Текст книги "Love Me Back"
Автор книги: Michelle Lynn
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Текущая страница: 3 (всего у книги 21 страниц)
Chapter 5 – 15 years old
I never heard from Bryan again after my move, Trent and I wrote a few letters back and forth and Mackenna and I wrote every day and called every week. Soon the letters and calls got further apart and eventually stopped all together. I made new friends in Michigan and I assumed a new girl took my spot. When Jack would come home he would fill me on tidbits he heard from their Bigs but other than that Bryan, Trent and Mackenna were out of my life.
My parent’s marriage was great right after the move. We all drove Jack up to college and my mom and dad seemed to bond over sending their oldest off to college. They started having date nights and my dad stopped traveling as much. When my dad traveled my mom didn’t go out like she used to. That didn’t change the fact that she never made me dinner and I had a list of responsibilities around the house to finish every night. Just knowing that my parents were happy and staying together was enough for me.
I missed Jack so much and was always eager to spend time with him when he would return home for holidays. I cried when I found out he decided to go down to Florida for his spring break this year instead of coming home.
Not that I blamed him but that seemed to be when our parents relationship took another turn for the worst. My mom started drinking more and going out. My dad was rarely home during the week and made excuses to go out on the weekend. This left me alone most of the time which I started to prefer.
The last straw was when Jack announced he wasn’t coming home for the summer. He was going to stay at the Basso’s and work at some dairy farm in the town next to Belcrest. My mom lost it and my dad exploded. Unfortunately, Jack was an adult and since he had a scholarship to State my parents had nothing to hold over his head to make him come home.
After I finished my freshman year my parents sat me down and told me they were getting a divorce. I can’t say I was surprised they couldn’t make it work. It was hard when both of them were probably seeing other people. I was surprised when my mom told me I would be moving with her back to Belcrest while my dad stayed in Michigan. They assured me I would see him often and we would still get together for holidays. I still missed my friends in Belcrest but I was nervous to go back after three years. I had changed so much and I was sure they did too. Thanks to my full fledge hormones in bloom, I was dying to see how Trent looked.
Two months later my mom and I pull up to a small three bedroom ranch a few blocks from downtown Belcrest. The outside looks like it’s been here since the town originated. The grass is overgrown with patches of dandelions. The shrubs are so long they cover the walkway. Paint is chipped on the side and the brick seems stained. I can’t imagine what the inside looks like or why we are going to live here.
“I know it looks a little rough on the outside but just wait.” My mother says while pushing a branch to the side walking to the front door.
I look around the neighborhood, the other houses are kept up really nice. Their yards are all mowed and the landscape looks nice. I wish it was one of ours. Before I have time to think about it or go inside.
“Maddy!” I hear a girl’s voice screaming down the street.
I turn and the red head is hanging out a window of some black truck. When it stops in front of my house she hops out running towards me.
“Maddy, I am so happy your back.” Her arms wrap around me. She pulls away putting her hands on my shoulders. “Why didn’t you call me or write me? Why did I have to find out from Trent, who found out from Gabe who found out from Doug?” She exclaims.
Trent knows I am back.
“Hey Mackenna! I see some things don’t change.” I nod my head towards the guy in the black truck.
Mackenna has grown up to a gorgeous teenage girl, not like I ever thought she wouldn’t. Her red hair is long and wavy making her green eyes pop out. She is slim and petite and her breasts have gotten bigger if that was possible.
“Oh yeah. Do you remember Billy Cummings?” She waves at him in the truck and he waves back.
“Didn’t he used to be…awkward and play that wizards card game?” I question skeptically.
“Oh Mad, the boys you remember have turned into men, just wait.”
I can’t help but picture Trent. I wonder how tall he is, how his chest looks, his eyes, his hair.
“I am sure everyone is different than what I remember.” I add in.
“Just wait. So, I will meet you outside the office tomorrow morning before first class, ok?” She is already walking back to Billy’s truck.
“Um…Ok” I yell towards her.
“Just wait Maddy, we are going to have so much fun. I’m never letting you leave me again, ok?” She climbs into the truck and it speeds away with her waving out the window.
The next morning my mom drops me off at Belcrest High School. I wore a yellow sundress with a pair of flip flops. I didn’t want to look too underdressed or overdressed. I haven’t been through these halls since Jack’s graduation. I am nervous because I don’t know this school. I stop at the main office to pick up my schedule and am thankful the town is so small.
“Hi Maddie Jennings. I haven’t seen you in years. Welcome back to Belcrest.” The lady behind the desk hands me my schedule. I know I know her from somewhere but I can’t remember her name. “Oh there’s Mackenna Ross waiting for you. You two were always together.”
“Thank you Miss.” I say.
“Ms. Gilbert. Peter’s mother.” She fills in for me.
“Yes, thank you Ms. Gilbert.”
“Have a good day dear.”
The door shuts behind me and my ears fill with sounds of noisy kids in the hallway. Mackenna is dressed in a pair of plaid shorts with a cute tank top and flats. She looks adorable like always.
“I love the dress.” She hugs me tight. “Sorry, I still can’t believe you’re back.”
“I know, I can’t believe it myself.’
“The boys are going to flip out.”
“I thought they knew.”
“They do but wait until they see you.” She snatches my schedule from my hands. “Let me see if my connections worked.”
“Connections?”
“I have connections in the office, I was hoping to have a lot of classes with you. Yeah, we have first and seven together and the most important we have the same lunch.” She hooks her arm through mine. “This guy who had the locker next to me always uses his girlfriends so I asked him if he would switch with you and he reluctantly agreed after some persuasion.”
“I don’t want to know Kenna but Thank you.” I look around the hall. Some of the people look familiar but it’s hard to place names with faces.
Once I am back to my locker before lunch I felt pretty good. Everything is starting to become familiar. It helps that our school isn’t that big. A few students remember me and come up to say welcome back. Kenna walks me to every class and always comes back to her locker to meet me. I don’t know what I would have done without her. After three years she is still my best friend.
Kenna and I walk into the lunchroom and panic strikes me. It is loud and students are scrambling to every table. I am thankful to have Kenna by my side again. We stand in line for our food, needless to say the pickings are slim. I choose a cheese pizza with a side salad and water. Kenna has the same thing except for a coke.
I follow her to a table in the back hearing whisperings from the tables about who I am. Mostly I hear sister of Jack Jennings. In Belcrest, you were always associated with who you are related to. She sits me down at a table with two other girls. Introducing me to Chloe Rodgers and Jenny Hunt. They seem friendly enough. I recognize Jenny but not Chloe. Mackenna explains Chloe transferred last year.
“So, are you happy to be back to this hick town?” Jenny asks.
“Yeah I guess.” I shrug. “I missed everyone.”
“Like who?” Chloe snaps.
I don’t know how to take her question but before I could ask her. I am picked up from behind and swung around in a circle.
“Look at Little Jennings, all grown up with tits and ass.” Bryan Edwards puts me down grabbing my ass. He has grown up into teen-age girls dreams. His long dark hair sways to the side. His hazel eyes are wide and drawing. You can tell he works hard on his body with the cargo shorts and polo shirt that is taut around the shoulders and biceps.
I slap him on the shoulder. “Little Edwards all grown up but still nothing between his legs.”
“I can assure you I am very grown up there too.” He laughs. “I’ve missed you girl.” He hugs me again.
“Me too” I pull away and see Trent standing behind him.
He is staring at me so intently but not making a move towards me. My brown eyes meet his blue irises and all those years seem like yesterday. If I thought Bryan grew up it was because I hadn’t seen Trent yet. His honey blond hair is shaved short and his tanned skin seems to glow. He’s wearing jeans and a red t-shirt. I hope I’m not drooling because my imagination hadn’t done him justice.
A smirk comes across his face as I am sure he noticed me checking him out as much as he was checking me out. “Maddy” is all he says walking towards me.
“Hey Trent” I don’t know who touched who first suddenly I am wrapped in his arms and the smell of him overwhelms me.
“And they are together again everyone. Just like old times.” Bryan yells over to everyone clapping his hands. I am surprised I didn’t notice earlier how quiet the lunchroom has become.
“Hum hum” I hear a girl clearing her voice behind me.
Trent pulls away and walks behind me kissing Chloe on the cheek sitting down next to her.
The rest of the lunch goes by in a blur, mostly because I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Trent and Chloe holding hands. She is practically sitting in his lap at one point. Every time she turns her head I would find his eyes on me. Bryan only seems to want to recall every story with the four of us, which I am sure, bored everyone else.
On the way back to our lockers after lunch Mackenna turns to me “Don’t mind Chloe. Her and Trent have only been together a month. I think hearing you were coming back scared her a little.”
“She’s just marking her territory that’s all.” Bryan chimes in after her.
“Who said I was interested in her territory?” I ask them back. They both grin at me.
“I think she is more worried about her land preferring someone else peeing on it.” Bryan said.
“Ewww Edwards.” Mackenna and I both say in unison.
“I am just saying she might have heard the stories of Trent Basso and Madeline Jennings but seeing it in action is a whole other story.” He shakes his head leaving us at our lockers walking down the hall.
“Stories?” I question Mackenna.
“Come on Maddy. You and Trent are Belcrest’s Romeo and Juliet.” She shuts her locker and walks away.
I stand there in awe. I never would imagine people would talk about Trent and me. I was naïve to think it was just between the two of us all those years.
Chapter 6 – Present Day Softball Game
Gabe texts me asking me to pick him up for the softball game. I don’t quite understand it since I am sure Doug or Trent could take him. Since he is paying I wasn’t going to tell him no. When my brother got wind of the arrangement he smiled back at me as though he knew something I didn’t. Then he insisted on me driving him and Lindsey as well. I am sure Gabe wouldn’t mind and if he did it was his own fault for renting such a big vehicle.
The four of us pile into the blue monster. My mom decides to stay home making me wonder where my real mom has gone. Ian wouldn’t shut up on the way over to the Basso’s, asking Jack everything about our town. I kept rolling my eyes since Jack made Belcrest sound like Mayberry. Everyone was not nice and not everyone was your friend here. They could turn on you on a dime when you needed them the most.
I pull up to the Bassos and honk the horn. I am not about to run into that woman twice in a day.
“What’s wrong with you Maddy? You don’t just honk your horn.” Jack hops out of the truck jogging up to the front porch.
“Whatever.” I roll my eyes for the thousandth time this trip.
Jack doesn’t get to the front step before Gabe opens the door in his athletic shorts and t-shirt slinging a bat bag over his shoulder. I see him motioning to someone behind him but I don’t see who it is. My breath finally releases when I see it is Doug that comes out the door shutting behind him. I get out and toss Gabe the keys getting in the back with Lindsey. He looks at me curiously but takes the keys and jumps in the driver’s seat.
When Jack and Doug get in the third row Doug rubs my head saying hello and I introduce him to Ian. Doug waves hello and gives Jack a quick eyebrow inquisitively.
The parking lot at the ball field is filled with cars. The teams warming up in their designated bar sponsored jerseys. Girlfriends and family of the players are sitting in the bleachers gossiping with each other. I hook my arm around Lindsey walking ahead of the pack. I feel bad I have to leave Ian behind but Gabe seems to be keeping him company.
I take my seat in the bleachers with Lindsey on one side and Ian on the other. I sip my much-needed beer watching the boys warm up. Their team is a mixture of Bigs and Littles. I know more people were added to the rosters with the out of town guys coming in for the wedding. Gentry’s Bar and Grill sponsors Jack’s team. A Big, Ben Gentry owns the bar so it was the obvious decision when they needed a sponsor.
“There she is, my girl.” A man’s voice says from behind me. I know who it is before I turn around.
“Bryan Edwards. I most definitely am not your girl. In fact maybe I should tell your wife what you said.” I smile walking down the bleachers to hug him.
“Please don’t tell her. You know how she feels about you.” He laughs kissing me on the cheek.
“She loves me.” I whine hitting him in the shoulder.
“Yes I do, she’s my bestest friend.” Mackenna waddles over to me.
“How have you gotten bigger in just a month?” I hug her cautiously.
“I can’t stop growing since I popped.” She rubs her stomach.
“Your even more gorgeous pregnant.” I assure her.
“I agree, she’s the most beautiful pregnant woman I have ever seen.” Bryan puts his arm around her bringing her close to his chest.
“Pregnant?” Kenna questions.
“And not pregnant. Christ Kenna you know what I meant.” Bryan flusters.
“I know babe, no worries.” Kenna gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Straight men just don’t know how to talk to the ladies.” Ian says coming down to join us. “You look marvelous girl.” He hugs Mackenna. “I can give you some lessons Bryan.” He shakes Bryan’s hand.
“I might have to take you up on that man.” Bryan returns the handshake.
Bryan and Mackenna join us on the bench.
“How come you aren’t playing Edwards?” I ask.
“Gave up my usual spot for Basso.” Bryan says not looking back to me.
“Gabe?” I clarify.
“Trent” he corrects. Mackenna hits him in the arm giving me that sorrowful look again. I don’t want to see it, if I have to be here I want it to be happy.
“He’s late. Like usual.” I sigh.
“It’s not late Maddy, the game hasn’t started.” His voice is etched in my head. I will myself not to turn around. I can’t see him, not yet. I need more time. Little did I know I don’t have to turn around because he is standing right in front of me? The others freeze staring between Trent and I. I would say I am surprised but this seems to be a usual occurrence with us.
“Practice is over Trent. The game is about to start.” I point with my finger towards the field.
“Always the dictator, right Maddy?” He sarcastically spouts.
“Give me a break Trent, just get out to the field.” I say.
Trent looks at the field where the team is staring over at us waiting for him. HE jogs up the few steps to me, coming close to me as though he is going to kiss me but at the last second moves his mouth toward my ear. “Every home run is for you. Stick around after the game, we need to talk.” Then he turns around walking through the gate to the dugout.
“Hi Trent. Nice to see you too.” Ian screams out to him.
“How you doing Ian? Keeping my girl safe I hope.” He waves his hand not turning around.
I want to scream I’m not your girl but I just roll my eyes again. I am not going to make a scene. I see Jack looking at me from the field concern filling his eyes. I wave him off reassuring him I can handle it. Next to him Gabe is talking to Trent staring at me every few seconds. The conversation looks heated but I have seen them fight numerous times before and they usually ended in fists. Since they weren’t swinging I figure I am seeing something that isn’t there.
Gentry’s are behind eight to ten by the seventh inning and Gabe is up to bat. I start cheering for him and he looks up at me and winks. He takes a practice swing then sets up his stance. Gabe has always been good-looking, some would say the most attractive Basso brother. They all share the honey blond hair and crystal blue eyes but Gabe has more muscle, Trent is a little taller and Doug looks more like their mother while Gabe and Trent favor their dad.
He swings on the first throw and we all start screaming from the stands. It goes over the fence. Bringing two more players into home base making the score eleven to ten Gentry’s. The stands are clapping and screaming Gabe’s name.
He walks over to the fence “It’s been a pleasure ladies.” Then he bowed “and gentlemen too.” Turning around walking back to the dugout.
I actually spit my beer out when he mentions the gentlemen and everyone starts laughing. I feel Trent’s eyes on me but I don’t turn to him. I can’t give in. I know why he is looking. I am sure I resemble the girl he used to love but she isn’t here anymore.
Trent never hits a home run making me thankful. I don’t want him drawing attention to us. We are supposed to go to Gentry’s after the game. Trent asks if I will ride with him but I am hesitant. Everyone waves us off except for Gabe who sticks around to make sure I want to go with him. Reluctantly I agree and Gabe goes to the blue machine to take everyone else.
Trent comes over and opens the passenger door of his black Mercedes. Sliding onto the leather seats the familiar scent of his cologne filled my nostrils. I watch him ease into his seat, his long legs and muscular build forming to the black leather. He smiles over to me while he starts the car. I can’t help but smile back, his face just makes my lips move up.
“Trent, I…” he interrupts me.
He rests his hand on my leg. “Not tonight Maddy. We will make time to talk but not now. Let’s just have fun like the old times.” I look into those blue eyes and see the boy I loved and I want nothing more than to enjoy our time together with none of the drama.
“Alright.” I shake my head in agreement.
“So, how’s New York?” He asks driving slowing out of the gravel parking lot.
“The same, nothing new.” I shrug my shoulders.
“I miss it, especially the people.” He winks his eye at me.
“Yeah?’ I question.
“Why would that surprise you?”
“Why wouldn’t it?”
I see the disappointment in his face but that doesn’t change things.
We make it to the bar and the blue machine is already there along with all the other players’ cars. Gentry had rehabbed an old feed barn by the railroad tracks. The bar fills the downstairs and basement with family dining on the top level. High oak tables wrap the room with a bar that spans one side of the room. Every type of alcohol lines the mirrored wall behind the bar even though this town is more partial to beer.
I don’t know how Gentry managed it but all the state trophies are encased in a glass cabinet high above the seating along with numerous awards the Belcrest Spartans have won over the years. There are even some individual trophies of the players.
Trent leads me down to the basement where the sign reads it is a private party for Jennings. No doubt my brother arranged this, he is known to be the party planner of Belcrest. The basement is a typical bar scene. Pool Tables and Dart Boards with small tables along the walls. There are two bars, one against the back wall and a smaller one up front. Everyone is lined up against the wall bar in the back waiting to be served. Jack is passing out pitchers for everyone so I make my way over to Ian and Kenna.
I take a pitcher out of Jack’s hands and a cup out of Ian’s pouring myself a beer, I down half of it and take a seat.
“It must have been quite a trip over.” Ian jokes.
“Like always.” I respond back tipping back my beer some more.
“You didn’t have to go with him.” Kenna sneers. I know what she thinks but she never understood our connection.
“I know Kenna. Sooner or later we have to face each other again.” I sneer back. I understand she wants to protect me but what am I supposed to do ignore him.
Trent caught up with me at the table after being cornered by some other Littles, no doubt asking him about his wonderful life. He stays by my side the whole night, touching the small of my back, putting his arm around the back of my chair. We play a pool tournament but we were knocked out by Bryan and Mackenna in the third round. My cheeks hurt from laughing so hard. I had forgotten how Trent makes me laugh and feel worth something. Wasn’t that the problem though, he could make anyone feel like they were special until he left.
The night winds down and slow songs start to play on the jukebox. Mostly couples are left so the dance floor is full. Bryan is lovingly holding Mackenna rocking back and forth while Jack dips and spins Lindsey around. I sit quietly in the corner finishing my beer observing the happy couples.
“Come on.” Gabe whispers in my ear. He grabs my hands leading out to the dance floor.
Taking one hand and wrapping his other around my waist he pulls me closer dancing me around the room.
“Are you having fun tonight?” He asks.
“I am.”
“You sound surprised. Did you think you weren’t going to have fun coming back to Belcrest?”
“I don’t know what I thought.” I shrug.
I can smell a hint of his cologne mixed with his sweat. It is oddly appealing. His strong hand is holding me firm against him and he has tucked our hands close between our chests. His breathing is even paced and heart rate steady. I have always admired his confidence in any situation. I look up into his blue eyes and notice he is peering down at me. Butterflies race around my body while my stomach drops. We stare at each other for a couple minutes and the room fades away. I can only concentrate on him. He inches closer to me, I lick my lips in anticipation but then someone taps his shoulder and suddenly we are back to reality.
“Can I cut in BRO?” Trent is behind him. Trent’s eyes are tightly drawn glaring at Gabe.
Gabe looks from me back to Trent. The anguish in his eyes is evident. “Of course brother.” He releases my body and it goes cold.
I watch Gabe make his way to the table sitting with Ian. I can’t explain it but I don’t want him to go. I turn back to Trent who is smiling down at me wrapping his arms around my waist. I automatically put my arms around his neck. It feels comfortable, like home. I stare over his shoulder at Ian and Gabe. Ian is flailing his arms telling some story but Gabe’s eyes are set on me.
Trent moves me around the dance floor saying sweet things in my ear. Things that used to make me melt but I am preoccupied from what just happened. It is impossible for me to focus on Trent when I want to kiss his brother.
