Truth:Chapter 7
“NO, NO, NO!” a woman’s voice screamed.
I rushed into the room.
“Shh, Christina, it’s okay. Did you have a bad dream?” I asked , stroking her hair.
“Obviously, or I wouldn’t be screaming- I’m sorry. I’m just remembering him…that” she gulped
“It’s okay. It’s almost 6 in the morning, we might as well get up. Come on, you can help me make breakfast. I know, no eggs because it “smells like fart”
She shooed me out of her room so she could get dressed.
When she walked out, she was in a light yellow v-neck sweater, blue straight-leg jeans and gray boots. Her hair was getting its shininess back. Thank god. She was starting to look like a zombie.
“Did you just call me a zombie!” Christina screeched.
“Yes, I did. You manic-depressed babe!” I laughed and ducked when she threw a book at me.
“Coffeeeee” Christina murmured.
“Grind it. I got Columbian this time.”
“You’re a god, Colin.”
“What else is new?” I smiled at her.
*
“EAT something, Christina!” I whispered at her.
We were at my parents gala thing, something rich snobs do to show off how much money they have; we were there and Christina barely touched her salmon.
“I’m not hungry.” She replied, sipping her third cup of coffee.
“You’re NEVER hungry”I whispered harshly.
“Tom, if you are going to snap at me, I could get Colin to drive me home. He IS at the same event, you realize?”
Colin. That punk. He’s not queer. I know it. He looks at Christina like she is a Goddess. (which she is) I’m sick of hearing about Colin this, Colin that. Oh, he plays rugby, cooks, makes the BEST coffee, cleans up after himself- my best friend. Please.
“Tom, are you listening to me?”
“No.” I snapped.
“There’s this girl trying to catch your attention.” She sniffed.
“Oh, shit, shit, shit. That’s Camilla. She’s been after me for years.”
“She’s pretty.”
“And insane.”
Christina glared- she always did when I remarked on sanity.
Camilla walked to our table.]
“Tom Dugrey! Have you heard? I’m pregnant! My husband is a Russian ambassador.. oh Mrs. Hughes is calling. Tata”
Christina stiffened.
“Hughes? “ I said.
We looked at each other, and a moment later watched as a burly man- who looked like he stepped out of a romance novel cover- walked over to Christina.
“Christina, hi.”
Christina raised an eyebrow and sipped her coffee, completely ignoring him.
Good girl.
“Why aren’t you talking to me?”
“Unless,” she started”You are telling me you are kneeling over and dying, perhaps I will talk to you- but probably not”
Hughes clenched his fists and left.
“How long have you been working on that?” I asked, a little awed at how well she handled the situation.
“AGES!” she laughed
*
“I had a nice time. “ I said, trying to find my keys.
“Me too.”
There he goes with his look. Does he have something in his eye? Why is he staring at me like that?
“You should go, now.” I said. I wanted to watch Anderson Cooper with Colin(we both have massive crushes on that silver fox)
“Rude, much?” he laughed.
“You like it.”
He leaned in. I leaned back.
To diffuse the tension, I joked “Are we dancing?”
“AROUND EACH OTHER!” came Grandma Cheryl’s reply.
I laughed and waved Tom goodbye.
*
“Grandma! We do not like each other! Besides, Tom doesn’t know I’m…you know…or that…I was in… you know.”
My grandmother sighed and patted the seat next to her on the couch.
“Honey, “she said softly”You’ve been through so much, but you got Colin, and me, and now Tom(who loves you)- you got to let the past go. It’s nothing but a memory. That’s it. A memory.”
*
The dreams were getting worse. I didn’t call out my mother’s name though. I didn’t want to worry Colin.
*
I hate therapist offices. There was always that annoying box of tissue. Almost as if mocking you. “Oh, want to cry? Cry then! Go, on!”
Thank god, this therapist didn’t “hmmn.”
“Christina, how was your day?”
“It went well. I ran around the block, did some reading, organized my bookshelf, went to the library- normal stuff.”
“Did you eat?”
Lie.
“Colin made me eggs.”
“Ms. Watson, to be frank, I know your medicine is supposed to lessen your appetite- that is completely normal, but you have to eat.”
“I know, and I do eat.”
He gave me a disbelieving stare.”Uh huh.”
That’s the thing about therapists; if they don’t “hmmn.” They “uh huh”
“How are your dreams? Still dreaming of your mother?”
“I don’t want to talk about that.”
“You found her dead. There is no way around it. Your friend, Colin Zim told me you been having night scares. “
Damn Colin.
“That can be from a variety of things.”
“ Yes, but, your father’s death brought out the memory of your mother’s suicide. It’s what you said our first session, remember?”
Smartass. Two can play this game
“I also said, I don’t want to talk about it. As a patient, I have the right to refuse to talk about topics I’m uncomfortable with- unless I’m endanger of myself, and seeing as the only thing plaguing me is “night scares”, I would say, that there is nothing stopping me from changing the subject. Now, lets move on.”
He raised an eyebrow, impressed.
That’s right, buster. I’ve been in too many therapist offices for your tricks to work- I know them all.
20 minutes later
“ How was the shrink appointment?” Colin asked
“Horrible, why is it mandatory?” I groaned
“Maybe its because you overdosed exactly four months ago- leaving me and Grandma Cheryl’s scared- but mostly wanting to kick your ass. “
“Ah, you know the say to soothe my heart, Col.”
“No problem, hun.”
I was back at the gym again…and the first thing I was greeted with was Greg Pagusti
“Hey, Baby!” he called, rushing to me” Woah, you lost weight.”
I glared. I DID lose weight. I looked like a little boy, but he didn’t have to point it out.
“I mean, you are still cute and all.”
“Greg, shut up.” Tom said, coming in behind him
I realized the height difference
I never noticed how tall Tom was, or Colin for that matter. They were all around 6’2 or 6’3.
And Greg? Maybe not even 5’9.
After I shrugged off Greg, Tom joined me at the cardio section.
“Elliptical?”
“Yeah. Now, go away and check out those sluts- so I can work out in peace”
I was saying it so he could go, but…I don’t know, I was kind of mad at myself for saying it, like “Why can’t I enjoy his company?” But, then again, he was checking out those girls, so I should just let him be instead of hanging out with his skinny friend.
He furrowed a blonde eyebrow and walked away.
*
“Who is that guy?” Greg asked me, gesturing to Christina.
I looked over to see Christina talking to some body-builder type- and was she laughing? God, she was laughing!
I walked closer to listen in.
“ I remember you now! You used to pull my hair in fourth grade and knock me on the playground!” she stuck out her tongue in that cute way she does.”You were so mean to me!”
“My 9 year old self was in love. You were the prettiest girl in school.” Buff idiot said
“Thanks, Tony. God, its been forever. How are you?” she asked, wiping sweat from her brow.
“ Good. I have a 2 year old. I know, right? His mom passed away giving birth- its such shame. Timmy would love her- I did.” Great, now he has that widow card.
Damn, too harsh man. I wondered why I was getting so mean…its not like guys didn’t hit on her. She got hit on ALL the time.
“We should go out for coffee after our workout?” he said.
“Great. Let’s go to Coffee Blues.”
Coffee Blues? Our Coffee Shop. Our Place.
Fuck
Monday, May 9, 2011
Truth:Chapter 6
Truth: Chapter 6
I was going to meet Tom at our usual time, at Coffee Blues, when I saw him. Dexter. He was at…that place I went to a few years ago.
“Christina. I’ve been looking for you. “ a tall man in horn-rimmed glasses called out. “It’s time for you to come home. You’re father died, this Monday.”
I dropped to the floor. My father meant everything to me. He was there when…I was in the hospital and everybody left me. My mother killed herself. My own sister, Serena, hated me for it. She made my life a living hell after it. My Grandparents lived so far away, so they couldn’t do anything about it- until I moved with them. But, my dad- oh, god. My dad had always been there.
“When do I leave?”
*
Three months later
I know I shouldn’t have been avoiding my friend’s calls. They were worried about me- I haven’t been out of my apartment, besides going to class and buying groceries. Tom called almost every other day. So many times, I wanted to pick up and tell him I’m fine, just fine. But, I couldn’t…I didn’t want to seem weak. The only people I was in contact with was Colin, because he got an internship at the pharmacy(he was studying to be a pharmacist, and was finally going in training) and he saw my medicine. He is the only one who knows…what condition I have, how crazy I am. He drives me to my Grandmother Cheryl’s,basically my hero and the only family I have left, besides Serena. She tries to help me cope as well.
It’s winter now, and I had to get bread for dinner. I don’t get as hungry anymore, but Colin insisted we have spaghetti.
That’s when I saw him, Tom.
I tried to duck in an ally, but he was too quick.
“CHRISTINA!” he called.
*
When I saw her, I couldn’t believe it was her; long gone was the shiny brown curls, she was too thin, God, she was too thin… and her eyes seemed lifeless. What happened to my Christina?
She dropped her tote and the bread fell out.
“Shit.” She muttered.
“Let me help.” I offered her a hand, which she took
“ How are you? It’s been three months…I called.” I started.
She shrugged.” I’m fine, just fine. And I know.”
I was torn; I resisted the urge to scream at her, or hug her- she was broken. Why was she broken?
“So, how are you?” I asked dumbly
“I think it’s my turn to ask that.”
“I’m well.” I remember how she hates bad English.
It was an uncomfortable silence; which freaked me out, because our pause of conversation was never awkward. Never.
“I have to go. Colin is making dinner for me and my Grandmother…Would you like to join us?” she asked hesitantly.
I smiled at her, “Sure.”
*
I’m an old woman, I seen too much, I heard too much- I know enough. I knew that this Colin boy was as queer as a rainbow, my favorite granddaughter is lost- and only she can find herself, and she’s damn strong enough to do so! But, one thing I knew the most- was the matter of the heart. One of them was that- the tall blonde gentleman, Tom,is in love with my grandbaby. Head over heels. And she didn’t know it- just like her momma, had to have something slapped in your face to realize what is so obvious to everyone else.
“ Hi Grandma!” Christina greeted, throwing her key in the bowl next to the door. “This is my friend, Tom. Tom, this is my Grandma Cheryl.”
“Nice to meet you, Miss.” Tom lowered his head.
“Aw, he’s well-mannered and handsome. Keep a hold on him.” I laughed and went in the kitchen to help queer boy with dinner.
*
“Sorry,” I said. “ My Grandma is very blunt. She likes you though.”
“How could you tell?”
“She hasn’t thrown/hit/insulted you yet.”
“Of course.”
“Indeed.”
I was having fun for the first time in months. I kept catching Tom glancing at me, giving me this curious look, like he was trying to figure me out. Colin seemed more easy-going, and friendlier to Tom in the past. I must ask him why.
While Colin(who lived with me now)dropped off my Grandma, I was on the sofa trying to read. I couldn’t, the words were in disarray, the sentence scrambled- I used to love to read. Now, it took everything I had to finish a paragraph.
I lied about going to class. I dropped out mid-semester. Which doesn’t matter, because both my parents are one of the richest families in New York? Instead, I work as a waitress in a bistro downtown, where rich business men come in for lunch to cheat on their wives; I don’t know how many times I was offered to “get a drink” after my shift.
“Hey, hun. Tonight was fun, right?” Colin sat next to me on the couch and patted my hair.
“It was.” I smiled.
“Tom is in love with you, you realize?”
I slapped him as hard as I could.
“Don’t say that. Tom will never love me. I’m a mess. Anal retentive, I get nervous about everything, I’m not beautiful or blonde, or ...or” I was struggling to contain my tears
“You’re intelligent, witty, charming, GORGEOUS, and adorable- why don’t you see it? For God sake’s, everyone else does! I know, you been hurt by that ass John Hughes, or even by your sister- but you got to move on. You have to. Life isn’t going to stop for you. It’s going to keep moving- with or without you. YOU have to be strong. You lost your way, Chris, and it kills me because you were so wonderful, and you still can be- tell me what happened back there?”
I cried. I told him. I let everything out.
*
We met every week at Coffee Blues again. Miss. Patty was excited I came back.
“DAH-LING! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? OH, YOU ARE SO THIN! EAT!”
Tom laughed and brought our coffee to our usual table, by the window.
“ How was the tournament?” I asked.
“Good. I placed second. Oh, and Greg asked about you.” Tom said after swallowing a piece of his muffin
“Oh, really? “ I said, sipping my coffee.
“What?No, tell him I’m a lesbian!” Tom chuckled
“Just doesn’t seem worth the effort.” Nothing does I thought.
“Aren’t you hungry?”
“I just ate.” I didn’t, but I didn’t feel like eating.
“Okay. It’s my turn on Truth.” Tom said, swallowing the last piece of his muffin.
“Go for it.”
“Into the tortured, skinny artist types or the athletic, academic types?”
“Are you into.” I corrected “I’m not into either.”
“Oh.” He said
“I’m into men who are comfortable with themselves; that’s all I need.” I said simply.
Tom gave me a funny look- that look he gave me the other night at dinner, the one where he’s trying to figure me out.
“My turn. Why did you call so often, for those 3 months, when I didn’t answer your calls?” I was curious for the answers. Did he care about me, as much as I hoped he did?
“I was worried is all…”
He’s leaving something out. That’s the thing about Tom. He gives, but not all the way.
A half hour we said our goodbyes and left.
*
I watched Christina drive away in her Kia car- she looks better.
Let’s make it stay that way.
I didn’t know, yet, that it was just the calm until the storm.
I was going to meet Tom at our usual time, at Coffee Blues, when I saw him. Dexter. He was at…that place I went to a few years ago.
“Christina. I’ve been looking for you. “ a tall man in horn-rimmed glasses called out. “It’s time for you to come home. You’re father died, this Monday.”
I dropped to the floor. My father meant everything to me. He was there when…I was in the hospital and everybody left me. My mother killed herself. My own sister, Serena, hated me for it. She made my life a living hell after it. My Grandparents lived so far away, so they couldn’t do anything about it- until I moved with them. But, my dad- oh, god. My dad had always been there.
“When do I leave?”
*
Three months later
I know I shouldn’t have been avoiding my friend’s calls. They were worried about me- I haven’t been out of my apartment, besides going to class and buying groceries. Tom called almost every other day. So many times, I wanted to pick up and tell him I’m fine, just fine. But, I couldn’t…I didn’t want to seem weak. The only people I was in contact with was Colin, because he got an internship at the pharmacy(he was studying to be a pharmacist, and was finally going in training) and he saw my medicine. He is the only one who knows…what condition I have, how crazy I am. He drives me to my Grandmother Cheryl’s,basically my hero and the only family I have left, besides Serena. She tries to help me cope as well.
It’s winter now, and I had to get bread for dinner. I don’t get as hungry anymore, but Colin insisted we have spaghetti.
That’s when I saw him, Tom.
I tried to duck in an ally, but he was too quick.
“CHRISTINA!” he called.
*
When I saw her, I couldn’t believe it was her; long gone was the shiny brown curls, she was too thin, God, she was too thin… and her eyes seemed lifeless. What happened to my Christina?
She dropped her tote and the bread fell out.
“Shit.” She muttered.
“Let me help.” I offered her a hand, which she took
“ How are you? It’s been three months…I called.” I started.
She shrugged.” I’m fine, just fine. And I know.”
I was torn; I resisted the urge to scream at her, or hug her- she was broken. Why was she broken?
“So, how are you?” I asked dumbly
“I think it’s my turn to ask that.”
“I’m well.” I remember how she hates bad English.
It was an uncomfortable silence; which freaked me out, because our pause of conversation was never awkward. Never.
“I have to go. Colin is making dinner for me and my Grandmother…Would you like to join us?” she asked hesitantly.
I smiled at her, “Sure.”
*
I’m an old woman, I seen too much, I heard too much- I know enough. I knew that this Colin boy was as queer as a rainbow, my favorite granddaughter is lost- and only she can find herself, and she’s damn strong enough to do so! But, one thing I knew the most- was the matter of the heart. One of them was that- the tall blonde gentleman, Tom,is in love with my grandbaby. Head over heels. And she didn’t know it- just like her momma, had to have something slapped in your face to realize what is so obvious to everyone else.
“ Hi Grandma!” Christina greeted, throwing her key in the bowl next to the door. “This is my friend, Tom. Tom, this is my Grandma Cheryl.”
“Nice to meet you, Miss.” Tom lowered his head.
“Aw, he’s well-mannered and handsome. Keep a hold on him.” I laughed and went in the kitchen to help queer boy with dinner.
*
“Sorry,” I said. “ My Grandma is very blunt. She likes you though.”
“How could you tell?”
“She hasn’t thrown/hit/insulted you yet.”
“Of course.”
“Indeed.”
I was having fun for the first time in months. I kept catching Tom glancing at me, giving me this curious look, like he was trying to figure me out. Colin seemed more easy-going, and friendlier to Tom in the past. I must ask him why.
While Colin(who lived with me now)dropped off my Grandma, I was on the sofa trying to read. I couldn’t, the words were in disarray, the sentence scrambled- I used to love to read. Now, it took everything I had to finish a paragraph.
I lied about going to class. I dropped out mid-semester. Which doesn’t matter, because both my parents are one of the richest families in New York? Instead, I work as a waitress in a bistro downtown, where rich business men come in for lunch to cheat on their wives; I don’t know how many times I was offered to “get a drink” after my shift.
“Hey, hun. Tonight was fun, right?” Colin sat next to me on the couch and patted my hair.
“It was.” I smiled.
“Tom is in love with you, you realize?”
I slapped him as hard as I could.
“Don’t say that. Tom will never love me. I’m a mess. Anal retentive, I get nervous about everything, I’m not beautiful or blonde, or ...or” I was struggling to contain my tears
“You’re intelligent, witty, charming, GORGEOUS, and adorable- why don’t you see it? For God sake’s, everyone else does! I know, you been hurt by that ass John Hughes, or even by your sister- but you got to move on. You have to. Life isn’t going to stop for you. It’s going to keep moving- with or without you. YOU have to be strong. You lost your way, Chris, and it kills me because you were so wonderful, and you still can be- tell me what happened back there?”
I cried. I told him. I let everything out.
*
We met every week at Coffee Blues again. Miss. Patty was excited I came back.
“DAH-LING! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? OH, YOU ARE SO THIN! EAT!”
Tom laughed and brought our coffee to our usual table, by the window.
“ How was the tournament?” I asked.
“Good. I placed second. Oh, and Greg asked about you.” Tom said after swallowing a piece of his muffin
“Oh, really? “ I said, sipping my coffee.
“What?No, tell him I’m a lesbian!” Tom chuckled
“Just doesn’t seem worth the effort.” Nothing does I thought.
“Aren’t you hungry?”
“I just ate.” I didn’t, but I didn’t feel like eating.
“Okay. It’s my turn on Truth.” Tom said, swallowing the last piece of his muffin.
“Go for it.”
“Into the tortured, skinny artist types or the athletic, academic types?”
“Are you into.” I corrected “I’m not into either.”
“Oh.” He said
“I’m into men who are comfortable with themselves; that’s all I need.” I said simply.
Tom gave me a funny look- that look he gave me the other night at dinner, the one where he’s trying to figure me out.
“My turn. Why did you call so often, for those 3 months, when I didn’t answer your calls?” I was curious for the answers. Did he care about me, as much as I hoped he did?
“I was worried is all…”
He’s leaving something out. That’s the thing about Tom. He gives, but not all the way.
A half hour we said our goodbyes and left.
*
I watched Christina drive away in her Kia car- she looks better.
Let’s make it stay that way.
I didn’t know, yet, that it was just the calm until the storm.
Truth:Chapter 5
Truth: Chapter 5
“Hold on. I’ll get it!” a feminine voice called out.”Hello Tom, come in.”
“HUN, WHERE IS THE WOODEN SPOON?” called out a deep voice from the kitchen.
“The drawer underneath the bowl and plate cabinet, Colin.”Christina yelled back.”He’s cooking breakfast.” She said as a way of explaining.
“Oh. I thought it was just us today?”
“I thought so, too. Until, I found this amazing dining room set…its from the 40s. It has character, and its…really heavy. So, I asked Colin if he could help. Do you mind?”
I did mind. A lot.
“ No, not at all.” I assured her.
“Kay.” She smiled and motioned for me to follow her into her small kitchen.”Oh, and Colin thought it was a wonderful idea to paint my kitchen yellow.”
Colin grunted from the stove. “By bringing the idea myself, she means forced me to.”
“Oh, pish. Are the pancakes done?” she asked dismissively.
“Almost. Tom, I made extra eggs and bacon, I knew you were coming.”
“Thanks, man. Any coffee?”
“I’ll get it. Tom made it. He gave me Coffee Blues old coffee grinder, so now I can get the GOOD coffee, instead of Folgers. Ah, true friends.”
“So,Colin, seeing anybody?”
There was an awkward silence. My bad.
Christina grabbed my ear and pushed me out the door.
“Tom Dugrey!” she punched my stomach, which I admit feels good; her fists are so small, its like a massage.
“Shit, Chris. What did I do?”
“He’s in-between relationships…his heart is broken, and he most especially doesn’t need someone like you to be gloating.”
“Gloating? Someone like me?” Now, I was curious.
“Someone like you, who has girls, and the occasional man, throw themselves at you. But, whatever, go into the kitchen and apologize.” I glowered at her.”Do it.”
“ Fine.” I was really resisting the urge to stomp my foot.
*I learned, after 3 hours of “rearranging furniture and painting” that Christina was right. She IS anal retentive. Everything has to be a certain way. No, it shouldn’t be in that position. Are you sure its supposed to look like that? Check again? Can you double check, please?
She didn’t use a sweet voice, like virtually all women do when they tell you what to do.
She tried to make us laugh by using dictator accents.
“Chu needz tu fiz dis, now! …erm swine!” she laughed, and it was contagious so we laughed with her.
By the end of the day, I was glad Christina asked Colin to help- it was hard enough as it is.
“ Oh, I’m absolutely exhausted” Christina sighed.
“You didn’t do shit!” Colin said.
“ It’s the point of the matter. And,ew, you guys reek. Colin, shower first. You’ re first on the list of cat shit.”she laughed again.
“Ha, Ha, Chris. very funny.”
10 minutes later, he walked out in just a towel.
“Where did I put my clothes, hun?” Colin asked.
“Your drawer.” Christina replied, never taking her eyes off the infomercial(this will come up in later chapter)
“Why does he stay here?” I asked
“Ever since he and Ryan broke up, yes he’s gay, shame too- girls suffered a great loss- oh, right. Ryan kicked him out, so he moved back in with his parents. But, he hates it there, so sometimes he crashes on the couch.” She then looked at me. “Elizabeth Taylor or Audrey Hepburn?”
Colin walked out of Christina bedroom “Easy, Elizabeth Taylor. She’s an icon.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re gay.” To my surprise Colin laughed. “ Audrey was in ‘My fair lady.’
From then on,it was all about black and white movies, the actors, and their scandals- needless to say,I felt left out.
“Christina, I’ m going to go. See you, next week, okay?”
“Sure.” She kissed me chastely on the cheek.
Fuck,my stomach shouldn’t have dropped that low.
*
Greg called me to meet him at this frat party. I was bored, so I decided to go.
Why did I ever enjoy this?
“Dude, “ Greg slurred “It’s about time you are away from Christina. She’s great- and I would switch places with you any day. That’s why I” he burped “that’s why I chased her, she’s like magic, you know? Not like these other girls, like magic? Wa-watch out for Dexter, he’s coming back.”
He then passed out.
Dexter, I thought. What the fuck?
“Hold on. I’ll get it!” a feminine voice called out.”Hello Tom, come in.”
“HUN, WHERE IS THE WOODEN SPOON?” called out a deep voice from the kitchen.
“The drawer underneath the bowl and plate cabinet, Colin.”Christina yelled back.”He’s cooking breakfast.” She said as a way of explaining.
“Oh. I thought it was just us today?”
“I thought so, too. Until, I found this amazing dining room set…its from the 40s. It has character, and its…really heavy. So, I asked Colin if he could help. Do you mind?”
I did mind. A lot.
“ No, not at all.” I assured her.
“Kay.” She smiled and motioned for me to follow her into her small kitchen.”Oh, and Colin thought it was a wonderful idea to paint my kitchen yellow.”
Colin grunted from the stove. “By bringing the idea myself, she means forced me to.”
“Oh, pish. Are the pancakes done?” she asked dismissively.
“Almost. Tom, I made extra eggs and bacon, I knew you were coming.”
“Thanks, man. Any coffee?”
“I’ll get it. Tom made it. He gave me Coffee Blues old coffee grinder, so now I can get the GOOD coffee, instead of Folgers. Ah, true friends.”
“So,Colin, seeing anybody?”
There was an awkward silence. My bad.
Christina grabbed my ear and pushed me out the door.
“Tom Dugrey!” she punched my stomach, which I admit feels good; her fists are so small, its like a massage.
“Shit, Chris. What did I do?”
“He’s in-between relationships…his heart is broken, and he most especially doesn’t need someone like you to be gloating.”
“Gloating? Someone like me?” Now, I was curious.
“Someone like you, who has girls, and the occasional man, throw themselves at you. But, whatever, go into the kitchen and apologize.” I glowered at her.”Do it.”
“ Fine.” I was really resisting the urge to stomp my foot.
*I learned, after 3 hours of “rearranging furniture and painting” that Christina was right. She IS anal retentive. Everything has to be a certain way. No, it shouldn’t be in that position. Are you sure its supposed to look like that? Check again? Can you double check, please?
She didn’t use a sweet voice, like virtually all women do when they tell you what to do.
She tried to make us laugh by using dictator accents.
“Chu needz tu fiz dis, now! …erm swine!” she laughed, and it was contagious so we laughed with her.
By the end of the day, I was glad Christina asked Colin to help- it was hard enough as it is.
“ Oh, I’m absolutely exhausted” Christina sighed.
“You didn’t do shit!” Colin said.
“ It’s the point of the matter. And,ew, you guys reek. Colin, shower first. You’ re first on the list of cat shit.”she laughed again.
“Ha, Ha, Chris. very funny.”
10 minutes later, he walked out in just a towel.
“Where did I put my clothes, hun?” Colin asked.
“Your drawer.” Christina replied, never taking her eyes off the infomercial(this will come up in later chapter)
“Why does he stay here?” I asked
“Ever since he and Ryan broke up, yes he’s gay, shame too- girls suffered a great loss- oh, right. Ryan kicked him out, so he moved back in with his parents. But, he hates it there, so sometimes he crashes on the couch.” She then looked at me. “Elizabeth Taylor or Audrey Hepburn?”
Colin walked out of Christina bedroom “Easy, Elizabeth Taylor. She’s an icon.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re gay.” To my surprise Colin laughed. “ Audrey was in ‘My fair lady.’
From then on,it was all about black and white movies, the actors, and their scandals- needless to say,I felt left out.
“Christina, I’ m going to go. See you, next week, okay?”
“Sure.” She kissed me chastely on the cheek.
Fuck,my stomach shouldn’t have dropped that low.
*
Greg called me to meet him at this frat party. I was bored, so I decided to go.
Why did I ever enjoy this?
“Dude, “ Greg slurred “It’s about time you are away from Christina. She’s great- and I would switch places with you any day. That’s why I” he burped “that’s why I chased her, she’s like magic, you know? Not like these other girls, like magic? Wa-watch out for Dexter, he’s coming back.”
He then passed out.
Dexter, I thought. What the fuck?
Truth:Chapter 4
Truth:Chapter 4
They were at Coffee Blues again. Christina insisted that I come. She seemed nervous on the phone.
Now, I knew why. She was dressed in a blue dress…was she wearing makeup? I couldn’t tell, but she looked different.
It was a poetry slam, to be honest, most of the people were wanna-be artists and their poetry sucked. When it was finally Christina turned, I had two cups of coffee, it was that tedious.
“I’m Christina Watson, and this is called Parchments.” I saw her take a shaky breath and started .
“ Tear stains spilled on the ink, it prevented me from disbelief, things I wanted to see but were make-believe. I wrote you a letter- a love one you can say. To try to woo you back, to get you on my way. Sleepless nights, and coffee rings on the table, trying to form the perfect sentence to say how I feel. Then one day,I saw you with another. I tried to break my memory of you like a bad habit. Coffee and books cannot replace you, because now I got you like a disease. How can I ever be pleased with nothing else but a memory of you and me?” She paused and then”Thank you. I’m Christina Watson.”
There was more applause for her than anyone else.
I was going to go over there to congratulate her, but Colin got there first. For some insane reason, I was angry at this. I shouldn’t be. They were friends first- but we have been friends for over six months now. I knew her birthday, how she’s terrified of squirrels (which I find adorable), she can consume a cup of coffee in three minutes flat, her favorite movie is Casablanca (which she forced me to watch), she hates animals, and kids remind her of retarded midgets. ..and what does that asshole Colin know? Her “usual”
I clenched my fists.
Great, now they were hugging.
I threw a tip on the table and left.
*
“Tom!” she called out my name
“Yeah?” I turned back.
“We’re all having cake, and Miss.Patty is asking you to join. And by asking, I mean forcing you.”she laughed.
“Okay. Let’s go.”
We walked back into the noisy coffee shop, and I watched as the patrons walked out.
“You did really good out there, Christina. I liked it. Who is it about? Its my turn, by the way.” I smirked. Gotcha.
“It was about a girl in my story I’m writing.” She waved me off.
“Oh?”
“Yes. And no more questions!” she laughed and grabbed my hand so we could get cake.
*
“That cake was gross.” She stated, popping a mint in her mouth.
“Agreed.”
“What are you doing tomorrow?” she asked.
“I don’t know. Hanging with Greg, why?”
“Nevermind.”
“Why?”
“I just wanted to see if you wanted to help rearrange my furniture, but I could ask Colin.”
Ah, Colin. That punk.
“I’ll help.”
“I thought you are hanging with Greg?”
“You’re better.” Shit. Didn’t mean to let that slip out. “I mean, its better to rearrange furniture than get wasted and have sluts all over you.”
“Oh, I thought that was your type?”
“Ha. I have standards.”
“Hmn.”
Oh, god. Here she goes with the ‘hmn’
“It’s my stop. See you, Tom.”
She got out of the car, and I followed her to walk her to her door.
“See you. “ I said.
We stared.
Her eyes are like honey, I thought.
“Bye.” I hope its never forever, I thought
They were at Coffee Blues again. Christina insisted that I come. She seemed nervous on the phone.
Now, I knew why. She was dressed in a blue dress…was she wearing makeup? I couldn’t tell, but she looked different.
It was a poetry slam, to be honest, most of the people were wanna-be artists and their poetry sucked. When it was finally Christina turned, I had two cups of coffee, it was that tedious.
“I’m Christina Watson, and this is called Parchments.” I saw her take a shaky breath and started .
“ Tear stains spilled on the ink, it prevented me from disbelief, things I wanted to see but were make-believe. I wrote you a letter- a love one you can say. To try to woo you back, to get you on my way. Sleepless nights, and coffee rings on the table, trying to form the perfect sentence to say how I feel. Then one day,I saw you with another. I tried to break my memory of you like a bad habit. Coffee and books cannot replace you, because now I got you like a disease. How can I ever be pleased with nothing else but a memory of you and me?” She paused and then”Thank you. I’m Christina Watson.”
There was more applause for her than anyone else.
I was going to go over there to congratulate her, but Colin got there first. For some insane reason, I was angry at this. I shouldn’t be. They were friends first- but we have been friends for over six months now. I knew her birthday, how she’s terrified of squirrels (which I find adorable), she can consume a cup of coffee in three minutes flat, her favorite movie is Casablanca (which she forced me to watch), she hates animals, and kids remind her of retarded midgets. ..and what does that asshole Colin know? Her “usual”
I clenched my fists.
Great, now they were hugging.
I threw a tip on the table and left.
*
“Tom!” she called out my name
“Yeah?” I turned back.
“We’re all having cake, and Miss.Patty is asking you to join. And by asking, I mean forcing you.”she laughed.
“Okay. Let’s go.”
We walked back into the noisy coffee shop, and I watched as the patrons walked out.
“You did really good out there, Christina. I liked it. Who is it about? Its my turn, by the way.” I smirked. Gotcha.
“It was about a girl in my story I’m writing.” She waved me off.
“Oh?”
“Yes. And no more questions!” she laughed and grabbed my hand so we could get cake.
*
“That cake was gross.” She stated, popping a mint in her mouth.
“Agreed.”
“What are you doing tomorrow?” she asked.
“I don’t know. Hanging with Greg, why?”
“Nevermind.”
“Why?”
“I just wanted to see if you wanted to help rearrange my furniture, but I could ask Colin.”
Ah, Colin. That punk.
“I’ll help.”
“I thought you are hanging with Greg?”
“You’re better.” Shit. Didn’t mean to let that slip out. “I mean, its better to rearrange furniture than get wasted and have sluts all over you.”
“Oh, I thought that was your type?”
“Ha. I have standards.”
“Hmn.”
Oh, god. Here she goes with the ‘hmn’
“It’s my stop. See you, Tom.”
She got out of the car, and I followed her to walk her to her door.
“See you. “ I said.
We stared.
Her eyes are like honey, I thought.
“Bye.” I hope its never forever, I thought
Truth:Chapter 3
Truth: Chapter 3
Shit. I thought. I have to pick up Christina in 15 minutes. Ah, my tie. I hastily tied it, and was on my way.
10 minutes later I knocked on her door.
“Hello, Tom. Come in. I need to put on my earrings.” Christina motioned me into her small flat.
The first thing I thought when I walked in was: freakishly clean, and organized- very organized. (There was a desk with a mac laptop, printer, and bookshelves- lots of them, to the side a small kitchen and dining room, across from it a modest flat screen television. The room was tastefully decorated with vintage artwork on the walls. Of course, this is the author talking; not Tom.
Christina walked out from what appeared to be her room.
“How do I look?” she asked.
I stared open-mouthed. “Gorgeous.” I replied.
20 minutes later we were about the church.
Me and Christina exchanged a wry look.
The mass was boring and I couldn’t wait for the reception- except seeing my crazy relatives.
Once there, we were bombarded my aunts and uncles. All wanting to know if Christina was my girlfriend.
“She’s gorgeous; keep a hold on her; how long have you been dating?”
Needless to say, we left early.
In the car, we played the Truth Game.
“You are breaking the rules, Tom!” Christina screeched- I didn’t know someone could screech cutely.
“You said the only rule was being honest.”
“There are other rules! Another one of them, is there are passes or you lose the games. Now, answer the question. Have you ever had a threesome with a goat?”
“That’s a ridiculous question! Of course I haven’t!” She looked at me. “AND I chose to pass because it was a dumb question.”
“Hmn.” She replied.
“Don’t hmn me.” I was growing frustrated. She always ‘hmn’ when she disagreed.
“Your turn”
“Have you ever kissed a girl?” I smirked.
“Now, you are just being perverted! Asking that question to fulfill your horny manly man needs!” she huffed and crossed her arms.
“Cute tantrum, Chris, are you going to pass?” I knew by now she was competitive.
“ I have actually. Three. Truth or dare. Ah, my apartment. Bye.”
I laughed and walked her to her doorstep.
“What. No goodnight kiss?” I teased.
“Ask those streetwalkers over there” Christina then pointed to children in short skirts.
“Those are kids!”
“Still look like sluts!”
I laughed and walked away.
Shit. I thought. I have to pick up Christina in 15 minutes. Ah, my tie. I hastily tied it, and was on my way.
10 minutes later I knocked on her door.
“Hello, Tom. Come in. I need to put on my earrings.” Christina motioned me into her small flat.
The first thing I thought when I walked in was: freakishly clean, and organized- very organized. (There was a desk with a mac laptop, printer, and bookshelves- lots of them, to the side a small kitchen and dining room, across from it a modest flat screen television. The room was tastefully decorated with vintage artwork on the walls. Of course, this is the author talking; not Tom.
Christina walked out from what appeared to be her room.
“How do I look?” she asked.
I stared open-mouthed. “Gorgeous.” I replied.
20 minutes later we were about the church.
Me and Christina exchanged a wry look.
The mass was boring and I couldn’t wait for the reception- except seeing my crazy relatives.
Once there, we were bombarded my aunts and uncles. All wanting to know if Christina was my girlfriend.
“She’s gorgeous; keep a hold on her; how long have you been dating?”
Needless to say, we left early.
In the car, we played the Truth Game.
“You are breaking the rules, Tom!” Christina screeched- I didn’t know someone could screech cutely.
“You said the only rule was being honest.”
“There are other rules! Another one of them, is there are passes or you lose the games. Now, answer the question. Have you ever had a threesome with a goat?”
“That’s a ridiculous question! Of course I haven’t!” She looked at me. “AND I chose to pass because it was a dumb question.”
“Hmn.” She replied.
“Don’t hmn me.” I was growing frustrated. She always ‘hmn’ when she disagreed.
“Your turn”
“Have you ever kissed a girl?” I smirked.
“Now, you are just being perverted! Asking that question to fulfill your horny manly man needs!” she huffed and crossed her arms.
“Cute tantrum, Chris, are you going to pass?” I knew by now she was competitive.
“ I have actually. Three. Truth or dare. Ah, my apartment. Bye.”
I laughed and walked her to her doorstep.
“What. No goodnight kiss?” I teased.
“Ask those streetwalkers over there” Christina then pointed to children in short skirts.
“Those are kids!”
“Still look like sluts!”
I laughed and walked away.
Truth:Chapter 2
Truth: Chapter Two
“Sorry, Tom!” I gasped.”I just came back from class, and the traffic was terrible!”
“It’s okay, Christina. I ordered your usual. Colin told me. Don’t worry.” Tom replied.
“So, how was you day?” I asked while I sat down, taking off my coat.
“Good. Greg asked about you.”
“Ugh, he’s obsessed! Tell him I have a boyfriend- no I’m a lesbian!” I said dramatically
Tom raised an eyebrow, like he always does around me.
“Are you?” he asked.
“Oh, pish. That’s not the point- I just need to get him to go away. He’s not my type.” I said
“What is? It’s my turn of Truth. Therefore, you must answer”
“What I'm looking for is some indication of a brain.”
He laughed. I love the way he laughed. It’s rich, like marsh- mellows burning on a fireplace,does that make sense?
My turn.
“What do you look for in a friendship?”
“Hmn, I have to think about that one.” Tom paused. “Humor, you have to make me laugh, hold a conversation, well-versed in literature, interested in politics, and pretty much- well…that’s it”
“That last bit was eloquent. Where do you get your vocabulary?” I then tried to raise an eyebrow, but failed spectacularly.
“Ha ha, Christina.My turn. Why are you obsessed with coffee?”
“Redundant question. Coffee is the nectar from the gods. If, given the chance, I could replace the blood from my veins with coffee, I would gladly do so.”
“Ah, I see.” He responded.
“Mhm.Okay, you get very annoyed when Greg mentions God, do you not believe?” I was very curious about the answer, seeing as I don’t believe in a higher power.
“To tell the truth,” he started.” I tried to believe .But, the whole system is flawed. For one, the bible is flawed. It was written by Man, how do you know it wasn’t misinterpreted, or even made up. A fairytale, you can say. Sorry, do I seem like a crackpot?”
“No, not at all. I don’t believe in God, as well. Mostly because Christens are such hypocrites. They say they are accepting. Yet, they don’t accept homosexuals. Hell, they pray for their souls. As if they are damned, just for being who they are. Further more, the stories are unrealistic, borderline ludicrous. “
We went on a debate about Christianity, Buddhism, and breached on politics for over two hours until we said our farewells
“I guess its time to say our goodbyes.” Tom said.
“I guess it is. Same time, next week?”
“Actually, there is a family thing going on Saturday if you are willing to come with me?”
“Sure. Pick me up?”
He smiled, and we both drove on our separate ways.
“Sorry, Tom!” I gasped.”I just came back from class, and the traffic was terrible!”
“It’s okay, Christina. I ordered your usual. Colin told me. Don’t worry.” Tom replied.
“So, how was you day?” I asked while I sat down, taking off my coat.
“Good. Greg asked about you.”
“Ugh, he’s obsessed! Tell him I have a boyfriend- no I’m a lesbian!” I said dramatically
Tom raised an eyebrow, like he always does around me.
“Are you?” he asked.
“Oh, pish. That’s not the point- I just need to get him to go away. He’s not my type.” I said
“What is? It’s my turn of Truth. Therefore, you must answer”
“What I'm looking for is some indication of a brain.”
He laughed. I love the way he laughed. It’s rich, like marsh- mellows burning on a fireplace,does that make sense?
My turn.
“What do you look for in a friendship?”
“Hmn, I have to think about that one.” Tom paused. “Humor, you have to make me laugh, hold a conversation, well-versed in literature, interested in politics, and pretty much- well…that’s it”
“That last bit was eloquent. Where do you get your vocabulary?” I then tried to raise an eyebrow, but failed spectacularly.
“Ha ha, Christina.My turn. Why are you obsessed with coffee?”
“Redundant question. Coffee is the nectar from the gods. If, given the chance, I could replace the blood from my veins with coffee, I would gladly do so.”
“Ah, I see.” He responded.
“Mhm.Okay, you get very annoyed when Greg mentions God, do you not believe?” I was very curious about the answer, seeing as I don’t believe in a higher power.
“To tell the truth,” he started.” I tried to believe .But, the whole system is flawed. For one, the bible is flawed. It was written by Man, how do you know it wasn’t misinterpreted, or even made up. A fairytale, you can say. Sorry, do I seem like a crackpot?”
“No, not at all. I don’t believe in God, as well. Mostly because Christens are such hypocrites. They say they are accepting. Yet, they don’t accept homosexuals. Hell, they pray for their souls. As if they are damned, just for being who they are. Further more, the stories are unrealistic, borderline ludicrous. “
We went on a debate about Christianity, Buddhism, and breached on politics for over two hours until we said our farewells
“I guess its time to say our goodbyes.” Tom said.
“I guess it is. Same time, next week?”
“Actually, there is a family thing going on Saturday if you are willing to come with me?”
“Sure. Pick me up?”
He smiled, and we both drove on our separate ways.
Truth:Chapter 1
Truth: Chapter One
Greg Pagusti has been bothering me since I joined the university gym three weeks ago.
“Hey, baby.” He hollered.
I flipped him off.
“Aw, don’t be like that.”
His handsome blonde friend shrugged at me and mouthed sorry.
I sighed and walked into the girls locker room, I smelled.
15 minutes later, freshly showered and dressed, I walked out of the locker room, only to bump into Greg handsome friend.
He offered a hand to help me up.
“Thanks.” I replied, but shook off his offer. I’m no damsel.
“I’m Tom.” He started.”I’m sorry for my friend. He gets weird around girls.”
I huffed,”I noticed.”
“That bag seems heavy. Do you want me to carry it for you?”
It was then that I checked him out. Muscular, not too much though, blond as previously stated but with curly hair,and blue eyes. He looked like a Greek God, or an All American Boy. Either, or.
“How chivalrous of you, but no thanks.” Oh, too bitchy. “I’m sorry, bad day. Just a little flustered.”
To my surprise he laughed- that was nice too.
“Maybe as a peace offering, I can carry your bag?” he told me
I gave him a small smile, and handed him my bag.
*
“That’s my car. The light blue-“
“Ah, a kia- how did I know you were an environmental type?”
“Maybe its because I have a peace, love and trees tote, or wearing penny loafers? Only hipsters and old men wear penny loafers.” I said very seriously.
Tom laughed, and I led him to my car.
20 minutes later.
Tom groaned.
“ I should have drove myself!”
“I bet you drive a truck.”
“A car actually.”
“Not nearly as manly as a truck. Come on, I’ll take you home- but first we are getting coffee.”
*
“The Strokes?” Tom said
“What? I have eclectic taste in music!” I defended
“You seem like the Adele type, or other Top 40.”
“As much as I love pop culture, and Adele, most music on radio is utter shit.”
“Ah, we agree on yet another thing.”
There was a comfortable silence.
“Okay, the basics.” I started.”I’m Christina Watson, 20, Sophomore at Chilton University, studying journalism and marketing, lover of books,coffee addict and a realist..feminist type.”
“So, you’re a man- hating lesbian, who doesn’t shave your legs?”Ah, he’s so clever. Not.
“That is such a myth! It’s about equality. Any gender can be one. Besides, I do shave my legs. I’m not a lesbian. I, however, burned a bra with a straightener.” He stared at me, in the way that I was getting used to.”What? Have you seen these unruly curls! My demonic sister, but we’ll go into that later, says it’s like a lion’s mane! But, that’s besides the point, your turn.”
“Okay, your hair is nice. Tom Dugrey , 20, Sophomore at Chilton University, wrestler, premed, lover of horror movies, politics, also coffee addict, and you’ll have to find out the rest.”
I gripped the steering wheel tightly.
“Christina Watson, 20, stupid ex-girlfriend of cheater wrestler John Hughes by slut-cheerleader.” Normally, most girls would be blinking back tears while they said this. I wasn’t that type of girl. I was mad. Not at him, but at myself, for being so damn stupid.
“Tom Dugrey, 20, wrestler, also cheated on by slut-cheerleader.”
As if on cue, we laughed bitterly.
*
“We’re here.” I told Tom.
I unbuckled my seatbelt. Then gathered the trash, wiped the surfaces of the car, and sprayed it with air freshener.
Tom did that stare again.
“What?” I asked.”I’m anal retentive.
“Warning.” I stated, before we walked in. “These people are…eccentric. BUT, they make the best coffee in the world! Yes, even better than that commercial trash, Starbucks.”
I walked into Coffee Blues and soaked in the atmosphere. On the far right, there was the stage where live bands would play, or poetry slams took place. Tables were everywhere. It got crowded during gigs. The regulars were diverse. Artist types, teenagers, and college students passing time before class.
“CHRISTINA, DAH-LING!” yelled a heavy –set woman, Miss. Patty. “Who is this gorh-gous man with you? OH, dah-ling! You look great!”
I battered my eyelashes, beauty queen style.
“Aw, shucks. Thank you, Miss.” In my normal voice.”This is Tom Dugrey.No, we are not together. Where is Colin?”
A very pregnant brunette waddle through the back.
“My brother is in the back. I’ll call him out for you.”
“Samantha! I thought you were giving birth any day now!”
Samantha sighed,”No, I’m not due for another month…hold on. COLIN, GET YOUR FAT ASS OVER HERE YOUR WOMAN IS HERE!”
A manly voice replied “SHUT THE FUCK UP, YOU’RE THE FAT ONE! LOOKS LIKE A WATERMELLON DIED IN YOUR STOMACH!”
A man walked through a curtain leading to the front.Where Tom was all golden, Colin was dark and mysterious. He had dark hair, with piercing green eyes and a muscular build.
“JOE!” I said.
Colin gave me a long-suffering sigh.
“Christina, I will never be a Jonas Brother.”
“As long as you look like Joe Jonas, I’m going to call you him.”
“Christina.”
“JOEEEEE”
“Christina…”
I stuck out my tongue.”I’ll have my usual. Tom?”
“Coffee. Black.”
“Ooh, manly! He’ll have the same thing as me! What? This isn’t ihop! Coffee Blues serves the best coffee in the world, ever. YOU HERE THAT GOD? EVER!”
Miss. Patty called out.”AMEN.” from the back.
We got a table in the back.
“Let’s play a game.” I said.
“What’s it called?”
“Truth”
And that’s when it all began.
Greg Pagusti has been bothering me since I joined the university gym three weeks ago.
“Hey, baby.” He hollered.
I flipped him off.
“Aw, don’t be like that.”
His handsome blonde friend shrugged at me and mouthed sorry.
I sighed and walked into the girls locker room, I smelled.
15 minutes later, freshly showered and dressed, I walked out of the locker room, only to bump into Greg handsome friend.
He offered a hand to help me up.
“Thanks.” I replied, but shook off his offer. I’m no damsel.
“I’m Tom.” He started.”I’m sorry for my friend. He gets weird around girls.”
I huffed,”I noticed.”
“That bag seems heavy. Do you want me to carry it for you?”
It was then that I checked him out. Muscular, not too much though, blond as previously stated but with curly hair,and blue eyes. He looked like a Greek God, or an All American Boy. Either, or.
“How chivalrous of you, but no thanks.” Oh, too bitchy. “I’m sorry, bad day. Just a little flustered.”
To my surprise he laughed- that was nice too.
“Maybe as a peace offering, I can carry your bag?” he told me
I gave him a small smile, and handed him my bag.
*
“That’s my car. The light blue-“
“Ah, a kia- how did I know you were an environmental type?”
“Maybe its because I have a peace, love and trees tote, or wearing penny loafers? Only hipsters and old men wear penny loafers.” I said very seriously.
Tom laughed, and I led him to my car.
20 minutes later.
Tom groaned.
“ I should have drove myself!”
“I bet you drive a truck.”
“A car actually.”
“Not nearly as manly as a truck. Come on, I’ll take you home- but first we are getting coffee.”
*
“The Strokes?” Tom said
“What? I have eclectic taste in music!” I defended
“You seem like the Adele type, or other Top 40.”
“As much as I love pop culture, and Adele, most music on radio is utter shit.”
“Ah, we agree on yet another thing.”
There was a comfortable silence.
“Okay, the basics.” I started.”I’m Christina Watson, 20, Sophomore at Chilton University, studying journalism and marketing, lover of books,coffee addict and a realist..feminist type.”
“So, you’re a man- hating lesbian, who doesn’t shave your legs?”Ah, he’s so clever. Not.
“That is such a myth! It’s about equality. Any gender can be one. Besides, I do shave my legs. I’m not a lesbian. I, however, burned a bra with a straightener.” He stared at me, in the way that I was getting used to.”What? Have you seen these unruly curls! My demonic sister, but we’ll go into that later, says it’s like a lion’s mane! But, that’s besides the point, your turn.”
“Okay, your hair is nice. Tom Dugrey , 20, Sophomore at Chilton University, wrestler, premed, lover of horror movies, politics, also coffee addict, and you’ll have to find out the rest.”
I gripped the steering wheel tightly.
“Christina Watson, 20, stupid ex-girlfriend of cheater wrestler John Hughes by slut-cheerleader.” Normally, most girls would be blinking back tears while they said this. I wasn’t that type of girl. I was mad. Not at him, but at myself, for being so damn stupid.
“Tom Dugrey, 20, wrestler, also cheated on by slut-cheerleader.”
As if on cue, we laughed bitterly.
*
“We’re here.” I told Tom.
I unbuckled my seatbelt. Then gathered the trash, wiped the surfaces of the car, and sprayed it with air freshener.
Tom did that stare again.
“What?” I asked.”I’m anal retentive.
“Warning.” I stated, before we walked in. “These people are…eccentric. BUT, they make the best coffee in the world! Yes, even better than that commercial trash, Starbucks.”
I walked into Coffee Blues and soaked in the atmosphere. On the far right, there was the stage where live bands would play, or poetry slams took place. Tables were everywhere. It got crowded during gigs. The regulars were diverse. Artist types, teenagers, and college students passing time before class.
“CHRISTINA, DAH-LING!” yelled a heavy –set woman, Miss. Patty. “Who is this gorh-gous man with you? OH, dah-ling! You look great!”
I battered my eyelashes, beauty queen style.
“Aw, shucks. Thank you, Miss.” In my normal voice.”This is Tom Dugrey.No, we are not together. Where is Colin?”
A very pregnant brunette waddle through the back.
“My brother is in the back. I’ll call him out for you.”
“Samantha! I thought you were giving birth any day now!”
Samantha sighed,”No, I’m not due for another month…hold on. COLIN, GET YOUR FAT ASS OVER HERE YOUR WOMAN IS HERE!”
A manly voice replied “SHUT THE FUCK UP, YOU’RE THE FAT ONE! LOOKS LIKE A WATERMELLON DIED IN YOUR STOMACH!”
A man walked through a curtain leading to the front.Where Tom was all golden, Colin was dark and mysterious. He had dark hair, with piercing green eyes and a muscular build.
“JOE!” I said.
Colin gave me a long-suffering sigh.
“Christina, I will never be a Jonas Brother.”
“As long as you look like Joe Jonas, I’m going to call you him.”
“Christina.”
“JOEEEEE”
“Christina…”
I stuck out my tongue.”I’ll have my usual. Tom?”
“Coffee. Black.”
“Ooh, manly! He’ll have the same thing as me! What? This isn’t ihop! Coffee Blues serves the best coffee in the world, ever. YOU HERE THAT GOD? EVER!”
Miss. Patty called out.”AMEN.” from the back.
We got a table in the back.
“Let’s play a game.” I said.
“What’s it called?”
“Truth”
And that’s when it all began.
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