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“All right. Adiós, amigo.”
I flop back on my bed, total chick flick style, and think about where our lives are heading. As of now, I have no freaking clue what’s going to happen with Margret and our dad. He promised he would take care of the problem. To me, that means getting a divorce and kicking her out. Jasmine’s life would turn completely around with Margret out of the picture. But dad is an infamous procrastinator, so I’ll probably have to hold a proverbial gun to his head to get it done.
The Alex situation is… well, it’s hard to explain without sounding like a whiny girl. ‘Oh, my friend doesn’t want to hang out with me,’ but that’s exactly what’s happening. I hardly see him outside of school anymore. He spends more time with Carlos and his crowd than anyone else. He invites me, but they’re not my style. The harder I try to steer Alex away, the more he rejects my direction.
My thoughts finally stray, having avoided Marisol as long as possible, which in reality has only been thirty minutes. Envisioning her on a date with another guy has my blood pumping and lungs burning with excursion as my breathing increases because of the images dancing in visions. His fingers tracing her arms, leaning into a whisper in a crowded room, or slipping their fingers together while they have an intimate conversation. Fuck that! The slideshow works a growl up my throat, vibrating with disdain, understanding that I’m losing my damn mind. Not only will she be going on this date, but she’ll also be attending a college tour this weekend… all weekend… with college guys.
After considering all options and ripping out half of my hair, I come to a decision. The only way Marisol is attending a weekend away at college is going to be with me. The only problem with that idea is that I’d have to leave Jasmine by herself all weekend. Granted, she has plans to go stay with our gran, but I’d usually still see her. This will be the longest I’ve gone without being with her. Nerves have the best of me, but excited to be with Marisol. Alone.
A sly smile stretches my lips as I toss the covers back and climb under the cool sheets, relaxing for the first time in a while. The Sandman claims me easily with thoughts of what if twirling through my mind.
~~~~~
Finally, Friday morning arrives, and the days of being a pussy stop. I’m facing down the firing squad, also known as Marisol. The college that she’s checking out is the same one I’ve dreamed of going to. Their basketball team is killer, offering a great curriculum too. Destiny intervenes first thing in the morning, solidifying my plans when I almost mow down Marisol. She really should start watching where she’s walking.
“Hey, Mare,” I chuckle, steadying her with a solid hand.
“Hey.” Her voice trembles with nerves.
“Are you ready for this weekend?” I ease the question into the conversation, attempting to play it cool.
“Yes. I’m completely excited, and nervous as hell.”
“I bet. Listen, I was thinking about heading down that way for the weekend, too. I wouldn’t mind checking out their basketball team.”
“Really?” she chirps eagerly. “What about Jasmine?”
“She’s staying with gran this weekend, so now’s a good time as any.”
“She hasn’t stayed with her in a couple of months. They’ll have fun. Are you thinking about attending University too?” She closes her locker and leans against it, trying to seem casual.
Placing one hand on the locker next to her head, I lean in. “It crossed my mind.”
Our positions have suddenly become intimate as hope lights her eyes. “Where are you staying?”
A mischievous smile spreads across my lips. “I haven’t figured that out yet. If your offer still stand then I could stay with you.”
She swallows hard. “My parents got me a room at the Hotel down the street.”
“By yourself?” The idea of her being there alone doesn’t sit well.
“Yes. Why?”
“I don’t like the idea of you staying there alone.”
The bell screeches loudly, signaling the end of our conversation.
Marisol jumps, glaring at the clock for interrupting. “Sorry, Jace. I’ve gotta run. My first class takes forever to get to.”
“No problem.” I let her slip away, but after a few steps, I call out to her. “Oh, and Mare?” I wait until I have her full attention. “I’ll be ready by five.”
Her cheeks instantly glow red and her expression turns sheepish, pulling a smirk to my lips as I walk away. Jasmine leave’s for gran’s right after school, giving me time to get ready without a ton of questions. Guilt plagues me. Am I pawning her off, trying to hide my growing feelings towards her best friend? I love my sister more than anything on this planet, but occasionally I want some time for myself… or people… person. Does that make me a bad person? I’m still not sure.
This weekend will be the first time Marisol and I have ever stayed anywhere alone. There’s something more happening between us, and I know she’s feeling it too, but continuing with caution is our only approach. This will not only threaten to ruin our friendship, but the friendship between all four of us. Alex will probably kill me for touching his sister. And my sister? I think she’d actually be all right with us, but definitely pissed as fuck that I’m not being upfront. There are so many what if’s involved in making a move on Marisol.
The thing is, this is more than just making a move. I really like her. I want more. I don’t want to just fuck around with her. I want to be with her. When I think about going to college, I see her with me, holding hands in the quad. When I graduate and get a job, I see her supporting me. When I get married, I envision what she would look like in white. When I imagine what my future children will look like, they have caramel skin and dark chocolate eyes.
I breathe heavily and slide down into my chair. I didn’t know that wanting someone as much as I want Marisol would turn me into such a chick. Slumping around, staring at the ceiling, daydreaming. Fucking daydreaming! Shaking my head, I sit up straighter, hoping to pay attention.
