The Special Girl Page 13

  He grabs me and pulls me into a tight hug. He holds me like that until I stop sobbing. He wipes the tears away with his thumbs. He holds my face and looks me straight in the eyes, “Maura you are the most special person I have ever known. I wish I were half as special as you. Anyone that says anything else feels inferior to you and can’t handle it.” I am frozen staring into his beautiful face trying to fight the overwhelming urge to kiss him, until I give in. I kiss him like my life depends on it. I ferociously assault his mouth sucking his last breath from him. He pulls me on top of him and returns the kiss just as passionately. We are breathless and panting when the door opens, and a tall guitar-carrying chuckling guy is standing just inside the room. Jason is back.

  Chapter 21

  Zack

  Maura and I break our kiss as Jason stands there chuckling in the doorway. “Sorry! I am just dropping off my stuff and then I’m leaving. I’m meeting Miranda and Addison for a late dinner. Don’t suppose you two are hungry?” he asks with a snort. “No man we’re good,” I say wishing he would leave. He reaches over me to Maura who is still perched on my lap and offers his hand. “By the way, I’m Jason. I don’t think we were ever introduced,” he says smiling. She shakes his hand awkwardly. “Hey, I’m Maura,” she says shyly. He drops his guitar and a bag on his bed and then turns to leave. He says, “Don’t you kids do anything I wouldn’t do” as he closes the door laughing.

  “Sorry about that!” I say. She giggles, “This reminds me of when I met your dad. I think we were in the same position.” “I think you are right!” I say smiling. I brush her hair away and look deep into her eyes again. She returns the gaze. “What do we do now?” I ask. She smiles sweetly. “I don’t know, honestly,” she says. “How about we keep doing this though. I like doing this,” she says and kisses me again. We keep kissing for what seems like an hour. It doesn’t go any further, but this time together feels so much more intimate than any sex I’ve ever had.

  Later, I walk her back to her dorm and she gives me a soft peck on my cheek before she disappears into her building. I stand there for a bit consumed by the events of this day. I feel such elation. She never wanted to rid herself of me after all. She thought I had hurt her. Everything seems so foolish now. We wasted time with the wrong people because of miscommunication. I should have listened to Liam all those months ago. I don’t care about any of that now. I feel so much for that girl. I will do anything not to screw things up with her again.

  We keep in regular contact with each other after that night. We either meet up alone at the library, coffee shop, dining hall or at an outside location but never the coffee kiosk where I used to meet Izzy and where Maura broke her ankle. We spend most of our time together talking and sometimes we share a kiss. We are getting to know each other better than ever. The more I get to know Maura, the more I fall for her. If I’m being completely honest, I have been in love with her since that last semester in high school.

  Kylie accompanies Maura to the hospital in town to have her cast removed that Friday afternoon. Later we arrange to meet at the fountain, our favorite meeting place on campus. I am overjoyed to see her walking on her own, with a slight limp but without her pesky crutches. She smiles wide as she reaches me. I pick her up and spin her around. We both laugh. “I am so happy to be able to walk on my own two feet again!” she booms as I carefully put her back on her feet. I’m so happy for you Maura,” I say smiling. We decide to walk to a pizza place just off campus. As we walk, we hold hands.

  Over pizza, we discuss the upcoming Spring break. Maura has promised Kylie she would go to Hilton Head, South Carolina with her. I just planned to go home for the week. She is conflicted about going with Kylie. She expresses her regret at being away from me for a week, but she also is looking forward to going to the beach, especially now that her cast is gone. I think it is a good idea. She has had a lot of negativity these past few months. She could use some relaxation with her best friend. Her and Kylie have become very close. I’m glad Maura has found such a good friend, especially since her high school friends were so horrible to her. I am not excited however at the thought of her lying on a beach in her bikini without me. I remember how good she looks in a bikini.

  Two days before spring break, Maura and I walk to the small memorial park we found near campus and like to frequent. There are several benches located around a reflecting pond and granite stone memorial dedicated to the men and women that lost their lives on 9/11. There is also a large, mangled piece of steel that sits next to the pond. It has a plaque erected next to it that reads: This steel beam was recovered from the ruins of Ground Zero New York City and donated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in remembrance of the lives lost at that site on September 11, 2001. Maura and I sat on one of the benches that beautiful, sunny afternoon.

  As we are talking, a striking deep blue butterfly flutters around us. Maura admires the beautiful butterfly and says excitedly, “That’s an Eastern tailed blue butterfly!” I laugh, “How do you know that?” “My mom and I used to look up butterflies when I was a kid. If we would see one, we would look them up to see what kind they were. I love butterflies! We always have lots of them in the summer at my house. My mom plants butterfly bushes to attract them,” she explains. I kiss the back of her head. I love when she is excited about something.

  After the butterfly flies away, we talk about the logistics of our next week. She explains that Kylie had originally invited Maddie and Izzy as well. Izzy is barely speaking to any of them, so she is not going with them to the beach, but Maddie will join them. I tell her my dad is picking me up from the train station and I have plans to hang out with Max, Benny and Aidan this week. I also plan to make some money working while I am home.

  After our plans are detailed, Maura asked apprehensively, “What about us?” I search her face for her meaning of asking that question. “What are we Zack? I need to know that you aren’t going to go home and screw around with any waitresses or tattoo shop girls,” she says anxiously. I could tell she is getting worried at bringing this up. Does she really think I could ever look at another girl while I am with her? Was I with her? She is right, we need to agree and label our relationship accordingly.

  “Maura, I don’t want to be with anyone else but you. I want you to feel the same way about me, but I will wait if you need more time. I can’t even stomach the thought of you with anyone else,” I confess. She smiles and says, “I only want to be with you too. I have been going nuts thinking about you with those girls!” she laughs. I grab her and pull her tight to my chest. “No one else, only you,” I say as I place a single kiss on her nose. “Are you sure you are ready for a commitment with me? I don’t want to rush you. I want to take it slow because you mean the world to me baby,” I whisper. She pulls back and looks me straight in the eyes, “I have never been more sure of anything else.” And then her lips find mine. We kiss tenderly and slowly as we hold each other for a bit more.

  Spring break comes and Maura, Kylie and Maddie fly to Hilton Head to spend the week at Kylie’s family vacation home. As I sit on the train on my way back home, I ponder the conversation we had in the park. I can’t believe she was worried about me looking elsewhere. I can’t imagine ever being with anyone else but Maura for the rest of my life. I am sure of my feelings for her. I love her more than anyone or anything in my life. She is more than I could have ever expected someone like me could have. She is so special, and I don’t think she even understands how special she really is.

  This week will confirm a lot for us. I want her to miss me this week. I know I will miss her badly, but I hope she thinks about me often and is desperate to return to me at the end of the week. If she is, we can make a go at this relationship. I will do anything for her, and I will prove that to her anyway I can. She will never doubt my love for her for the rest of her life.

  My dad is waiting as my train arrives. He gives me a hug and a huge smile. “A crazy thing happened while you were away,” he beams at me. “Oh yeah,
what?” I ask. “I missed you kid, that’s what! Now give me one of those bags!” he laughs, and we head to his truck. When we arrive at home, I notice immediately that dad and Dana have made a lot of changes to the house I once occupied mostly alone. They have repainted and bought lots of new furniture. They are even building a new front entrance complete with a big porch. It actually looks great!

  Dana comes scurrying from the kitchen drying her hands on a dish towel. She gives me a huge smile and moves in for a hug. “I’m so happy to have you home! Even if it is for only one week,” she says. “I am making a big spread for you and we invited your friends for dinner too!” she adds as she returns to the kitchen. I look at my dad, “Really?” I ask. He nods his head while chuckling, “Yeah, Max got a hold of Benny and Aidan for me and they agreed to come over tonight. Dana is making food and I might have stocked a certain fridge in the basement with Bud cans,” he winks. “So, if you’re going to take that bike of yours out for a spin, do it before the beers!” he demands. “Absolutely! I actually could use a ride,” I say excitedly. “Well go ahead, you have a couple hours,” he reassures me. I practically run to the garage.

  Riding my bike has always been liberating, one of my favorite things to do. I love the feel of no boundaries and the wind surrounding me as my body leans in and leads the way. It feel amazing riding through the neighborhood I grew up in. I only left here a few months ago, but I have changed so much since then. My grades are stellar, my classes are interesting, my new friends are cool, and I have reunited with the best girl I have ever known. My mom and dad are both happy and have found good partners that love them and treat me well. And I am going to see my boys again tonight, my life is good!

  Chapter 22

  Maura

  Kylie, Maddie and I are having a blast in Hilton Head. Every day we lie on the beach all day and swim in the ocean, then we go back to her beach house, eat a snack, get showered and go explore the island. We usually just dine at a local restaurant. The fresh seafood is amazing, and Kylie knows just where to get it. After dinner we usually peruse the little shops and boutiques along the marinas. I am so glad I decided to come. Zack was right, I deserved this break form the last few months of my life. It is a great trip.

  One afternoon we are sitting on the beach talking about school. Maddie asks if I’ve been seeing Zack. I am hesitant to how she will take the truth. Her and Izzy are good friends and roommates after all, and I know Izzy is angry with me and Zack. Kylie looks at me with question in her gaze. She probably would like an update also. I decide to bite the bullet and be truthful. “Yes. In fact, just before this trip, we agreed to an exclusive relationship,” I divulge and then rest back on my elbows and wait for their reactions. Kylie and Maddie both widen their eyes in surprise.

  “Wow Maura, that’s great!” Kylie smiles exuberantly. “Yeah I’m happy for you both,” Maddie says with a genuine smile. “I thought you may be annoyed with me because of Izzy,” I say to Maddie. Maddie nods. “I can certainly understand why you may have thought that. But honestly Izzy was never really serious about Zack. She initially just wanted to experience a bad boy fling but after she got to know him, she really did like him,” she explains. I winced at this revelation. “But you know how superficial Izzy is. She wants to appease the sorority, fraternity, ‘in’ crowd mentality. Zack doesn’t fit into that mold. He is different,” Maddie says. “In a sexy, mysterious, brooding kind of way!” Kylie adds punching my arm and laughing. “Yeah but he was too much for her and she knew it. She is not capable of handling a guy like Zack. She is way too shallow. She needs to be accepted by the sorority clan. So, she kept him away from her real life and left him in the background. When she realized you had a connection to him, then she wanted to pull him closer suddenly. She’s an asshole and I know that she is jealous of you Maura!” Maddie admits. “I like rooming with her. She is clean, quiet and we wear the same size,” she giggles. “But I don’t agree with all she does, and I can be friends with you guys too. Only I decide who my friends are,” she insists.

  “Maura, are you going to bring Zack to any sorority functions?” Kylie inquires. I answer without hesitation, “If he wants to come as my guest, I would be proud to bring him.” They both smile at that answer and we start to discuss the blooming relationship between Kylie and Blake. She tells us about a couple dates they have been on and how they are planning to meet on Saturday night, as we return that afternoon from our trip. Zack isn’t planning on returning until Sunday, so I will have to wait to see him.

  The rest of our trip is more of the same. We get a lot of attention everywhere we go. Hilton Head attracts a good bit of hot guys this time of year. I don’t return any of their flirty behavior nor do I reward any of them with my phone number as asked. I can only think of Zack. I can’t wait to see him Sunday and be wrapped in his arms. I have been thinking a lot about us lately. I am excited to reunite with him and begin this next chapter in our lives together. The many texts and a few calls we have shared since we went our separate ways this week, have not been enough to quell this desire to be with him always. I am craving him, and I now know that I do not want to be separated from him anymore. I want to live my life with him as my partner. If that effects my place in the sorority than I will quit. None of that stuff matters anymore, only Zack.

  Zack

  My friends are crazy! I forgot how nuts they can be, especially Max. We have a great week together. I work a few days for my dad with Max. He has gained the respect of the more experienced workers and he takes his job seriously. Don’t get me wrong, he is still Max, telling hilarious dirty jokes, making crude comments towards the other guys and whistling at any chick that passes. But he also knows his shit. He has proven his worth with the crew. I’m glad he has settled into somewhere he belongs. He also is renting one of the apartments above the tattoo shop with Benny. They have a cool place there and I know it has to be better for Max than living with his terrible parents.

  One day after work I head over to see their place, I stop in the tattoo shop on the ground floor first to see Benny at work. When I enter the shop, Mick is sitting in one of the waiting room chairs with a scantily clad Rachel on his lap nuzzling his neck. I guess I surprise them, as they both bolt out of the chair when I enter. Mick says, “Hey Zack, looking for Benny?” “Yeah is he in his room?” I ask referring to the room he works in at the shop. “Yeah man, go back,” he says. I glance over at Rachel, who by now has composed herself and has taken her seat at her desk. She winks at me and gives a small smile. I ignore her and retreat to the back in search of Benny. I find Benny in his usual space, tattooing a woman’s bare ass cheek. “Ah should I come back later?” I ask embarrassed. The woman lifts her head and says in a raspy voice, “Come on in baby. It’s cool.” Benny looks up at me and chuckles.

  Benny introduces me to Tina. We talk for a few minutes before I decide to head upstairs to see Max. Benny says he will join us after he is done with Tina. I make my way to the back of the shop and up the interior stairs that lead to the two apartments above the shop at Benny’s direction. I get to the top of the stairs and knock on the door labeled #2. Max opens the door with a loud greeting as is his style. The door to the other apartment opens and a visibly pregnant Piper stands in the doorway. She looks tired and maybe a little timid. She has lost her edge. She looks at me as if startled to see me, smiles sadly and starts to sob. I move quickly towards her and hold her in my arms. She hugs me tight. We stand like that for a while. She breaks away finally and apologizes. “It’s good to see you Zack. I have missed you,” she says.

  Max invites her to come inside his apartment with us. She closed her door and follows us inside. The apartment is unexpectantly nice. It is spacious and has matching furniture. We all take a seat in the living room around the coffee table. I ask Piper about her pregnancy and what her plans are for her and the baby. I say, “You aren’t staying here with Mick, are you?” She looks at me and sobs, “I don’t think he really wants me anymore, nor is he interested in
a baby. I didn’t mean for this to happen Zack.” “But she has a plan, right Piper?” Max encourages. “Yeah, I am almost done school, two more months. Then I will get a job and live on my own with the baby,” she explains. “I just need to stay here until I finish school.”

  My heart is breaking for my friend. She got herself in a lot of shit! I just hope she can dig herself out of it. “I’ll be alright guys,” she says hopefully. “Are you doing good Zack?” she asks. “Yeah, I’m good,” I answer. “I knew you would be,” she smiles. “It was good to see you Zack. Thank you! I’ll see you Max,” she says as she leaves the apartment. As soon as the door closes, I look at Max, “How come no one told me about this?” I ask irritated. “And what would you do? She made her mess, she has to fix it,” he says. I shake my head as I think about everything I just learned. “She’s fixing it,” he adds. “I walked in on Mick fucking around with that skank, Rachel downstairs not a half hour ago and Piper is up here knocked up with that asshole’s baby!” I say infuriated. “Yeah I know. When Piper is at school, he brings clients up here to do God knows what with too,” Max says handing me a beer. “Drink up man! Not our problem,” he says as he clanks his beer against mine.