Pretty Dreamer Read online

  “It had to be a warning. Who even does that?” I say out load.

  “Who does what, stupid?” I turn and Jarvis is standing at the foot of the stairs.

  “Go to your room and don’t come out!”

  “Can I eat? I’m starving!” He shouts.

  “Go ahead, eat now because if you come out later you are toast.”

  I turn and continue to watch the TV. I periodically peek at the clock. I know that the party will start soon. I know my friends will have a blast. But I will not be so desperate; I don’t need any help being an outcast. I blink sleepily at the tube. The party is in full swing by now. I jump as my head bounces off of the pillow behind me. I look around and it is dark. The TV is set to turn off if it has no activity for an hour. I stand and stretch. I look to the clock and it is nine. I pull the scrunchie from my hair and start up the stairs. When I take one step, I hear the doorbell. I rub my eyes, stomp toward the door and sling it open.

  “Hey party pooper!” Eva says storming pass me. I watch as she enters.

  “Is the party over?” I ask

  “Of course not. But we wanted to party with you.” Scott says as he follows her in.

  “Oh no… you guys left for me?”

  “Yes! You are my best friend Sienna, I never should have gone without you.” Eva embraces me.

  “I didn’t want to go. You two should have stayed” I plead attempting to close the door.

  “You mean the three of us right?” Devin adds pushing his way in. I quickly look to the floor. I must look a mess. I yank at my wrinkled t-shirt and wipe the dust of potato chip crumbs from my faded stretch pants. My hair is frayed like an animal who was involved in a wildlife battle. I gather it into my hand and search for a rubber band. Scott walks up and snatches my hand away.

  “I told you Sienna you are a total hottie with your hair down.” He strokes my locks. I glare at him in awe.

  “I agree with Scott. You are just too beautiful Sienna.” Devin intrudes.

  I snap out of my trance and suspiciously turn to him. I hitch my brow to let him know that I am on to his bull.

  “What?” He asks as he points to himself. But I leave him just as confused as I am.

  “What’s in here to eat Sienna?” Scott yells as he makes his way to the kitchen.

  “I guess I can throw something together.” I follow behind him like a hungry baby kitten into the kitchen and rustle through the fridge. I grab some fries and fish sticks from the freezer and start to prepare them.

  As I am throwing the fries into the sizzling hot oil Devin enters. “You have a nice place.”

  “Thank you.” I snap.

  He walks around the counter and slides out of his jacket. He tosses it across the stool and sits.

  “What have I done to deserve the cold shoulder Sienna?”

  “I don’t know what you mean Devin.” I say as I make my way over to the counter and start spreading fish sticks onto a cookie sheet.

  “Well I have been trying to ask you out all day and you just flat out refused.”

  “You really can’t make me believe you are actually interested in me.” I don’t look up as I say the haunting words. I toss the fish sticks into the oven and slam the door.

  He stands and I feel him getting closer to me. He takes one hand and grabs my shoulder, I stand very still, frozen like ice. He takes the other hand and between his slim fingers, he pulls one of the awkwardly placed curls in my hair and it bounces. He begins to massage my shoulders. I dare not look. I am afraid to see the look in his eyes.

  “When is the grub going to be ready?” Scott enters screaming. I turn to him relieved that he saved me from making a fool of myself.

  “Great timing Headly.” Devin sighs and walks back to the stool.

  “I am working like a little worker bee Scott.” I giggle as I relax my once tense shoulders.

  “Oh Sienna you missed it. One Way was there. They were singing my favorite song when we left.” Eva interrupts.

  “Yea, ‘Something’, right?”

  “Yes! I was searching for a guy to dance with, worthy of my groove of course. But it was time to come save you from a dreary night with little brother from the awful black lagoon.” We all laugh.

  I finish cooking the food and bring it into the living room where Eva is planted on the couch next to Devin. Scott has gotten extremely comfortable on the floor. He has removed his jacket, dress shirt and shoes. He is wearing a white t-shirt and his black denim jeans. I look between the two before I enter. Exactly like my dream just different setting.

  “Too freaking weird.” I whisper. “Who’s hungry?” I yell. Scott jumps up and rushes to my side. He grabs the condiments and I follow with the food. I bend and sit on the floor and we all begin to devour the chow.

  “There is a monster movie marathon on and I want to watch!” Scott says too excited. He flips the channel and finds it.

  After eating, we stare silently at the TV for hours. I jump every now and then from the murderous, monster, massacre he loves so much. He scoots close and wraps his arm around me.

  “Are you scared?” he whispers, leaning into me. His bottom lip grazes my lobe, a cool chill runs through me and I shiver.

  “No, these creatures just seem to pop out at the most unsuspected times.” I whisper back. He smiles and his eyes remain glued to my ear. I am afraid to look directly at him. I can see him staring out of the corner of my eye. Time passes and he is once again fixed on the monster marathon playing on the TV. I glance back and Eva and Devin has conked out. Scott follows my glare and smiles.

  “They can’t hang, huh?” he asks.

  “I guess not.” I shrug. I scan the room and it has gotten very late. I stretch as the credits roll. I turn to Scott and once again he is watching me.

  “What’s with you Scotty? You are acting strange tonight.” I inquire.

  “Well…” he says as he stretches out. His hand brushes my arm and I position myself to face him. “All I have been hearing about lately is how Devin is into you and how he was asking you to the party tonight. I felt myself getting a little mad.”

  “Why?” I say staring into his glossy gray eyes.

  “I have always liked you Sienna. But I figured you wouldn’t want to ruin our trio.”

  I cannot believe my dream is playing out. Different setting, but playing out the same. I sit in silence totally afraid to respond. He tilts his head to one side as if he is trying to read me. He slowly leans in. I am stunned like a dear in headlights.

  “It is really going to happen. I tried to avoid it but here it comes.” I think.

  He makes contact, softly touching my lips with his. I inhale hoping that the fish sticks I ate earlier have dissipated. Finally, I relax letting it happen. I part my lips and let him explore. He slides his hand in my hair and pulls me into it. I close my eyes and I am singing in my head. His hand moves from my hair to my face. He gently brings the other hand to join, clutching my face in his hold. I place my hands on top of his. We kiss deeply and gently for minutes. Eva groans and turns. He jerks away. I release his hands and he looks at the two of them.

  “What time is it?” Eva moans. I jump up to my feet and look at the clock.

  “Umm… twelve thirty.”

  “I’m going to bed. You don’t mind if I stay, do you?”

  “Of course not Eva go on up. I am going to clean up and let them out.” I wave.

  She staggers up the stairs and I start my chore.

  “Can I stay?” Scott playfully asks. I laugh. He knows my mom will never allow that. They can stay till light hits the window. But when eyes start closing, boys have to go.

  “You know Jacqueline is not going for that.”

  “I know. Walk me out.” He nods as he makes his way to the door. I stumble attempting to follow. He opens the door. I run into him as he turns to me.

  “I am so glad I got that out of the way. I have wanted to do that for so long.”

  “Really?” I ask totally entranced.

>   He doesn’t say another word. He glares deep into my eyes and slowly slides his hands around my waist. When he yanks me close, I gulp. He catches my out wind and sends me into a head spiral. The kiss is longer this time. I wrap my arms around his neck and stand on the tips of my toes. We are locked in a spellbinding hold for I don’t know how long. I have completely forgotten about Devin snoozing away on my couch. Lights catch my attention as my mom pulls into the driveway. He releases me very carefully. And I now know why the entire senior class moons over my best friend. What in the world was wrong with Eva? He could not have kissed her this way.

  “I will see you tomorrow. Maybe we can do something?” He whispers into my ear.

  I nod to let him know I am still alive. The whole situation takes me by storm.

  “Alright?”

  “Yea, yes I mean.” I stutter. He takes his thumb and pointer and gently nips my chin. I shudder at his touch. He smiles realizing that I am putty in his beautiful hands.

  Jacqueline walks onto the porch slightly tipsy. She staggers as she turns to see Scott drive away in his father’s white Range Rover. We both watch as he creeps down Seldon drive and turns at the corner.

  “Oh so where’s Eva?” My mom slurs.

  “Upstairs in my bed.”

  “Did you go to the pixie twin’s shindig?”

  “No mom, I didn’t. They pitied me and came to spend an evening of eating French fries and fish sticks, while watching the monster mania marathon.”

  “Oh that’s was so nice of them. Well did you at least enjoy yourself baby girl?”

  “Oh God mom! Stop with the baby girl.” I yell as I stomp pass to finish cleaning.

  I turn on the vacuum and Devin pops up. My mom turns when she notices and stops in her tracks.

  “And who is this little handsome devil?” She struts trying for sexy, but looking every bit of drunk. She actually thinks she looks good. She is wearing her all-star cougar gear, a black leather bustier corset with a striped leather jacket, cream suede hot pants and black, brown bottom stilettos. Since dad left with his lollipop princess mom is searching for her own version of Candy land. I am disgusted daily.

  “This is Devin. I did not want to wake him.”

  “I am so sorry Sienna. How long have I been out?” He surveys the room. “Where are Scott and Eva?”

  “Scott is gone and Eva is upstairs in dreamland.” I smile.

  “Oh I see. Well I better get going.”

  “By the way I am Jacquie.” My mom throws out her limp hand begging for a touch from the young jock. Somehow I believe she lives for a high school boy to hit on her. I guess she wants to know she still has it. Devin politely grabs her hand and shakes it.

  “Nice to meet you Ms. Young.”

  “Oh you are so cute. Are you here for my daughter?”

  “Um uh. I…”

  “Do not answer that Devin! Mom go please? He is leaving.” I plead.

  She can’t possibly embarrass me anymore ever. When she came to the school to speak with Principle Dillard she wore a leopard mini with a leather blazer and hooker boots. He and the rest of the males in the school were drooling like hungry lions, while the girls laughed at what a skank she was. But I know my mom looks good. She has the body of a twenty year old. She keeps herself in shape. She works out constantly. Her hair is very healthy, shiny, and black as coal. It streams down her back like a mane. Her piercing blue eyes complete her lovely face. I give her a hard time but she is really going through since my dad left her. She is just focusing on not losing it. I get that but she shouldn’t check out of the hotel completely. Jarvis and I still need her, and she needs to get that.

  “Okay Sienna I got it. Good night baby.” She blows me a sloppy kiss as she climbs the stairs. I look at Devin who has a stone face. I presume he is trying to show me that he understands.

  “It’s okay Devin. Jacquie is quite the character I am not shy about it.”

  He lets out a sigh of relief. “Wow. She looks good though. I see why you are so beautiful.”

  “Oh please, when she was my age she was every boy’s dream. At least that is what my dad says.”

  “I think you two are a lot alike.”

  I burst out laughing. “I doubt if anyone dreams about me.” I turn the vacuum back on and finish the room. I grab the plates, dust them off and place them in the dish washer. I slam the door shut and press the button to start the cycle.

  “I think it’s clean in there.” Devin smiles, his dimpled cheek drives girls insane. I look away so that he doesn’t catch me with his charm spell. Cause if I go by my unearthly dream I know what comes next.

  “I guess I’ll be going. Can you walk with me to my car?” I shake my head knowing I shouldn’t, but I need to go.

  He pushes the alarm and the locks pop. He opens the passenger side door.

  “Sit with me for a while.” I look back at my house. I know I should run but I can’t.

  I slide in and look around. I recognize every detail down to the smell.

  “How is this even possible and will it ever happen again?” I think.

  “What are you thinking about? Me I hope.” He interrupts sliding in the driver seat.

  “I was just admiring your car.” I lie.

  “I like your Thunderbird. It is very nice.”

  “It’s no convertible.”

  He looks around. “I guess… So, I missed you at the party. I have wanted to talk to you since I walked in your house but I couldn’t get a word in with your friends around.”

  “I know. We hang out all the time. So you kind of just have to jump in.”

  “I see.” He glances at the digital clock on the console.

  “Yea it’s getting late I know your parents are probably worried.”

  “I just wanted some time alone with you.”

  “Okay?’ I say twiddling my thumbs. Suddenly I feel his hand on my face turning it toward him. I slowly work my eyes toward his, and he is staring at me just like in my dream. He takes his thumb and drags it along my bottom lip. I know what comes next but I can’t stop him. He is the most sought after guy in school besides Scott. I can’t believe this is happening to me again.

  He places his hand behind my head and slowly pulls my lips to his. All of my feelings from that dream rush me at once and tears threaten to surface. He indulges in my kiss. I open my eyes and his are tightly shut. I close them and enjoy the betrayal. When he releases me, I sit back. I peer out of the window.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I have never got this kind of attention before.”

  “I really don’t believe that.”

  “Well.” I throw my hands in the air.

  “I’m looking for a girlfriend. It’s my senior year and I am tired of dating dingbats. I want someone smart and beautiful. You are always ahead of everyone else. I need that in my circle.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “We don’t have to talk about it tonight, but we will talk. Alright?” he says as he grabs a pen from his glove box. He pulls my hand to him and writes his number on my palm. I gasp when I recognize the tingle I felt in my dream from the tickle of the pen.

  “Will you call me tomorrow?”

  “Yea. I promise.”

  Okay, goodnight Sienna.” He leans over and plants one last lingering kiss on my lips. I step from the car and hurry inside. He honks the horn as he speeds away. I am mesmerized once more. I lock up the house and shower. I put on my flannel pajama pants and a pink tank. I jump in the bed and push Eva over.

  CHAPTER 4

  Saturday finally comes. I stretch as I sit up in my bed. I slowly pat myself down. I still have on my pajamas that I slipped on last night. And if I need more proof Eva is snoring still wearing her dress from the party. I nudge her and she moans then turns away. I attempt to follow her lead when a sweet aroma hits my nostrils. That is not toast. I stand and bolt down the stairs.

  “Oh mom, pancakes?”

  “Yes I am going to cook every day
that I am off work for you guys.” I hear the small stampede rolling down the stairs and I know that Jarvis has caught a whiff.

  “Pancakes mommy!” He screams.

  “Yes baby come and get it!” She smiles and it is genuine. I realize that maybe she is ready to get back into the whole mother role.

  “So mom you are really going to stick with the whole cooking bit, huh?”

  “Well bab… Sienna, I think two years is enough to mourn my failed marriage. You guys didn’t leave, Casey Young did. I will not bad mouth your father, but he hurt me more than I could have ever imagined. I am ready to get back to being a mom to you both. Can I have another chance?”

  I smile. My mom checked out of the mother duties the day Natalie walked off into the sunset with my dad. I did not blame her at first. But after a while I realized that she was leaving us to finish raising ourselves. She felt that if dad was living life to the fullest, then she would also. Neither of them thought of me and Jarvis. We were just casualties of a bitter war. When she called him to come and sweep the battlefield, he declined. My dad is selfish, but I expected more from Jacqueline. When his new bride had her spawn last year, mom slipped further and further away. We never see our little sister. Natalie thinks little Shanna will not be safe around us. So until she is older we are not allowed around. I could care less. Jarvis on the other hand is absolutely in torment. He was dad’s world before the devil’s daughter was born.

  I guess I should be nicer to them, but I did not have the patience or the strength to support this family mentally any longer. So I am ecstatic that mom is getting back into the swing of life.

  “Yes mom you can have another chance. We’ve missed you.”

  I stand and spread my arms wide. My offering is accepted as she grabs me and embraces me. Jarvis hurries over and hugs the both of us.

  “Awww. Am I interrupting this love filled moment?” Eva stretches in the doorway of the kitchen.

  I whip around to greet her.

  “You better hurry in here and get some of my mom’s pancakes before Jarvis scarfs them all down.”