Chapter Four: Definitely A Date

I stepped out of the shower and towel tried my hair. Tonight was the night that I was going to go see the new Johnny Depp movie with Rosamund. I had gone the weekend before to see it with Star and we had a great time. The movie was awesome so I didn’t mind going more than once.

 

 

As I headed downstairs I thought about what tonight was going to be like. Star swore up and down that Rosamund was interested in me and, although I kind of had an idea she was, I wasn’t really sure how interested. I figured being alone with her outside of school was going to give me a pretty good idea.  I thought going out with her might also give me a better idea of who she really was when no one else was around.

I popped my head into the family room to tell Mom and Dad that I was leaving.

 

 

“Later guys. Don’t want to be late so I better get going.”

“So is this an actual date?”  Mom asked excitedly.

 

 

“I don’t know Mom, could be.”

 

 

“Stop it Amanda, you’re making him blush.” Dad scolded Mom.

 

 

Blushing?! Me?! I never blushed and yet the second Dad mentioned it I realized that I was blushing. I pulled myself together and made my escape. “See you all later. I’ll be home by curfew.”

 

 

I turned to walk out the front door and walked to the car. I was picking up Rosamund at her house and then we were going to the movies. I figured if everything went well we’d grab something to eat afterwards too.

 

 

Her house was on the other side of town on a hillside that overlooked the town.  There were several houses up there that were really nice. I sometimes wondered why Dad and Mom didn’t build our ranch up there but I figured it  had to do with the land and probably the fact that Star and Kate’s mom lived in our area of town. 

 

 

As I pulled up to her house I realized that Rosamund’s house fit her physical appearance, very polished and refined.

 

 

I walked up the stairs to the front door and rang the bell. I was soon greeted by what appeared to be a butler. “Good evening sir. Please come in.” I obliged him and entered the house.

 

 

 

The foyer was adorned with one of the biggest chandeliers I had ever seen.  “If you’ll follow me sir, I’ll take you to the sitting room where you can wait for Ms. Rosamund.”I followed him towards a door that led to a room that was slightly smaller than our family room but was most definitely decorated in a completely different style. Whereas our whole house was decorated in a ranch, rustic theme Rosamund’s house was decorated like a palace; very traditional and opulent.

 

The butler motioned for me to sit down. “I’ll let Ms. Rosamund know that you’re here, sir.” He turned around and walked out of the room.

 

 

I sat down in one of the chairs and continued to look around. I had no idea what Rosamund’s parents did but it must have been something that paid well. Just then I heard noises coming from the hallway, I expected to see Rosamund come through the door; instead it was a man and woman.

 

 

“You must be Jefferson. I’m Rosamund’s dad Robert.” He stuck his hand out for me to shake it. I complied and responded.

 

 

“Nice to meet you sir.”

 

 

“This is my wife, Rosamund’s mom Regina.”

“Nice to meet you Jefferson.” She said offering me her hand.

 

“You too ma’am.”

“Rosamund has told us quite a bit about you, although we did know a little about your family before she told us about you. I’m sure you run into that quite a bit considering who your parents are.” Mrs. Carter stated. It was true that there weren’t many people in town that didn’t know who my family was. To me, that was normal. It was when we’d go somewhere else and people would recognize my Mom that I found it weird.

 

 

“It happens.  I’ve gotten used to it more recently. Most of my elementary and middle school years I had no idea that Mom had been a movie composer.  It was only when she composed her last music score that I learned what she had done before I was born.”

 

 

“Rosamund tells us that you have been student body president for three years now and are probably going to this year too. Do you have any political ambitions when you get older?” Mr. Carter asked.

 

 

“That’s nice of her to say but the election is several weeks off. I do have political aspirations in the future. I plan to study political science in college and then I hope to one day be mayor of Appaloosa Plains.”

 

 

“Wow. That’s an impressive goal young man. Do you think you’ll stop at mayor or try to go further, like governor?”

 

 

I had never really thought about governor before. “I don’t believe in limiting one’s self so if the opportunity came, I’d probably take it.”

 

 

“Well, if you ever need someone to help you with fundraising or support, I’d be glad to help you. I work in the District Attorney’s office and now some high ups.” That explains the house and money.

 

 

“Thank you sir, I appreciate it.” I didn’t know how Rosamund’s and my night out was going to go, but so far the lead up was going great.

 

 

We all looked at the door as we heard heals clicking on the foyer's marble floor and Rosamund entered. She looked perfect, like she always did. I stood there thinking about how much time she must have spent on her hair and makeup.

 

 

“Hi Jefferson, I see you met Momma and Daddy. I hope Daddy wasn’t talking too  much politics with you.” She gave her dad a warning look.

 

 

“Now darlin’ you know I wouldn’t do that.” He told her.

 

 

“He was just telling me where he worked before you walked in.” I told her.

“Well that’s good. Once Daddy starts talking politics there’s no stopping him. We should get going Jefferson so we aren’t late for the movie.” We all walked back to the front door and Rosamund told her parents goodbye.

 

 

“Have fun you too. Don’t stay out too late.” Her mother told us.

We walked down the steps and as we neared the car I walked a little ahead of her so I could open her door. As she got in she smiled at and then thanked me. 

 

 

I got in and started the car. There was no denying it now; this was definitely a date.

Rosamund

As I got ready for my date with Jefferson I couldn’t help but congratulate myself. I had done what many girls had tried to do but failed; I was going to go on a date with him. I couldn’t tell you how many girls had flirted with him and, even though he was always polite, he wouldn’t accept their flirting or flattery. I had watched him for a while and noticed what he did and didn’t like so that way when I approached him, I would know what to do.

 

 

He didn’t’ seem to mind compliments as long as it was for something specific. It couldn’t be some random compliment or he knew someone was just blowing smoke up his rear. He didn’t like girls who were too clingy but from the few girlfriends I had seen him have, he wasn’t opposed to pda as long as it was conducted properly (handholding, smooch on the cheek).  He was most certainly not attracted to girls who showed a lot of emotion. This was interesting because even though Star wasn’t a ball full emotions, she was definitely more emotional than the girls he had dated.  

 

 

When I had approached him and his friends weeks before I had a game plan and knew exactly what I need to do to get him interested. It was Star who was the problem. She was always with him, always there to judge others and to guide Jefferson. He seemed to usually listen to her advice and that was going to be a challenge for me since I knew she didn’t like me. I was going to have to get more information about their relationship before I knew how to tackle that situation.

 

 

I looked at myself in the mirror one last time to make sure I looked perfect. There was no way Jefferson Hobble was going to fall for a girl who was sloppy looking. I headed downstairs and heard my parents talking to Jefferson in the sitting room.  As I got to the door I hear my dad talking about working in the District Attorney’s office. I rolled my eyes, poor Jefferson was having to endure Daddy’s talk about work.

 

 

I walked into the room and saw Jefferson standing there with Momma and Daddy. He was amazing looking. Both of Jeff’s older siblings were good looking but I had always thought Jeff was the best looking out of all of them. He had the Hobble blue eyes that somehow all four kids had gotten and the brown hair that all males in his family had, but there was something about his features that was different than his older brother and sister.

 

 

We walked out of the house and I listened to Mamma call after us to have a good time and to not stay out late. I hopped that Jefferson wasn’t too repulsed by my parents. I smiled as he walked past me to open my car door. Always the gentlemen no matter where he was.

I decided to keep the conversation light while we drove to theater and talked about the movie we were about to see.

 

 

“I’m so excited to finally see this movie! I saw the trailer for while watching another movie so it feels like I’ve waited forever to see it.”

“They have been talking about it coming out for a while now.” Jefferson admitted.

“It must be pretty good too since it’s been number one for several weeks now.”

“Yeah, that’s when you know a movie is good these days; when it’s number one for several weeks.”

We arrived at the theater and after getting drinks and finding seats, we started talking.

 

 

“I hope Mamma and Daddy didn’t bore you while you waited for me.”

 

 

“Not at all; I was very interested in hearing about what your dad did.”

 

 

“Oh, well that’s a relief. I guess since I hear about it all the time I figure that it would be boring to most people.” It probably was but Jefferson was not like other people.

 

 

“You have a really beautiful home.” He told me.

 

 

“Thank you. I suppose we’ve been fortunate. Daddy makes a good living doing what he does and Mamma comes from what some would call old money. I haven’t seen the inside of your house but from the outside it looks gorgeous.” I very much hoped that I would get a look inside it one day.

 

“Thanks. It’s decorated completely different than yours, with it being a horse ranch and all.”

 

“Really, I figured it wouldn’t be decorated like that with your mom’s influence.”

 

 

“She very much embraced the country way of life after she moved here from the city so I guess that’s why it’s decorated like that.” I was shocked. I had just assumed that everyone that had money had similarly decorated houses.

 

“So how are you doing in English right now?” I asked trying to change the subject.

“I’m doing pretty good. I’m hoping to raise my grade a little after the presentations next week.”

“You never seem nervous during those.” I complimented him.

 

 

“For the most part, I’m not.”

 

 

“Do you have a secret or are you just one of those people that doesn’t mind speaking in front of people.”

“It might be a little bit of both. I usually don’t mind speaking in front of people but the times I do, I have a little secret.”

 

“I don’t suppose you’d tell me?”

 

 

He laughed. “If it’s something I’m not comfortable talking about, whether it’s because it’s something I don’t know much about or I’m just not comfortable with the crowd, I act like I am the most knowledgeable person on whatever it is that I’m talking about. If I can make people believe that, then they’ll believe anything I say.”  

I had never thought of doing that in all the times I had to get up and speak in front of a class. I wondered if it would work. “Do you mind if I try that next week?”

“Be my guest, I don’t own it.” He smiled.

 

 

The movie started and we sat for a while watching it. There was one suspenseful part in the movie where I got a little scared. Without thinking I buried my face into Jefferson’s shoulder and shut out seeing the movie. I was thrilled when he didn’t object. He did suggest that I watch what was going to happen next. I turned my head but wondered how he knew what was going to come next. He almost acted like he had seen the movie before. I did purposely let my head lie on his shoulder a little while longer and congratulated myself on the little victory.

 

 

After the movie ended we headed outside and talked about where to eat but there was something I wanted to know before we went any further.

 

 

“Jefferson, how did you know what was going to happen in the movie?”

 

 

 “I saw it last weekend with Star.” Of course you did .Why wouldn’t you?

 

 

“I guess I should have figured that.” I said flatly

“Is there a problem with that?” Now that you mention it, yes. Star is a problem.

I shrugged. “I know you’re friends so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised but I can’t help but wonder why you would come and see the same movie with me.

 

 

“Because I knew you wanted to see it too. Star and I had talked about seeing together and then later you mentioned it.”

 

 

“So are you and Star dating?” I was tired of beating around the bush. Either they were or they weren’t I needed to know how much competition Star really was.

“No. We are best friends though.” I wasn’t sure if he was telling me the whole story.

“It’s confusing looking from the outside, in. To those of us on the outside you two are always together, always talking so it looks like you two are together.”

“But we’ve always denied it.”

“Oh people deny things all the time. Doesn’t mean it’s true. You both have denied it but your actions almost contradict your words.” He stood there thinking about what I said for a moment.

 “Well, I’m not a big one for lying to people so when I say that Star and I aren’t dating, it’s the truth.

 

 

“Good.” I said a little too happily.

 

 

“Good?”

 “Well. . .I mean. . .Yeah, good.” I figured I might as well let him know I’m interested.

We went to a little outside eatery for dinner and talked while we waited for our food.

 

 

“What are your plans after high school?” He asked me.

 

 

I really didn’t know how to answer him. My plans were to get married and be a housewife. That’s what Mamma had done. I felt slightly nervous about answering him. “I haven’t really made up my mind yet. I know I need to soon but I honestly don’t know what I would be good at.” Seemed like a good enough answer.

“I’m sure there’s plenty of things you’re good at. Wouldn’t you be interested in studying one of them?”

 

 

All of a sudden, I thought of something that I really liked to do but hadn’t thought much about it. “I do like photography. Daddy bought me a camera when I was little and ever since then I’ve always taken pictures. I think I drive Daddy and Mamma crazy sometimes with the number of pictures I take when we go places.”

 

 

“See! You could study photography and become a famous photographer.” I was speechless. I would never have the confidence in myself to think such grand things. But Jefferson, he seemed to always dream big, not just for himself, but for others.

 

 

I decided to ask him what his plans were even though I mostly knew what they were. “I’m guessing you’re going to go into politics. You’d be good at it.” Score another for me! Compliment with a purpose!

 

 

“Yeah, I’m going to study Political Science at school. Then hopefully mayor of Appaloosa Plains sometime.”

“So you want to stay in Appaloosa?”

“I can’t imagine living far away from my family and I love living here. I’ll go away to college and then come back here. What about you?” I honestly had no preference where I lived as long as it was in a beautiful house with beautiful things.

“I might end up doing the same thing.” I wasn’t sure what I was going to do which meant anything was possible.

We finished eating and started walking back to the car. I had wanted to hold his hand during the movie but after I buried my head in his shoulder, I didn’t want to push it. As we walked I wondered how he would react if I attempted to hold his hand. I decided to do a brush test; while we walked I let my hand ever so slightly brush his. He didn’t act offended or creeped out so I decided to try an actual hand hold. I smiled to myself as we held hands walking down the street.

 

 

Soon we were back at the car and he opened my door before getting in himself.  As he drove me home he got very quiet. I sat there trying to figure out if something had upset him or if he was deep in thought.

 

 

He was almost acting nervous which was interesting since I had never seen Jefferson Hobble nervous.  As far as I knew, Jefferson didn’t get nervous.

He pulled into my driveway and after parking the car, came to my side and opened the door for me.

 

 

“Thank you,” I said as sweetly as I could.

We walked up the front stairs of my house and it was there under the lights that I confirmed my suspicions. He was nervous. If you weren’t looking hard, you’d ever notice it. I tried to not let on that I knew.

 

 

“Thank you for taking me to see the movie Jefferson. I had a wonderful time.”

 

 

“I did too. Maybe we can do it again sometime.”

 

 

“I’d like that.” I said trying not to sound too excited.

 

 

He continued to stand there and I wondered what was going to happen next. I knew what I wanted to happen, I wanted him to kiss me. I thought about kissing him but I didn’t know how he would react. This was the one area I hadn’t been able to observe him with other girls. I didn’t know if he liked to make the first move or if he was okay with a girl taking control. Either way, he looked miserable standing there trying to figure it out.

Screw it! I closed the gap between us; he looked down at me and before he could say anything I kissed him. Not a big kiss, just one long enough to let him know I appreciated the evening.

 

 

 

When it was over I looked at him. “Thanks again for a wonderful evening.” I turned around and walked into the house before he could say anything or I could see the look on his face. I supposed I’d know soon enough if I had stepped over a comfort line of his.

*****

 

 





Star

 

 

 

Tonight was the night that Jeff and Rosamund were going to go to the movies together. I had tried several times to warn Jeff about her but he just didn’t want to hear it. I had never seen him like this with a girl before. In the few times he’d had a girlfriend, or was interested in a girl, he always seemed to be receptive to my opinion. Probably because my opinion was usually right. My first impressions of people were usually right on; and my first impression of Rosamund had not been good.

 

 

I was at a loss about what to do. Normally on the weekend I would hang out at Jeff’s house or we would go do something. It was these few times that Jeff wasn’t available that I realized that besides him, I really didn’t have any close friends. There was Peter but he and I never really hung out without Jeff.  I couldn’t think of anything better to do so I sat in my room and read. But even that wasn’t giving me much pleasure.

 

 

I couldn’t get past the fact that Jeff was out with Rosamund. Not only was he out with her but he seemed almost a little excited to be going out with her. I had asked him if this was a date and he blew off the question, which I knew was code for it was a bigger deal than he was letting on. That really bothered me and I didn’t like the fact that it bothered me.

 

 

I had been telling myself for weeks that the reason I was so upset with Jeff for hanging out with her was because I didn’t like her. That was absolutely true; I couldn’t stand her. I knew exactly what she was doing and why she was doing it. She was, for whatever reason, playing a game to get Jeff interested in her and I was guessing, to date her. While watching her, I noticed how intentional and thought out her moves were. She purposely tried to not include me in conversations, thought about her responses before she spoke, and calculated every move she made.

I got tired of sitting on my couch and sat on my bed. I was so frustrated by how much I was bothered by the whole situation. Even if I didn’t like Rosamund and was ticked off that she tried to keep me out of conversations, it still didn’t make explain this feeling I was having. All I wanted to do was go up to Rosamund and tell her to back off and keep her distance from Jeff.  I felt like she was a threat to me. I wanted Jeff to myself and I didn’t want to share him with her.

 

 

You want him all for yourself; my conscience spoke to me. Well, yeah. He’s my best friend and I want to do things with him. Not sit around the house trying to think of things to do.

But you feel threatened by her when you haven’t felt that way before. – Because I don’t like her. She’s up to no good.

Is it really her, or would you feel the same with any girl? I didn’t really want to answer that question because then I might start going down a road that I didn’t want to go down. I closed my eyes and clenched my fists.

 

 

“No! No! No! I refuse to believe it! As long as I try to block it out it won’t happen or be true.” But I knew in my heart that it was already too late. I had feelings for Jeff and this ordeal with Rosamund had brought them to the surface.

I had the uncontrollable urge to call him and tell him; but then I remembered where he was. He was out with her. I started begging and praying that their date or whatever it was went horrible. I needed to believe that it was going badly.

I beat myself up about not realizing sooner what my feelings were. If I had, this whole situation could have probably been avoided. If only I had been able to tell him before now he wouldn’t be out with her. He would be safe from her.

 

 

I was pacing in my room now and was going crazy. I had to get out of there before I went completely insane. I opened my door and went downstairs.

 

 

“Mom, I’m going to go into town to the book store.” Maybe getting out and doing something would make me feel better.

“Okay, don’t be gone too long though.” She said from the family room.

 

 

I called a cab and waited for it outside. The fresh air was certainly helping me calm down a little. I waited several minutes before the cab arrived and took me to the bookstore. I didn’t have anything I was specifically looking for, I was just trying to do something, anything to not think about Jeff.  I spent what felt like ages looking at books, when in reality it was probably only twenty minutes. I finally decided on some home design magazines and paid the cashier.

 

 

I walked out of the store and looked to my right. There was a couple walking down the sidewalk holding hands. I thought about Jeff and how wonderful it would be to hold hands with him. I let my imagination wonder for several seconds, until it occurred to me; the couple walking was Jeff and Rosamund.

 

 

Simultaneously, it felt like the air had been knocked out of my lungs; my heart broke into little tiny pieces. I stood there frozen from the shock of what I had just seen. I somehow had enough sense to call for a cab to take me home.

 

 

After arriving home, I ran to my room and locked the door. I laid on my bed crying harder each time I thought about what I had seen. My phone rang once and I noticed that it was Jeff. He must have gotten home and called me. I just couldn’t talk to him. At that point, I had no idea how I was ever going to be able to talk to him again.