Diary Chapter 8
Saturday, August 6
Mom, Noah, and I spent most of the day school shopping in Pontiac with Kristin and Aunt Liv. I got five new outfits, two new pairs of shoes, a new purse, make-up, and of course, school supplies. I feel blessed to be able to get so much. I know there are a lot of people who aren't as blessed as I am, and that saddens me. I encourage my parents to give to charities for the needy as often as possible. Of course, it doesn't take much persuading because they are as compassionate and caring of others as I am.
I'm also a big supporter of the Humane Society. I love animals and have often wondered what it might be like to be a Veterinarian. I don't know yet, maybe that's the career route I'll take after high school.
***
5:30pm.We arrived home around five-thirty, which gave me plenty of time to get ready before Xander picked me up. I didn't want to make myself look like I had made a huge effort to look nice since we were just going out as friends, so I put my blonde hair in a ponytail, put on a purple V-neck shirt, and denim capris, and only put on some light make-up.
7:30pm.Xander picked me up, and we went back to the Lakeside Diner that we had went to only two weeks ago, which was our first date alone, but technically our second date. This time, instead of a cheeseburger, I got the chicken tenders and waffle fries. Xander acted different tonight. He wasn't as flirtatious as he had been on our other dates. Instead he acted more serious, more mature, and would occasionally say something funny. I like this Xander more than the flirtatious, annoying Xander, but still yet, whatever excitement I felt the first time we had met is now gone. It must be because I find it so hard to resist thoughts of Cade.
After dinner we went on a drive on a back, country road again. This time he turned off the main road, and onto a narrow gravel road that took us to a dead end. We stopped in front of a gate that opened to a grassy field of horses.
"Where are we going?" I finally asked.
"I just wanted a quiet place where we can talk, you know, since we got interrupted the last time."
"Okay, What do you want to talk about?"
"You. With me." His eyes were dark and hot, which made my nape prickle.
Holy crow! He just won't give up. "Umm Xander, like I said the other night, I just want to be friends and I meant it. I'm not going to change my mind anytime soon."
"Well, can't we be friends with benefits." He placed his hand on my thigh.
I quickly put my hand over his, and then with one jerk I moved his hand from my thigh. "I think it's time for me to go home now."
"Are you sure? Most girls would love to be here with me right now." The cockiness was evident in his tone.
I knew I had to get stern with him. "Well, I'm not like most girls, and I don't want to do this. With you."
"Okay, okay." He stopped and moved away with his hands up in the air in surrender. "Before we go I want to say I'm sorry. Are we cool?"
"Yeah, we're cool as long as you keep your hands to yourself. Now please just take me home."
"I just want to know something first. Do you think that you will ever want to be more than friends with me?"
I thought a moment so that I could choose my words wisely. "Xander, I honestly don't know the answer to that. We'll just have to take it one day at a time. But I can tell you that, if you keep pulling stunts like this, you are going to push me further away."
"You like Cade don't you?"
"That's none of your business. Please take me home...now."
Twenty minutes later, he dropped me off at my front door, and I decided I don't want to go out with Xander anymore. He's just not going to let us be 'only friends.'
Sunday, August 7
11am.The whole family went to church this morning. Even Grandpa felt well enough to go, he has his bad days and good days. I'm glad he was feeling better. I haven't lost anyone close to me before, and I hope and pray it doesn't happen anytime soon.
Cade and his friends attended this morning also. He saw me look at him as he walked in, and he smiled his big, beautiful smile. As usual, I had to make myself concentrate on the sermon. It's like I'm on pins and needles knowing he's nearby.
After church when I got out to the parking lot, Cade approached me like he did a couple of weeks ago.
"Hi Jami. How are you?"
He really asks me that a lot. I think it's sweet. "Hi Cade. I'm good, thanks."
"I know this isn't really the proper place to ask you, but I didn't know when I would get the chance again."
"No worries, ask me anything?"
"Will you be my date this Saturday?"
I thought I might pass out onto the asphalt and I had to steady myself. "I uh, yes, I'll be your date on Saturday. May I ask to where?"
"A party at Connor's house. What time can I pick you up?" His smile made me quiver.
"Anytime you would like," I said, coolly as possible.
"How about seven?"
I nodded like a giddy schoolgirl. "Seven is good."
"Great. I'll see you then."
"Okay, I'll see you." He smiled before turning and walking to his car. It was going to be a very long week.
Wednesday, August 10
1pm. After volleyball practice, I was bored at home so I went to Kristin's to hang out. We were in her room when I noticed her high school yearbooks stacked on her mahogany bookshelf. I pulled off the one from last school year, and started flipping through the pages. I stopped at the Homecoming section when I spotted a picture of Cade with a beautiful brunette at the Homecoming dance. She looked exceptionally happy with a huge smile on her face. She also looked very familiar. Cade had a slight smile on his face, but his happiness didn't seem to match the brunettes.
I pointed at the picture and asked Kristin. "Who is this girl with Cade?"
"Oh, that's Brianna Boswick," Kristin answered. "They used to be a couple."
"Used to be? You mean they broke up?"
"Yep, that's what I mean. You didn't think he'd ask you out if they were still together, did you?" She asked with a bit of sarcasm.
I felt sheepish. "No, I guess not. I really can't believe he asked me at all."
"Why? Don't be so hard on yourself. You're a great person. Besides I told you he was interested in you, you didn't believe me."
"I still don't."
It suddenly hit me why the brunette looked familiar. Oh no! "She's on the volleyball team." I almost shouted the words.
"Oh yeah, she sure is. Have you not spoken with her yet?"
"No, she's not very friendly with me."
Kristin snorted. "That doesn't surprise me. Friendly's not one of her attributes, she thinks she is above everyone."
"Were you invited to the party on Saturday?" I asked.
"Yes. Connor is a jock, so he invites most other jocks and cheerleaders that he knows."
I felt relieved. "I'm glad you'll be there."
"Oh yeah, not to sound too superficial, but you might want to wear something flashy yet sophisticated."
I don't like bringing attention to myself. "How come?"
"Because you'll be there with the most popular guy in school, and people will notice you."
No big deal, I thought. The only thing I'll be paying attention to is Cade. Oh, and trying not to embarrass myself.
Saturday, August 13
8:40am.When I awoke this morning I immediately became nervous. I've been wishing for this day since the first time I laid eyes on Cade Calahan. On my way to my bathroom, I looked out my bedroom window. There were still some dewy sparkles left on the bushes from the morning rain. The sky was a mixture of clear blue, and white puffy clouds, a hint of amber lingered in the distance. Something in me wanted to remember this day, every single detail of it.
After washing up, I went downstairs for breakfast. Mom had fixed, my Saturday usual, pancakes and scrambled eggs. I tried to eat, but the more I ate the worse I felt. It had to be the nerves, I thought.
Mom must've noticed. "Something wrong with your food Jami?"
"No, I don't feel well or something?"
She walked to my side and put her hand on my forehead. "I hope you're not coming down with something?"
"I don't think so." I paused a heartbeat. "I think it's my nerves."
"Really? Why would you be nervous sweetie?"
"My date with Cade."
Mom's eyes got wider. "Okay. You really like this boy, huh?"
I looked at her and slowly nodded my head. "Yeah."
"Sweetie. You don't have anything to worry about. You are a very beautiful girl with a great personality. Just be you."
"Thanks, but your biased."
She smiled. "Maybe so, but eventually there is going to be a boy or two who is going to see how special you are."
I couldn't help but smile back at her, I love the way she always tries to make Noah and I feel good about ourselves.
***
4:30pm.I began getting ready. I decided to wear my white and blue paisley spaghetti-strap dress with my blue denim jacket, and blue and brown multi-strap thong sandals. I put my hair up in a messy bun, and put on just a little more make-up than normal. I added some pink lip - gloss.
I kept pacing my bedroom floor, and checking myself in the mirror until Cade rang the doorbell at two minutes after seven. I actually thought for a second that he might have changed his mind.
I started walking slowly down the stairs as my dad answered the door.
"Hey Cade. Come on in."
"Thanks Coach."
"Cade this is my wife, and Jami's mother, Paula."
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Reid." Cade shook my mom's hand. It only took him a second later to notice me on the stairs. He looked up at me with such intensity that it caused my stomach to flutter like a rabble of butterflies.
"Hi Jami," he said my name in a way that made my heart melt.
"Hello." I said while descending the stairs.
Dad glanced at Cade, then at me, then back at Cade. "So, where are you two going tonight?"
It took Cade a moment before he looked back at my dad. "Connor Covate is having a party at his house, but don't worry Coach, his parents will be around."
"Smart parents." Dad patted Cade on the arm. "Well, you two have fun."
"Thank you sir." Cade held his hand out for me when I reached the bottom step. "You ready?"
Trying not to show I was shaking, I quickly put my hand in his. "Yes. Bye dad. Bye mom."
"Bye sweetie. Have fun!" Mom replied.
We walked outside, and there was the charcoal gray Mustang GT sitting in my driveway. "I like your muscle."
He looked at me and raised a brow. "Excuse me?"
"Your car, I like your car."
"Thank you." He blinked at me. "You look beautiful. But then again, you always look beautiful."
I grinned. "Thank you." I almost pinched myself.
He first opened the door for me, and then he got behind the wheel. "Do you like Italian food?"
"I love it!"
We went to a local Italian restaurant to eat before going to the party. I was still very nervous, but also very hungry since I hadn't eaten much all day, I almost finished my whole bowl of pasta primavera.
"Wow, I like a girl with a hearty appetite." He teased.
I grinned and teased back. "Shh, don't tell anyone it's a secret."
"You hide it well."
His response made me blush and I'm positive he noticed. "Thanks."
For rest of the meal we talked about our usual subject...me.
8:45pm.We had arrived at Connor's house. The house was like a mansion compared to mine. It had a luxurious stucco design. The landscaping had to be the best in the neighborhood. I'm not sure why I didn't notice it the night they had rescued me from Jon. I guess I was truly out of it after being drugged, and probably in shock from what had almost happened to me.
"What does Connor's parents do?" I asked with amazement.
"His dad is a surgeon. I don't think his mom works. Why?"
"Their house is amazing."
"Hold on for a second." He got out and came around to open my door. He extended his hand.
I put my hand in his, and then he surprised me when he gently kissed the top of my hand. My heart raced from his touch. "Come, I'll show you around."
Cade held my hand as we walked into the house. He searched for Connor so he could speak with him, and let him know we were there. Connor, with his very warm personality, had told us to make ourselves at home. Cade told him that he would like to show me around, and Connor gave his approval, but warned us not to linger in any room too long because his parents would be making their hourly rounds. We walked out back first so Cade could show me the pool area. There were a few teens dancing on the brick patio. I quickly spotted Kristin and Derek. Kristin noticed us as well and scampered over to us.
"Hi Jami. How long have you been here?" She asked.
"Not long, we just got here," I answered.
Kristin glanced down at our entwined hands and grinned. "Hi Cade."
"Hi Kristin. Are you having fun?"
"Yes I am, thanks." She smiled. "You guys can hang out with us if you want." She motioned toward a patio table where Derek, Claire, and Jenny were sitting.
"Sure, I just want to show Jami a tour of the house first," Cade replied.
Just then a slow song began playing, Cade looked at me. "Would you like to dance Ms. Reid?"
"I would love to."
We danced in the same position that we had that night at the lake, but this time there was something different, and he held me closer, tighter. It was as if I was about to fall, and he was trying desperately to hang onto me.
About a minute or so into the song someone pecked on Cade's shoulder. "Can I cut in?" A high-pitched female voice asked.
It was Cade's ex-girlfriend Brianna. My mean side wanted to slap her for ruining this beautiful moment for me. Cade looked at me for approval with a perturbed expression on his face. I nodded my head to let him know it was okay, and I stepped back to give Brianna the go ahead. Brianna rushed into Cade's arms, and he flashed me an apologetic look. I walked over to Jenny who was sitting alone, since Claire was now dancing with Logan. I sat down in the chair next to her. I could see that Brianna was talking to Cade. Surprisingly, I didn't feel jealous, but instead I felt defeated. Defeated from a battle that never even began. She definitely has the upper hand because she has already dated Cade, and she's probably the most beautiful and popular girl in Wolverine Lake.
A different slow song began playing, but they continued to dance and talk. I decided to take my chance to go to the restroom. On my way back to the patio doors, I walked past Cade and Brianna without so much as a glance. I didn't want him to think that I was trying to spy on him.
After washing up I opened the bathroom door, and immediately froze in place. Cade was staring at me. He was standing with his back against the opposite wall with his arms crossed at his chest. He looked concerned about something. The look on his face worried me, and my first thought was that this was going to be, not only our first date, but also our last.
"Are you okay?" He asked with sincerity.
I nodded. "I'm good." I tried to smile in order to look more convincing.
He extended his hand and smiled back. "You ready to finish that tour Ms. Reid?"
I placed my hand in his, my smile widened. Maybe I was wrong. "I'm ready."
After the tour of Connor's mansion, we went back downstairs. Brianna had moved to the spacious foyer, and spotted us descending the stairs. I noticed that she was more beautiful tonight than in the yearbook picture. She had her shiny brunette hair cut into long layers, and her best feature was her brown, smoky eyes. She looked like a supermodel in her little red dress. I could tell by the way she looked at Cade that she definitely still had feelings for him. I mean, who wouldn't.
I'm not usually one to give up so easily, but I cannot compare to her, so I quickly decided to save myself from future heartbreak and surrender. I started to tell him that I would get a ride with someone else.
"Cade, I-."
"Would you like to go somewhere else?" He quickly interrupted, almost as if he sensed what I was going to ask him.
I grinned, relief washed over me. "I would love to."
"Good, lets go tell Connor and Kristin that we're leaving."
9:45pm. He took me to a playground located near the lake, we sat on the swings and talked.
"Did you ever go to the parks when you were a child?" He asked.
"Oh, every chance I could. I loved being outside."
"I really like the outdoors too. I get a certain pleasure from running through the forest, feeling my lungs inflating from the clear mountain air. Sometimes I will just stop and take in the scenery around me, and in that moment I have no worries."
I couldn't imagine what Cade would have to worry about, but I realize that he's human just like anyone else. It reminded me that I don't know that much about him. "I feel like you know so much about me, and yet I hardly know anything about you."
"Okay, what would you like to know?" He asked with amusement.
"Um, do you live with both your parents?"
"Yes."
"What are their names?
"Clayton and Amy."
"Do you have any other siblings besides your twin sister?"
"No, it's just me and Caylee."
"Well, I hope to get to actually meet her some day."
He smiled. "I'll make sure you do."
"What's your favorite thing to do?"
He didn't answer right away; he seemed to think for a moment. "I'm not sure yet. Can I give you the answer to that question later?"
"Sure. I just figured you might say playing football."
"I enjoy it, but it's not my favorite thing to do."
"Oh." I couldn't think of anything else to ask at the moment.
"Will you go on a picnic with me tomorrow? After church!" He asked excitedly.
"Yes, I love picnics."
"Great!" He got up from his swing. "Let's get you home so you can get your rest."
He took my hand and walked me back to his car.
When we arrived at my house a few minutes later, he walked me to my front door. "I had a good time tonight Jami."
"Me too." I still wanted to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
"Good. I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Goodnight."
He smiled and waited until I was inside before he left my front porch. I closed the door, and leaned against it for a moment. I felt so giddy, and I needed to steady myself.
ns 15.158.61.46da2
