No Turning Back (Full Circle) (10 page)

“See, this is where you are wrong.  I know you love animals, even though you eat strange ones for dinner.  I also know that you love the farm and taking care of the animals.  I thought what a great way to surprise you for your birthday and Freshman Seminar.”

“Oh, I get it.  Kill two birds with one stone, huh?”

“No it’s not like that, but the more I thought about it, I figured it would work both ways. So, I guess I kind uh, yeah, it was kinda like that.”

He is too cute when he gets caught off guard.

“So, when is this trip?”

“Well, I was thinking maybe we could go tomorrow?”

“Awesome!  Thanks, Joe!”

“No prob.  Hey, we gotta game this afternoon.  You should come check it out.”

“We’ll see.  Honestly, I don’t even know what the hell lacrosse is?”

“Seriously?”

“Never even heard of it till I got here.  I know the basic sports: football, baseball, soccer, golf, swimming, but never heard of lacrosse.”

“You’ve gotta come.  Game starts at three and bring the Kluft girls,” he says with a wink.

I’m not going anywhere without them, and he knows it.

We finish what we can of the project before going separate ways. 

I walk on the hall and now the entire hallway is decorated.  There are streamers and balloons everywhere.  I spy Tori and Georgia at the end of the hall finishing up.

“What are y’all up to?”  I holler at them.

“Ya know, getting ready for an awesome Kluft second floor par-tay!” Tori says.

“Well, I can’t wait.  Hey, y’all wanna go to the lacrosse game this afternoon?”

“Sure, I haven’t ever seen one of those before,” Georgia states.

“Girl, I’m with ya.  Joe asked if I would go to the game.  I don’t even know what to expect.”

“Okay, let me give ya a little quick lesson.  There are two teams.” Georgia and I look at Tori like we aren’t complete idiots.  “Each team uses sticks to pass a ball down the field.  The goal is to score into a goal.  It’s kinda like soccer in a way, but not really.”

“You made that about as clear as mud, Tori,” I say before walking into my room.

Mom, Dad, and Tessa call to wish me happy birthday.  Mom said to make sure I check my mail today.  I don’t know why I hadn’t even thought about that.  I’m also starting to wonder why I haven’t heard from Piper today.  It’s not like her to forget my birthday.  Wonder what’s up with her?  I’m not sure if I have enough time between now and the lacrosse game to check my mailbox, so I decide to wait until after the game.

I take a few minutes to freshen up before going to the lacrosse field with the Kluft girls.  We find a seat on the bleachers, and that is when I notice the goalie. There isn’t but one person that looks that good on campus.  His name is none other than Jackalope Joe.  He looks my direction and waves his stick.

The game is pretty neat.  I just can’t believe I haven’t heard of this sport before. It’s like football meets soccer.  I love the players’ uniforms. The guys are padded on top and we all get a good look at their asses in those shorts.

The game is an easy win.  We stand around a few minutes then begin to walk back to the dorm.  As we are walking, I remember that I need to go check the mail.  I’m betting there is an awesome present in there.

“Y’all, I gotta go check the mail.  I’ll meet you in a few.  K?”

“I’ll go with ya,” Georgia says and off to the post office we go.

The post office is very small.  I have my little key, but see that there is a note to see the postmaster.  I also notice some junk mail and a few envelopes.  I’m thinking my grandma has sent me some moo-la-lee. Yes!

I give the note to the postmaster, and she comes back with a huge box.  I thank her and Georgia and I stop outside to throw away the junk mail.  I glance at the envelopes, and that is when my heart stops.  I know that handwriting beyond the shadow of any doubt.  I feel every ounce of my being shake and I don’t know how to move, respond, or what to do next.  It’s from Dylan.

“Charley girl, are you okay?  I think you might want to sit down for a minute.  You don’t look so good.”  She guides me to the steps and we sit down.

“I have no clue what was in the mail, but I know it’s something because of this.”  She motions up and down my body.

“I…I… don’t know if I can talk about it.”

“If you don’t, that’s okay, but I’m here if you need me.  I promise your secrets are safe with me.  Do you want me to get rid of it?”

“Um, I better keep it.  I’m just not going to open it until later.  I’m not going to let it ruin my day.”

As I’m trying to get myself ready to walk back to the dorm room, Georgia spots the name on the envelope.

“Does that say Dylan Sloan?” Oh shit, this isn’t good.  Of course, Georgia would know the name.  I nod my head.

“You know Dylan Sloan?  He’s like the best butterflyer out there!”  I can hear the excitement in her voice, and then she realizes that my mood isn’t changing.

“Yeah, let’s not talk about him.  He’s a real ass.”  I pull myself together, and we walk back to the dorm.  I can tell the wheels are turning in Georgia’s head.

“Charley, I won’t say anything, I promise.  I don’t know what happened and it’s none of my business, but I’m here if you want to talk about it or if I need to get rid of that for you.”

“Thanks, I’ll be alright.”

After all this mess, I decide to text Piper.  This is just weird; she hasn’t called or texted.

Me: Hellloooo long lost bff! R u alive?

Seriously! WTF?  Ten minutes and nodda.  I still haven’t heard from her.  I grab my shower caddy and decide to get this party started.  It’s time forget about the envelope hidden in my closet.

As I’m walking out of the shower, I notice that my door is open.  Weird?  Jenny is across the hall and just shrugs her shoulders.  I’m assuming that Crystal is coming in to pack her bag for the next week at Lucas’.  I open the door, hear a squeal, and almost get attacked! The squeal lets me know it’s Piper.

“About damn time you got outta that shower!  I was about to keep driving to Grassy Pond.”

“You better be glad your ass showed up!  I was starting to think you forgot about me with your new Army brat roommate,” I say with my hands on my hips holding my bath caddy.

“You know I couldn’t forget this day!  You only turn eighteen once!  By the way, I’m totally shocked that Cash hasn’t shown up yet.  Y’all are like inseparable on days like today!”

“He called me first thing this morning.  I knew he wouldn’t forget.” I am grinning from ear to ear.  “We’re doing our usual next weekend when I go home for the Dixon-West game.

“Sure ya are!” She says with a smirk.

“I told you we’re taking it slow.  In fact, we’ve agreed to just live our lives.  See what happens.  I love him, but I like Joe, too.  Oh, you’ll meet him after while.”

I get dressed in a pair of white skinny jeans, emerald green tube top with gold accents around the neck and a pair of gold flat sandals.  I roll my hair and let the curls hang loosely and add a few accessories. I know I need to introduce Piper to the hall.  I also feel like I should tell her about the envelope.  She knows what happened. Well, most of it.  I just don’t think I need to bring it up.  I’ll deal with it soon enough.

I introduce Piper to the Kluft girls, and we decide to eat at Texas Roadhouse at the Mills.  We all look smoking hot, and we have the cutest waiter.  I order my favorite, steak and double salad.  That ranch dressing is ah-maz-ing!  Of course, they embarrass the hell outta me singing, but it’s okay. That means free dessert!

We arrive on campus with leftovers and smiles.  I absolutely love these girls.  I can’t imagine Southern without them.

We all take a minute to check the mirror before finishing setting up for the party. Jenny turns on the music in her room.  I sure hope we don’t get written up for this because our RA can be a bitch.  We’ve noticed that she hasn’t been around a lot, which is a great thing,
especially
tonight.

Around 10 p.m., people start to show up on our floor.  All of our dorm rooms are wide open.  Caroline is hiding the alcohol in hers, Jenny and Cassie are in charge of the music, and all the other girls have their doors open and ready to shut it down quickly if campus police shows up.

We all take our red Solo cups and drink a little bit of Caroline’s PJ.  I decide to let my hair down
tonight.  I’m safe in my dorm with my best friend and a group of girls who have my back.

Everyone is enjoying the music, dancing, and drinking.  In fact, I think we might have a miniature Hank’s Tavern on our hands.  Piper has found a guy to eye.  We finish our drink before she makes her move on him.  I turn to get a refill when I hear someone whistle.

“Damn, Squirrel!  I think it should be happy birthday to me instead of you!”  Joe says as he moves into Caroline’s room to get some PJ as well.

“I try. What can I say?  Lookin’ this good takes work.” I wink at him.

“No so fast.  I think that I need to give you one more birthday present.”  I look at him like he has got to be kidding.

He closes the space between us, takes my drink from my hand and puts both of our cups on the table.  Then he places his hand on my cheek, smiles a wry grin and then proceeds to act like he is going to kiss me. I am totally caught off guard by a hand slapping my ass.  I jump outta my skin and scream.

Joe is bent over laughing, “Squirrel, everyone needs a good birthday spanking!”

I honestly think I could crawl in a hole and die!  Here I was thinking about getting a kiss but I get a big ‘ol handprint on my ass instead.

“You were just lookin’ for an excuse to touch my ass!”  I say as smart ass as possible with my arms crossed.

“Maybe, and maybe you thought I was gonna give you a birthday kiss instead?!”  He grabs our cups, hands mine to me, turns and walks back into the hallway.  I am left standing there like a freakin’ idiot.

The party is a hit.  I think that the Kluft second floor girls have made a name for themselves.  We decide to quiet down about 12:30 ‘cause we sure don’t want to deal with the Dean.  Piper has decided to venture off with Nick, one of Lucas’ friends.  I know she won’t be gone all night.  She’s not one of those girls.

Joe and I have talked on and off all night.  Our conversations are so easy.   I don’t know if it’s the PJ or just us, but I really want him to stay a little longer.

“Hey Joe, you can hang out if you want?  I’m just gonna try to chill out a little before going to bed.  We got a big day tomorrow at the zoo, ya know!”

“I’d be glad to.  I can’t wait for tomorrow.  What’s your favorite animal?”

“That’s easy.  The elephants!  I just love them.”

“Squirrel, I hate to tell ya, but those are some ugly creatures.  Personally I like to see the tigers.”

“Oh, that’s original.  I totally pegged you for a tiger-lion type guy.”

We sit on my bed and watch a little TV. Before I know what is going on, I’m lying on his shoulder with my eyes feeling heavy.  That is when he pulls me into his arm and I doze off.  I wake to him positioning me on the bed.  He kisses my forehead and whispers to me. “I’ll see you at nine.”  He brushes my hair out of my face, turns out the light, and goes to his dorm. Such a gentleman.

Chapter 8: Dixon-West Game

I wake up feeling like I’m in a fog from last night’s events.  I guess that is what happens when you let loose and drink Caroline’s famous PJ.  I glance at my phone. 6:45 a.m.  I also realize that Piper is asleep on Crystal’s bed.  Wonder when she came in?  I still have time left to sleep before going to the zoo.  I set my alarm for 7:30 a.m. and roll back over.

At 7:30 a.m. there is that god awful noise again. As I jump out of bed, Piper mumbles something. I then head to the shower.  I’m super excited about the trip to the zoo with Joe.  This is a great birthday present and a way to knock one more item off the Freshman Seminar list.

When I return to my room, Piper is getting ready and packing her bag.  I really hate she’s leaving so soon.

“Pipe, I wish I had known you were coming.  I can cancel the zoo trip if you want?”

“Nah girlie, I need to get back to the beach anyways.  I just couldn’t miss your birthday.”

“Well, I can call Joe and cancel.  You could go to Hank’s tonight with us.  You’d feel like you were at home.”

“Don’t cancel.  I can tell he really likes you.  I’ll plan a weekend trip soon.  You still going to the Dixon-West game Friday?”

“I’d planned on it.  Are you?”  I look at Piper after pulling my tank over my head.

“ I’m not sure, depends on what’s going on.  It’s so far.  I mean I’d love to hang out with everyone.  I want to see if Cash planned to go ‘cause if so I’ll probably stay at school.”

“Oh.”

“Charley, if you really want me to I will, but I figure you and Cash will need some alone time.  I just want to make sure he will be there in case Dylan shows up.”

The sound of his name makes me want to puke.  I must have gone a little white in the face because Piper is pulling me into a hug.

“You okay?”

“Yup.” I debate telling her about the envelope.  I vote to keep that to myself for now and take it home next weekend.   Cash and I can deal with it together.

Piper waits for me to finish getting ready, and then I walk her out to her car.  I hug her and feel like I could cry.  I’m not sure if it’s the envelope, her leaving, or her not coming home next weekend.  I just feel like we’re pulling apart, but isn’t that what college is about? Discovering who you are and moving forward?   I just hope that Piper and I can stay as close as we always have been.

I go back to my room and text Cash.  I want to tell him about my party.

Me: Morning $!

Cash:  Hey Char-coal! How was party?

Me: Fantastic & Piper was here!

Cash:
  :)

Me: U ass! U knew!

Cash: Y do u think I didn’t show up? If she hadn’t I would have been there instead!  Didn’t want 2 ruin girl time

Me: That would have been k 2 :) I’m going to zoo 2day

Cash: Really? Fun w who?

Me: Joe it’s my bday present & part of that pass/fail project

Cash: K, I don’t like it but I know u <3 those stinkin elephants! Be careful

Me: U know me 2 good!  I’ll send ya a pic of those stinkin elephants

About that time I hear a knock on my door.  I open it and Joe is standing there looking sexy as hell in an aqua Lacoste tee and pair of white Bermuda shorts.  His hair looks a little messier than normal but perfect nonetheless.  I invite him in, grab my purse, phone, and send one final text to Cash.

Me: He’s here, gotta go ttyl love u

Cash: Love u 2 :)

I have to admit, I feel bad for texting Cash with Joe in the room, but I shouldn’t.  They both know about each other, and I have nothing to hide.  We walk to Joe’s Jeep Wrangler.  This is totally his style.  The top is already down, and I’m glad I decided to wear my hair up today.  He opens the door for me then jogs around to the other side and off to the zoo we go.

Our ride there is relatively quiet.  We arrive and walk straight in.  We start at the birds and continue to work our way around the zoo.  I am in hog heaven.  When I see the sign for the elephants, I point and Joe just laughs.

There are four elephants when we get there.  I just love to look at them.  Yes, they aren’t the most beautiful creatures, but I’ve loved them since the first time I watched
Dumbo
.  Joe goes to the food machine and brings some elephant food over to me.  I place my hand out and feed Zoe.  She is the smallest one out here.

“Joe, you gotta get a pic of her and me!  We can use that for class!”  I hand him my iPhone and smile purdy.  I finish feeding her and rub her cheek one final time before we move on.

“Joe, Tony the tiger’s coming up.”  I laugh.

“How do you know his name is Tony?  It could be Zeus you know!”

“Well, just a hunch ‘cause that is what the map says. See.”  I show him.  Joe puts his hand on the small of my back.  I look up at him and smile.

“Come on, Charley. Let’s go see Tony the tiger.”

“You hate it when I’m right, huh?”

“Nah, it’s cute, but nothing can compare to you and Zoe.  I can totally see you working with animals.”

“Well, I hate to burst you bubble, but I’ve been around animals all my life.  I figure I’ll be back at the farm in four years working for my daddy if I tell the truth.”

“Why’s that?  You don’t want to live somewhere else?”

“I just always thought that’s what I’m supposed to do.  I love our farm.  I’m actually studying business at Southern so I can take over the bookkeeping for my parents.”

“That’s great that you know what you want to do, but what if like you decided to stay here or go to a different city.”

“I don’t see that in my future.  I need my family, Joe.  I can’t just leave them.  I can promise you that my sis Tessa isn’t going to take over.  She barely does her chores now.”

Joe takes me into the gift shop before leaving.  We’ve had a great day.  There is a stuffed elephant.  He grabs it and puts it on the counter.  I look and see a pic of Tony the tiger.  He is so getting this to put in his dorm room.  We make our purchases and walk back to the Jeep.  On the way, I send Cash the pic of Zoe and me.

We arrive at Southern with time to place our drink order with Lucas. We grab a bite to eat in the café so we can get ready for another night at Hank’s.  Once we reach my door, there is a little awkward silence.

“Hey Squirrel, I had a great time today. I’ll see you at Hank’s.”  He pulls me in for a hug and looks me in the eyes.  Hell, I’m a goner with those make ya wanna melt eyes.  He gives a half smile and then closes the distance between our lips.  His lips touch mine, and it is all I can do not to pull him into my room and forget Hank’s tonight.  I pull away from him first, place my hand on his chest, and tell him I’ll see him after while.

As he is about to leave, he says, “Squirrel, it’s you and me tonight on the dance floor.”

Eeeeeeekkkk! That boy’s got moves, and I can’t wait to dance with him tonight!

The Kluft girls have our Saturday night ritual of drinkin’, getting dressed up, and going to Hank’s.  I am not the DD tonight, and I plan on having fun.

We arrive at Hank’s; it is still redneck meets ghetto fabulous as usual.  The only difference tonight is that I feel a little giddy and am ready to dance my ass off with Joe.  All the girls make our way to the dance floor, and by the time three songs have played, I feel a very familiar body behind me.  I know exactly who it is, and I know exactly what I want to do.

I lift my arms above my head and place them around his neck.  I immediately know that Joe likes this because he puts few kisses on my neck before whispering in my ear. “You know if you keep this up all night, you’re not going to your room alone.”  I look and smile seductively at him.  I would love for him to hold me in his arms all night, but I’m sure that is not what he is expecting.

“Just so you know, Joe, I’m not that kinda girl.”

“Um hum, if you say so.”  This makes me nervous.  I don’t do well alone with guys the way that he is thinking.  Cash is different, but other guys, I just can’t do it.

We dance the night away and before I know it, it is time to go back to Southern.  Joe holds onto me even after the house lights are up.  I can see the hunger in his eyes.  I feel the need too, but I’m just not ready.  Even with the alcohol, I know this isn’t what I need.  Not yet.

Joe and I walk outside hand in hand.  I try to go to Tori’s Explorer, but Joe asks me to ride with him and another few people from school.  I ask him if he’d rather just ride with me.  He agrees within a second.  We hurry to the Explorer and get in the back.  There aren’t enough seats, so we make our own.  Jenny is the DD tonight; I feel safe with her, the Kluft girls, and Joe in this car.  I know where it is going.  I have control.

We arrive back at Southern, and Joe asks me to come back to his room.  I agree only because I know I have the choice of when I leave.  I honestly do not feel that he would push me to do things that I don’t want to do.  We make our way to Irvin.  His roommate has gone home for the weekend.  He has the bottom bunk; we get comfortable.  I take off my shoes and cuddle up to him.

We turn on the TV, but don’t bother to watch it.  Our hands are all over each other, and I can’t get enough of his lips on mine.  He begins to unbutton my shorts.  I realize what he is doing, and I can’t go there.  I won’t.  I pull away from him.

“Joe, I can’t do that with you.”

He looks at me with puppy dog eyes.

“I’m sorry, Joe, I can’t.  I will make out with you all night long, but you’re not taking my clothes off,” I say it sternly.  He has to know I mean business.

“Okay, I won’t take your clothes off.  I promise you; I respect you more than that.”

I don’t say a word. I just grab his shirt and pull him to me.  I haven’t had this much action in a while, and I plan on enjoying it!

I wake up the next morning and decide to make the walk of shame from Irvin to Kluft.  Not that I’ve done anything to be embarrassed about but people will assume I’m sure.  I mean I am walking across campus in the same outfit from last night.

I make it to Kluft, get a shower and relax the reminder of the day.  This week is going to be a rough one: practice, class, and going home.  I can’t wait till Friday.  I also can’t wait to get my lips on Joe’s again, and that is exactly what we do when we have to meet for Freshman Seminar on Wednesday.

Coach has been kicking our ass this week at practice, but I’m getting back into shape.  We have our first meet in a little over a month.  I spent so much time out of the water, I’ve got to get where I use to be.  I don’t talk to Cash much this week because of everything going on.

On Thursday, I decide to text him and Piper.  I know Piper said she isn’t coming home, but I just want to double check.  I miss her.

Me: Piper u decide to come home?

Piper: I’m going to pass huge party here this weekend

Me: K have fun  :)

Well dang!  I have to admit now that Joe and I had such a great week, I’m beyond nervous about seeing Cash.  I don’t have a choice.  He knows all my secrets, and it’s time to let one out of the envelope.

Me: I’ll b home by 3 2morrow

Cash: Sweet! Can’t wait!

I grab my duffle bag and pack for the weekend.  I grab a variety of clothes.  Not sure what we will do, but I know it will involve mud and trucks.  The thought of that gets me excited to go home.

Friday morning I go to Bio and meet Joe.  He looks sad when I tell him I’ll see him Monday.