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First Place, Summer Writing Contest 2014: When I Met You In The Summer
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****On my walk to work, I realize I only have 2 days left to complete the dare. But, that is enough time, so I have nothing to be worried about.
"So, you sing and write songs? What genre?"
"Rock-pop, mostly. I kinda mix some heavy metal into it, too, " I answered.
"So, like Nirvana, Maroon 5, Linkin Park, ..stuff like that?" She asked, scooting closer to me.
"Yeah. You like Nirvana?" I asked, feeling my lips start to twitch up into a smile.
"Do I like Nirvana?! Heck, no. I love them!" She shouted, making people sitting at tables nearby stare at us with wide eyes. But I didn't care. I was too damn happy, so I continued the conversation in the same loud tone, as if we were in the noisiest club. "Me too! What's your favorite song by them?"
That day -or was it night? I'm not sure, all I payed attention to was her, every little movement that she made; the way her lips slowly curved into a grin, the way she craned her neck back when she laughed, the way she would once in a while twirl a loose strand of her recently dyed all-brown hair (not to be flirty, but just because), the way she made motions with her hands when she spoke, the way she actually showed some interest in me for the first time -ended with me saying I was going to write her a song.
Then, another flashback hits me from the day after that one, when I decided to hang out with Christina once work ended for me.
I make my way to her table and sit down across from her. "Do you always stay here?"
"There's this guy that I know that works here. He doesn't have a ride home, so I give him one."
Something about her stare screamed "Don't ask it", but me, being a dumbass, asked anyway. "Is he your boyfriend?"
She ran a quick hand through her hair violently, and rolled her eyes. "No, you idiot. He's an overprotective friend."
I gazed down in an awkwardly manner, "Oh."
She glanced behind her quickly -at the clock, I suppose- then stood up. "Well, he's about to get off, so you should probably go.."
I stood up as well, and slowly walked over to her. "Yeah, well, then have a good night, Christina."
As I was about to head out, she spun me back around, so I was facing her, and embraced me in a tight hug. I placed my hands on her hips, and devoured her scent; she smelled of cocoa, but sweeter. Sadly, she pulled away, but only slightly, then she parted her lips. Right off the bat, I knew where this led. The kiss. As I titled my head, Christina shut her eyes. I was about to do the same when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw this built-as-fuck guy with tattoes peaking up on his neck glaring at me, his face beet red. It was obvious, this was him; Christina's overprotective friend.
"Christina," I breathed. "Is that your friend over there?" Hell, I'll admit, I was scared.
I could feel her eyes on me for a moment, then they moved to where my gaze was set. "Yeah, that's him," she replied. "Um, you should leave through the back door. Tomorrow, you'll be fine. He won't hurt you since I care about you. "
Wow, was my face that read-able? Hold up, did she say she cared about me?
So, I have nothing to worry about. That's a laughable statement.I'm totally starting to fall for Christina (that seems like something to worry about, doesn't it?).Yeah, 'Yikes' or 'Oh my God' would be appropriate. I mean, it's just so unbelievable, Chaol Newman actually falls in love!
How many girls have I ever kissed/dated? Several, but I swear with Christina it's a different case, I actually feel something, something-Bam! I run straight into the glass window of the restaurant I work at. Immediately, my hand goes to check my nose. No blood, just stings a bit. Good.I pull the door open and walk in like a regular person. Nothing just happened, and no one saw anything, I tell myself.
***
My eyes search for Christina until I finally find her sitting at a corner table with her head resting on her knees.
I rush over to her. "May I take your order?"
She lifts her head up, and smiles. "Any special on today?"
"Hmm, there is one: Chaol Newman," I say with a smirk.
"Ah, I would take it, but how many people have gotten this "special" ?"
I laugh nervously. "It's only for you," I glance behind me. "Um, I kinda need to go, or else I'll get fired.., but, quick question: do you want to go on a date with me?" There. I popped the question. Wow, that sounded like I was proposing.
"Go on a date with the guy who almost broke his nose by running into a glass window?" She says, laughing.
"How do you know that?" I whisper, and my usually tan cheeks turn bright red.
"I have my ways," she replies, grinning, and then pulls me down to sit next to her.
Strong girl, seriously. "Sooo...?"
She places her head on my shoulder, and whispers, "Yes."
I jump up, smiling. "Okay, so, I'll tell you more about that later, probably during my break time or something. And -oh, did you want anything? What you usually get? I'll pay for it! See ya in a bit!"
I hear her laughter as I head back.
I dress in what I usually wear on any normal day; jeans, black and white chucks, and a white t- shirt that's tight in all the right places. I grin at my reflection in the mirror before strapping my guitar across my back. Wrapping one of my varsity jackets around my waist, just in case it gets chilly, I head out to Christina's house, to then find her sitting on her front doorsteps.I kiss her on the cheek by way of greeting.
***
Placing my hands on her hips, I lift her up on the concrete ledge, then position myself next to her.
"Don't fall backwards, " I caution.
"What's back there?"
"Rocks and-- do you want to still have a pretty head when I finish singing?"
She leans back and laughs.
By grabbing her around the waist, I pull her up. "Don't. Do. That," I manage to say in between trying to calm myself down; attempting to get my rapid breathes and heartbeat to slow.
"Ooh, the badass rockstar gets scared from-"
"Goddammit, Christina, " I growl.
She grabs my shoulder, squeezing it tightly. "Were you going for sexy or intimidating, like "don't do that again" there?"
"The second one, " I say.
"Excuse me, but can you please repeat that?" She digs her finger nails into my shoulder this time.
"Sexy-- I was going for sexy!" I immediately yell.
She lets her grip on my shoulder loose. "That's what I thought," She slaps my shoulder. "Sing," she demands.
I begin to strum at the chords in my guitar, then sing:
"All alone in my room, I think of you at a rate that is truly astonishing,
thinking of how I feel so different, so in love with you,
and when the sky turns to dark, I fall asleep to dream of you,
I can't stop thinking about ya,
I can't stop thinking about ya,
And I can't stop thinking about ya, love,
Every day I wonder if you feel the same way I do,
If you dream about me too,
If you can't stop thinking about me,
If you get this kinda rush when you see me,
If you are falling head over heels for me,
or if you already have fallen,
I can't stop thinking about ya,
I can't stop thinking about ya,
and I can't stop thinking about ya, love,
Oh, yeah,
Does she feel the same way?
If she does, we can be incredible,
If she doesn't, well, fuck it, I'll be her plaything,
And I can't stop thinking about ya."
"You're kinda an idiot," she whispers. "Of course I feel the same way. I-"
That's all I needed to hear. I jump down off the ledge, then pull her to the ground, too. Pushing her up against the wall, my mouth crashes down to hers. My hands grip her hips just as hers run wildly through my hair, making the kiss more passionate. After a good time, we break away, both of us breathless. But all I could think was, That was the best kiss I've ever had, and also, the first kiss I've ever had with a lady that I actually love.
So, I lean forward and my lips land on hers.
Epilogue***
Dear Christina,
So, I'm terrible at writing letters, especially love letters. But you know that already. Um, I'll try not to make this sappy, my dear. But that is going to be a little hard, ya know? ;) Seriously, I'll try not to make it sappy.
Happy Valentines Day! I'm so sorry that I couldn't visit you today. Stupid classes.
But, on a happy note, I'll see you in a week...because I'm transferring to the college you go to!
I love you. And, I know it's only been like four weeks since we've last seen each other, but it feels like forever. I miss you so much -I miss your jokes, your lovely smell, your tasty lips, your cute evil laugh, your beautiful smile, and, to put things simply, I miss everything about you. I can't stop thinking about you.
It's so hard being thousands of miles away from you. Like when I wake up on the weekends, go to work, and during lunch break, since they have the restaurant arranged the same way as the one back in NY, I rush to the table you're always at, then realize you're not going to be there because it's Cali, and you're actually in Pennsylvania. I don't know, I guess that's just love. But it happens pretty often so it's more than just that.
I don't think I've told you this, but ...when I met you in the summer, you changed me, and I love you for it, and so much more. I know, I've told you billions of times that I love you in this letter, but I really mean it. And, also, when I met you in the summer, well, that day is like the happiest day of my life so far. Well, actually, any day that involves you is a happy day to me.
Gosh, I can't wait to see you! I might go a little insane when I do, though.
Lots of love,
Chaol Newman
Mod
I didn't notice anything that really needs improvement. I'll look it over again sometime when I'm more awake. ^_^
Congratulate!!!!!!!
Mod
You write so much better than I did at your age. I'm jealous.
*****
The next morning arrives, and as I splash milk into my bowl of cereal, my parents say, "We got you a job as a waiter, down at the Mexican restuarnt. You know, right up the block? You need money if you want to go to a college in California."
*****
Monday morning, my first day of work. I groan as I slip into my waiter outfit. Checking my watch, I realize I'm running late. Not good, so I hurry to the restuarnt. The first thing I see when I fly through the door is my best bro, Randy Murkker. A wave of relief rushes through me. I grin. I guess this won't be so bad after all.
After a few hours, the clock strikes lunch time, also known as break time.When I walk into the employes' break room, I discover Randy waiting for me, leaning against a wall.
"Hey man," he begins. "What's up?"
"I'm bored," I shrug, then it's like lightbulb goes off in my head. "Give me a dare."
"You see that girl over there? " He points at a girl about my age, with fair skin, and ombre hair that falls gracefully past her shoulders.
I nod.
"I dare you to ask her out AND she has to say yes. You have two weeks." With that he leaves, leaving me thinking, what the hell? Two darn weeks only? I mean, I know, I'm a very attractive young man, but god...I'm Chaol Newman, I don't chicken out from any dare, especially ones that involve ladies. Thus, the dare has begun.
* * *
I stride toward where the girl sits.
"May I sit here?" I ask, flashing her my best swoon-worthy smile.
She looks up at me lazily and rolls her eyes. "Sure. I mean, no one else is sitting there- oh, you..work here?" She asks, noticing my attire.
Well,..that didn't go like I thought it would, but I'm sure I can still charm her. "Yup. First day, " I reply simply, "By the way, I'm Chaol." I draw my hand out. Ladies love manners. And ladies love me. It works out well.
"I'm Christina, " She stares at me making me notice her bright blue eyes, then realizes my out-streched hand and gives it a hard, hurtful yank. "Nice meeting you." She gives me a fake smile.
I swallow down the pain. "Nice and sassy name you got," I say, and give her a wink. "So, are you in high school, or..?"
"I just finished high school," she replies, not affected by my wink. "By any chance, does your hand or arm hurt?"
She doesn't even bother hiding her grin.
*****
By the end of our talk, which was hours, (Randy somehow managed to make sure no one knew that I wasn't working), I know that Christina loves animals, wants to be a vet, and that she's stunningly beautiful -yes, I do find girls who can beat my ass easily very attractive.
She's a talker, just not about anything personal -mysterious, much?
But, God, do I love talkers, (mostly because I am one myself). Like, to be honest, I probably- no, most likely- told her embarrassing stories about myself when I was a kid. Possibly something like, 'oh, when I was younger, whenever I felt scared, I crawled into bed with my momma. I always took my teddy bear named Sweetpie, too...Uh, I might've peed myself once...'
That was probably one of the millions of things she made fun of me for.
*****
I step in my room, then stare at myself in the mirror. "Christina," I say aloud, trying out her name on my tongue for the first time. I smile, a lopsided smile, that probably isn't so charming. That name totally fits her.