Maybe It's Time

APRIL, 2003 - PART FIVE

Bradley's POV

I kissed Stefani. For the first time I started it and it felt good. I could not deny anymore that I wanted her. I wanted to have her in my arms again, feel her soft skin, kiss her all over.

I got inside home and my mom was getting ready for work. It was good to see her well and smiling. She seemed happy and healthy. She was making some coffee and preparing pancakes. I kissed her cheek and gave her a hug.

"You seem happy, huh?" She said. "Coffee?"

"Sure. Black is fine". She gave a cup of coffee and looked me in the eyes.

"Where have you been?"

"Out..." I bite my lower lip, not making eye contact. "I took Stef home and went to see some friends".

"Sure you did". I didn't have to look at her to feel her raising her eyebrows. My mother knew something happened but she didn't ask anything else. She served some breakfast, making me eat more than I could. We talked for a while about my life in NY when she looked at me and sighed. "Your brother came here some days ago. He is... better".

"Really? That's a good thing".

"He apologized to me. He even tried to talk to Stefani, but I guess she was not home".

"Good that she wasn't. I would beat the shit out of him if he approached her again".

"He is good now, Brad. Maybe you should give him a chance again. He is going to church". I laughed and she made an ugly face.

"They all do it. Well, no thanks!" I finished my coffee and got up to get more. "I won't complain if he starts coming here again. It's your son, after all. Just hope he won't bother you... Mmm... Church". I rolled my eyes and my mom slapped my shoulder.

"You don't seem good, son. Anything bothering you?".

"I am fine".

"You sure, baby?"

"Mom... I kinda like a girl..."

"Oh, finally! So, what's the matter? Doesn't she like you back?"

"She does but... We have been friends and I don't want to lose what we have".

"Son... Go ahead. Do it".

"I am afraid she will waste her time with me. We don't live near each other".

"Oh no, don't tell me you met her on the internet".

"No, no!". I laughed. "Met her in college..." I lied and my mom knew it.

"Mhmm, college huh? Well son, if I could give you any advice... Go for it. You'll never know. You may lose the woman of your dreams... Well, girl...". Damn, I was more predictable than I thought. "Talk to her and be honest, if she is far... Make it work. And remember... I didn't raise you to be an asshole". I nodded in agreement. "Well, son... I gotta go now. When are you going home?"

"Mmm, this night or tomorrow morning, but I will definitely wait for you to say goodbye". She smiled and kissed my forehead. I finished my second cup of coffee and cleaned the kitchen for my mother. After that, I went for a long shower. My body was clammy from all the sweat.

I leaned myself against the wall, thinking of all my mom said earlier. She was right. I had to talk to Stefani about my feelings and be honest with her. She was not just another girl I fucked for fun. I was not even the kind of young guy who had many girls. I was too romantic for that and used to get attached easily.

All my thoughts suddenly were in the last night and how good that was. I still could feel her taste and the smell of her perfume. I got hard remembering the moments I had with Stefani. It took me a while to end my shower and when I did, I went to my old room and laid in my bed.