Misunderstood

Testing Limits

“Are you kidding me? I muttered as I bent down to pick up the materials from the now scorching hot sand.

“Need some help?” a deep voice asked from behind me. Their shadow overlapped my own, the shoulder definition almost perfect, their hair short and messy.

I sucked in a deep breath. “I’m sure I can manage.” I told him hurriedly as I scrabbled for the multiple pencils. To my dismay, he didn’t listen.

“Here,” he said as he bent down and scooped up the sketchbook. I was right when I said perfect shoulders. His face looked at mine in genuine sympathy. I looked to the ground in embarrassment.

“I really need to get going, I have a curfew.” I told him as I tried reaching for the sketchbook. With swift agility, he lunged backwards, grinning in the process. I sighed dramatically; it was hard for me to be in a playful mood, especially with a guy that could possibly be playing me. “That’s not funny.”

His face straightened as he gently pulled the pencil case from my fingers. “I can walk you to your car. You seem to have enough on your hands already.”

“I’m sure, I-.”

“I’m not saying you’re not capable, I’m just trying to be a gentleman.” He argued.

I stared hard into his blue eyes. The sympathy never left, nor did the grin. “What do you say?” He said as he brushed his fingers through his dusty blonde hair. “I’m not taking no for an answer.”

“Follow me.” I sighed as I walked towards my jeep.

“I never got your name, by the way.” He said to me. I turned my head towards him. He seemed familiar.

“Colette.” I said simply. I studied him once more. “I think we’ve had classes together once.”

“You live in Norton Shores?” he asked me curiously. “That explains it.”

“Explains what?” I demanded.

He laughed. “Don’t worry, it’s a good thing. Shores girls are notoriously known for their good looks, and you definitely fit the mold.”

I stared at him for what seemed like an eternity. This boy certainly fit the Hollister model. He was gorgeous in every way possible, his face reflecting that of Irish descent. Although not as dark as most, he didn’t need the sun kissed color.

“Why should I believe you?’ I asked him. “You clearly didn’t know I existed during school.”

“I never paid any attention in school in general. I ‘ve always thought the girls at school were stuck up bitches.” He shrugged.

“For the most part, that is true.” I giggled. “Your name?”

“Anthony,” he said as he held his hard out. Bubbles of laughter escaped my mouth like prison escapees. “What?”

“Oh, don’t worry about it.” I told him, smiling. “I’ve never met a guy who wanted to shake my hand before.” I hesitantly placed my hand in his. To my astonishment, he kissed it instead. I instantly felt my cheeks redden.

I looked up and realized we were standing in front of my car. I glanced at Anthony, and laughed once I realized his jaw was stuck wide open. “Is this your car?” he asked. “It fits your personality well.”

I looked at the 2001 jeep liberty and sighed. “It is.”

“Why do you sigh? Having a car in general is a privilege itself, but you so happen to have one that’s badass.”

“So you think I’m badass.” I analyzed.

“Why wouldn’t I?” he asked. “Clearly you’ve managed well.”

I climbed into the car without a word. Failed attempts at getting the car started ensued. “Are you kidding me?” I emphasized heavily.

“Do you need a ride?” Anthony called from outside the car door. I studied him deeply before climbing out of the dying vehicle.

“I guess so.” I exhaled.

“Well, alright then.” He said as he made his way towards the opposite side of the parking lot with my sketching materials in hand. I stood there, evaluating the situation. “Well, are you coming?”

Courage took over as I took the first step towards him. “Yeah, just give me a second.” I told him as I jogged up to his location.

“Hurry up, slowpoke.” He grinned mischievously. “I haven’t got all day.”

“Shut up!” I laughed as I shoved him. He smiled as we walked, the sun beating down on my bare shoulders.

I stared in astonishment once I saw his car. “Are you legit?” I asked him.

“As a matter of fact, I am.” He smiled. “We do have the exact same car.”

“That is too funny,” I giggled as I walked around to the passenger seat. Anthony followed, reaching for the door handle before I could even grasp for it.

“You really take this gentleman thing seriously.” I established.

“Do you have a problem with it?” he challenged.

“Of course not! I actually enjoy it.” I told him as he walked around to the passenger seat.

“Hah, I was hoping you’d be irritated with it.”

“And why is that?” I asked him.

“So I could tell you to get used to it.” He smirked. “Are you busy next weekend?”

“Isn’t that the last weekend before school starts?”

“Indeed it is.” He confirmed as he turned the keys in the ignition. Stone Sour blasted throughout the car, shaking the windows just shy to the point of shattering.

“Your music choice just verified my decision.” I told him with a grin.

“And that is?” he asked hopefully.

“Well obviously yes.” I rolled my eyes. “Now take me home.”