the car, but he looked distracted. It wasn't until I was right up against the window that he noticed me standing there. I heard him make a surprised noise. I couldn't help but laugh as I motioned for him to roll down the window. I didn't want to look like I was stalking him or anything, so I played it cool. 

"Hey! Simon right?"

I could hear the girls giggling behind me when I pretended to not be sure of his name. I had only said it 50 times earlier.

"Uhhhh yeah. Well, kinda, most people call me Busta," he replied.

"Oh, gotcha. I must have missed that in our long conversation by the pool today," I laughed. He stared at me like I had three heads. "It was a joke. You need to relax a little."

"Sorry, I guess I haven't really gotten used to the laid back Cali lifestyle," he mumbled. 

This was not exactly going as smoothly as I had hoped.

"Well, you should." I turned back toward my friends. "Brandy, Amber, Kiki.. this is that guy I was telling you about before the movie, Simon. Wait, just kidding, Busta. He goes by Busta. Brandy is the blonde, Amber, my fellow red head, and Kiki is our sexy Mexi!"