Where We Begin

Chapter 13 - I've Never Told Anyone About That

July 5th, 2002 - Busta

After lunch, I rode home to change out of my work clothes. The house was empty. My mom was at work and Ivy had driven up to Napa Valley for a weekend yoga workshop. I guess Buddy had went to meet up with his friends at the skate park or something, as usual. 

Buddy waited up last night to tell my mom and Ivy everything that happened. My mom was happy I jumped in a pool to save a girl, but even more thrilled that I actually went to a party. I really didn't feel like talking about it with them anymore, so I was glad to have some peace for the moment.

I took a hot shower, then put on my gray Dickie's shorts and a white tee. Since I had no car to borrow, I got back on my bike and started riding toward Crescent Park, feeling hopeful.

It was a slightly overcast day, a rarity here in SoCal. With all this biking, I was glad for the cooler temperature. I mean, a car with A/C would be better, but it was going to take me months to save up for that,

When I got there, I locked up my bike and found a wooden sign with a little map on it. I noticed the pond was down a trail, almost at the very back of the park. Here goes nothing. 

If Taylor wasn't here, at least I was burning some major calories today. Maybe too much. I should probably stop for some more pizza on the way back to offset all the exercise.

It took me about 15 minutes to reach the pond. There was no mistaking this was the place I was looking for, because the oak on the far side was gigantic, and underneath it was Taylor. She was sitting on the grass, leaning against the tree in running shorts and sneakers. Her eyes were closed and she had headphones on, totally zoned out and totally alone. 

As I walked along the edge of the water, I thought about how much I liked my new friend Jake West and his helpful tips.

Taylor didn't hear my approach at all. It wasn't until I sat down next to her that she opened her eyes. She took off her headphones and stared at me, not saying a word. She looked tired and not very happy to see me there. On the plus side, she didn't run away this time, despite being dressed for it this time.

I broke the awkward silence and started to ramble. "I know you probably hate me but please hear me out. I've been a world class douche the past few days. I've had a really awful couple of months with this move and been feeling really alone here. 

"Leaving my life and my friends back in Chicago and dealing with all this change has really been hard. A lot harder than I thought. But everyone has problems, and that's absolutely no excuse for taking it out on you. I'm sorry for snapping at you and I'm sorry for going to your party when you didn't want me there." I was so nervous sitting so close to her, waiting for her to speak.

"Until you were so mean to me, I really wanted you to go to my party," she said quietly. "Actually, even after you were mean, I still kind of wanted you at my party." 

"It didn't seem that way when you started sobbing just at the sight of me. Which I really don't blame you for."

Taylor gazed out over the pond, looking lost in thought. "It wasn't like that. It was more like I was embarrassed that you saw that whole fight with Susie and Kit, and me getting tossed into a pool at my own birthday party. The truth is, I had a few drinks last night, and it got out of hand. It was supposed to be the perfect night, the start of my 'happiest year yet', but it was a shit show." 

She let out a heavy sigh. "I was also crying because I was grateful you were there and that you did what you did. Kit's such an asshole, he would have never dove into a pool after me. But I had kind of been hoping that was your deal, you were just another asshole who doesn't like me and it was no big loss. That's what I had to tell myself all day to make myself feel better about our fights. Now I know you are a good guy who just doesn't like me. That sucks even more."