May 2007
Part III: Roller Coaster
To Jonathan Stewart
Because Any Story Titled Roller Coaster Has to Be Dedicated to Him
August 1 A.G. ~ Some Forrest, Eastern United States
Tommy stared at his mud-covered shoes as he trekked through the woods, mind not on where he was going at all. As a result, he plowed into Walt full force when the taller guy stopped to tie his own shoe.
"Watch it, clumsy!” said Walt.
“Sorry, Walt,” said Tommy.
“You’re moping! There is no moping on this march towards death!” said Walt. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” said Tommy. “It’s just…”
“It’s Liz, isn’t it?” asked Walt.
“Yes,” admitted Tommy. “I mean, we’ve only been together a short time…”
“Gods brack it Tommy!” said Walt angrily. “That selfish, good for nothing miro has done nothing but yank you back and forth for years! When are you going to forget about her? You’re just trying to live in the past, in that brief moment that the two of you were happy together, if there even ever was one!”
“She’s not just in the past. I’m married to her now,” said Tommy with noticeable control.
“Yeah, that was the biggest mistake of your life,” said Walt.
“Shut up!” said Tommy, dropping the control. “I love her! I’ve always loved her! No matter what she did, no matter how upset with her I was, the one constant was always my love for her. And now that we’re finally together, now that things have worked out and we get our happy ending at last, this shit has to happen, and I had to leave her. You all can act all superior and dislike Liz as much as you want, but don’t you ever say a word to me about it again! I am sick of it! You especially. You’re supposed to be my best friend!”
“Sorry,” said Walt in a tiny voice, taken aback by Tommy’s uncustomary attitude.
“It’s ok,” said Tommy, taking a deep breath.
“No, I’m really sorry,” said Walt. “I’m just a little on edge. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“You’re right. You shouldn’t have,” said Tommy. “I love her, and I’m tired of taking brack for it.”
“I know that you love her,” said Walt.
Tommy nodded, not forgiving, but understanding. He really was tired of it. No one had ever been for their relationship, at least not since his freshman year of college, and the strain of fending off everyone else’s doubts atop his own was getting to be too much. It had gone on for way too long. Tommy had always loved Liz. He just wasn’t sure that she had always loved him, and that insecurity had led to many sleepless nights. He had thought that marrying her would erase those negative nagging thoughts, but they hadn’t. Only time could do that. And time was the one thing that they didn’t have.
June 4 B.G. ~
Tommy stood on the sand, tugging at the collar of his tuxedo on the warm, summer day. Whose idea was it to bring formal wear to a beach anyway? Still, he had to admit that it was almost perfect. The breeze was cool, the sky was clear, and the ceremony would be like a dream, sun setting on the water in the background. This was an ideal little place, overall. It had condos and such, but not too many, and most of the world remained ignorant of its beautiful existence, which was good, as Tommy had been coming here for years, and liked that it hadn’t been spoiled as some of the better known ocean towns were. It wasn’t as crowded. In fact, tonight the waterfront was practically deserted save for the wedding guests and an occasional couple out on a stroll. A partially hidden paradise. It was a fantastically romantic environment.
Liz walked gingerly down the boardwalk towards where the rows of chairs had been set up. She was alone, dressed in an elegant, short, light blue gown. Her hair, currently streaked with a vibrant red color, blew in the wind, and she pushed it out of her face. Tommy noticed Roger fidgeting nervously at the sight of the maid of honor without the bride. Levi, the best man, leaned over to whisper something comforting to him. Tom looked back at the third groomsman, Jason, but the tall guy was staring at the water, dolphins breaking the surface about two hundred yards out.
“Tommy, can I speak with you for just a minute?” asked Liz, grabbing his arm more urgently than her tone implied. Tommy fake smiled at the rows of guests, about four dozen in all, most of them family of the couple, although there were a few familiar faces, including Walt and Tony. Not one of them bought his charade. They could all sense that something was wrong.
“Of course,” said Tommy, following Liz back up towards the condo where the girls waited to walk down the boardwalk slash aisle. Anne and a cousin of Nora’s were standing just outside of the lounge, which had mostly been taken over as a dressing room. “What’s going on?”
“Nora is just having a little case of cold feet,” said Liz. “We can’t talk her down. I thought that maybe a man would be able to get through to her, and since you’re her friend…”
“You chose me over Jason?” asked Tommy.
“I said a man,” said Liz with a smile. Tommy returned it, then knocked on the glass door, which a piece of white bunting had been hung over so that no one could see inside. When no sound emerged, he pushed open the door, assuming that she was decent, as the ceremony had been scheduled to start right about now.
“Hi, Nora,” said Tommy, seeing his friend sitting on an armchair, tears in her eyes. Nora was usually so cool, so hard to faze. It disturbed him to see her in such an emotional state.
“Hi, Tommy,” she said sniffling.
“How are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m fine. I’m great. It’s my wedding day after all,” said Nora.
“I know. You ready to walk down the aisle?” asked Tommy.
“I don’t know,” sighed Nora. “I love Roger, but I haven’t even known him that long. Am I really ready to change my whole life for the man?”
“Only you can answer that,” said Tommy.
“Yes, clichés really help at a time like this,” said Nora, losing it a little again.
“Sorry,” said Tommy. “Look, Nora…” He took a seat on the chair directly opposite her, leaning forward. “I know both of you pretty well after this past year, and you’re in love. I’ve never seen a couple click so well. What are you worried about?”
“Well, the move, dropping out of school, the wedding… Everything is changing so fast…,” said Nora.
“Change can be a good thing,” said Tommy. “At least you have each other to go through it with. Would you rather be doing all of this on your own?”
“Why would I move and drop out of school on my own?” asked Nora in confusion.
“I mean life. It’s going to be scary with or without him. Would you rather have Roger by your side?”
“Of course,” said Nora. “He’s my rock.”
“Then what’s the problem?” asked Tommy.
Nora considered him for a minute. “You’re right,” she said.
“That’s a first,” said Tommy, eliciting a grin from the bride. “You ready now?”
“Yeah. Thanks,” she said, squeezing his hand. “You’re a good friend. I’m glad you and Liz got back together.”
“Me, too,” said Tommy. “Now let’s go get you married!” She nodded and Tommy slipped out the door.
“Everything all right?” asked Liz anxiously.
“Yep. We’re good to go. I’m heading back down,” said Tommy. Liz rushed past him into the dressing room.
“Thanks, Tommy,” said Anne.
“No problem,” said Tommy, wishing it was Liz who had thanked him. He quickly berated himself for the egotistical criticism. She had a lot on her mind today. It was no big deal that she hadn’t. Wasn’t it?
July 4 B.G. ~ Wester
“To summer! No classes to get us down!” said Jason, raising his shot glass into the air. Tony and Liz followed suit, Anne merely nursing a bottle of beer, her first for the night, even though they had been at the bar for over two hours.
“What have you all been up to this summer?” Tony asked the group. “Well, I know what you did, Jason. Drink, drink, and drink some more.”
“It’s funny ‘cause it’s true,” said Jason with faux embarrassment.
“You guys have all the fun. Other than this trip to
“No we’re not,” said Jason. “Tony and I don’t move into our apartment until August. We’re still back in old Hicktown.”
“At least you found a roommate,” said Liz.
“We don’t even know him,” said Tony. “Just some guy whose two roomies are moving away and he needs someone to help with the rent check. Not that Jason will be of much help.”
“Stop it!” said Jason.
“You know, I could use a roommate, if you wanted to live together,” Anne said to Liz.
“Well, I already signed up for a single dorm room this year, but next year, maybe,” said Liz.
“Ok,” said Anne. She really didn’t have any close female friends. She had been hoping that now that Nora had left town, Liz could fill that gap for her. It didn’t look promising so far, but at least they had invited her up for this get together. “You know, I’m not a local, either. I’m down in
“Oh, yeah. I forgot. How’s Cinci?” asked Tony.
“Just fine,” said Anne.
“Speaking of locals, where’s your boy toy?” Jason asked Liz.
“Um, I didn’t tell him I was coming,” said Liz.
“Trouble in paradise?” asked Jason with a raised eyebrow.
“No, no. Things are great,” said Liz. “We’ve been on the phone every other night for hours, and we’ve already done three visits in the last six weeks. This trip was just about hanging out with friends.”
“He’s our friend, too,” said Anne, a bit too defensively, she decided.
“I know. I just wanted a night without him,” said Liz. “Is that so bad?”
“Not at all,” Jason assured her, although Anne and Tony exchanged a look.
“I guess not,” said Anne.
“Don’t worry about him,” said Liz, taking a swig out of a bottle. “This is supposed to be a party!”
“I just think it would have been nice to have invited Tommy. If he was my boyfriend, I’d want to see him as much as possible,” said Anne.
“Well, he’s not your boyfriend,” said Liz.
“Girls, girls. Less talkie, more drinkie!” proclaimed Jason. Both forced smiles and went back to their alcohol, Anne downing the rest of her beer in one swallow. She looked back at Liz. There was an iciness about her that hadn’t been there before, and Anne didn’t like it.
“Happy house warming!” said Tommy as Natalie gave him a big hug. He handed her a bottle of wine.
“About time you girls had a party!” said Jason. “You moved in two months ago!”
“I know, I know,” said Sam. “With Natalie’s high school graduation and everything, though, it took us a little time to get settled. But we’ve having it now, so shut up.”
“I’m so glad you guys introduced us. I couldn’t ask for a better roommate,” said Natalie.
“You’re welcome,” said Walt.
“You didn’t introduce them,” said Tommy. “I did.”
“Well I’m better friends with Sam than you are, so I should get the credit,” said Walt.
“But I’m better friends with Natalie,” pointed out Tommy, stifling a smile.
‘ “Boys, boys, there’s plenty of us both to go around,” said Natalie. “Who wants a drink?”
“I do!” said Jason.
“Of course you do,” said Tony, rolling his eyes. “You’d better watch it or you’ll become an alcoholic.”
“Shut up,” said Jason.
“Why didn’t we invite any girls over for this party?” asked Natalie.
Sam smiled. “We did. We invited Anne, but she couldn’t make it up again. She just visited us last week.”
“Yeah, it was good to see her,” said Tommy.
“Meredith and Vikki said they’d stop by later,” said Jason.
“Yeah, but we don’t really know them,” said Sam. “Only you boys do.”
“Oh, I got an e-mail from Vince today,” said Tommy.
“How is he?” asked Natalie.
“He’s just fine. He’s…,” began Tommy.
“You don’t have any friend named Vince,” interrupted Walt.
“Yes I do. He’s out in
“Then how come I never met him?” asked Walt. “I’ve known you your whole life! I know all of your friends!”
“You have met him. Twice,” said Tommy. “He used to live here…”
“I don’t remember him,” said Walt.
“I’ll be right back,” said Natalie, ducking into the kitchen.
“He went to our high school! He was a couple of years older than us,” said Tommy.
“Not ringing a bell,” said Walt.
“So how’s Liz doing?” asked Tony, changing the subject.
“She’s great. We’re great,” said Tommy, unable to hide his big smile.
“We know. She told us,” said Jason.
“Oh? When did you talk to her? What did she say?” asked Tommy.
“We had drinks with her last week at the bar down the street,” said Jason. Tony elbowed him.
“She didn’t tell me that she was coming up to Wester
“Yeah, we all went out,” said Jason, ignoring Tony’s subtle attempts to quiet him. “Me, her, Tony, Anne…”
“Anne didn’t say anything either,” said Tommy, clearly wounded by the snub.
“Don’t be mad at Anne. It wasn’t really her place to say anything,” said Tony.
“I’m not mad at Anne. I just think that if my girlfriend, whom I hardly ever get to see, comes to town, she should tell me,” said Tommy.
“Girlfriend?” asked Natalie, reappearing. “You have a new girlfriend and you didn’t tell me?”
“He’s back with Liz,” said Walt with a displeased sigh.
“What!?” asked Natalie in angry shock. “You’re kidding me! Why in the hell would you ever date that miro again?”
“Please don’t call her a miro,” said Tommy. “I like her a lot.”
“No, no, no! Don’t be such a pushover! She treated you like absolute brack!” said Natalie.
“Nat, calm down,” said Sam, trying to sooth her.
“No way! Tommy, you’re an idiot! She’s a nasty girl!” said Natalie. “You can do so much better.”
“Let’s just all have a nice party…,” said Tony.
“Yeah. I need a drink,” said Tommy.
“Me, too,” huffed Natalie, turning her back on him.
August 4 B.G. ~
“I’m sorry again,” said Liz. “I just didn’t think about it until we were already at the bar, and…”
“It’s ok,” said Tommy, giving her hand a squeeze. “I’m over it.” Liz couldn’t tell for sure, but he didn’t seem completely over it. She sighed inwardly. She was sorry that she didn’t invite him, but he could be a bit clingy at times. Not that that was an issue tonight. She was so happy to get to see him after a three and a half week lapse that she could overlook almost anything.
“Well, I’m glad we’re together tonight,” said Liz, looking into his eyes.
“Me, too,” said Tommy. “This is a very nice park.”
“I like to come here and walk the trails whenever I can,” said Liz. “There’s not much else to do up here by the lake.”
“You’ve got an amusement park, a party island…,” began Tommy.
“Yeah, but it all gets old real quick when you’ve spent your whole life here,” said Liz.
“I guess,” said Tommy.
“Know what else is great about this trail?” asked Liz. “Lots of little private offshoots.” She drug him by the hand down a side path and into a little clearing. She turned around, sitting on a wooden beam that looked out over the water. She pulled him tightly against her body and enjoyed the way that he felt. She took his face in her hands and kissed him. He kissed her back hungrily. She could feel a little rise in his pelvic region and smiled. She was proud of the instant effect she had on him. She reached up under his shirt and began to pinch his right nipple.
“Whoa!” said Tommy, backing off. “It’s still day light out! We can’t…”
“No one will see us. Hardly anyone ever comes back here,” said Liz playfully. She pulled him back into another kiss, and he surrendered, soon enough using his own hands up her shirt. She let her bra be pushed aside, but kept it around her arms. It was a fairly secluded spot, but one never knew when unexpected company might show up. Not that she cared. She had what she wanted right here, and would it really matter if someone saw them? Her parents were cleaning up the dinner dishes and wouldn’t come to the park anyway, and she wouldn’t be bothered by anyone else finding them.
“Should we go back to the house?” asked Tommy, breathing a bit heavily.
“We can’t do this where Mom and Dad will see us,” said Liz. “This spot is safer.”
“If you say so…,” said Tommy doubtfully, but it wasn’t long before his head joined his hands up her shirt. She ran her fingers down his back, practically pulling off his t-shirt, though stopping herself short of that. She could still feel the tenseness of his muscles. He was clearly not comfortable with this setting. Oh, well. At least he was doing what he was doing. She would just sit back and enjoy it. Things would have to be stopped soon enough, anyway, or she might go too far. Here with the man that she cared deeply about, she was willing to do about anything that she wanted to. But she knew that he wouldn’t let that happen. Definitely not here.
“Oh, Tom,” she moaned. He stopped. “Don’t stop.” He started again. It was all over too soon for her taste, not because anyone had finished, but he was clearly still worried about someone catching them. She loved that he let loose a little and participated at all. She re-hooked the bra clasp and tried to straighten her hair. She pulled a twig out of it and pulled down her shirt, still not quite covering her new navel piercing.
“Can we come back here tomorrow?” he asked as they strolled back towards where they had left his car in the very public parking lot.
“Definitely,” said Liz with a smile, risking a quick peck on the cheek. He blushed. It was really very sweet.
September 4 B.G. ~ Wester
“Hey, guys. Welcome back,” said Anne as Tommy and Liz walked hand in hand into the music building to help with band camp sign up. It had only been a year ago when they had met at this very event, but a lot had happened in that year.
“Yep. I’m ready,” said Liz, smiling at her.
“It’s you guys who are back. I never left. At least not for very long,” said Tommy, casting a look at Liz. She returned it, putting her head on his should briefly. It felt so good to be back with her, happy at last. Things were totally different from the first time that they had dated. For one thing, they had already been dating several times as long as their initial relationship. For another, she was more open to him, more affectionate. He guessed that a lot of it had to do with his willingness to be more, but not completely, physical with her, but he wasn’t sure. Surely she couldn’t be that shallow, could she? He didn’t regret that brief fling with her freshman year, but this was much nicer.
“Well Liz, you’ve been assigned to help with the uniform fitting. Jodie is upstairs…,” said Anne, trailing off as she realized the implications of what she had just read off the paper.
“Jodie is back?” asked Tommy in surprise.
“Just to help with the uniforms. We didn’t have any new volunteers,” said Anne. “Look, Liz, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that you two were put together. If you want, I’ll switch you. I’d be more than happy to go and work with Jodie.”
“Why would I want to switch?” asked Liz in puzzlement.
“Because, well, you know…,” said Anne.
“Jodie and I have never been close, but we’ve always gotten along,” said Liz. “There’s no need to switch anything.” Tommy smiled at her. It was good that his current and former girlfriend got along, especially with the very brief period of time between Liz and Tommy’s first breakup and the beginning of his unplanned hook up with Jodie. It probably also helped that Tommy didn’t really talk to Jodie anymore, after he had kind of lost it last spring. Whatever the reason, the fact that there would be no problem there made Tommy feel very lucky to be with Liz indeed.
“Where am I?” asked Tommy.
“You’re here with me at the registration table,” said Anne.
“Really?” asked Liz, raising an eyebrow.
“Looks like it,” said Anne, double checking the list. “Dr. D. made the assignments.” Dr. D. was the band director.
“Fine,” said Liz. She had suddenly stiffened up, and Tommy wasn’t sure why. Her smile was still firmly in place, but clearly there was some problem here that he wasn’t picking up on. Liz turned to Tommy. “I’ll see you at dinner?”
“Of course,” said Tommy. Then Liz did something very unexpected, as neither one of them were really into public displays of affection, especially not in front of their friends: she leaned in and planted a kiss right on his lips! It wasn’t a full blown, tongue down his throat, make-out kiss, but it wasn’t just a peck either. He felt the passion behind it. He returned it, although not whole heartedly as his eyes nervously glanced over at Anne. The redhead had turned her head graciously. Liz pulled away and shared a lingering look with him, then headed upstairs.
“So, um, how was your summer?” asked Anne. Had Tommy fully been paying attention, he would have been confused at the question, as now that he and Anne had resumed their friendship, they had talked quite often all summer. Not as often as Tommy and Liz had talked, but close.
“Huh? Um, fine,” said Tommy distractedly, pushing his glasses back up on his nose. “I wonder what brought that on?”
“I’m sure I don’t know,” said Anne.
“Whatever it was, I hope it happens again,” said Tommy with a stupid grin. He didn’t notice Anne shoot him a look of utter disgust.
October 4 B.G.
“Hey, Tommy,” said Meredith as she and Vikki approached the sophomore with a smile.
“Hey, guys!” said Tommy. “What are you doing here?”
“Just because we’re not students anymore doesn’t mean that we can’t still come to your fraternity parties,” said Vikki. “We’re alumni, we’re not dead!”
“So how’s graduated life?” asked Tommy.
“Not too bad. I’m doing graphic design work for a local park,” said Meredith.
“Congratulations!” said Tommy. “Find a teaching job yet, Vikki?”
“Not yet,” said Vikki with a frown. “I signed up to sub in a few districts, though.”
“Good luck with that,” said Tommy. “I’m sure that you’ll find something.”
“Why are you sitting out on the porch by yourself?” asked Meredith.
“Oh, well, Liz thought I was being too clingy, so she asked me to give her a little space,” said Tommy. “This is the first time I’ve seen her all week! I don’t think it’s clingy to want to spend a little time with my girlfriend.”
“I told you before, she’s bad news, Tommy,” said Meredith.
“Yeah…,” agreed Vikki. “You need to be able to have fun!”
“She said that she wanted to hang out with her friends tonight, and we would do something later,” said Tommy.
“So why are you out here by yourself?” asked Vikki.
“Because she’s with Anne and Jason and Levi and the others,” said Tommy.
“You can’t even hang out with your own friends?” asked Meredith.
“I guess not,” said Tommy glumly. “Apparently I won’t leave her side when we’re all together, so she asked me to back off for tonight.”
“That sucks,” said Meredith.
“It’s all right,” said Tommy. “Things between us have been really good lately. I’m sure this is just a minor snag.”
“Uh huh,” said Vikki, not sounding convinced.
“Are you guys going in?” asked Tommy.
“We can stay out here with you for awhile,” offered Vikki.
“Nah. Natalie, Walt, and Sam should be here soon. I can hang out with them,” said Tommy.
“You sure?” asked Meredith.
“Yeah. Go ahead. Have fun,” said Tommy.
“O.k. We’ll check on you later,” said Vikki.
“Don’t worry about it,” said Tommy with a forced smile. “I’m sure it’ll all be fine.”
“They are no good together. He should dump her,” said Meredith as soon as she and Vikki were in the door, away from Tommy’s hearing range.
“No kidding. He’s all mopey with her,” said Vikki. “That’s no fun.”
“I know. When he gets depressed, he gets all whiny and stuff. It’s kind of annoying,” said Meredith.
“He’ll get over it. He’s a good guy,” said Vikki.
“I didn’t say that he wasn’t. It’s just no fun to be around him half the time whenever he happens to be dating Liz,” said Meredith. “It’s always one problem after another.”
“Speaking of Liz, what are the chances that we can steal our boy away from her?” asked Vikki, nodding towards where Jason and Liz were hanging all over each other, plainly stinking drink. Anne watched them with a mixture of amusement and disapproval, and Levi seemed to be having trouble stopping laughing.
“I don’t want to hang around Liz, either. It shouldn’t be that hard to get him away. We just need the proper bait,” said Meredith with a smile, grabbing a half full vodka bottle off of the counter.
November 4 B.G.
“Good movie,” said Tommy, flipping off the television with his remote. He and Liz were cuddled on the corner piece of his sectional couch, the only piece that fit in this room, under a warm blanket in his small room in the fraternity house.
“Mmm hmm,” she agreed, snuggling closer to him, hands on his chest. His arm was on her waist.
“Sleepy?” he asked her.
“Not really,” she admitted with a smirk. “But I wouldn’t mind going to bed.”
“You’re terrible,” Tommy said, grinning.
“You like it,” she said, clearly not a question. Tommy answered it anyway.
“Yeah, I do.”
“I think I’ve made a decision about my career,” said Liz, still snuggling.
“Really? What is it?” asked Tommy.
“I want to go and teach music in
“Interesting. What brought that about?” asked Tommy noncommittally.
“We had an exchange student in high school, and she was from some small, third world country,” said Liz. “She said that teachers there are desperately needed, and they view it as such a noble profession. I think it would be really cool to go and take music to a place where they wouldn’t otherwise have it.”
“I guess it would be,” said Tommy, not convinced that living in a mud hut was a good way to live one’s life. He didn’t begrudge anyone that actually did it, but that was not the life he was accustomed to, and he didn’t relish the thought of ever living like that.
“I would want you to come with me, you know,” she said, looking up at him.
“You would?” asked Tommy in surprise.
“Yeah. I like having you around,” said Liz. “Why are you acting so surprised?”
“Well, you’ve never brought up the future much before, and definitely not a future with us together,” said Tommy after a short consideration of the question.
“We’ve been dating awhile,” said Liz. “It’s clear that we have great chemistry. Why is this so weird for you?”
“I’ll agree with the chemistry thing, and I’ll admit that I’ve thought of the future many, many times. That’s how I am. You just don’t strike me as that type of person,” said Tommy.
“I’m normally not,” said Liz. “But that doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate what I have. So would you even consider it? Moving to
“I don’t know…,” said Tommy. “That’s a big decision. I’d have to think about it.”
“Ok,” said Liz. “I mean, I’m not sure I’m doing it, I just said that it would be cool.”
“I will think about it,” said Tommy.
“I know you will,” said Liz, looking into his eyes. That was Tommy’s favorite thing. When they held long, meaningful gazes. Then he felt a bit of orneriness, and he snaked his fingers around and pressed them into her ribs. She squirmed. “Stop!’
“No way!” said Tommy, increasing the tickling. She laughed, and wiggled around some more.
“No fair!” she said. She managed to get on top of him and pin his hands with her legs. It wasn’t an easy maneuver, but suddenly Tommy found himself completely off balance and helpless. She didn’t stay on the defensive, though. Now that he was at her mercy, she attacked back, digging all ten fingers into his sides. Tommy was much more ticklish than she was, and went squealing towards the floor as she giggled. They both knew that he could have fought back, and he did to some degree, but he also liked it when she was the aggressor, and let her go for awhile with only mild resistance. Eventually, she would go back to being the victim of the tickle monster.
“Ok, ok, enough!” Liz panted, collapsing across Tommy’s lap on the couch. “I give up!”
“Fine,” said Tommy with a smile. He leaned down and kissed her on the mouth. She returned the kiss. The kiss led to more. Their hands began to roam. And again Tommy couldn’t help himself with just innocent, romantic touching. She twitched uncontrollably, and not in a sexy way, at least in her mind. Tommy may have argued with her.
“You just couldn’t leave the moment alone, could you?” she asked, a bit of annoyance creeping in behind her glee.
“Sorry,” said Tommy, abashed.
“It’s ok,” she said, stroking his cheek. Then she leaned up to kiss him, and pretty soon, they did get to bed. And much, much later, to sleep.
December 4 B.G.
“What movie are we watching?” asked Sam, bounding into Levi’s dorm room.
“Who said that we’re watching a movie tonight?” asked Levi.
“Natalie is at work, I’m bored, and Walt said that you would entertain me,” said Sam. Walt followed her reluctantly into the room, mouthing ‘no’ to Levi, but Levi wasn’t fooled. He was sure that Walt had put her up to it. Sam turned around to look at Walt for support and he switched to her side.
“Yeah. You have no life anyway. Show us a movie,” said Walt. Sam looked back at Levi happily, and Walt returned to silent denial mode.
“It’s cool. Anne is coming over anyway. You two can join us,” said Levi.
“Ooh, a party!” said Sam.
“Call Tommy. He’s surely not doing anything. He’s a big loser, too, like Levi,” said Walt.
“He’s hanging out with Liz,” said Anne, entering the room.
“Really? Didn’t they just do that like a couple of weeks ago?” asked Walt. “Is that time of the month again already?”
“They don’t spend a lot of time alone together, do they?” observed Sam.
“They’re both busy people,” said Levi. “They’re both in school, Tommy works full time, and Liz…”
“…is stupid,” said Sam. “But that’s just my personal opinion.”
“She’s not stupid,” said Anne. “We’ve been hanging out quite a bit this year, and she’s a good person. We’ve become good friends. Most of the time.”
“Yeah, she’s not so bad,” said Levi.
“Let’s not talk badly about anyone that’s not here,” said Walt.
“You guys are no fun at all,” said Sam, crossing her arms. “Gossip makes the world go ‘round.”
“Yeah, but they’re our friends,” said Anne. “Most of the time.”
“Why do you keep saying ‘most of the time’?” asked Levi.
“When we’re alone, Liz is really taz, but when I’m hanging out with her and Tommy, well, it’s just plain uncomfortable,” said Anne. “I have no idea why.”
“I imagine it would be, hanging out with a couple,” said Sam.
“It’s more than that. I feel, I don’t know, something not nice from Liz when the three of us are together,” said Anne. “I honestly have no idea what it’s about, but she treats me totally differently.”
“That’s weird,” said Levi.
“Ok, guys, you are all being totally lame,” said Walt. “I came here to watch a movie, not yak like women!”
“Oh no you didn’t,” said Sam, bringing out her inner ghetto.
“You do realize that there are two women here, and we can both kick you butt?” said Anne.
“Besides, Levi yaks more than we do,” said Sam.
“I do not!” said Levi.
“I’m just messing you,” said Sam, giving him the ‘cute face’ so he wouldn’t be mad.
“So are we calling Liz and Tommy to see if they want to come over, too?” asked Walt.
“No,” said Sam immediately.
“I think they need their alone time,” said Anne.
“I guess not,” said Levi.
Liz and Tommy were enjoying their alone time in Liz’s single dorm room. Enjoying it quite a bit, in fact. “Wow. That was great,” said Tommy, laying back on the bed, spent, feeling his pulse finally beginning to slow.
“Yeah it was,” said Liz with a sly smile, curling up on his chest, as was her custom.
“I like the new blue streaks in your hair,” said Tommy, stroking her brown and blue locks.
“Thanks,” said Liz. She was proud of the bright neon coloring.
“Want to go again?” asked Tommy.
“You have to be kidding me!” said Liz.
“I am,” admitted Tommy.
“Maybe we ought to think about getting some condoms,” said Liz.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” said Tommy.
“Why not? We’ve been fooling around for months. I think it would be a good idea to have some… protection... available in case things move a b it further,” said Liz.
“That’s not going to happen,” said Tommy.
“Why not?” asked Liz.
“Because I don’t want to get you pregnant or anything. We’re both in school, and now is not the time to have to worry about it,” said Tommy.
“That’s why I suggested getting condoms,” said Liz.
“They’re not foolproof. It’s better if we don’t have any. Then I will be able to resist,” said Tommy.
“Resist?” asked Liz.
“You! I can barely resist you now, for anything. If we had those available, I’m not sure I would be able to control myself,” said Tommy with mock seriousness. “It’s not an easy task, as it is.”
“Whatever, buster,” she said, punching him in the chest lightly, but giving him a smile. “Why won’t you go any further? I don’t understand you. What’s the difference between what we do now and actual full blown intercourse?”
“I’m just not ready for sex yet,” said Tommy. “There are so many risks involved…”
“We’re already having sex,” said Liz. “The risks are there.”
“It’s not the same,” said Tommy. “We’re not actually having sex.”
“It really is,” said Liz. “What you do with your mouth, that’s sex. Trust me.”
“I trust you,” said Tommy.
“Then get the condoms,” said Liz.
“Fine. But we’re not having sex,” said Tommy.
“I really don’t understand you,” said Liz, flopping over onto her back with a sigh.
“That’s what you love about me, right?” asked Tommy, getting onto his side and putting his arm around her.
“No, it’s frustrating as hell!” said Liz, shoving his arm off.
“Come on,” said Tommy. “It isn’t even a little bit attractive?”
“No. You’re lucky you have other attributes,” she said.
“Like what?” he asked.
“Like that rather large object that is poking me in the butt right now,” said Liz. She sighed rather melodramatically, and didn’t fight him when he put his arm around her midsection this time. “Fine. Do whatever you have to.”
“With pleasure,” said Tommy with a smile, ducking under the sheets. He didn’t see it, but Liz’s smile was quickly bigger than his had been.
January 3 B.G.
Tommy walked down the condom aisle for the fourteenth time, passing by the prophylactics without looking at them. He glanced both ways, making sure that no one was watching him in the large department store. It was after midnight on a Sunday, but the store was still populated with quite a few college kids. Tommy knew that he should have gone across town for this particular errand. He hoped that no one he knew would see him here.
Finally satisfied that he was relatively safe for the moment, Tommy looked at the objects that he had come to buy. There were so many choices, in so many varieties! What should he buy? He had no idea. He hadn’t thought that he’d ever be in this situation. Well, at least not this soon. He recognized one brand name, and assumed that they must be pretty good if he had heard of them, considering this was pretty far outside his comfort zone. Good. He had picked a brand. And type was easy. Just plain, normal ones. No need to get fancy. But what size? Tommy was relatively well endowed, but he wasn’t freakishly large, like many of the guys he had seen on his computer late at night. Why weren’t inches listed on the box? He grabbed a box of ‘Large’ with a sigh, quickly hiding it behind a box of crackers that he didn’t really need, but was big enough to hide his real purchase.
Nervously, Tommy left the safety of the aisle and headed for the register. He tried not to meet the eyes of any other customer as he walked, worried that they would be able to tell by his face what he was intending to buy. He made a beeline straight for the self-check outs, way too embarrassed to deal with a clerk. He was almost there when he heard his name.
“Tommy!” said Levi. Tom spun around to see Levi and Walt walking quickly towards him. His stomach clenched. They couldn’t see the condoms behind the crackers, but that didn’t stop him from trying to hide them even more. Why, oh why, had Liz made him do this?
“Um, hi guys,” said Tommy nervously.
“Are you ok?” asked Levi.
“Sure. Why?” asked Tommy.
“Your face is all red,” said Walt. “It’s even uglier than usual. And you’re sweating.”
“Yeah. I’m a little sick. That’s why I’m buying crackers. Just crackers,” said Tommy.
“Maybe you should get some medicine,” suggested Levi.
“Tommy never takes medicine,” said Walt.
“You don’t?” asked Levi.
“Only when it’s prescribed by a doctor,” said Tommy, still glancing around, sure that any minute they would notice that he was clearly hiding something behind the crackers. Why wouldn’t they leave him alone? He just wanted to get out of here and hide these in his bedroom.
“Ok, well, we’re going to go and get some beer,” said Levi finally. “See you later?”
“Absolutely,” said Tommy. “Have a good night.”
“Night, dork,” said Walt as the two left. Tommy collapsed against the register with a sigh. He had made it. They were gone. He quickly scanned the condoms and tossed them in a bag. He reached into his back pocket for his wallet, but the sound of one person clapping made him spin back around.
“You go, boy,” said Levi with a big smile. Walt was just shaking his head, clucking his tongue in disapproval.
Liz double checked her hair in the mirror and sat down comfortably on her bed, kicking off her customary flip flops. No sooner was she settled than a knock came at the door. She jumped up to answer it.
“Hi,” said Tommy, acting shifty. He didn’t meet her gaze.
“Hi,” said Liz. “What’s going on?”
“I got the… the things that we talked about,” said Tom.
“Did you bring any here?” asked Liz.
“No!” said Tommy. “They’re hidden in my bottom drawer, under some t-shirts.”
“That’s ok. Tonight isn’t good for me, anyway,” said Liz. She didn’t understand why Tom was acting so funny about it. They were just condoms. What was the big deal? Everyone used them. He needed to get over it. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek, though honestly, with the way that he was acting, he didn’t even deserve that. There was no way she was letting him into her pants again until he showed a little more maturity.
Another knock interrupted them. Liz reached past Tom and opened the door again. Anne was standing outside. “Hi! What are you guys up to tonight?” asked Anne.
“We’re just hanging out. We’re going to watch a movie or something,” said Tom.
“Mind if I stay?” asked Anne.
“Well, actually…,” began Tom, and Liz knew what he was thinking. It wasn’t happening.
“Sure,” she said. Normally Liz hated when Anne was here, but right now Anne provided a good excuse to avoid the hanky panky. Liz could tell that Anne had more than a friendly interest in Tom, despite what she claimed to the contrary. Anne had always liked Tom. Maybe the redhead truly didn’t believe that she did, and Tom certainly believed her, but Liz knew how duplicitous girls could be towards each other, and she refused to let down her guard. Such as right now, as she was thinking about Anne, the sophomore was talking to Liz’s boyfriend, hand on his arm.
“Sure. We can definitely hang out tomorrow night,” said Tom.
“No you can’t. We have plans,” said Liz quickly. Time to defend her territory. No way was she letting the two of them hang out alone if she could help it.
“We do?” asked Tom.
“It’s all right,” said Anne.
“What are we doing?” asked Tom.
“You remember,” said Liz, wishing he would take a hint, for once. “Our plans.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t,” said Tom, clueless. “That’s odd. I never forget when we have plans. It doesn’t happen very often. What are we doing?”
“I don’t want to talk about it now,” said Liz.
“Why not?” asked Tom in confusion.
“It’s all right,” said Anne to Tom, ignoring Liz. “I should probably go anyway. I have a test to study for.” She slipped out the door of Liz’s room, giving Tom a quick hug before she went.
“What was that all about?” asked Tom, turning to Liz, who was having trouble controlling her anger.
“I am tired of that girl trying to steal you away from me!” said Liz.
“What? Anne’s trying to steal me?” asked Tom, totally confused.
“Yes! She likes you! It’s totally obvious!” said Liz.
“It is?” asked Tom. “I never would have guessed it. I’ve asked her before, and she said she isn’t interested in me at all. Not that it matters, because I am definitely not into her. I am very happy with you.”
“That doesn’t make it any better. She’s a conniving little miro,” said Liz.
“Come on. That’s our friend you’re talking about,” said Tom.
“Oh, get over it,” said Liz. “You don’t have to be so nice all of the time.”
“Yes I do,” said Tom.
“Well, I’m sorry, if you’re not going to make sure she backs off, I will. You have to choose. Me or her,” said Liz.
“That’s silly,” said Tom. “You’re my girlfriend. She’s just my friend.”
“Not any more she isn’t. At least not if you want to keep dating me,” said Liz.
“Are you serious?” asked Tom.
“Very,” said Liz, eyes narrowing.
“Well that’s not a choice. I choose you of course. But I don’t see why Anne and I can’t still be friends. With the group we hang out with, we’re bound to be around each other a lot,” said Tom.
“As long as it’s not alone,” said Liz. “I’m tired. I think I’m going to go to bed.”
“Ok,” said Tom excitedly.
“Alone,” said Liz.
“Oh,” said Tom, face dropping. “So, well, what are we doing tomorrow night?”
“I have plans,” said Liz. “Call Levi. Maybe he’s free to hang out with you. Good night.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and ushered him out the door. She was satisfied he had made the right decision, but that didn’t mean that she was going to reward him for it. He shouldn’t have let the situation deteriorate to the point where she had to step up in the first place. Why hadn’t Tom gotten rid of Anne on his own?
August 1 A.G.
Tom sighed as he sat down on a wet rock and picked up a long stick. The mud was becoming impossible to trudge through, and the rain didn’t show any signs of letting up. They would have to delay their march and wait out the wetness. It was bad enough that they were heading towards their deaths. Having to delay the task only made him more frustrated.
Tom glanced towards the rest of the group, glad he could be with friends, at least. He still regretted the way he had treated Anne their sophomore year of college. They had remained friends, but having to sneak around to be friends wasn’t right. He was glad that he had matured enough that he would never consider the prospect now. He much preferred honesty. If Liz asked him about anyone in the group, he would tell her exactly what he thought. Besides, everyone was friends with everyone here, and that wasn’t exactly a pool of others they could turn to for companionship. This was it. This little group was their world.
He also liked to think that Liz had changed. Everyone is stupid sometimes when they’re young. Liz hadn’t meant to be mean. She just had been convinced that Anne was in love with Tommy, and he couldn’t blame his girlfriend for acting that way. He was sure that she wouldn’t be like that now. Well, relatively sure.
Reaching up to stroke his facial hair, which was now gone, he suddenly remembered, he found wetness. It was coming from his eyes. It didn’t take Tommy long to realize why. Liz. She wasn’t here, thank goodness. She was at home, safe. But would he ever be able to return to her? He hoped so with every ounce of his being.
To be continued…
posted by Jerome Wetzel | 4:00 AM
