29 April 2012

Chapter 3: Full of Surprises (Part 4)

Lily

As we walked back to my house to get lunch, I clung to his arm and leaned against his chest. “Mmm, cheese sandwiches.” I grinned up at him.

“With cherry tomatoes.”

It wasn't even funny but I found myself giggling, “and Branston sauce”

“Or piccalilli”

I giggled and a careless hand ran its way across his chest, “and pickled onions.”

Jace shook his head. “I don't know what has gotten into you. Maybe I should stay away more often?”

“No.” I gasped in horror and then pouted.

We passed his old house and pushed open my little white gate. The door was unlocked so we let ourselves in. Sure enough laid out on the dining table were the jars of pickles and spread and a cheese board. We both loved ‘Saturday Sarnies’ and it seemed like forever since we had shared one together.

As I sat at the table, I didn't feel that hungry. My stomach felt all over the place, yet I had this stupid goofy grin across my face. I tried to force a sandwich down but I wasn’t interested in eating. I found myself picking at little chunks of cheese and popping cherry tomatoes in my mouth to feel them burst and explode.

The time came too quickly for Jace to go. “Can't you stay?” I begged.

“I promised Brian I’d go round his to practice today. He has a really big garden.” Jace beamed.

“You never were that into football?” I complained.

“Things change.” He said with a shrug, and then gave me a hug goodbye. He had no idea how true that statement was.

As he hugged me I had an urge to kiss his cheek. The impulse made my heart race. It was such a simple act but the rush it gave me was almost scary. My lips tingled where they had brushed his skin. I was terrified of how he might react. My body was in turmoil with my mind. I wanted to run but I didn't want to let him go. It was all too much. I felt dizzy. Then I felt his lips gently brush against my cheek, reciprocating my kiss. It was the most amazing thing ever. I felt accepted. I wondered if he could feel the way he made my heart race and if that simple act had affected him the same way.

“I'll see you again soon.” Jace promised as he went out the door.

“He was definitely what you needed.” chirped my mum behind me. “I haven't seen you that happy in ages.”

I watched as the front door was slowly closed behind them. I turned around and threw myself into my mum's cosy cuddliness. My mum was the opposite of Denny. She was short, round and plump and wore strange hippie like clothing that hung off her and made her look even bigger. One thing my mum was better than anyone else at, was cuddles – except maybe Jace. I felt the tears running down my face.

“Whatever is the matter?” my mum cooed in my ear.

“I don't feel well.” I grumbled between sobs.

She put a hand to my head. “You don't have a temperature. What sort of not well do you feel?”

“I have a funny tummy and I feel dizzy.”

My mum instantly looked worried as she guided me up the stairs to bed. She pulled back the covers and tucked me in. Then she wrapped the top sheet around me and kissed my forehead. She pulled me in a tight cuddle and muttered, “Wrap her in cotton, bind her with love. Protection from pain, surrounds like a glove.” she has always said this when she tucks me in and I am poorly. She stood up and drew the curtains, “May the brightest of blessing, surround her this night. For you are cared for, healing thoughts sent in flight.” She walked towards the door. “I will make you a lemon peel tea. That’s always good to stop dizziness.”

I rolled over and stared at the wall as I gripped my tummy. It felt empty but I didn't want to eat. Shutting my eyes, all I could see was Jace grinning at me with his sparkling eyes talking about Kiara. I imagined he was talking about me and I pictured us kissing. Not on the cheek, but on the lips. I imagined his lips would be gentle and warm. My lips would tingle, just as they had when they had touched his cheek. The thought made me feel warm and comforted. I felt better as I drifted off into my blissful world.

My thoughts were interrupted by my bedroom door opening. I opened my eyes and saw my mum standing there. She looked concerned and was holding the promised cup of lemon peel tea. A twinge of guilt hit me as I remembered I wasn't actually ill, but I accepted her offering. It was easier to pretend than explain. “Try and sleep, you will feel better soon.”

I sipped my tea and nodded.

redfaeDrift 3.4: Full of Surprises • Opuss № I