The Songs in Our Hearts: A Young Adult Romance(13)

MICAH: Geesh!



MICAH: U really had me worried.



CHARLIE: I’ll be Elizabeth with a condition.





I held my breath as I started to text him my stipulation. I wanted to make sure we had clear boundaries. I didn’t want any more rumors or drama. Mostly, I didn’t want to give Samantha any more ammunition to work with. She might have already told everyone I had a crush on him, but I didn’t want her to fabricate more. I knew if she could start a rumor about my feelings, she could easily manipulate the story into us kissing, dating…and having sex.





MICAH: Condition? We’re negotiating now?



CHARLIE: Do you want an Elizabeth or not?



MICAH: Fine, what do u want?



CHARLIE: There will be absolutely no kissing in our screenplay.



CHARLIE: I know the importance Elizabeth plays in Victor’s story and while I’m all about keeping true to Shelley’s vision, I’m also trying to look out for myself.



MICAH: Right…uh…



CHARLIE: I’m willing to dedicate as much time as needed on this project to get a good grade, but I’m not going to do something that I’m not comfortable with.



MICAH: Right…makes sense.



CHARLIE: That’s the only thing.



MICAH: So u don’t want to kiss me.



CHARLIE: I don’t want to kiss anyone for academic purposes.



MICAH: What if it’s not for academic purposes?



MICAH: Have u ever been kissed b4?





I probably should have seen that question coming. Almost everyone at some point in their adolescent life has found themselves faced with the oh-so-embarrassing and yet not so important question of, “Have you ever been kissed before?” From what I understand, once you’ve hit the age of eighteen, no one really cares whether or not you’ve kissed someone. Getting a car, buying cigarettes, and the impending drinking age of twenty-one takes precedence. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be kissed or that I hadn’t ever thought about it before, because I certainly had. The opportunity had just never presented itself with the right person.





MICAH: Charlie?



CHARLIE: Does it really matter? That’s as-needed information.



MICAH: I’d say it’s needed.



CHARLIE: My experience with kissing has nothing to do with our English project.



MICAH: But can’t I know as a friend?



CHARLIE: We’re friends?



MICAH: Aren’t we? Wouldn’t u consider us that?



CHARLIE: …I guess we could be?



MICAH: It’s pretty obvious u’ve never been kissed.



MICAH: It’s ok, Charlie.



MICAH: I won’t tell anyone ;)



CHARLIE: I’m going to read a few more pages of Frankenstein and go to bed.



MICAH: Suit urself.



MICAH: Right when the convo was gettin good.



CHARLIE: Goodnight, Micah.



MICAH: C u on the bus!





I decided to say nothing to Micah about riding the bus. Josh hadn’t necessarily agreed, yet, but I still hoped he’d show some compassion and take me to school in his Jeep. I plugged my phone onto the charger and pulled the blanket over my head as I grabbed the half-read novel and continued the journey with Victor and his demented manmade monster. I had nightmares that night.





THE NEXT MORNING, WHILE I was looking for something to eat, Josh stopped in the doorway of the kitchen, lifting his hand to show his keys.

“Still want that lift to school?” His eyebrows rose as I stared at him. Was Josh serious? He jingled the set of keys again with a smirk. I suddenly wanted to kiss him on the cheek, but that would be weird. Like, gross weird.

“I take your silence as a yes?” Josh inquired again, gesturing to the front door behind him. “If you want me to drive you to school, I’m heading out now. I still have to pick up David, J and Ben.”

I nodded quickly, “Yeah! Yes. I’m coming!”

“Good.” Josh started toward the door. I snatched the small bag of pretzels quickly, deciding to eat them later in the Jeep. Grabbing my backpack, I swung the strap over my shoulder and raced after him. This was great. I wouldn’t have to face Micah first thing in the morning. I could hang out with Josh and his friends, then slide right into class. Josh and I walked out to the driveway, where the Jeep was waiting. He got in first, not bothering to unlock the passenger door. Grinning like a jerk, he took his time adjusting himself in his seat. Only after I tugged on the door latch a few times, did he flick the button to unlock it for me.

“Nice,” I grumbled sarcastically as I climbed in. I loved the Jeep. There had been a few times when I’d asked Josh to teach me how to drive it, but he always gave me the did-you-really-just-ask-me-that? expression. He’d roll his eyes and mumble a “yeah right” as he walked away. I understood, after asking him a few times, all of my driving lessons would have to happen in one of my parents’ vehicles.