Over A Cup Of Coffee

Feelings don't just go away

 The day was uneventful for the most part. Lina kept pestering me about Mason, but I wouldn't budge. I was still very sensitive about the subject, but she saw us talking. Now she wouldn't shut up about it.

"Come on, you got to tell me now." Lina followed me out the front door and immediately brought it up again.

"Lina I told you nothing happened. Mason is the same shallow, narcissistic, egotistical, man-child that he's always been!" My voice rose to a shout.

"Whoa Kat. Cool it with the aggression." She laughed and poked my side. "It sounds like borderline sexual frustration." She laughed harder at my red cheeks.

"That's not it Lina!" Though that was another topic altogether. I wouldn't be discussing my needs and Mason in the same sentence. Flashes of my dream last night made my heart skip a beat and I blushed harder. Of course, Lina insisted that it was.

"Why not just hook up? He's a sexy man who I'm sure is more than willing." She stopped to look me up and down, almost making me a spectacle. "I mean, just look at you! Drop-dead gorgeous!"

I rolled my eyes and kept walking. I was trying to avoid stares. Lina meant well and I knew she was right. Puberty knew exactly where and how to hit me. Of course, a little help from contacts and braces never hurt anyone.

I wasn't too tall. Slightly above average at 5 foot 6. I definitely took after my mother with my fair skin and hazel eyes. Though, my mousey brown hair I got from my father. My hair was a little wavy and flowed down to the curve of my hips. My body is undeniably curvy. Not quite hourglass but close enough.

In high school, I was thin, wore glasses, had braces, and acne. Not that any of those things made me any less beautiful, but I sure was awkward. As the years passed, my braces came off, my body remained thin but my curves filled in, my skin cleared up, and I learned to wear contacts. I was never confident in high school, no thanks to Mason and his friends.

After high school, I went to a local college to get my degree in physical therapy. I still had about 2 years left. It was a slow process for me. Balancing work and school could be difficult sometimes, but needless to say I've gained some confidence since high school. I didn't get overly involved in college politics or in Greek life. I did, however, join a few volunteer groups and met some amazing people who welcomed me with open arms. I certainly have blossomed, but Mason still managed to make me feel like that insecure 9th grader.

"Lina stop that." I cringed a little and laughed half-heartedly.

"It's true and you know it." She said very matter-of-factly. This was coming from a woman who looked like an Instagram model with silky black hair that was in a pixie cut, light brown eyes, plump lips, and an hourglass figure that would make any man drool.

"Thanks, Lina, but that doesn't mean hooking up with Mason is a good idea. He's off-limits in every way. I don't want to get tangled up with the drama he brings again."

"Too late don't you think?" I thought about it for a moment and I had no answer for her. "See, you know I'm right.

We reached my condo building and I turned towards her. "Do you really think it's too late?"

She put her hands on my shoulders and deadpanned. "Yes. This is Mason Taylor we're talking about."

I sighed and she laughed again. She turned me around and we marched up the stairs to the 3-bed room condo I shared with my father and younger brother, Vince.

"You didn't hear what he said to me, Lina. He only wants me now that I'm- and I quote- 'hotter now.' His intentions aren't good."

"Okay, I will admit, that doesn't sound promising, but who knows? Maybe, like you, he's changed."