I awoke the next morning butterflies still in my stomach. The night before almost felt like a dream, I was still processing Skylar asking me on a date, well almost. In a round about sort of way anyway. I wiggled out from under my covers, straightening my pajama shorts and tank top. I opened the door to my room, glancing down the hallway, Levi must have been asleep still, his door was still closed. I shuffled down the stairs and into the kitchen.
"Morning Daddy." I muttered, kissing him on the cheek before snatching a piece of his toast from off his plate.
"Morning baby. How was the concert last night?" He asked carrying on sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper.
I bit into the warm toast covered in melting butter. "Really good, I had so much fun."
"Good, what are you plans for today?" He rattled the newspaper, standing it straight up again as he spoke.
"Well, my friend Skylar, he's in the band we went and saw last night, wants to hang out."
My dad set his paper down, peering at me over the rim of his reading glasses. "Do we like this boy?"
My face instantly flushed, I told my dad everything but it still didn't help that it felt awkward telling him about a boy I was crushing on.
"I'll take that as a yes." He said with a chuckle. "What are you two going to do?"
"I don't know, he said he'd call me sometime today." I opened the fridge, grabbing a glass of juice before sitting down at one of the barstools.
"Well just let us know okay?" He said as he glanced around the room. "I need some advice Macin."
I also glanced around the room, trying to see what he was looking for. I pinched my eyebrows together giving my dad the most confused look I could muster. He never asks for my advice.
"Okay?" I answered hesitantly.
"Your mom's birthday is in two weeks. What do you think I should get her?"
I smiled, he was so cute. So concerned about what gift would best suit mom and to think he still cared enough to worry about it after thirteen years too.
"She always loves jewelry daddy."
"I feel like that is so predictable, I always get her jewelry." "He commented a look of distress making its way onto his face.
"Why don't you do something super romantic then, take her out to dinner, and surprise her with something?" I offered.
"Yeah, that might work; I could ask my secretary for some good restaurants around here. Maybe I'll get her a new engagement ring too, what do you think? I mean the one she has is small and simple because I couldn't afford anything else at the time. But maybe she doesn't want that for her birthday maybe I should wait for our anniversary, or maybe I should..." He rambled on, completely forgetting I was there.
"Daddy!" I finally yelled over him. I placed my hand on his arm which caused him to stop and look at me. "Anything you get her, she's going to love."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes Dad, I'm sure." I gave him a reassuring smile.
He wrapped his arm around me as I leaned into give him a kiss on the cheek. "Macin, you're my favorite daughter."
"Daddy I'm your only daughter." I mumbled into his neck as I wrapped my arms around him.
He kissed me on my head before releasing me. "Love you sweetheart."
"Love you too."
I slid off the barstool, and skipped every other stair up to my room. I yanked open my blinds letting the sunshine in, before grabbing my guitar off its stand. I plopped down on my bed, running my fingers across the strings. I didn't want to be too loud because Levi was still sleeping and he was an extremely light sleeper. I quietly sang along as I played a Bob Dylan song.
My ringtone blared over my guitar causing me to jump. I gently but quickly set my guitar on the floor, leaping up from my bed to grab my phone from my desk. I checked the caller ID, a smile popping on my face as Skylar's name lit up. I took a deep breath not wanting to seem eager before I hit the talk button.
"Hello." I managed to keep my voice steady.
"Hey Maci, it's Skylar." His voice sounded even deeper through the phone.
"Hey, how are you?" I silently skipped around in a circle in my room.
"Good, you?"
"I'm good." My cheeks were burning from smiling so hard again, apparently that was the affect Skylar had on me.
"So are you still free today?" He asked after a slight pause in conversation.
"Yup." I said popping the 'p'.
"Well I was going to see if you wanted to maybe go to the Zoo. I haven't been in a while and I thought it might be fun."
"Yeah that sounds great." I blurted a little too quick for my liking. I cringed, face-palming.
I heard Skylar let a little laugh slip which caused my cheeks to burn red. Thank god he couldn't see me.
"What if I come pick you up in an hour?" He asked.
"Yeah, I'll text you my address."
"Sweet, see ya."
"Bye."
I hung up the phone, jumping up and down like a mad woman, flailing my arms around. I threw the door the rest of the way open on my room, darting down the stairs. I came to screeching halt in the living room, sliding across the hardwood floor. My dad was relaxing on the couch a baseball game playing on the TV.
"Dad!" I yelled, throwing myself down next to him. "He just called. Can I go to the Zoo with him?"
"I don't see why not, how are you getting there?" He asked his eyes never leaving the game.
"He said he'd come pick me up." I stated.
"Who's picking you up?" I heard Levi say from behind us.
I bit my lip, I hadn't told Levi about Skylar asking me to hang out today. I didn't want to get into it last night, I was too excited. And I knew he wouldn't be happy about it anyway. I still couldn't figure out exactly why Levi disliked Skylar so much.
"Skylar." I mumbled, resting my head on my dad's shoulder.
"Where are you going?" Levi questioned, coming into my peripheral vision.
"The Zoo." I once again mumbled.
I couldn't help but feel like a puppy being scolded for chewing on a shoe. Mostly because I knew he disapproved and I hated disappointing people.
"Don't let her go dad. I don't like that guy."
I shot Levi a frown before looking at my dad, who was focused on Levi and my interaction with each other.
"Why don't you like him?" He asked Levi, turning the TV down.
Levi shrugged, cramming a breakfast burrito in his mouth. "I don't know I just don't."
"Is it because he likes Macin and she likes him back?" My dad asked.
Levi stopped chewing, frozen for a minute as my dad's words sunk in. I looked from my dad to Levi and back again, waiting for a response.
"I just don't want her to get hurt." He finally said, sticking the last bit of his burrito in his mouth.
"Son." My dad stood from the couch and placed his hand on Levi's shoulder. "As much as I would love to lock her in her room so nothing bad ever happens to her, we both know that can't happen."
"Nothing bad is going to happen, he's really nice." I chimed in.
"Just because he's nice now doesn't mean he's going to stay that way." Levi shot back.
"Levi you can't protect her from everything, you know that." My dad said quietly.
Levi dropped his eyes to the floor, "I can try though."
"You know what would be better?" Levi shook his head no, "Promise her you'll be there to pick up the pieces." My dad patted him on the shoulder, before walking towards his room. "And Macin I want to meet this boy."
I sat quietly on the couch, my hands in my lap and my head down. I felt the couch sink next to me and glanced out of the corner of my eyes to see Levi in a similar position.
"I just love you Maci and I don't want you to get hurt." He barely whispered.
"I love you too Levi, but you have to let me live a little." I placed my head on his shoulder and slid my hand into his.
Levi let out a heavy sigh, resting his head on top of mine. "I know and I will." He kissed the top of my head lightly. "But if he does anything and I mean anything, I'm going to kick his ass."
I let out a bark of laughter, "Sounds good to me."
"I'm serious and I'm going to let him know." Levi insisted, squeezing my hand.
"I know." I reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I have to get ready." He nodded slowly a frown on his face. "I love you Levi."
"I love you too."
I pulled myself off the couch as Levi let go of my hand. I headed towards the stairs before Levi called my name.
"I promise I'll always be there to pick up the pieces too."
I couldn't help but smile, "I promise too."
I trotted up the stairs and into the bathroom to take a shower. Fifteen minutes later I stepped out, a towel wrapped snugly around me. I checked the weather on my computer. Even though it was September and apparently Michigan was suppose to be cooling off, today had a high of 90. The weather man was distressed with the unusual warm streak. I walked to my closet, grabbing a pair of denim cutoff shorts, a purple loose fitting tank top and a pair of black gladiator sandals. I took the towel to my hair drying it just a little and put mascara on. I glanced at the clock when I decided I looked alright. It only took me forty-five minutes, which meant I had fifteen minutes to wait. I picked up my guitar which was still laying on my floor where I had left when I got Skylar's call. I folded my leg underneath me as I sat back down on my bed. I strummed away, unaware of what I was playing. My mind was to preoccupied with today's upcoming events. I couldn't wait to spend more time with Skylar.
I heard the doorbell echo through the house but my mind didn't register that it could and most likely was Skylar. I continued to sit on my bed, my guitar in hand lost in a daydream.
--------
LEVI POV
I sat on the couch, placing my empty plate on the coffee table. I grabbed the remote changing the channel to MTV rather then a rerun of the baseball game from the other night.
I shook my head trying to shake off thoughts of Maci going out with that guy. I didn't really have an issue with him. I did hear that he was sort of a ladies man but I suppose that happens when you're the lead singer of a popular band, even if it was only popular in this town. Greg had said something about how he disappeared the previous year. There was rumors it was rehab, which in all honesty I didn't think was that far fetched, him being in a band and all. Not to throw all musicians in one barrel but the saying drugs, sex, and rock 'n roll existed for a reason. He seemed like a nice enough guy though but he wasn't good enough for my sister. And if he thought he could walk into her life, charm her into liking him and then leave, he had another thing coming. I'd pummel him into the ground if he was the reason she was ever the slightest bit upset. My grip tightened around the controller at the mere thought of it.
My head snapped to the door as the doorbell echoed through the house. I jumped to my feet, knowing exactly who it was. And oh boy was I going to give him a piece of my mind. I yanked the door open, my face hardened in anger.
"Hey is Maci there?" Skylar said, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
I jerked my head motioning for him to step inside. He followed me and I abruptly slammed the door behind him. It caused him to jump which gave me a slight satisfaction. I wanted him to be nervous around me.
"Are you going to tell her I'm here or should I..." He trailed off looking everywhere but at me.
"Here's the deal." I started, my voice demanding his attention. "Maci is my sister, you do anything and I mean anything to make her the slightest bit upset I'm going to hunt you down and beat the shit out of you. For some reason she likes you and I can't stop that just know she deserves so much better then you."
"Dude, I'm not going to do anything." He said holding his hands up in surrender.
"You better not because I swear to god..." I glanced in the direction of the kitchen hearing my mom's footsteps on the wood floor.
"Hi, you must be Skylar. It's so nice to meet you." My mom held her hand out for him to shake. "Levi go get Maci."
I gave Skylar my best scowl before bounding up the stairs to Maci's room. I listened outside her door for a minute, her voice barely audiable over the guitar. I loved hearing her play, I always hated when I had to interrupt her. I knocked quietly on the door before stepping inside.
"He's here." I muttered.
"Wow that was fast." She said, picking herself up off her bed and setting her guitar down on it's stand.
"You promise you'll tell me if anything happens you don't like?" I asked, I just wanted to double check.
She smiled up at me, a playful look in her brown eyes. "Yes Levi."
"Good." I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her into my chest. "I'll come get you if you decide he's not fun."
"Oh my gosh, Levi, I'll be fine. We're just going to the Zoo." Her voice was muffled as she spoke into my shoulder.
"Alright, alright, I'm done." I let go her, stepping back so she could walk through the door.
She swung her purse up on her shoulder and stuffed her phone in her pocket. I snatched her sunglasses off her desk, knowing she'd get out the door and come running back in for them.
"I love you Maci."
"I love you to Levi and I promise everything will be fine."
We were back downstairs in a matter of seconds. My mom and dad talking to Skylar. He stood there, talking animatedly to them, a charming smile on his face. Oh was he trouble. I could see it but no one else could so far. I clenched my fists wanting so badly to clock him one in the face and send him on his way but I knew my dad was right. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't protect her from everything. If I could, she never would have gotten cancer.
"Alright, so you're going to the Detriot Zoo?" My dad asked watching Skylar closely.
"Yes sir." He responded, "I'll have her back before six."
"We'll see you then, if anything changes we'd like a phone call as usual Macin."
"Okay, love you, see you later." She said giving my mom and dad a kiss.
She waved, turning to head out the door.
"Maci!" I called after her just before the door shut. "Sunglasses?"
I held the pair of giant black sunglasses out and she grabbed them. "Thanks, love you."
"Love you too Sis."
I watched the door shut, a frown ever present on my face. If I was having this many issues letting my sister go out with a guy imagine how I'd be if I had a daughter. I glanced at my dad who had his arms wrapped around my mom, whispering something in her ear. I suppose if he was okay with it, I could be okay with it. He always knew what to say and how to handle every situation. If only I could be half the man he was.
I finally left the doorway slumping back into the couch. I flicked through the channels, finding nothing I wanted to watch. Maybe I could call Greg see what he was up to. Yeah that was it, that would keep my mind off Maci and that stupid guy. I stood from the couch pulling my phone out and dialing Greg's number. It rang a few times before he picked up.
"Hey buddy what's up?" He answered.
"Not much, what are you doing?"
"Nothing, just playing some video games."
"Want some company?" I asked, jamming my feet into my shoes, knowing his answer would be yes.
"Yeah, just let yourself in, no ones home."
"Alright, see ya."
I didn't wait for him to answer. I hollered to my parents that I was going to Greg's before walking out the door and to my car.
---------
MACI POV
"Ready?" Skylar asked as he held the passenger door to his car open.
I nodded my head, grinning from ear to ear. I slipped into the car, buckling my seat as he shut my door and made his way around the car. Within in minutes we were out on the road heading off to the Zoo wherever that was.
"Did Levi totally harass you?" I asked as he merged onto the freeway.
"Yeah, he told me he was going to beat the shit out of me." He half mumbled, half said, his eyes focused on the road.
"I'm really sorry." I said.
Skylar shrugged, playing with the buttons on the console. "Why does he hate me so much?"
"He's just really overprotective that's all."
The car was silent for a moment as I waited for Skylar to say something. He switched lanes, grumbling something under his breath as a black car zipped passed us at high speeds.
"I mean I understand, I have a little sister but I'm not that bad." He glanced at me as he spoke. "He's like crazy, no offense."
"I don't know, I guess we're just really close." I kept my gaze out the passenger side window watching the landscape as we passed.
Silence fell over the car as we sped down the highway. I wouldn't have called it awkward but Skylar must have thought otherwise.
"I'm sorry Maci." He said quietly.
I looked over at him, his brown hair messy how he always wore it and his blue eyes stared straight forward but I could easily see the worried expression on his face.
"Its fine, no worries." I said with a smile, trying to make him realize I wasn't upset.
He shook his head, "No that was rude of me, I'm sorry."
"Skylar it's fine really. I know how Levi can be, and I agree sometimes he is a little crazy but he's still my brother and I know he's just looking out for me."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes I promise." I chuckled.
"What kind of music do you listen to you?" He asked turning up the volume so it played quietly in the background.
"I love oldies, and then like rock, indie, that sort of stuff."
"You should like this then." Skylar turned up the radio, putting his iPod on.
The music filled his small car, erasing any sort of tension. I quickly picked up the beat drumming my fingers along with the music. We finished our trip to the zoo in silence.
----------
"Alright where do you want to go first?" Skylar said holding open a zoo map.
I leaned over, reading the map alongside of him. "I don't care but I have one request." He raised his eyebrows at me. "I don't like monkeys. At all. They make me mad, I can't explain it. We can still see them if you want but if we do can we make it a quick peek?"
Skylar basically doubled over from laughter, I crossed my arms and pretended to pout. "Why do you hate monkeys?"
"I don't know, I guess it's an irrational fear?" I said laughing along with him.
"So you're afraid of them?" He asked finally regaining his composure. "Let's go to the aquarium first, it's right over there."
I nodded my head in agreement as we headed down the brick path. "I'm not afraid of them. I don't know I guess I just don't understand them...I don't know, don't make fun of me."
I shoved him playfully as we entered the doors of the aquarium. The ac felt like it was on full blast, causing goose bumps to take over my skin. I followed Skylar to a room that jutted off from the lobby of the aquarium. We walked into the dark room, a giant circular aquarium in the center with all sorts of sea creatures.
"Oh my god! Look at the turtle!" I squealed, pointing up at the large sea turtle swimming at the top of the water. "I love turtles!" I turned to Skylar as he let out a chuckle. "What?"
"Nothing." He said shaking his head as he continued to laugh quietly.
"Tell me."
He shrugged, walking to the aquariums that lined the outside wall. "You're just cute that's all."
I huge smile broke out on my face and my cheeks turned bright red. I was happy his back was to me, I didn't want him to think I was a dork.
"You're not too bad yourself." I said instead.
Skylar looked back, a slightly surprised look on his face. I stepped up beside him pointing at a bright yellow and blue fish, pretending like I hadn't said a word.
We spent almost two hours walking through the aquarium looking at all the different fish and reptiles. Then we went and saw the polar bears and penguins. After that we went and wandered by the tigers, lions, giraffes and such. We ended up skipping the monkeys altogether which made me a very happy camper. We pulled back into town at four, after stopping for food at a burger joint that Skylar had raved about.
"I had so much fun today." I said, clutching on to the turtle stuffed animal Skylar bought me at the zoo.
"It's not over yet, I don't have to have you home for another two hours." He said with a smirk on his face.
I opened my mouth to talk, and then closed it, and then reopened it. "But where are we going then?"
"You'll see no worries, we're almost there." He said, smiling.
I stared at him while he drove, hoping he would break under my gaze but to no avail he didn't. He just looked over at me occasionally, laughed, and then turned back to watching the road. He finally parked the car, hopping out before I could ask where we were exactly. I followed suit, waiting for him by the side of his car as he popped the trunk.
"Where are we exactly?" I asked, glancing around.
We were in the middle of the city I knew that much but we were parked in some random parking lot with college buildings around.
"Just down that hill is the city park." He nodded down the hill as he finally yanked something from his trunk and slammed it shut. "I like to come here and play." He gestured to a black guitar case in his hand as he came up a long side of me. "I was hoping I could hear you play."
"If you're lucky." I almost whispered.
The truth was I've never played for anyone besides my parents and Levi. I felt my nerves kick in and my stomach started turning.
"This place is gorgeous." I managed to spit out as we walked down a cedar chip walkway.
There was rows and rows of bright colored flowers, perfectly aligned alongside the path for several feet. Beyond the flowers there were manicured hedges and beyond that was a open field surrounded by trees. Straight ahead the path ventured into the woods, splitting off in several different directions. I quietly followed Skylar into the woods and down a natural set of stairs, the faint sound of water rushing grew louder with every step we took.
"This is my favorite place in this whole park. I like the river it's so peaceful." Skylar said, walking parallel to the bank. "Here."
He held his hand out for me as he led me down a narrow break in the bushes. There was a small clearing, a few feet wide. The river was rushing by, the water clear and crisp. I was completely amazed this existed in the city of all places.
"Do you mind sitting on the ground?" Skylar asked releasing my hand as he propped the guitar case up on a large rock.
"Nope." I answered popping the 'p' as I sat my butt down on the dirt.
I watched as Skylar unlatched the guitar case, pulling out a gorgeous dark brown acoustic guitar. "I heard you tell Ethan you play the acoustic."
"Yeah." I whispered, playing with the sparsely growing grass.
"Here, you heard me play, I think it's only fair I get to hear you play." He handed me the guitar and I nervously put the strap around my head.
I sighed, running my hand across the strings. I always felt like I had to get to know the guitar, get the feel for it. I knew mine, inside and out, I was comfortable playing it.
"Please?" Skylar said, breaking me out of my thoughts.
"Oh yeah, sorry. What do you want me to play?" I asked, placing my fingers on the strings and plucking a few chords.
"Whatever you want."
I thought for a second, I always loved a good oldies song. I nodded my head, playing the beginning of Layla, by Eric Clapton. I started playing the first part of the song before I slapped my hand down on the strings, silencing them.
"I've never played for anyone besides my parents and Levi." I said quietly. "I'm probably not very good."
He shook his head, "From what I heard, you're really good. Keep going ."
My fingers worked the strings without effort; the song filled the immediate air around us. I quietly sang along out of habit, completely forgetting Skylar was sitting right across from me, until he spoke when I was finished.
"Amazing." He said as he clapped.
"Thanks." I said a small smiling playing at my lips.
"You've really never played in front of people?" I shook my head no. "You should, you're great."
My smile grew a little more with every compliment. "Thanks."
"Have you written anything?"
"Yeah, a few things." I said, quietly playing another song.
"Can I hear?" Skylar scooted closer so there was almost no distance between us.
"You play." I said, pulling the strap off from around my head and handing the guitar over to Skylar.
He accepted without hesitation, soft sound instantly spilling from the guitar. I watched him closely as he belted out the lyrics to a song I recognized from their concert. I still couldn't get over his voice, how strong and clear it was. His hands gracefully slid over the strings, the muscles flexing in his arms every time he moved the slightest bit. I looked up from the guitar, his blue eyes piercing straight through mine. He had me captivated, like I was the only person that existed, the only person he saw. The song finished, but neither of us bothered to look away from one another.
"Hey Maci?" He finally whispered.
"Yeah."
He set the guitar on the ground beside him, never breaking eye contact, "Can I kiss you?"
I couldn't speak; my heart was pounding so fast it felt like it was going to explode, so I nodded my head. I watched as Skylar slowly leaned in, lightly brushing a piece of my brown hair back. His hand lingered on the side of my face. I kept my eyes on his, trying to remember to breath. His lips were inches from mine and I could feel his warm breath caress my skin. All I wanted to do was wrap my fingers in his hair and pull him to me; I wanted to feel his lips on mine. I unconsciously licked my lips in anticipation which caused Skylar to smirk ever so slightly before he gently brought his lips to mine. My heart stopped, I was quite sure of that. I felt him tangle his fingers in my hair, pulling me closer as the kiss intensified. I wrapped my hands around his neck, opening my mouth slightly. Skylar instantly took control, slowly lowering me down, my head rested on his hand. He kept himself propped up as we continued our heated kiss. I felt his hand brush against the exposed skin of my stomach where my shirt had slide up. I shivered at the contact, my body yearning for more.
"Skylar." I whispered between kisses.
"Yeah." He answered, never skipping a beat.
"I can't do this."
He pulled back, staring at me, his eyes darted between mine. "I'm sorry."
"No, no it's okay. I just...I can't do more then this. I mean I like you. I like you a lot, but..." I rambled as he pushed himself away.
"I like you too." He said, a wave of relief washing over me.
I leaned forward kissing him again. "Can we just go slow?"
"Of course." He said once again entangling his fingers in my hair and pulling me in for another one of his wonderful kisses. "I wasn't going to do anything Maci, I promise."
I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck. I buried my head in his chest, taking in his scent.
"I should probably get you back home, it's almost six." He whispered into my hair. I could hear the disappointment in his voice.
I nodded my head as he slipped his guitar back in its case and led me out of the park. I slipped my hand into his, noting how small his hand made mine feel. We walked in silence back to his car, enjoying each others company, both with cheesy smiles on our faces. He opened the door to his car for me, giving me yet another kiss before I slipped in. A moment later we were on the road, heading in the direction of my house.
"You're a good kisser." Skylar said as he drove.
I don't know if it was possible but if it was my smile got even bigger. "You're not too bad either."
His smile widened, "thanks." I nodded my head. "Maybe we should do it some more."
I was cheesing so hard. "I think that's a good idea."
"Yeah?" Skylar glanced at as I nodded. Our smiles matching each other.
He reached for my hand, intertwining our fingers. I just wanted to giggl like a little school girl all the way back to my house. Skylar pulled in the driveway and I suddenly wished we were still driving around. I wasn't ready to part ways. I wanted to stay with him and feel our hands intertwined and his lips on mine.
"I wish you didn't have to leave." He whispered, turning in his seat to face me.
"I know." I said jutting my lower lip out.
Skylar leaned in but before he could kiss me I crashed my lips on his lustfully. I couldn't help myself there was something about him, something that made me lose control.
"As much as I would love to stay here and kiss you, you should probably go. I don't want your dad to dislike me because you're late." He said gently pushing me away. "You're brother already had enough hate for the both of them."
I sighed, "Yeah I know."
"I'll walk you to your door though." He offered, as we both climbed out of his car.
I laced my fingers in his as we walked hand in hand to the front door.
"Thank you so much for today. I had a ton of fun." I held up my little turtle, squeezing it with my free hand.
"So did I." He said, pulling me into his chest. He held me there for a long time before he pulled away, kissing me one last time. "I'll call you later."
I smiled before giving him one last hug and a goodbye kiss. I stepped inside a moment later, closing the door behind me. I rested my head on the door closing my eyes and sighing.
Today was complete bliss.