RAIN DANCE

Four

It was Friday, the last day of the school week. If I didn’t ask about the Dylan thing today, I’d have to wait a whole weekend to find out what the story about him was. I was convinced that it was something juvenile. But even so, I had to know. I got a perfect chance to ask during lunch when everyone was there.
Luke had taken his new post beside Heather. He had one hand hanging on her shoulder and the rest of us tried hard to ignore the urge to ask what had happened between them. We all had heard bits and pieces of it separately but we were curious to know if they could admit about their affair to all of us.
“How is Aidan?” Chuck asked all of a sudden. I looked at her like she’d punched me in the stomach.
“He’s fine.” I couldn’t help smile at the thought of him.
“Who’s Aidan?” Luke interjected.
“Some hot guy who likes Chris…a lot.” Chuck explained. Matt looked at me like he was expecting me to add something else. Ignored him and looked at Heather.
“So Heather, what did you mean about Dylan?” I asked casually.
“You can’t be that stupid.” Heather said looking at me. For the first time she had managed to look away from Luke.
“Dylan who? DUI Dylan?” Chuck asked, her voice was lowered like we were talking about a legend
“DUI?” I repeated clearly confused.
“Chris, dude, you don’t know about Dylan?” Obviously I was the only one out of the loop. The whole table nodded when Matt said those words.
“Just tell Wilma Flintstone here the story.” Chuck said with a smile.
“Dylan killed his buddy for a scholarship. Apparently, he was drunk.” Matt said as he chewed on a bite of his burger.
“He killed a friend for a scholarship?” I repeated. “That’s a load of bull.”
“The story was in the papers. His face and all.” Chuck explained her voice adding to the tense environment.
“No one kills someone for a stupid scholarship.” I scoffed, irritation getting the best of me.
“Well, Dylan did.” Heather said.
“There has to be a logical explanation. It was an accident.” I blurted out as I felt the anger creeping on me.
“Are you defending him?” Heather asked.
“Do you like this guy?” Matt asked as clarification to Heather’s question
“So my defending him is more appalling than the way you guys think he’s capable of killing someone. His friend possibly!  For a stupid scholarship?!” I found myself crying out. “You don’t even know him!”
Everyone remained quiet. I was trying had to control my heavy breathing.
“You do like him!” Luke shouted after a few minutes of the silence. I looked at him in shock. I know guys can be totally clueless but to assume I had a crush on Aidan because of my reaction was completely of the mark.
“No, you moron,” Chuck responded “She likes Aidan. You should have seen her grinning like a Cheshire cat yesterday.”
“Chuck!” I breathed and all of a sudden I was consumed with fits of laughter. “Let’s go. Lunch break is over.”
I didn’t know if my outburst was acceptable or justifiable. I just had this need to correct the guys. Their conclusions were induced by the school’s deductions but that did not make them right. Maybe I wasn’t the right person to act judge, if that’s how I’d reacted, but someone had to set the record straight. Is it not our responsibility as people, humans, to correct each other when we were wrong?
I also didn’t know how I should feel knowing this about Dylan. He wasn’t my friend or someone I should care about but strangely enough I did. I wanted to pity him but that wouldn’t help him. If anything, that reaction would make him resent me. So I did the next best thing. I avoided him like the chicken I am. I didn’t even look at him when he walked past me. Cowardly sounded more appealing than awkward.
My day was going quite well. I hadn’t spoken to Dylan and I could boldly say I had not seen him even though we shared two classes together. I also had a date with Aidan which I was kind of excited about. Aidan was a really nice guy. He made me laugh. He seemed to appreciate the present almost as much as I did so together we could revel in the moment. It felt great. I couldn’t wait to see him.
I walked into the library. My mind was filled with thoughts about Aidan. I was also thinking about what to wear for our first official date, such a girly thing. Something simple like a good t-shirt and jeans with sneakers, was what seemed most appropriate.  Heels came across like a second date thing. I was trying to remember where I’d put my favourite sneakers when I saw Dylan. I considered avoiding him completely but before I could talk myself to a sensible reaction, I was walking towards him. I stopped right behind him and took a deep breath. He hasn’t noticed you, it’s not too late, turn and leave! I thought to myself.
“Dylan, hi” I said. I didn’t sit down. I just stood there staring at him.
“Hi.” He said and he smiled at me. I took that as a good sign, so I went on.
“Can you help me with one of the Math questions we got for homework?” I asked.
“I haven’t looked at them yet,” he said pulling out a chair for me “but, sure, I can try.”
“Great.” I sat down. I handed him the questions and pointed randomly at a question. He looked at it and sighed. He explained as thorough as he could and handed me back the question paper. As it turned out, the Math question I had given him was one of the easiest but I needed an ice-breaker so that I could ask him what I was dying to know.
“So you moved here like three months ago?” I began, he nodded. “It’s senior year, why did you bother?”
“I’m surprised you don’t know.” He said after a few minutes of awkward silence. I was beginning to regret prying.
“Actually I kind of do.” I confessed. “I was hoping you’d tell me yourself, not that you have an obligation to.”
“Well, I don’t think I feel any obligation to tell you but you’re the only person who asked my side of the story.” He paused and looked at his opened Physics book before he continued. “Me and this dude were up for a scholarship. He ended up getting it. I was just a runner up. I was so bummed out about it, almost went into depression. This other guy was a really great guy. He didn’t deserve to die.” He seemed to have drifted off.
“Anyway, he offered to take me out for drinks to cheer me up. I went reluctantly. He had a few too much. I didn’t realise that I was wasted too so I offered to drive. I wrapped us up on a pole. He died and I left with my life and, consequently, the scholarship too.” His eyes were glued to the book open before him. I could feel his anguish.
“I don’t blame you. It could have happened to anyone.” I whispered.
“Thanks but everyone else does blame me.” He said looking into my eyes. “I came here hoping for a fresh start but the story was in the papers so my problem came with me.”
“I can’t change what people say but I think you’re remarkable and brave.” I said.
“People say I’m living his life.” He stated sourly
“I know what it’s like living on someone’s life so, trust me, you aren’t.” I said.
“Have you…?” he said but his words seemed to die in his throat
“No,” I said with a smile realising what he thought “it’s a short, sad story. It’s about the death of my biological parents. I’d rather not get into it.”
“I see.” He said after a while of serious thought.
I gathered my books and stood up to leave. “I’ll see you around.”
“It was nice talking to you. Have a great weekend.” He said as I walked away.
“Yeah, it was nice talking to you too.” I grinned as I thought about where I was headed.
Jason was waiting for me in the parking lot when I got out. Every time I got into the car I remembered how badly I needed a driver’s licence. Jason wasn’t a bad driver but I just didn’t like the idea of having a man old enough to be my dad driving me around but if I learnt how to drive Jason might lose his job. Lord knows, he needed to keep this job. I got into the car and he drove me home.
Meal times were important at our house so before I got ready for the date I had to sit down and have supper with my family. It was mandatory. No cell phones. No television. We’d say grace and dig in. Just a good meal made by mum, accompanied by polite conversation. Dad just sat there, surrounded by the women he loved whilst we chattered away. Occasionally he’d lift his head and smile at us. This was the part of the day dad seemed to live for. Lizzy and I appreciated the routine but being in your teens made some things feel like a waste.
We finished eating and cleared up the table. Lizzy and I did the dishes whilst mum and dad got comfortable on the couch. We couldn’t have done the dishes fast enough, I wanted to go. Finally we were alone in our room. Clothes were flying all over the place. I tried on three different tops before I settled on a purple one. Lizzy was going to hang out at Heather’s house with a bunch of other girls so she wasn’t fussing. Instead, she did my hair, Lizzy was good at that.
When we’d wasted enough time playing dress up, Lizzy and I went to say good bye to mum and dad.
“Thanks dad.” I said folding my share of money and putting it in my pocket.
“Have fun and be back before eleven.” Mum reminded us.
“Okay mum.” Lizzy said as she opened the door. I walked out after her unable to stop grinning.
Jason was waiting outside. We climbed into the back seat and told Jason where we were going. Lizzy, chatty as always, kept asking Jason about what he’d do till we were ready to go home. Jason answered politely and didn’t seem bothered by Lizzy’s imposing questions. I just laughed at the questions. I was too scared to open my mouth lest I puked. I had butterflies the size of dragons in my tummy and I was sure I’d hyperventilate soon. This was my first date in forever so I was ‘kind of’ nervous.
Lizzy dropped me off at the movies. Aidan was already waiting outside. He flashed a huge smile and greeted Lizzy. It was so strange how he could act so differently to me and Lizzy. Jason didn’t even relax his expression from the threatening face he’d put on just for Aidan.
“Wow, that guy is something.” Aidan said as Jason drove away.
“Jason is just doing what he’s paid for.” I said
“You should pay him a bit more. He might consider smiling a bit.” Aidan joked
I just laughed. I tried to pay for my own ticket but Aidan wouldn’t have it so I let him win. The movie was okay. It was a funny movie not much action going on but Aidan seemed to enjoy it. I wasn’t paying much attention to the film. I enjoyed listening to Aidan’s commentary. He was hilarious.
“What do you want to do now?” he asked when we got outside the dark theatre. The atmosphere was buzzing. People were talking animatedly about the movie and I just stood there unable to wipe the smile off my face.
“I didn’t have desert.” I told him “Maybe we can go for that now, unless you’re hungry.”
“No, I’m not hungry. Desert it is. There’s this awesome place I know of.” He said with a sly grin.
I expected we’d have to drive so I was shocked when five minutes later we were still walking. The city centre was alive with people walking around. I couldn’t have cared less. Aidan listened to every word of my humdrum stories and when he laughed…oh when he laughed I couldn’t help search through my mind for something funnier to say.
The distance seemed longer than I’d anticipated but I was enjoying every second of being with him.
“Lizzy told me about how you guys have your place on Thursdays so I was thinking it would be nice if you and I had our place.” He said as he looked at me while we walked. His eyes were glinting in the lights.
“Hmmm, our place? You’re over confident.” I said
“No, I’m just optimistic.” I replied and looked ahead. I didn’t want him to stop watching me.
“So, is this place in this time zone?” I asked as we turned another corner and crossed another street. He laughed at my polite complaint.
“We haven’t been walking for long!” he protested mockingly
“Yes, we have!” I contested.
“No, we haven’t.” he challenged
“My legs say otherwise!” I insisted and giggled at our childish behaviour.
“Oh, look at us. Our first fight.” He said as he stopped all of a sudden. I stopped and looked at him. I just smiled wider. He stepped closer to me and took my hand. “I could carry you if you want.”
If he had taken another step towards me, I’d have passed out from lack of air. I could smell his deodorant it was the best smell ever to enter my senses. I would never forget it. I held my breath out of habit because it seemed when I was near him I couldn’t function normal.
“I think I can take a few more steps before we resort to that.” I whispered. A rogue smile presented itself on my slightly parted lips.
“Good, because I was kidding.” This time I couldn’t help it. I laughed and my body took a step towards him. We were so close to each other. I could feel him breathing, the moist air from his mouth danced around my face. “Anyway, we’re here.” He added and turned to look around. I had a split second to pull myself together.
“Here?” I repeated looking around the quiet and secluded street. There was nothing happening in the area, except crime perhaps. “You’re sure we’re not lost?” I asked uncertainly.
“Why? Are you scared?” It was the first time the possibility of harbouring that kind of emotion crossed my mind. Even when we left the supposedly safe parts of town I didn’t think there was anything to worry about. For the first time, I understood that even if I screamed the chances of any one hearing me or coming to my rescue were very slim. I looked into his eyes.
“No.” it sounded more like a dare than a simple answer.
“Well, I am so don’t be alarmed if I start screaming like a little girl.” He chuckled.
“Seriously though, this is it?” I watched him unlock the door and walk into the pitch dark place.
I waited for the lights to go on before I followed in. It didn’t look as bad as I imagined. The place couldn’t have been better if I’d imagined it to life. The colours were beautiful and bright but at the same time they blended to give a calming effect. There was a bar with playful but state-of-the-art stools. Little tables and chairs were all over the place in an order I couldn’t recognise. The place was certainly an ice-cream parlour. It had no nostalgic artefacts but it managed to take anyone back to their childhood.
“Wow,” was all I could utter “should I listen out for police sirens?”
“Maybe,” he said with a laugh “but you’d be calling them for the wrong reason. I’m the owner.”
“For real?” I asked in disbelief
“Yes ma’am.” He said going behind the bar. “Me and my brother were working on it before he died.”
“Geez, I’m speechless.” I said in a low voice. All the air had been sucked out of my body.
“No surprise there.” I shot a threatening glance at him but it was so tough to be angry in this place.
“So you pulled all this off alone?” I asked finally looking at him. Sure, the designs were breath-taking but nothing compared to him.
“No my brother and I had done all the designs. He saved up to buy this place and the rest is history.”
“But you work at the restaurant?” I asked
“Part-time. I told you. It keeps me out of trouble and puts extra money in my pocket.” He explained
“And you go to school? Impressive.” I mused
“Hardly. I’m a twenty-one year old guy trying to get a diploma.” He went to the kitchen and I followed close behind.
“Even more impressive.” I said watching him as he headed for the fridge. “But why didn’t you graduate from high school on time?”
“I started working really young.” He came out with a tub of ice-cream. I watched him in silence and awe as he wiped up desert. It tasted better than it looked. “My brother and I used to go to this cute ice-cream parlour when we were allowed to be kids. He was older than me so I enjoyed it more than he did. We’d just sit there and one day he told me that he wanted to build a place just like it. I thought he was kidding until a few years ago. He told me about how the plans we’d drawn were improved and that he wanted me to make sure his dream came alive.”
“Must have been hard.”  I said watching him closely.
“Not really. I just remember who he was before he died.” his voice trailed off at the end and I didn’t want to push him so I remained quiet.
I reached out and touched his hand. He turned his palm up and closed my small hand in his. A strange kind of heat engulfed me and was sure my heart would fail at any second. I looked up and caught him watching me. A smile sat on his gorgeous face.
“This was really nice.” I whispered after a few spoons of ice cream
“Not as good as it could be. I’m going to hire this great, creative guy. He’s a chef.” He slowly let his hand slip off around mine as he got up. As though his hand was still around mine, the heat of his hand remained around it.
“You better be going home.” He said, his voice broke into my trance.
“Yeah, it’s getting kind of late.” Just then my phone began to buzz.
It was Lizzy calling. “Hello?” I said into the phone.
“We’re on our way to pick you up. Where are you?” Lizzy asked.
“Just wait outside the movie house. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” I told her. After I hung up I followed Aidan out of the kitchen.
I couldn’t get over how breath-taking the place was. Walking out was harder than I had imagined. That had little to do with leaving our place and more to do with realising that our date was winding to an end. He held my hand as we headed to the place our date had started and, in a few minutes, would end.
“So where do you live?” I asked, realising that I hadn’t thought much about it.
“I live upstairs of the ice-cream parlour.” He said. “Thought it would be inappropriate to show you my apartment on our first date.”
“Right,” I said thoughtfully, wondering why I was sad that I didn’t see where he lived. “Do you stay alone?”
“No, with my friend. He was probably upstairs playing on the play station. I asked him not to come down. I’m even surprised he didn’t eat the ice-cream.”
“You make him sound charming.” I said sarcastically with a smile.
“Oh, he is.” He said as though it was the biggest joke ever. “That’s why I asked him not to come down, you know, in case he charmed the pants off you and you end up liking him over me.”
Jason was waiting right by the entrance of the movie house. Lizzy was standing outside the car, leaning on the door. She was pretending to be doing something on her phone while she obviously checked out the boys around. She looked a bit different from earlier that night. It was apparent they’d spent the night playing with make-up.
“That’s my ride.” I said, turning to give my back to Lizzy and all my attention to Aidan.
“Maybe I should say this now.” He said stepping close up to me.
“Say what?” I breathed. I was surprised at how my body was reacting to the feel of his hands around my waist and his breath as his lips passed micro-millimetres away from my forehead. I could smell his manly deodorant again and the world seized to exist for that moment.  Slowly, he stepped back and I looked into his eyes.
“I’ve decided to wait. I’ll tell you later.” He said waving at Lizzy. “I’ll call you.”
“You’d better,” I said turning to walk towards Lizzy. “I know where you work and live!”
I heard him laugh and that sound filled me with some kind of energy. I turned to see if he’d left but he was still standing, watching me walk away from him. I got to the door and paused. Lizzy was already inside. I looked over to him and he waved. I smiled and slipped into the car. The night was over but it was marking the beginning of something immutable.