Page 13 of Love On Time

The night is fizzling out, probably because it's still a school night. Some kids have started coupling off in dark corners. I check the time, it’s 10:30 PM—definitely time to go. I say goodbye to a few of the guys, warning them to get home soon.

I stop at In-N-Out on the way home, downing a burger and fries in the quiet of my car. Feeling exhaustion settle through my bones, I get out of the hot shower, crawl into bed, and reach over to my nightstand, turning off my lamp. I’m surrounded by darkness, feeling tired but also nervous for tomorrow. I’m about to close my eyes, trying to shake off the apprehension, when a faint sliver of light peeks through the cracks of my window blinds. It’s so subtle I almost miss it. My curiosity piqued, I roll out of bed and walk to the glass, carefully lifting one of the slats. Directly across the narrow gap between our houses, Cami’s bedroom light has just turned on. The houses in this development are built incredibly close together. Right under her window is a small ledge, wide enough to walk on, and close enough that I could easily reach out and step onto it from my own frame.

I’m about to close my blinds when her window slides open. I watch, breathless, as Cami crawls right out onto the ledge. Is she sneaking out? My heart pounds in fear for her safety. Then she does something that surprises me: she takes a small, careful step up onto the slanted roof, where she sits down and pops in a pair of earbuds.

I take all of two seconds to decide what to do. I pull my hoodie over my head, throw on a pair of sweatpants, and crawl out my window. I carefully walk over to her, trying not to spook her, the last thing we need is for one of us to fall. I squat down next to her, getting comfortable when her head snaps in my direction. Her eyes go wide, and she yanks her earbuds out, her hand flying to her chest. “Drew! You scared me.”

I chuckle, “I’m sorry. But what are you doing up here?”

“I sit up here almost every night,” she whispers, taking a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup out of her pocket. “Want one?” She says, handing one over to me.

“Thank you.” I smile, ripping open the wrapper. “I didn't know that. Why do you come out here?”

“No one’s supposed to know.” She smiles just as a gentle autumn breeze pushes a stray strand of brown hair behind her shoulder. I get a whiff of her strawberry shampoo. Something about it sends a thrill down my spine. “Mainly to clear my mind. I like to look at the moon and the stars. It’s peaceful.”

I follow her gaze to the sky, taking it in. “You're right, it is peaceful.”

We sit in a comfortable silence, the distant chirps of the crickets echoing from down below. It’s nice to sit with someone and not feel like I have to put on an act. With Cami, I feel like I can just be myself.

“Did you have a nice Halloween?” I ask, interrupting the calm.

She shrugs, “It was alright. Just passed out candy.”

“Did you want to do something else?”

She lets out a small sigh. “No.”

That was the most unconvincing answer I've ever heard. This girl is such a mystery with her few words, but I find I’m quite captivated every time she chooses to share them with me.

“So what are you listening to?” I smile, reaching out to carefully snag an earbud before she has a chance to change it.

“She Will Be Loved” By Maroon 5. My heart does a little flip in my chest. I look over at her; her cheeks turn pink as she nervously looks away. We sit for a moment, just listening. The longer the song plays, the more I feel something heavy and permanent shifting in my chest. I wonder if she feels it, too. We let the playlist transition, listening to a few more songs in the peaceful stillness of the night.

“You have really good taste in music,” I say quietly.

“Thank you.” She gives me a small smile, finally meeting my eyes. Without her glasses on, and with the moon casting a silver glow across her face, I notice a cluster of tiny freckles dusting the bridge of her nose. She’s absolutely breathtaking, even though she spends every day trying to hide it.

“It’s getting late, can I help you get back to your room?” I say, carefully standing up, reaching my hand out to her.

She nervously stares at my palm for a second before wrapping her fingers gently around mine. A small shock runs through my hand at the contact. This is the first time I’ve ever touched her, and a part of me wants to do it again. I guide her steadily until she safely climbs back through her window.

“Goodnight, Cami,” I whisper, my eyes dropping to her lips for a fraction of a second before I force myself to look away.

“Goodnight, Drew.”

It’s Friday, game day. The school day flew by with anticipated nerves. A few guys on the team are all meeting at Cooper’s house before the game for pizza. He’s a nervous wreck waiting to find out if he made Homecoming King. The principal always announces the results on the football field before kick-off.

“Ready for tonight?” Mom asks as I come down the stairs to the kitchen.

“Yeah.” I let out a heavy sigh. “I think so.”

“I’m glad I get to make it to your last game. I'm going to sit with Danielle and Ian.”

I’m so glad my mom has the Bensons as friends, it's nice to see her out enjoying herself and not working overtime at the hospital. I hate that she has to work so much just to pay the bills. I’ve offered to get a job, but she always tells me no and says I should let her be the adult. But after my dad walked out, she’s been struggling financially, and I want nothing more than to help her. That's why making it to pro is so important to me, I want to take care of her.

“I’m happy you get to come too,” I say, kissing her on the cheek. “I’ll see you there.”

I meet Cooper in his kitchen, where he is waiting for everyone to show up.