Waiting For Summers

CHAPTER 8

I wait for the sun to break.

I wait for the sun to paint violet and blue streaks in the sky. I also wait for the alcohol in my blood to disappear so that is why decided to wait until dawn. I probably have fallen asleep twice but most of the time I was able to stay awake. I spend the whole night thinking what has just happened a few hours ago. If I'm dreaming, please don't wake me up.
Laura is still fast asleep. I start to wake her but to no avail. I wait for another ten minutes and I start to stand up.
"Mmm..," she groans.
"We have to go," I say gently.
"Do we really have to?" she complains.
"Yep, it's already 5:30 and we have to go before your Mom wakes up,"
"But I don't wanna go. I can't go. I can't stand up,"
"You still have a flight tonight to prepare for, eh?"
"Mm-kay,"
"Let me carry you, okay?" I carry her and give her a piggy back ride.
I place her at the back seat and fasten her seatbelt. I go to the driver's seat and do the same to mine. I take a deep breath and exhale. I make sure my breathe does not smell i-had-party-last-night-kind-of-breath in case an officer decides to stop our car. I still feel light-headed, probably because of no sleep or alcohol. I step on the gas.

It's almost 6AM when I arrive at Laura's house. Fortunately, we live beside each other so I decide to park my car first. I start to look for her keys in her purse. It is like a treasure hunt since I do not know how girls can fit so many things in a tiny bag. We go straight to her room, lay her at lock it before I go out. I gently pass by her Mom and sister's rooms, hoping no one opens their door even before I leave their home.

As I enter our house, Mom's already at the living room watching her daily news. I try to tiptoe going upstairs but my Mom seems to have sixth sense. "Seems like you had a fun night, eh?" she snickers.
I groan. I go straight into my room and drop face flat in my bed. I did have a fun night. I have a new friend. I talked to an untouchable and I talked to the prettiest girl in school, well at least for me.

I lay down still on my bed and it does not work. I even try putting a pillow on my face. Fail. I still keep thinking about the kiss. I touch my face. I can still feel the warmth of her kiss. I can still see her, leaning towards me with her eyes closed. I never felt that close to anyone ever. Or probably it's a different kind of closeness? Would that happen if she was not drunk? Just like Freddie Mercury sang, 'Is this the real life or is this just fantasy?'
Is there something beyond the kiss? I do not know but one thing is for sure, her kiss is turning my whole world upside down.

*****

I dream of my childhood. We were done for school that day and everyone was just taking things from their lockers or putting back their textbooks. Bobby came walking towards and stopped behind me. "I know you're there. What do you need, Bob?" I can hear my voice cracking but I manned up. I still felt the evilness of his smile even if I wasn't looking.
"Having some guts now huh," Bob sound impressed.
"Just tell me what you need, Bob," I said as I turned to face him.
"I just want your greens, nerd, or else..," he threatened.
"I don't do weed, Bob. Wrong person," I stood firm.
"Your money! That's what I mean! Give me or else!" he pushed me.
"Or else what?! Push him again, Bob and I'll punch your throat!" I heard a familiar voice threatened. I looked to my right. It was Laura. "Get out of here. I AM SERIOUS BOB. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MESS WITH ME!" she said cracking her fingers.
"You're tough, Laura. Good that you've got patrons," Bob backed off, "Today's your lucky day dopey. Thank the gods for Laura." He punched the locker just beside my face that made me crouch. He walked away.
"Let's go, Jared. I'm starving!" Laura puts her shoulder on me like she did not just send a monster running away. She led the way out the school.
Laura and I walked on our way home. "Thank you for that again," I gratefully said bowing my head down.
"You don't sound happy I saved you from the bully, though," she noticed.
"It was just embarrassing that I am never able to stand up for myself," I sadly said. We continued walking. I brushed my hands along the bushes we passed by. I suddenly halted.
"I told you, it's okay. I'll make sure he does not bother you anymore," Laura halted just a step infront of me. I gave no response. I thought really hard about the decision I did next.
"This is the best I can do to say thank you," I said under my voice. She look puzzled. "Do you wanna see my tree house?"
"But you never let anyone go inside THAT tree house!"
I shrugged my shoulders. She flashed a big smile. Then she hugged me tight.
That was the first time I felt so appreciated by someone.