Waiting for Something (12 page)

Promises

I didn’t really know if I’d be able to keep the promise that everything would work out but I hoped it would. If I broke this girl’s heart I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. And if she broke mine I wouldn’t be able to live. I was scared to death of what the future brought us but I knew that at least we’d make it through the summer since she was staying with me all of June and half of July.

I woke up the next morning with Ali close to my chest. We’d spent all night cuddling and talking about our future. When I’m with her I’m not the tough guy that everyone sees. I’m sweet with her. She makes me a better person. It was 6:30 and my flight left at 9:00. I was all packed so all I had to do was get ready.

“Ali Cat, baby, wake up.” I kissed her cheek.

“No, five more minutes,” she whined and rolled over.

“Alright. I’m going to shower. I’ll wake you up afterwards.” I kissed her again and headed for my bathroom.

“Good morning, sunshine,” I smiled when I came out in my towel.

“I was offered coffee and couldn’t resist,” she held up her cup.

“Well, who could? I need to get mine,” I smiled.

“Nope, got it,” she handed me a cup and I couldn’t help but feel butterflies.

“Thank you, beautiful.” I took a sip and it warmed up my insides.

“Alright, my turn to shower. You know, I think you’re still a little dirty,” she winked.

“Oh no, Ali Cat.
Behave yourself. Go shower.” I felt a hard on coming on.

“Party pooper,” she stuck her tongue out and headed for the shower.

After she was finished showering, she came out in nothing but her towel. I practically started to drool. Her hair wet, hanging down on her naked shoulders. She was driving me insane.

“What are you doing?” I looked at her in awe.

“Getting ready.” She dropped her towel and I’d never seen anything more exotic.

“Ali Cat, you’re killing me,” I groaned a little.

“Maybe you should have waited to get dressed,” she shrugged innocently.

“Ali Cat, quit being a tease,” I threw her one of her shirts.

“I like to air dry,” she dropped it.

“Jake, breakfast is downstairs,” Carter said as he barged in.

“Get the fuck out!” I yelled as he covered his eyes after already getting a full look of Ali and he stumbled around looking for the door.

“Oh my God!”
Ali turned bright red.

“I’m sorry! Sorry. Didn’t see anything,” he found the doorknob.

“Fucking liar,” I growled.

“Jake, calm down. I didn’t know!” He opened the door and walked out.

“Where are my clothes?” Ali couldn’t have sounded more mortified.

“It’s cool. Just knock, dumb ass,” I opened the door and smacked his head.

“Ow. Alright, alright. I get it.” He rubbed his head and walked away.

“You’re acting like he’s never seen you naked before,” I laughed.

“He hasn’t,” Ali spoke through gritted teeth.

“You’re kidding me? How far did you two go?” I was honestly shocked.

“Not that far,” her face got redder.

“I’m sorry for embarrassing you.” I held out my arms and squeezed her close.

“It’s fine. Damn it, he needs to knock.” She giggled a little.

“You’re telling me. Go ahead and finish getting ready. I’ll meet you down at breakfast.” I kissed her forehead and went downstairs.

“Well, nice of you to join us,” Carter’s tone was sarcastic.

“Nice of you to knock,” I retorted.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. You’re a lucky man.” He sure knew how to bug me.

“I will seriously kill you,” I squeezed my hand tight.

“I’d like to see you try,” he laughed.

“Boys, stop. Where’s Ali?” my mom looked at me.

“Upstairs getting ready. She’ll be down soon.” I drank my coffee as my mom gave me a cinnamon roll she obviously bought from a bakery.

“Good morning,” I watched Ali walk down in a white lace sundress and I nearly dropped.

“Well, don’t you look lovely?” my mom smiled.

“Aw, thanks,” Ali sat beside me.

“You look absolutely breathtaking,” I whispered and all she could do was smile.

“Breakfast?”
My mom handed her a plate with a cinnamon roll.

“Oh, yes, please,” she looked at the roll and then reached for my cup of coffee.

“Oh, no you don’t. Let me get you a cup.” I kissed her forehead.

“Thank you.” She bit into her breakfast.

“Sorry about earlier,” Carter looked at Ali and turned red.

“Don’t mention it. Seriously, don’t,” she ducked her head and I could tell her cheeks were redder than mine.

After breakfast, I grabbed my bags that held just my essentials. Everything else was already taken to the house I was going to be living in. I felt the mood change. Ali’s heart slowly started sinking and I felt it.

“Alright, you ready to get going?” I shut the trunk and looked at her.

“I suppose. I have no choice,” she looked down at her feet.

“Hey, look at me. We’ll get past
this.It’s just another small road bump. We got this,” I lifted her chin and kissed her lips softly.

“I trust you,” she forced a tiny smile.

I hugged my parents and Carter and then we headed out. Turns out Mike had been put in North Carolina with me, so once I got there tonight his wife was having me over for supper with him and his family. I’m not going to lie, I am jealous of the bastard, but happy for him too.

Once we got to the airport I couldn’t let go of her. I either had my hand around her waist or her fingers intertwined with mine.

“Well, looks like this is where we say goodbye,” she choked.

“I’ll call you when I get in.” I felt my throat tighten.

“I’m looking forward to it.” I saw a tear run down her cheek and I nearly broke down.

“I’ll see you in a couple of weeks,” I forced a smile.

“I can’t wait.” All her responses were short and I knew that once I was out of sight, she would break down right there and I’d probably want to do the same.

“Stay strong, beautiful. I love you,” I winked.

“Only for you.” I saw a sparkle in her eyes.

“Ali Cat, give me a hug. Make it count.” I held out my arms and she threw herself into me.

“I love you so much, Jake.” I felt her tears soak my shirt.

“Oh, Ali Cat, I love you to the moon and back,” I held her close to my chest.

“Don’t forget me,” she whimpered.

“Never,” I let a tear fall.

“Pinky promise?” I looked as she held out her pinky.

“Pinky promise.”
We pinky promised and I hugged her tight once again.

“You should get going, baby,” she let go gently.

“I love you.” I kissed her with all the passion I had in me and she returned the favor.

“Ditto,” she grinned.

“See you soon.” I kissed her one last time and headed off to security. I looked back one more time and she blew a kiss to me. I, of course, returned the favor.

Thirteen

I quickly ran to the restrooms and locked myself in the stall and let myself unravel. I wasn’t cut out for this. I’m only going to be a senior in high school. I closed my eyes as my heart drowned into oblivion. People came in and out of the restroom but I didn’t care. I had just had to say goodbye to the love of my life again.

I got out of the stall and touched up my make up, trying to make sure you couldn’t tell I had just bawled my eyes out. How could my life change so drastically over the course of a year? It’s like the Thomas brothers changed me. And for the better, I hope.

I’m not going to lie and say I don’t have doubts about Jake and I. All signs lead to disaster but I wasn’t going to give up completely. I wasn’t going to finish my senior year and then go to school in North Carolina for creative writing. I knew what my plan was and it had always included Jake.

The rest of the year past in such a blur. I was either busy with dance, school, my friends or skyping with Jake. Before I knew it the summer finally came.

After the school year was out, I could barely control my happiness. I’d gotten all
As in my classes even after being depressed while Jake was gone. If it wasn’t for Marlie, I don’t know where I’d be. She and Carter are coming out to North Carolina later in the month for a week or two so that would be a fun and interesting week. But honestly, as much as I would miss Marlie, I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of San Diego.

“You have everything, right, dear?” said my mom as she and Dad walked me to the security gates.

“Yes, Mom, I have everything,” I laughed.

“Alright, call us when you get in.” She kissed my cheek and hugged me.

“I will. Love you, Mom.” I hugged her tightly.

“Oh, sunshine, I love you so much.” She kissed my forehead.

“Behave yourself, young lady.” My dad still wasn’t thrilled about the whole living together thing.

“I will, Dad. I love you,” I hugged him.

“I love you too. Be safe,” he squeezed me tightly. I was actually going to miss them, but Jake told me that whenever I wanted to go back, I just had to say the word.

“See
ya, squirt,” I hugged Dillon.

“Bye. Bring me back something.” He was such a twerp.

“Dillon, that’s not appropriate,” my mom hit his arm.

“I’ll bring you back something. I guess,” I rolled my eyes and laughed.

“Alright, well you better get going,” my mom hugged me one last time and I headed off to security. I looked back one last time and they were waving goodbye and I waved back.

I hopped on the plane and sat in the window seat since my seat buddy wasn’t there yet. I put my headphones in and started listening to my music. I didn’t realize my seat buddy was there until a guy tapped my shoulders.

“You’re in my seat.” His piercing blue eyes and deep black hair and tan skin took my breath away and I instantly felt a pang of guilt.

“Really?
Is your name on it?” I crossed my arms.

“
Touche. I’m Elijah Young,” he held out his hand and I did the same, receiving a handshake.

“Ali Burns,” I smiled kindly before turning back to my
Ipod.

Once we took off I couldn’t help but stare at his obviously muscular physique. He had his head against the seat with his eyes closed. He wore a
v-neck and some dark blue jeans. The blue green color of his v-neck made his skin look great. He had a phone in one hand and a notebook in the other. I looked at him for a couple more seconds before going back to my music. I had the song “Lucky Ones” by Lana Del Rey playing when I felt him brush my arm and I looked up instantly.

“Oops, sorry,” he grinned.

“Oh, no. That’s fine. You surprised me a little,” I tried not to blush.

“Lana Del Rey? She’s alright. Not my type of music but she’s got a good voice,” he glanced at my song.

“Oh yeah. She’s great, but I like Norah Jones better personally,” I shrugged.

“You like country?” he showed me a crooked smile with two dimples on each side.

“Who doesn’t?” I joked.

“Tell me about it. Who’s your favorite?” he turned his body toward me.

“I really am into Eric Church but I like mostly all of them.” I let the chemistry between us flow.

“I’m a die- hard Jason
Aldean guy, but I will say Eric Church is pretty damn good. Where ya from?” His smile just wouldn’t wear away.

“Originally, Colorado.
But I just moved to San Diego this last year. You?” I went ahead and put my Ipod in my purse.

“North Carolina.
Going back home. I go to school in San Diego actually. I’m at the college. I just finished my first year. I’m on a baseball scholarship there actually.” Wow, he had the whole package. Stop yourself, Ali. You’re in a happy relationship with Jake, but it’s okay to look, right? Just not order. Yes, don’t feel guilty. Ah, damn it, too late.

“You like it there? I’m going to be a senior but I don’t plan on going to college in California. I’d rather go to college in North Carolina. Do you know any good colleges around the area?” I felt so stupid but honestly I needed to know.

“Seriously? Duke any day. I’m actually going there this fall on a new scholarship. I couldn’t stand being so far away from home,” he laughed.

“Aw, that’s cute,” I nudged him.

“Well, I’m a southern boy born and raised,” he winked and my heart just about dropped.

“I can tell by your accent,” I tried not to blush.

“Yeah, it can be pretty thick at times,” he grinned.

“It was nice chatting with you,” I was trying to stop myself from more trouble.

“Oh, yeah. I’m sorry for bothering you,” his face turned.

“No, it’s not that you bothered me. I just.
Never mind.” I was digging a hole.

“No, tell me,” he looked at me with his piercing eyes.

“It’s just I don’t want to get myself into trouble,” I sighed.

“Trouble?
How?” his face was perplexed.

“I’m going to North Carolina to visit my boyfriend who’s in the Marines.” I felt so stupid.

“Well, good for you. But I don’t see how you are going to get into trouble.” He was obviously not interested. Now I was mortified.

“I guess I just thought we had chemistry or something and it scared me. Ignore my stupidity,” I gave myself a face palm.

“No, you’re right about that. But if you’re taken I’m not going to be that guy,” he smiled.

“Well, then, I guess we’re ok,” I returned the smile.

“So, tell me about yourself, Ali,” he winked at me and I began my story.

By the end of the flight he knew as much about me as
Marlie did, and I knew just as much about him. He came from a rich family. They lived on a huge plantation and he and his older brother farmed for their dad. It was really like I was talking to a Nicholas Sparks’ character. But I knew he was hiding something, which made me a little nervous. But for some reason, I liked it.

“Well, I’ll see you around, Elijah.” We walked out of the terminal together.

“Yeah, I guess so,” he gave me that crooked grin.

“Say hi to Lane for me,” I was referring to his older brother.

“Same for Jake. He’s a lucky guy.” I felt my insides warm a little.

“I’m the lucky one.” And with that, we went our separate ways.

I walked out past security and looked around for Jake a bit when I was suddenly caught completely off guard. He grabbed me from behind, spun me around, and set me on the ground. Once my feet were on the ground, I threw myself into him and squeezed him as tightly as I could.

“I missed you,” I mumbled into his chest.

“Ali Cat, you have no idea,” he held me close.

“Let’s go home,” I said as I looked up at him. I felt like this was going to last forever.