Love, Curly |M.J.|

Chapter 5

The diner was empty besides the workers by the time we left. The group of guys Michael knew left about 30 minutes before us. When they were on their way out, they stopped again at our table and was talking to us.

We stumble out the door, high on laughter. "And then he screamed with his arm dangling, 'that's what I'd do for a Klondike bar.'" I tell Michael about the time my older brother broke his arm.

"So, Alex jumped out of a moving car...? Only because his friend said, 'what would you do for a Klondike bar?'" He laughs.

"Yep sadly. That's why he's at a military school now." I pretend to wipe a tear.  "When will he be back? I'd like to meet him, so we can jump out of a moving car together."

"He should be home in a month or two for the holidays." Michael opens the car door for me. "Thanks, Curly." I try out my new nickname for him. He shuts it then tries to slide over the hood of the car. He fails miserably, only making it half way just to fall off. It looked like a horrible indie action movie and the sound of him squeaking made it even better.

I giggle as he gets up and wipes his pants off. Michael smoothly gets in the driver's side. "Just like James Bond." I snort at his comment.

"Let's go home before you try something else." I say buckling my seatbelt.

"Sounds like a good idea..." Michael straps himself in and starts the drive home.

30 minutes later

"If it weren't for all those darn stoplights, we would have been here already." Michael huffs in annoyance as he pulls into his driveway and jerks the car to a stop. His driving could still use some improvement. I laugh at him.

He looks so cute when he's mad. His nose scrunched and- the door opens.
"You really like staying in cars, huh?" Michael refers to the last time I got sidetracked.

"Shush, Curly."

"Sorry J, no can do." He says pulling me out. He looks at the time on his watch. "We've been gone that long?" He says.

"Well, what time is it?" I inquired.

"10:58." My eyes go wide.

"I'm supposed to be home at eleven!"

He grabs my hand and drags me across his yard, into mine. "I'm not getting murdered by your dad!"

I giggle as he brings me onto my porch. "He wouldn't dare! Who else would bring him the newspaper in the morning?" I crack the door open. I turn back to Michael. "Today was fun, thank you, Curly Wurly." I kiss his cheek.

He gives a toothy smile, "You're welcome, Jadie. See you tomorrow. Good night."

"Let me know how it goes with Jermaine," I walk inside and smile at him one more time before closing it.

"You like that young man, don't you?" My father says, standing behind me. I jump.

"You scared me!" I say turning around, my heart pounding. I ignore his question.

Mother walks in, "Andrew leave her alone. They just went out as friends." Friends. Yeah, only friends, nothing more. Although, ...but that would never happen.

While she scolds him, I take it as a chance to go to my room. Before I get one foot on the stairs, mom calls my name. Oh Lord.

"Jadelyn, where do you think you're going?" My dad says.

"To my room to take a shower."

"You aren't going to tell us what happened?" My mother speaks.

"We got bored at the movies. So, we went to a little dinner downtown and got milkshakes and food." I leave out a few minor details. They don't need to know about us leaving Jermaine at the drive-in.

"I will tell the rest tomorrow. I'm tired." She nods, satisfied with my answer and I start climbing up the stairs. I make it to my room.

Michael's bedroom light is on. I walk to my dresser and sift through the drawers. I grab undergarments, then pajamas. He enters his room, his shadow walking around.

I walk to my bathroom. He peeks his head out his window. He waves at me. I blush and walk into the bathroom. I close the door behind me.

I start the shower and undress. I climb in.

I grab a towel from the shelf and dry off. I get dressed and brush my teeth and hair. Turning off my light, I jump onto my bed right after.

I fall asleep to crickets making noise and Michael's light shining softly through my window.

Michael's P.O.V

I stand at her front door, after walking- dragging her here. She smiles before the door shuts.

I smile back, but to the door. I stand there for a moment before walking back to my house. I walk through the front door.

"How was your little date with Jadieeee?" Janet sings sitting on the couch with a barbie doll. My face gets hot, "It wasn't a date. But it was fun."

"Mama is asleep, but she wants to hear all about it in the morning." She tells me. I nod. Thank God she went to sleep before she found out about Jermaine.

"Goodnight, sis." I walk to the stairs.

"Wait, didn't Jer go with ya?" Janet asks as Jermaine walks in the room, drenched in sweat and out of breath. I turn and look at her for a split second before busting out laughing.

He gives me a deathly glare, "I think you forgot something."

"If I forgot, then it wasn't that important... Sorry bro." I managed to say between laughter.

I quickly scurry up the stairs to my room. I turn on the light before walking into my bathroom. I take a quick shower then get out.

I wrap a towel around me and walk into my room. Jadie's room is now lit up and she's standing at her dresser when I look out my window. She blushes when she sees me. I wink at her before she rushes into her restroom. 

I get dressed and then grab Johnathan Livingston Seagull, the book I've been reading. I read for a while, more like stare at the same page for 5 minutes, on my bed. Setting the book down, I turn off the light. I'm too distracted to read. Or do anything for that matter.

I fall asleep thinking about her and our day today. J is all I ever think of now.

She's the best thing that's happened to me since I've moved here. I dread the day that I have to leave because that means I won't be able to see her everyday.