10
Ren
“What?” I say looking at my parents. They’ve both been staring at me since I came downstairs this morning, and they keep exchanging looks. I know what this is about, but neither of them is saying anything.
When I came home after school, my dad and I talked about him giving Lily a job. I was surprised that he didn’t ask questions, he just agreed. It was a relief, but I knew that would only hold them off for so long. My mom had a long shift yesterday at the hospital, and she’s about to leave in a few minutes. The time is ticking, and she knows her window to talk to me is closing.
“So, Ren, your dad was telling me you have a girlfriend.”
There it is.
“Yeah,” I say, finishing my breakfast and taking my plate to the kitchen.
Suddenly my mom is grabbing me by the arm and pushing me up against the counter. It’s playful, but I’m amazed at how strong she is for a woman so small. She’s bigger than Lily, but not by much.
“You listen to me, Ren Hendricks. I’ve never seen you so much as blink in the direction of a girl before, so you can’t show up and say you’ve got a girlfriend and not give me details.” She pokes me in the stomach, and it makes me laugh. “Spill it, Sweet Potato, or I’m gonna pull out the big guns.”
I can’t help but laugh at the nickname she gave me when I was a baby. She said I came out all orange and squishy like a sweet potato. She lifts up her hands and makes claws like she’s going to tickle me, and I get serious. If there’s one thing she knows I hate, it’s to be tickled. Some people find it funny and enjoy the sensation. They laugh and think it’s playful. Not me. When I get tickled, I get mad, and she knows it.
“Mom,” I warn and try to push myself away from her.
“Spill. It,” she says, raising an eyebrow and daring me to test her.
Letting out a sigh, I give in. I know it’s useless when she’s like this. I look over her head to my dad, who props up against the counter, sipping his coffee and waiting. They’re both in this together.
“Her name is Lily. We, um, met yesterday.” I see the shock on her face, but she doesn’t stop me. “She’s new to the school, but we had the same classes yesterday and I gave her a ride home.”
“Oh.” My mom’s hands drop, and she looks like she’s thinking over what I’m saying. “So she’s your girlfriend?” Her tone is confused, but she doesn’t push it.
“Mom.” I put my hands on her arms, and she looks up at me, our eyes locking. “She’s more than just my girlfriend. I know it sounds crazy, but you guys told me you knew the instant you saw one another in fourth grade that you were done. It’s that way with Lily. She just needs to see it, too.”
“But, Ren—”
“Trust me,” I say, cutting her off. “I’ll bring her around as soon as I can convince her. But believe me, Mom, she’s the one.”
She looks in my eyes as if she’s searching for something. After a second she seems to find what she’s looking for and smiles at me. “You’ve always marched to beat of your own drum, and I know you do things in your own time and your own way. I trust you.”
She gives me a kiss on the cheek as she grabs her bag and tells my dad goodbye. Dad smiles at me and takes his thermos of coffee and leaves for work, too. I stand there for a second, thinking about what I’ve told them and their reaction. I feel a smile pull at my lips as I consider what could have happened versus what did. I’ll take it. Despite knowing her for less than a day, Lily means more to me than I could have thought possible. But I’d rather feel obsessively consumed than feel nothing at all.
I stayed up late last night, lying in bed and running the whole day back through my mind, thinking about her every movement, every time I touched her, and ached to see her again.
I grab my bag, go outside, and get in my Jeep. I head towards Lily’s house. I leave early thinking maybe I could go in and meet her parents or something first. So they know she’s not riding with someone crazy and that I’ll take care of her. I’d also like for them to meet me because she’s going to be spending a lot of time with me. Right before I get to her house, I see she’s already walking down the sidewalk. Anger flashes through me as I see her out in the cold. I stop, pull over, and jump out.
“Hey,” I say, stepping in front of her. She looks up at me startled, as if she’s surprised to see me. “Were you trying to ditch me?”
“No, I just thought maybe you might forget.” She glances towards the ground, and I step in front of her, putting my hand under her chin.
“I’d never forget you, Lily. Ever.” I see something close to tears pool in her eyes, and I pull her into my arms. “You okay, babe?” She nods against me, but I can’t help but think something is wrong. “Hey, let’s get you in the Jeep and warm you up. I bet you didn’t have breakfast, did you?”
I take her hand and open her door, lifting her up inside. I reach down to the floorboard and put a bag in her lap. It’s still warm.
“My mom makes the best chocolate chip muffins and I thought you might want one. Or three.”
I wink at her and she lights up, looking down at the bag. I close the door and walk around to my side, and by the time I get in, the smell of warm chocolate fills the cab.
“This has made my day,” Lily says and takes a bite.
I watch her, and seeing the light come back in her eyes as she smiles at me makes my whole year. She has a smudge of chocolate on the side of her mouth, and I can’t stand it anymore.
Leaning forward, I place my hand on the side of her face and cup her cheek. She looks a little startled, but not scared. “I’m gonna kiss you, Lily Parker. Because you’re the sweetest and most beautiful girl I’ve ever met, and if I don’t I might die. But once I do, you’re gonna belong to me.”
She licks her lips and looks down at mine. When her bright blue doe eyes flicker, there’s only desire burning in them.
Placing my mouth softly on hers, I feel the silk of lips against mine. They’re full and sweet, and when she parts her mouth, I slip my tongue inside. She tastes of mint and chocolate, and I want to consume her. But this is only our first kiss, the first of many, and I aim to go slow with her.
It’s not nearly long enough, but I pull back a little, resting my forehead against hers, and breathe in her scent. She smells like Christmas and home all rolled into one. Excitement, comfort, and an overwhelming sense of right settle in my chest.
I’ve waited my whole life for her.
11
Lily
I’m the one who starts the kiss this time, wanting to feel his lips on me again. The whole world melted away when he kissed me, and I want to do it over and over again. Like yesterday in the cafeteria, he shields us with this little bubble, and I never want to leave it. I didn’t have a care in the world in that moment, and I don’t have one now. I’m just a normal teenage girl having her first kiss with a boy. Though I’m not sure you could call Ren a boy.
I wanted him to show up so bad this morning, but I was scared about what would happen if he didn’t. Not wanting to have to face it, I decided to walk. It was silly and stupid and made no sense, but I was scared. For no reason. He came, and I have a feeling he will always come for me.
This time I push forward, deepening the kiss. His lips part, and I try to replicate the same soft touch of tongue he gave me. A sound leaves his throat, or maybe it’s me who makes the sound. I try to move in closer, wanting no space between us. He wraps his arms around me, his hands going to my back.
I jerk from the pain that shoots through my body, but I’m unable to move with Ren’s arms wrapped around me. My eyes meet his and his face fills with concern.
“Sorry,” I mumble, hoping he doesn’t ask. But the hope is short-lived.
“Turn around,” he commands.
“It’s nothing. I just fell and hit a table.” I didn’t look at the bruise this morning, so I have no idea how bad it is. I could feel it, but I couldn’t bear to look at it. I didn’t need a reminder of what happened l
ast night. I’d rather forget about it and try to pretend it never happened.
“Turn around, babe.” He says it softer this time, and I give in. I turn slowly in my seat, bending forward a little as he pushes my coat and shirt up to reveal my lower back.
“Fuck,” I hear him mutter. His big hand softly lingers over the bruise, then I feel his lips. The touch so soft and sweet it makes me want to cry. Who knew a giant of a man could be so gentle?
“Does it hurt, babe?” he asks, making my heart jump in my chest. Every time he calls me babe, it warms me from the inside out.
“No, it’s fine.” He rights my shirt and coat, and I move back to face him. I can see concern written all over his face. “I’m fine, really,” I try to reassure him. It’s nice having someone worry over you. Even about something as little as a bruise.