So, I uh I kinda leapt out the window, he shrugged, a pained look on his face. The girls dad was a frickin’ cop. I didn’t want him shooting me. But let me tell you my friend that was one of the worst ideas I have ever had.
By this point I was pretty much in a fit of hysteria, so when he lifted his shirt up and showed me his back, I totally lost it. And wouldn’t you know it, there was a rose bush planted right underneath her window, he said sadly, shaking his head. After that I just decided to go home. I’d lost my mojo.
Taking deep breaths and trying to calm the laughter, I looked up at him and smiled. You really are a tool sometimes.
It’s just part of my charm, he smiled, eyeing up a babe that was walking past. Anyway listen dude, I gotta go to my next lecture. You wanna walk with me ?
Naa. I got a free period so I was thinking of just hanging in the park for a while, I smiled.
Sure thing. See ya dude.
Later, I grinned, laughing softly as I watched him limp away, rubbing his back at the same time.
Sighing loudly and turning to the right, I started to walk across the field slowly, enjoying the sun that was beating down. It was nice living in a city, don’t get me wrong, but I feel most at home back at Michigan where I grew up. We have a lake house there, and being somewhere so beautiful really puts the city in to perspective. As I walked across the field, I smiled when I thought of my mum and dad back there, probably sitting out on the deck drinking a couple of beers. Although I’m sure my little brother JJ would be in school. He’s only six, and man do I miss him. I miss my sister too. Shaking the thoughts away, I carried on walking, intending to sit under the tree that I usually do. It’s a good spot to chill out and listen to music, away from prying eyes. So I was surprised to see somebody else already sitting underneath it.
Squinting, I saw the long blonde hair cascading over the girls shoulders and the guitar she was holding. I gulped as realised it was Lily. Fate just keeps trying to mess with me. Here she is, yet again, and the urge to go and hit on her is almost undeniable. But I stop myself when I hear her begin to strum the guitar, and start to sing. Watching her, I sunk to the floor and crossed my legs, unable to take my eyes off her. Her eyes were closed and she was tapping her foot, a small smile on her face as she sung. I smiled as I recognised it as one of my favourite songs, and as I heard the lyrics, I couldn’t help but think about what an amazing girl she was. So I closed my eyes too, getting lost in her voice…
As I look out on the sunrise on the Indiana skyline,
And its rays are resting heavy on my face.
I think about the days I spent
Just wishing I was home again,
Instead of always traveling place to place.
I’ve been homesick
Because I’ve laid deep roots
In Indiana soil where I spent up all my youth,
And I’ve been waiting just to be back home again
And feel the Indiana sun shine on my skin.
As I look out on the sunset
And I try hard not to forget,
All the memories that I made while I was here.
I think of all the friends I’ve made
And all the people I should thank
For lessons I have learned over the years.
Listening to her sing and play her guitar, I opened my eyes and looked over at her in amazement. Her voice was beautiful, and it made me wonder about this girl. Something about her kept pulling me in and for the first time, I wanted to know about a girl. I wanted to know everything. Picking up my bag and wondering over, I grinned when she looked up and saw me, an annoyed looked on her face.
Are you stalking me ? She asked, a small smile beginning to appear.
I was just gonna ask you the same thing, I smiled, pointing to the space next to her.
Just this once, she said, moving her rucksack so I could sit down.
Leaning against the tree, I looked up at the sky, suddenly not being able to look her in the eye. I heard you playing before. It was beautiful, I whispered, cringing as I said it, thinking how lame I must have sounded.
Really ? Lily asked dubiously, looking at me like I had just grown an extra head.
Yeah. I am capable of giving a girl a compliment you know ! I smirked, arching an eyebrow at her. I know the song. It’s one of my favourites. Maybe I’m just biased.
It’s my favourite too, she said, blinking up at me. Actually it has a lot of meaning for me.
Frowning at her, I wondered what she meant. How come ? I asked, genuinely curious, which surprised me.
It just, it’s she stuttered, looking like she was struggling for words. I have an aunt in Indiana who took me in. She saved me. Indiana was my first real home.
Saved you ? I asked, wondering what she meant.
Before I could even get another word out, Lily quickly stood up, placing the guitar in the case and throwing her rucksack over her shoulder. I’ve gotta go, she said, glancing at me out of the corner of her eye.
Okay, I hope I didn’t scare you off. I know we’re not friends or anything, but you were under my tree, I smiled, gazing up at her, seeing as I was still sitting on the floor.
It’s weird, she said, looking kind of confused. Just for a second, you actually seemed like a nice guy.
So does this mean you’ll let me jump your bones then ? I laughed, wiggling my eyebrows at her.
As she huffed out an annoyed breath, I laughed even harder. I should have known… she muttered, smirking down at me. Well, I guess that’s my cue. I’ll see you around.
You certainly will Lily, I whispered, as she walked away, soon disappearing from view.
Leaning back against the tree, I reached in to my jean pocket and got out my iPod, scrolling through until I reached the song that I wanted. When I found the song, Indiana Sun, I hit play and closed my eyes, smiling as Lily’s voice entered my mind.
Lily :
Barging past Jen who had just emerged from the shower, I ran in to my room searching for my phone that had just started to ring. Flinging the duvet off my bed, I smiled happily when I found it lying in the middle of the mattress. Snatching it up and flipping it open, I placed it to my ear.
Hey aunt Flo, I said happily, collapsing on to the bed and staring up at the ceiling.
What’s up kiddo ? How’s your first week going up there ? She asked over the sound of my cousin Hannah giggling in the background.
It’s going great ! It feels weird being back, but I’ve really missed Jen.
I know. But I’m glad you decided to go back, this is a fresh start for you and I’m proud of you honey, she said. I could just picture her smile as she said it.
My Aunt Flo has been like a mother to me for the past three years. She took me in, no questions asked when I showed up on her doorstep. And for that, I owe her everything. So, any cute guys knockin’ about up there ? I heard her ask.
Sighing loudly and pinching the bridge of my nose, I cringed. Nope, I said, trying my best to sound convincing.
Lily Elizabeth Masters, don’t you lie to me. I can tell when you lie, even over the phone. So spill, she ordered.
Aww man, I groaned, flinging my arm over my face, trying to hide the shame. There is an okay looking guy I suppose. Oh who am I kidding ? The guy is just downright sexy ! But like I would ever tell him that, he definitely doesn’t need an ego boast if you catch my drift.
Are you gonna tap that ? She asked in all seriousness.
I burst out laughing when I heard her ask. Now my aunt Flo is a beautiful woman, in her forties with long brown hair and grey eyes. But this is exactly my point, she is forty years old. So hearing her ask me if I was going to ‘tap that,’ sounded totally ridiculous.
No ! I said with certainty, I most definitely will not be ‘tapping that !’ The guy is a player, and a real know it all too ! And to make things worse, he lives opposite me and Jen !
He could be your late night booty call, she laughed on the other end of the line.
Smiling, I sat up on the bed and crossed my legs. You know what, that’s enough grown up talk. Can I speak to Hannah ? I pleaded. She’s my four year old cousin, and I love her like a sister.
Uh, she’s watching Dora the Explorer at the moment and you know how she is. She’s practically glued to the television. Hold on a sec…
I smiled as I heard Aunt Flo shout to Hannah. She was absolutely obsessed with that show, and not many things could tear her away from it. So I was surprised when Hannah suddenly came on the line. Lilyyyy ! She cried happily.