Reversing Roles

Chapter 12

"So, uh, I'll see you on Monday?" asked Grayson, slightly nervous. Alyssa nodded, the beam that had been planted to her face ever since the kiss, not wiping off. The night around them felt somewhat magical and mysterious, as Alyssa and Grayson stood hand-in-hand on Alyssa's front porch. She gazed dreamily, into his charming eyes. They flashed and sparkled, as they did the first time she'd met him. She swooned, but, something in her stomach still anxiously wriggled about. Her heart had felt bruised and heavy ever since her stepfather had started drinking, and the Ryder phase. Did she want to go through what Ryder had put her through, again? Of course she didn't, but, Grayson was a lot different, it seemed.

Suddenly, she seemed insecure about her house, and even though it was dark, you could still make out the flaws it had, like painting scraping off and busted wooden beams. The grass seemed a little too long for her liking, as well. She made a mental note to mow it tomorrow. She was just glad that Robert's ugly, old Mustang was hidden away in the garage; Grayson would probably judge her severely for that.

Then, the ear-piercing sound of a beer bottle smashing against the tiles from inside, cut through the air, like a knife. Alyssa froze. Grayson furrowed his brow, glancing at the front-door, as if he had x-ray vision, and could see right through the wood. Right through to her tightly locked chamber of secrets.

"What was-"

"Nothing!" Alyssa immediately interrupted, ramming her head into his view, blocking out the door. "I-I mean, it's probably nothing to worry about. Mum probably just dropped a plate while washing up, or something," she continued to lie, her heart pounding.

"Oh. Well, do you think she'd need help?" Grayson wondered, concerned.

"No, no, no. Don't worry about it. R-Rob will help her." Alyssa's hands grew clammy as her grip tightened around his wrist.

"Rob? Who's that?"

"He's my, um.... s-stepfather," she struggled. She sincerely hoped Grayson didn't ask anymore questions about him, or worse, wanted to come inside and introduce himself. Alyssa stared at Grayson cautiously, but also tried to be subtle about it. He shrugged.

"Awesome." He then took a glimpse down at their entwined fingers, and slightly blushed. Alyssa blushed, too, her heart now fluttering, and the cold sweat now drying from the back of her neck. Grayson's eyes sparkled, his adorable chestnut hair ruffled.

"I-I had a really good time tonight," he whispered, leaning in, planting a small kiss on her cheek. She was certain he could hear her rapid heartbeat. She nodded, in definite agreement. He slowly dropped her hands and stepped off he porch, smoothly. Her hand reached up and touched the cheek that his lips had collided with. It felt blissfully warm and comforting. Maybe she could be like one of those little lovestruck teenagers who swore they'd never wash the cheek that their crush had kissed, ever again. She chuckled to herself. Grayson had already made his way to Joey's car, opened the driver's side door and climbed in. On the way to Alyssa's house, he'd explained to her that his mate, Joey, had gone home with some other girl, in her fancy Jeep, leaving Grayson with Joey's father's Subaru. She had giggled, fumbling with her phone.

Before Grayson pulled off the curb and drove down the quaint road, he faced the window, smiling brightly, and waved to her. She waved back, longingly. He then disappeared off down the street, into the cold, lonely night. Alyssa remained on her porch for a moment longer, not sure if it was because she was comfortable soaking up the moonlight and shining stars and quietly rustling grass, or because she was actually scared to face her stepfather. She deeply exhaled, then opened the creaky door, welcomed by a silent, darkened house. Shivers danced up her spine. Where was her mum? Where was Robert?