I'm Not Yours Anymore

Chapter 1

     “Jean! Come on! We’re going to be late to dinner!” Marco’s cheerful voice rang out from his car. I smiled and rolled my eyes, as I strode over to my open window to reply. Sticking my head out, I yelled in return, “We still have ten minutes left! And I can’t find my headphones…” A slight frown crossed my face, and I pulled back from the window. My gaze swept the messy room, searching in vain for the small cords. I faintly heard Marco calling from his car again, but I ignored him. My headphones were the one thing I couldn’t leave behind.

     I began to pick up random articles of clothing and toss them aside carelessly. Sweatshirt after sweatshirt flew, some mine, some Marco’s. My headphones were nowhere to be found, and time was running out. I took a sideways glance at my watch. My jaw then proceeded to drop in disbelief. I had spent a whole seven minutes looking for my headphones, which left us three minutes to get to dinner.

     As I frantically continue to throw more clothes aside, I hear a door fly open, followed by shouts. “Jean! Where are you?!” We’re going to be late!” Marco busts into my room, his freckled cheeks flushed. “Come on! I made reservations! We’ll find your headphones later.” And firmly grabbing my wrist, I was unceremoniously dragged to the car.

     The car practically flew out of the driveway as Marco rushed to get us to dinner. I stuck my hands into the pocket of my hoodie, and immediately felt a small tangled lump. My face immediately turned a deep red. My elusive headphones had been found. “Why are you so red?” I jumped a little at the sound of Marco’s voice, which caused him to laugh. “I-I uh… I found my headphones…” I said with a nervous chuckle. I slowly lowered my head in shame, cheeks burning. “So you had them this whole time?!” His attempt to be angry was spoiled by the amused grin spreading across his face. “What am I going to do with you…” He muttered with a shake of his head. I grinned and raised my head up, and leaned over to plant a kiss on his freckled cheek. “At least we will only be a little late.” A smile crossed my face. “Hope they don’t give our reservation away.” Marco muttered with a nervous lip bite. “Don’t worry so much. It’ll be fine.” I replied.

     Ten minutes later, we arrived at the restaurant. Marco and I both stepped out, and with nervous glances, quickly hurried inside. I could tell Marco had tried extremely hard for this date, and was hoping we still had a reservation. We both stepped up to the counter, and were greeted by a strict looking lady in a crisp black uniform. “We have a reservation, miss.” Marco politely stated. “Under what name?” The woman’s voice sounded like tires on gravel; we both cringed a bit when she spoke. “Bodt.” Marco bit his lip again, betraying his nervousness as she looked at the roster. “You’re late. Your table has already been given away. Maybe if you’d cared enough, you would’ve showed up on time.” She began to turn to the next customers. “B-but-“ I stammered, trying desperately to plead my way in. “No exceptions. Now shoo.” And with that, the gruff woman waved us out.

     As we sat on the steps of the restaurant, I guiltily turned to Marco. “I’m so sorry…” I muttered. “It’s okay. Maybe next time.” He replied. With a smile, he scooted closer to me and put an arm around me. “At least you found your headphones.” “Yeah.” I replied. “At least I found those. But I still feel bad.” “Don’t! We’ll go do something else. Come on, I have something to show you.” And with that, the tall freckled boy dragged me to his car.