As He Held My Hand

14. First Day Back

14. First Day Back

Gemma’s POV

Grant and I spend the next few days together before we go back to school. We haven’t gone out on an official date yet, but I am eager for the time when we do. The only thing that is holding me back is that it’s Grant Baker.  

He has a well-known reputation. And it’s not a good one.

What if people think I’m just another one of his flings? What if I am just another one of his flings? What if he throws me away when he’s used me, and I’m left caring for someone who doesn’t reciprocate the feelings? I feel like such an ass, judging Grant so much. But a part of me doesn’t trust him. Or trust his “feelings” for me.

But vacation is good, and the first day back to school, I wonder how the day will play out. There are people giving gifts to their friends and showing off their new clothes and presents. The groups of friends are gathered together, making me feel severed from everyone.

When I get to my locker, I spin the lock for the first time in two weeks. I gather my books for my first few classes and then close the locker door, ready to take a right to go visit Alex when I bump into someone who presses their lips to mine. They kiss me in such a way I know it has to be Grant.

When we pull away and I open my eyes, I see my suspicions are confirmed. “Hey.” he says, still close to me. “Hi.” I squeak back, feeling my cheeks flush red. “Where are you headed to?” he asks, throwing an arm around my shoulders and herding me away from the large crowd that had suddenly formed at my locker.

I tell him Alex’s locker as I look around us. Something’s different.

People are staring.

Grant doesn’t seem to notice, and I figure that he’s used to people staring at him in the hallways. But this kind of attention is new to me. When Grant realizes I’m not saying anything, he stops. “Are you OK?” he asks genuinely. “What? Yeah. I’m fine.” I say smiling. He looks around and sees the people watching him with his arm around me.

He chuckles, almost to himself, and then swoops me towards him, pulling me into a big kiss. I get lost in him, feeling dazed when he pulls away. Then we continue down the hallway, and people do not stare.

Until we turn the corner, and it starts all over again.

____________

We arrive at Alex’s locker in the next few minutes, and I walk around to the side she can see me. “Hey.” I say, leaning up against the lockers, shoving my hands in my pockets. Grant is standing off to the side, and Alex notices him. “Hi…” she says slowly. She’s still staring at Grant.

“What’s he doing here?” she whispers, leaning forward. He still hears her and I see him smile a little. He does have a cute smile, and I am no longer ashamed to admit that. Or at least, I don’t think I am.

I try to hide my smile, but I can’t. He walks up to me and snakes his arm around my waist. I attempt to cover the shiver that runs through my body at his touch, and I think to myself that I will never get over this feeling. Alex’s jaw drops, and then forms into a smile. “Gemma’s got a boyfrienddd.” she says, poking me in the stomach. “I have to head out. See you later.” he says, pecking my cheek.

I blush again as he walks away and I turn back to Alex, who starts badgering me with a thousand questions. “When did it happen?” she asks. “Over break. We were just watching movies and then he kissed me. And oh my Lord, is he a good kisser.” I say, and she laughs, but it doesn’t sound very genuine.

“What’s wrong?” I implore, noticing her sudden change in attitude. She doesn’t say anything. I pause before asking “You don’t think I’m just another one of his flings do you?” She’s still quiet, and I can feel my stomach churning. So it’s not just me who doesn’t trust him.

“Alex, please. I need to know what you’re thinking. You’re my best friend.” I tell her. “Well, you know he has a reputation, Gemma. I just don’t want you to get hurt.” she says. “I’ve been thinking the same thing.” I admit, staring down at the freshly waxed floors. They must have done that over break, I think to myself.

“Are you sure you want to jump into a relationship with him?” she asks me. Do I? I want to, but will I end up hurt in the end? I definitely don’t want that.

“I really like him, Alex. And I think he really likes me too. I’m going to see where it leads, and I’m hoping that I don’t get heartbroken in the process.” I tell her. After a quick goodbye, I go into my homeroom and sit down, still thinking about what she asked me. Of course I wanted a relationship with him. But was I ready to jump into one so quickly?

_____________

Grant comes up behind me while I’m standing in the lunch line. “My God, Grant! You scared me.” I laugh. He shoves his hands in his pockets and shifts his weight to the other foot. Then he leans down, smiles, and whispers in my ear, “That was the point.” I gently backhand slap him and he laughs. I buy my lunch before Grant and he walks in front of me to the table we’d sat at before break. When we made our toast to friendship.

“You just expect that I want to eat lunch with you?” I say sarcastically, holding my lunch tray to my stomach. “Well I would think my girlfriend would want to have lunch with me.” he says, laughing a little.

Wait, what?

Girlfriend?

I feel my breath catch in my throat at his choice of words. Does one kiss make us in a relationship? Does it make us boyfriend and girlfriend? Gosh, all of this was so new to me, it was like a rush of unanswered questions and confusion.

“What?” I ask. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know if you…” he stutters, and I sit down in front of him. “Well we haven’t even gone on a date yet…” I start, pushing the pasta noodles around my Styrofoam bowl. “Well then, Miss Gemma Willis, would you like to accompany me on our first official date?” he asks, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands in his lap.

I smile at him before answering,

“Of course I would.”