Finding Your Person

Chapter 23

Liam led me to his room. When I walked in his bedroom, it hadn't been like anything I would have expected. Not that I had been expecting anything, because I really wasn't. It just felt a bit peculiar for me to be in Liam's room.
His room was slightly lit by a fish aquarium that was across the room. A couple feet away was his bed; it had several pillows that matched his dark navy blue comforter. The other thing holding some light in the room was an illuminated spinning globe of the earth that sat on his nightstand. The nightstand sat on the opposite side of his bed. To the right of the bedroom door was a desk. It was cluttered with papers and books. His laptop was shut, but there was some sort of math textbook left open with a pencil, calculator and scratch paper with numbers all over it.
There were beautiful pictures that he had taken hanging on his wall. I knew he was into photography, but I really hadn't seen a whole lot of his work before. He was pretty private about his work.
Liam's room had been neat, overall. For any college student's room to look like this, it would be impressive. The fact that it was a male college student who lived in a house that had parties nonstop, well, I was speechless.
I walked across the room looking at the fish swimming. Liam stood leaning on the doorway with his arms crossed. I turned around to look at him smiling at me.
"You're work is incredible, Liam." There were pictures everywhere of people smiling.
"Thanks," he said, his eyes were gazing around his room.
I stumbled upon a couple pictures of myself laughing, standing next to Brady. Each picture got closer and closer to my face. I remember that day. My whole family went over Liam's house for a barbecue. Brady and I were making fun of our dad and Liam's dad who were competing to see who could flip a burger the highest. It was such a 'dad' thing to do.
"I love those pictures. The lighting was awesome that day." He pointed to the pictures of Brady and me.
"You really like taking pictures of people smiling."
"I like to take pictures of people when they are genuinely happy. Anyone can take pictures of people when they smile. I like to take pictures of people that are smiling due to the fact that they are truly happy in those moments."
I smiled. "They're beautiful, and I'm not just saying that because I happen to be in some." I looked at him with a smirk on my face.
I continued to walk around his room, admiring everything I passed.
"This is amazing, Liam." I said, my head whipping back to look at the aquarium.
"I've had that forever. My mom let me move it in here, because she didn't want to have to worry about feeding the fish while I'm away. Jokes on her though, do you know how much work it is to transport a 55-gallon aquarium?"
"Probably not as hard as moving a 75 gallon aquarium, I bet," I said, mockingly.
"Ha, ha." He rolled his eyes as he sarcastically laughed, but he couldn't help but smile after.
"You know, I'm pretty impressed with you," I said, shooting him a grin, then my eyes wandered to the fish tank again.
"And why's that?"
"Because you are actually capable of keeping something alive, other than yourself."
"Says you, who lost a hermit crab only after having it one or two days."
"Okay, in my defense, I was only eight."
"Yeah, but you were the one that begged your parents the whole day we were at the boardwalk, until finally we were at the end of the pier when your mom made us turn around to walk all the way back down to the other end, just so we wouldn't have to listen to you beg the whole ride home."
We both started to laugh. "Yeah, I was a bit of a brat back then."
"Back then?"
"Shut up." I stole a pillow off of his bed and threw it at him. He caught it and charged at me. I quickly jumped up on the edge of his bed throwing my hands up and curling my legs into my chest.
"I surrender, I surrender!" I screamed. He chuckled and then sat right next to me.
"Did anyone ever tell you how he died?" I continued.
"No, umm I think your brother just said you lost him outside or something like that."
"Yeah, well that's not entirely true. It's just what I told everyone."
He looked at me with a devilish grin.
"No! Miss Magnolia Adeline Schmidt lying? That's it, spill it."
"Well, I was outside playing with Scabbers."
"Wait!" Liam interrupted, "Did you seriously name your hermit crab after the evil rat in Harry Potter who sold out Harry's parents to he who must not be named?"
"I wasn't caught up with all of the movies or books at that point, and I loved Ron Weasley, so I decided to name my pet after his. I didn't know he was Peter Pettigrew, and I didn't know he was the reason Voldemort found and killed Harry's parents."
Liam shushed me, "Three things, young lady. First, do not ever say he who must not be named named again. Second, there were no excuses for you not to be caught up. Majority of those movies were out in early 2000s, and you got that hermit crab the summer the fifth movie was premiered. I know that because the day Brady and I were suppose to go see it in theatres, someone made us late because she needed to get a hermit crab. And lastly, I'm just overly upset with you naming him that. But continue, I would like to know how Scabbers dies."
"Wow. I'm hearing a lot of bitterness in your voice right now, and I'm going to need you to cool it, but I'll continue. So scabbers and I were outside, and he looked like he was thirsty. I thought it would be nice for me to run inside and get us some lemonade, and, yes, before you say anything, I know hermit crabs don't drink lemonade, now..."
Liam slammed his face down on his hand. "You know I almost feel bad for Scabbers." He said mocking me.
I went on. "So I had left him on the pavement, and when I came back outside, I found my dog Jersey sniffing Scabbers. Before I could shoo Jersey away, he ate Scabbers."
"Oh, my gosh! You're kidding me!"
"No. I've never told anyone the real story of how little Mr. Scabbers was taken from this world way too soon."
Liam was laughing uncontrollably. "The little rat got what he deserved."
I grabbed a pillow and swatted him. "It's not funny. I killed him."
"Technically, Jersey did, but I'm sure you and your lemonade would have found another way to end the little guy's life." He couldn't stop laughing. I groaned, falling back, slamming my back on his bed. He fell beside me, still laughing.
"I cried my eyes out for two days."
"I bet." He laughed, then continued, "I love that about you, you know?"
"What? My irresponsibility? Or, as my mom would say, my lack of thinking about what happens next?"
"No, how compassionate you are. You care so deeply about things, and have so much empathy towards others." He turned his head towards me as we laid there. Then he smirked after a couple seconds of us just staring at each other. "Also your ability to somehow always reference or quote a movie or book," he chuckled. I turned over on my side, holding my head up with my hand.
"I do, do that a lot, don't I?"
"Some people find it attractive."
"Well, do you know anyone who does?" I smirked.
"No, not off the top of my head, but I'll get back to you on that." I shook my head. He turned to his side to face me.
"It's not my fault. I can't help it. I love movies. I can't imagine what it would be like to be on a set--to see how everything comes to be; or to work with actors and actresses that can make you believe they are truly in love, or miserable; to just watch them transform into someone else. Everything about it is pretty amazing. It's exciting, it's a new adventure for people, or a way for people to escape their realities for a moment. Or it could be a love story and give hope to some that they'll find the right person."
"You're such a romantic," Liam teased, poking me on the nose.
"I know." I couldn't help but smile.
"Alright, desert island movies, go!" Liam spat out.
"Can we do movie series? Because it would have to be Harry Potter, Fast and Furious, and all of the Marvel movies."
"Marvel movies isn't a series. There are different series within the Marvel movies, like Iron Man, The Avengers, Captain America."
"No, they are all connected, so therefore I need all twenty plus of them."
"I don't think you are understanding this whole desert island thing. It's suppose to make you limit yourself to find what your absolute most favorite things are. I'm also shocked there are no romantic comedies."
"Well, there aren't a lot of movie series that are romantic comedies."
"Good point, but still, no series. I want you to answer with singular movies."
"Fine. Ask me another. I need time to limit my favorite movies. And speaking of movies, can we put one on?"
"Sure. What are you feeling?" Liam asked.
"Surprise me. Actually, before we watch TV, can I ask you something?"
"Yeah, sure." His face looked concerned, so I spoke fast.
"I left my change of clothes in Scotty's car, and I'd ask to borrow some of Brady's clothes, but I feel as though he's probably asleep."
Before I could finish Liam interrupted me, "Of course, what do you need?"
"Anything. As much as I love this dress, it's not my ideal night gown."
He laughed, "Sweats and a shirt okay?"
"Yes, that's perfect."
"Okay, here you go." He handed me the clothes. "Do you remember where the bathroom is?" he asked.
"Yes, why?"
"For you to go change. Unless you want to change in here, in which case I'd be perfectly happ-"
I cut him off. "Thanks, but I think I can find the bathroom.
"Suit yourself." He smirked.
"Yes, I'll be back in a second." I made my way out of his room and down the hall. The bathroom door was closed, and I could see a light on. I knocked, but didn't get a response. I twisted the door knob to see if it was locked and it hadn't been. I slowly began to open the door, when I was surprised by a figure lying on the bathroom floor. One of Liam and Brady's roommates was passed out on the floor, with his hands around the toilet bowl. Clearly he was throwing up and not in any position to be getting up and walking out of there. I quietly closed the door and headed back to Liam's room.
I walked into Liam's bedroom to see that he was in the middle of changing, himself. He had his sweats on, but no shirt yet.
"I am so sorry Liam." I quickly started to backout of the room, closing the door.
"Stop! Come in, you're fine. It's not like my pants are off." He grabbed a shirt and threw it on then jumped on his bed.
He looked at me with a smirk. "I thought you said you knew where the bathroom was?"
"I do, but one of your roommates is passed out on the floor. I think it might be Tommy."
"I'm sorry about the way I acted tonight. I didn't mean to be protective. I know you aren't my little sister, but I know how Tommy can be when he's drunk."
"You're fine. I know you just didn't want anything bad happening to me. I still have to change, though," I said.
"Alright, well you can go over there in the corner. I won't look, I promise."
I made my way over to the corner, shooting him a devilish look. "You better not look."
"Scout's honor." He held up three fingers.
"You weren't a scout," I scuffed, and rolled my eyes.
He made a cheesy smile. "You caught me."
"Okay, I'm serious."
"Okay, okay. I won't look." He grinned and then his face looked sincere before he said, "I promise."
I walked over to the corner of the room with my back towards Liam. I thought it'd be best if I put the pants on first. Since I was wearing a dress I figured I could put the sweat pants on over the dress, and then slide the dress up out of the pants. I felt so awkward. Not because I was changing in front of Liam, but because I was facing a corner.
As I was about to put my pants on, I quickly peaked over my shoulder to make sure he wasn't looking. I saw his eyes squeeze shut like he had noticed I was turning my head to look at him, so he quickly shut his eyes.
"You better not be peaking," I said, teasing him.
"I'm not. Shut up and get dressed, already, would ya?" he said, laughing.
"I am, I am." I turned my head back around and began to put the sweats on. Once they were on, I slid out of my dress. Before I pulled my dress over my head, I grabbed my shirt. I pulled the dress off over my head, and quickly put the shirt on. I heard Liam's hushed laugh.
"Are you looking?"
"No, of course not." I could just picture a huge grin on his face. I undid my bra and slid it out from my shirt. Then quickly, I threw on a sweatshirt. Even though I really didn't have big boobs, I didn't want to risk it. I thought the more layers the better.
I turned around to see Liam looking at me, shaking his head with a smirk. He got up and started to walk over to the TV. I made my way over to his bed, rolling my eyes.
"You know you look beautiful right now, Mas," he said sarcastically.
"Yes, I know, I'm practically red carpet ready."
"I wouldn't go that far."
"Wow, okay. Rude." His back was towards me, so I grabbed a pillow off of his bed and threw it right at his back. He quickly turned around glancing up at me while he picked up the pillow, I saw a big smirk appear on his face.
"What did I say about these pillows, Miss Magnolia?" His smile grew, and I couldn't help but giggle. He began walking towards me. I had nowhere to go so I quickly jumped on his bed and crawled to the otherside. He leaped right behind me. I quickly jumped off the bed, but I wasn't fast enough. As I attempted to run away he threw his arms around my waist pulling me into him. I tried fighting, but I wasn't nearly as strong as Liam. We stayed there for a moment, laughing. As I felt his grip loosen up around my stomach, I turned around to face him.
Our bodies were pressed against each other. His hands moved their way to my hips, and my hands were placed on his chest. He was looking down at me and the smile that had been there from us laughing while he chased me, began to slowly fade frpm his face. I never realized how beautiful brown eyes could be. Liam's eyes were a lighter shade of brown, almost golden. My gaze couldn't help but linger from his eyes to his lips. I felt my heart start to race. Being in his arms made me feel so safe, and I felt myself trying to catch my breath. I wanted to kiss him. I really wanted Liam Hendrix to kiss me.
A knock came from the door. I quickly jumped back and Liam looked at me and a gentle smile appeared on his face. He fell back sitting upright on his bed.
"Yeah, come in!" Liam spoke up. Brady appeared from behind the door.
"Hey, sorry I was just checking to make sure you were okay, Mas." Brady looked at me.
"Yeah, I'm good," I replied.
"Okay, good. Are you sure you are okay sleeping in here?" Brady asked.
"Well, what are my other options?" I said with a sarcastic expression swiped across my face.
"You don't really have one," Brady responded.
"Yes, I'm fine," I said.
Brady looked at Liam. "Thanks for letting her sleep in here, bro."
"Yeah, you owe me big time," Liam responded sarcastically. Then they both laughed.
Brady shook his head and sighed. "Okay, well good night." His eyes then opened really wide. Looking at me, he said, "I love you." He exaggerated the word love like I always do.
I rolled my eyes and replied back, "I love you, too."
Brady closed the door, and Liam and I made eye contact.
"Okay, for real this time, what are we watching?"
"Something with Chris Pratt," I responded.
"Why?"
"He makes my heart happy." I put my hand over my heart and acted like I was blushing.
"You make my head hurt," he quickly replied.
"You make my eyes hurt," I immediately replied as if I was a fifth grader teasing a boy on the school playground.
"Coming from you, wearing that." He looked me up and down.
"Hey! Sorry I'm not wearing a full ball gown to bed."
"I'm kidding, Mas. You never look bad in sweats and a t-shirt." He smiled at me. How is it that someone can make you feel so safe and make you feel so nervous at the same time?
"Why don't we for once watch something neither or us have watched before," he said, scrolling through movies and other TV shows.
"What did you have in mind?"
"I'll surprise you," he said, while his eyes were glued to the TV. He began taking pillows from the top of his bed and creating a line down the middle of his bed, but his eyes didn't leave the TV.
"What are you doing?" I stared him down.
"Looking for a show."
"No, I mean with the pillows?"
"Ohh, well that's just in case."
"In case of what?" I asked with a smile on my face knowing the answer was probably going to be something sarcastic.
"You start getting handsy in the middle of the night. I don't want to be taken advantage of. My parents told me about girls like you."
"Girls like me?" I acted insulted playing along with his little game.
"Yeah, they just want one thing." My jaw dropped when he said that, then he looked over at me with the straightest face. He held up the remote.
"I know how you girls are trying to steal the remote and put on what you want. Well, I will not have that in my household, or in this case, bedroom. You are to keep those hands on that side of the barrier, young lady."
"Ohh, yeah? Is that right?" I began to inch my way over to the barrier.
"That is a direct order," he said, starting to lean further away from me. I got up on my knees and launched towards him. He sat on the bed holding the remote as high and far away from me as he could. As both of us struggled he fell back on the bed and I landed right on top of his chest. Our faces, practically inches away. He looked at me, and for once in my life I knew exactly what I wanted. I kissed him. I know for sure I caught him by surprise, I think I surprised myself. As I pulled away I opened my eyes, looking at him, and for a flicker of a second, I watched as the subtlest hint of smile appeared on the corner of his lips. Then, without any warning or hesitation, he dropped the remote and firmly pulled my head in for a long passionate kiss. No thoughts had been passing through my mind, no worries, no fears, no anxious racing thoughts. It was silent for once in my life. There were no words crossing through my mind, just a feeling. The feeling of warmth and goodness. I felt as if nothing could be more right in my life than this moment.
As we slowly pulled away, he looked at me with those big, beautiful, brown eyes. The eyes I've seen a million times in my life, but we're now looking in them in a whole new way. As the realization of us being alone sunk in, I started to become aware of what could possibly be going through his mind, and I was nowhere ready to allow those thoughts to become reality. I slowly pulled further away looking down at his chest. He moved his hand to my cheek.
"Are you alright?" His voice was genuinely concerned.
"Yes." I paused trying to choose my words carefully, but before I was able to string along anything, he spoke in a calm cool voice. "Mas, the barriers here are for a reason. You never have to worry around me." I smiled, not knowing how Liam always seemed to know what was going on in my head.
"I know," I said looking back up at him.
"Now get back on your side and stop distracting me. I have a very important job to attend to." He sweetly smiled to me. "Alright now while I'm picking this movie out, what are your desert island books?
"The Bible," I responded instantly.
Liam interrupted before I could go on, "Of course."
"I don't know, this is so hard." I giggled, which made Liam laugh.
We sat up all night talking about everything imaginable--our favorite things; the places we wanted to travel to; if we had one superpower, what would it be; God and the people that we had missed, who we hope to see again in heaven; other theories; our beliefs; and things that neither of us understood. We talked about our past and what we wanted in the future, sharing all of the stories and secrets we had. Yet somehow it felt that even after all of that, there was still so much I wanted to share with Liam, and so much I still wanted to learn about him. I don't even remember falling asleep.
It was like I was eleven years old again, staying up all night, talking to my best friends at a sleepover. My eyes began to feel heavy, but I kept them wide open, praying that I wouldn't fall asleep, because I knew that if we did, we'd wake up the next morning and it would all be over.