Opposites Attract - ON HOLD

Chapter 14

Vivian walked in her house and gritted her teeth waiting to be ambushed by her parents. She walked through the front door and looked around. Everything seemed quiet. All the lights were off and it seemed that no one was home.

"It's about time you came home," said her mother's voice.

She turned her head and saw her mother sitting at the dining room table. Vivian didn't say a word, but stared at her mother in the shadows.

"You're father had to go to dinner with his boss tonight. So don't wait up on him," her mother said, standing up.

Vivian's mother walked out of the dining room and towards her bedroom. Vivian heard the click of the door and silence again. She couldn't believe her mother didn't scold her or punish her for what she did today. Vivian shrugged away the shock and walked up to her room. She should have expected this after being told they have never cared about her.

Vivian walked to the library with a law book in her hands. It was Monday. The sky was a brilliant blue and clear from any clouds. Vivian walked in the library happy that it was cooler than it was outside. She passed by the aisle that held sci-fi books and walked down the one of the many fiction aisles. She stopped at the G's and found the book she wanted. She picked it up and stepped back when something fell out of the spot the book sat. A small red rose was sitting on the floor with twine holding a piece of paper to it. She picked up the rose and looked at it curiously. Scribbled on the piece of paper read:

Look at the non-fiction section around the corner.

Vivian clutched the rose in one hand and the book in the other. She walked to the end of the aisle and looked toward the corner of the library. Harley was sitting in one of the cushion chairs and smiling at her. She walked up to him with a grin.

"Zach, what are you–"

She trailed off when he pulled out a dozen roses from behind the chair.

"You deserve this," he said as he handed her the flowers.

"Zach–"

She couldn't finish her sentence. She tried to search for words as she stared at the beautiful bouquet but she was speechless.

"I hope you like them," he said as he watched her look from the flowers to him.

"Of course, it's just–you shouldn't have."

"Well, I thought you would like them and you seem happier now."

Vivian nodded and hugged him with her one free hand. She smelled the roses and Harley's cologne together making her head spin more in delight. She stepped back away from him and smiled.

"I thought you had to work today," she commented.

"The supplies didn't come in over the weekend so he sent everyone home. Kent found an apartment and we're going to start moving today. I'll show you tonight."

His smile slowly faded and his face turned serious.

"What happened when you got home yesterday?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

Vivian shook her head.

"I promised Kent that I would meet him at my house at ten and start moving. I couldn't wait to give you those flowers, that's why I came."

"I've got to go to Angee's anyway. You are so sweet to give me these. I'll see you later."

"Alright. See you tonight."

He brushed a kiss against her cheek and walked out of the library. Vivian walked up to the checkout counter. Mrs. Jones, the middle aged librarian, was shaking her head while looking at the door. Vivian looked where her eyes were directed and saw Harley pulling out of the parking lot with his motorcycle.

"He better not have stolen anything," said Mrs. Jones under her breath.

"Trust me, he didn't."

Mrs. Jones didn't look convinced. A few minutes later, Vivian was walking to Angee's house. Angee was waiting on the front porch pacing and started to immediately smile when she saw Vivian walk up the concrete path.

"I was worried about you yesterday," said Angee, opening the front door.

Vivian walked in Angee's house and followed her to her room. Angee shut the door behind her and quickly sat down on her bed. She looked up at Vivian with wide eyes and anxiety.

"What happened?" asked Angee.

Vivian told Angee what led up to the event of her leaving home.

"Then, Harley found me and–"

"Hold on, Hold on, you're still going out with him?!"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"He's not what everyone makes him out to be," defended Vivian.

"Where did you get the roses? They're really pretty."

"Harley gave them to me."

Angee looked from the roses to Vivian.

"Really?" she asked.

"Yes, he gave them to me a few minutes ago. I'm seeing him again tonight."

Angee sighed and said, "I don't know what you see in him."

"He's really sweet when you know him. Obviously, look at these roses!"

Angee threw her head as she sighed in frustration.

"Well, at least you haven't kissed him."

Angee looked at Vivian's guilty face and sucked in her breath as she said, "No, you did not!"

Vivian made a small nod and felt her face grow hot.

"I can't believe–you and Harley–kissing," she spluttered with a twisted face.

"Well...I rather enjoyed it," said Vivian, crossing her arms across her chest.

Angee stared at Vivian with wide eyes and her mouth hanging slightly open. Vivian decided to change the subject.

"Is that a new pair of shoes?" she asked, pointing at two pink shoes next to the bed.

Angee beamed as she looked down at the shoes.

"Yes, I bought those two days ago. They were on clearance of all things too!"

Vivian half-listened to Angee during her long winded talk about gossip and clothes. Her mind was occupied on Harley.