The Locket

“I guess I should thank you for showing up when you did,” I said, smiling at Layken, feeling the same peace I did this morning. Something about being around her soothed me. Another thing for me to envy, I supposed.

“No problem, girlie. I got your back,” she giggled, tossing her long strands of golden hair over her shoulder. “Now, tell me how you got that total hottie wrapped around your little finger.”

She was obviously referring to Brent but she was absolutely mistaken. “Oh, he’s nice, but it’s not like that. He needs a chemistry tutor, and he found out I was in an advanced class, that’s all.”

“Whatever you say,” she challenged. “But he looks at you like he wants a whole lot more than that.”

Was she right? The thought of him liking me made my skin feel tingly and sent goose bumps riding up my arms. I was way too insecure to think for a minute that he was actually interested in me. Brent had most of the girls in school falling over him. He could take his pick. He could have Layken if he wanted. There was no way he even considered me an option, but a small part of me hoped Layken was right. After Layken and I traded cell phone numbers I headed to the parking lot.

CHAPTER 4

“Spiritual partnership implies a goal of encouraging and supporting the unfolding of each other’s soul’s reasons for being here in the first place.” – Katherine Woodward Thomas

I sensed him before I saw him. As I turned, he was five feet from me, all blue-eyed and beautiful. “Hey Blake, wanna help me with chem? I’m free now,” Brent asked, smiling that cursed swoon-worthy smile as my cheeks filled with color once again. His gaze traveled over me waiting for a reply.

My brain was telling me to run but my body was betraying me. I knew I needed to process how I was feeling without his heat filling my head full of things that had no business being there. I thought if I sped up and got in the car, I could pull away and maybe he would think I didn’t hear him. Who was I kidding? Of course he knew I heard him.

“Hi Brent,” I mumbled, addressing him as he drew closer.

“Hey, sorry I missed you after class. I had to talk to Mr. Ryan about something,” he explained, closing the remaining distance between us. My heart did a little happy dance knowing he had planned to wait for me after class. “So, did you want to help me with chem, now?” he repeated.

I wanted to say yes so badly, but I needed time to contemplate.

“I would love to help you, but can we do it another day? I have a few things I need to help my aunt with today,” I lied, feeling lousy about it. Not just the lie, but the feeling of disappointment flowing through my veins.

His brows scrunched alerting me he was upset, like he was equally disappointed. I considered telling him I changed my mind, but chose not to. He smiled gently, his eyes bright blue.

“Okay Blake, another day then. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said looking at me as though he wanted me to reassure him.

“I’ll be there.” Nothing is going to keep me from seeing you again. I hoped I did not say the last half out loud. Brent gave a shy wave and walked away.

Exiting the overflow parking lot, I saw Brent in the lot across the street tossing his backpack into the driver’s side of a black truck. It was unexpected, consi

dering he had ran through the woods to school. Pulling up next to him, I rolled down my window.

“Hey, I thought you liked to hike through the woods to school, nature boy,” I teased, hoping he would be okay with it. I wasn’t sure if he was upset with me for not helping him with chemistry today.

Turning to face me, he laughed.

“Believe it or not, I actually don’t prefer that route to school, Blake. My truck was in the shop. My dad dropped if off after lunch for me,” he explained.

“Well, it’s nice to know I won’t have to worry about you attacking me again,” I laughed, continuing to tease him since he didn’t seem to be upset with me.

“Yes, Blake, you should be safe from now on,” he smiled.

“Oh, I’m so relieved.”

“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, climbing into the truck.

Can’t wait!

On the drive home I found myself talking about Brent. While sitting at a stop light, I looked over to a group of teenagers, and finally realized I was literally talking out loud. They were pointing and laughing at me. Mortified, I searched for my phone so I could pretend I was speaking with an actual person. Failing to find it before the light changed, I sighed with humiliation.

Having been completely wrapped up in thinking about Brent during the rest of my drive, I didn’t remember most of it. Again, I found myself hoping my parents weren’t looking down, watching me. Somehow I didn’t think driving while not looking at the road fell into the safe category.

Entering the house, I called for Maggie, but she didn’t answer. Assuming she had gone for a walk, I used the time to find something to cook. Maggie had been taking care of me all summer and I planned to return the favor by making a nice dinner. Subconsciously, I was probably using the impromptu meal as a distraction. I found chicken in the freezer and enough fixings for a decent salad in the refrigerator. Going about the task at hand, I put all thoughts of Brent aside. He was renting way too much space in my head at the moment.

Dinner was nearly ready when I heard the door.