Our Love Page 27

  "What's going on Charlie? You come into my house saying you want me, and now you're saying you don't. Why are you playing games with me?"

  "I'm not playing games with you. I just realized what I'm doing and I can't go through with it," I said while putting on my clothes.

  "You realized what you were doing? Are you saying that you're using me on the rebound?"

  "No. It not like that. I was just in an awkward situation and I needed you for comfort."

  "So you were using me?"

  "No, I wasn't."

  "Then what else is it Charlie?"

  I looked at Derrick with tears coming down my eyes. I didn't know how much more crying I could take. I felt like my tear ducts were dried out. I didn't know how much more heartache I could take either.

  "Derrick, if you'd just listen to me..."

  "I think I know what's going on. You're still not over Michael, and I don't think you will ever be. I think you were confused over your feelings for me while you were with Michael and now since things are over and done between you two, you decided to use me as your backup."

  "That's not it, Derrick. I told you how I felt for you."

  "If you felt that way, you wouldn't be still pining over Michael!"

  "How do you want me to act? I wouldn't be human if I didn't feel guilty about Michael."

  "I didn't say you weren't. I'm just saying that you shouldn't feel like you owe anything to Michael. You should move on with your life and be happy."

  I shook my head as I was heading toward the door. I turned around and sighed.

  "You don't get it Derrick."

  Derrick went to the door and opened it.

  "I get it Charlie. I get it loud and clear. I think you need to leave."

  I looked at Derrick and smiled.

  "I should have known you'd never change," I said while walking out.

  "I should have known the same about you too," he said.

  Before I could say anything else, Derrick closed the door in my face.

  I looked at the closed door for a second, as I tried to figure out what happened. I clear my throat, stuck out my chest, and walked away from Derrick's door with my pride intact. I didn't know what this meant for Derrick and me, but right now I didn't care. After everything that has happened with Michael, Derrick, and me, I still didn't know who my true love was. And to be honest, I didn't I need to be with anyone until I figured out what I wanted.

  31. Michael

  Two months had passed and tonight was Belmont's prom. While people were doing their final preparations for the big night, I was at home watching TV. Even though prom is supposed to be one of the biggest nights of your life, I didn't feel like partying. In fact, all I wanted to do was stay at home and watch TV. But I knew I needed to be there since I could be voted prom king. At first I was excited about going to the prom. When I was with Charlie. I imagined all the time how things would be if Charlie and I went to the prom. But now, that dream is only a dream.

  After our little quarrel at the mall, Danielle and I decided to patch things up for the prom. Since then, Danielle had been calling me nonstop telling me about her dress and how we would be voted prom king and queen. At least one person is excited. My thoughts were interrupted as my cell phone started to ring. I picked up the phone to see Chris's name going on and off on the Caller ID.

  "Hello," I answered in a dreary tone.

  "Hey man. Don't you sound excited about tonight."

  "Yeah, I'm ecstatic," I said in a sarcastic tone.

  "Listen, before you know it tonight will be over and done. And then there's graduation."

  "I know. I can't believe we'll be graduating next week."

  "Well we know who's going to be valedictorian."

  I smiled through the phone. "I don't know Chris. A lot has happened these past few weeks."

  "Yeah, but you maintained a 4.0 average since you started going to Belmont. You're a lock in."

  "Thanks. I guess I didn't tell you I've been accepted to Northwestern."

  "No way! Congrats man. When did you find out?"

  "Two months ago. I guess I didn't tell you because so much has been going on."

  "Wow. I'm proud of you man. Are you going?"

  "I haven't decided. At first I was just applying because I wanted to see if I would be accepted. But when Charlie and I broke up, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to go."

  "I think you should. It has been your dream."

  "I know, but things change."

  "You have some time to think about it. But as for tonight, I have to give you a heads up."

  "What's up?"

  "It's Charlie and Derrick. Ashley told me that they are going to the prom together."

  I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Figured they would, but I thought Charlie couldn't even go to Parker's prom since what happened?"

  "I think Derrick's parents pulled some strings with the principal for her to attend. Anyway, Ashley told me something that might change everything."

  "I'm listening," I said as I sat up on the couch.

  "She told me about the incident at the mall with Danielle all in her face, which you still never talked about..."

  "Will you get to it, Chris," I said impatiently.

  "Ash told me that Charlie is not over you. I don't think she ever wanted to break up with you."

  I looked at the wall in total shock. That's why she looked so heartbroken at the mall. She really thought I moved on with Danielle.

  "What makes Ashley think that? I heard with my own ears that she was still in love with Marberry."

  "That I can't answer. That is something you have to talk to Charlie about. What I do know is that Charlie is hurt, just like you are, and I think she needed a shoulder to cry on, and Derrick was there at the right time to comfort her."

  What Chris was saying could be true, but Charlie didn't deny her feelings for Derrick.

  "I know what you're trying to do Chris, but Charlie told me how she felt about Derrick. Until I can hear from her how she feel for me and Derrick, then I don't see us getting back together."

  "Maybe you should try to talk to her at the prom."

  "I don't think that's a good place to talk to her about us."

  "I think it would be the perfect place. If you want Charlie back, you've got to fight for her. If you don't, you'll lose her."

  I sighed as I threw my head against the back of the couch. Chris was right. I've been miserable since Charlie and I broke up and I don't want to be with anyone else. I know Charlie is feeling the same way. She thinks that I moved on, just like I thought she did. She can't deny the feelings we felt for each other. The moments we shared. The emotions we faced while being around each other, physically and emotionally.

  "You're right Chris. Charlie is the woman I want to be with. I have to fight for her. No matter how long it takes, I'm going to get her back."

  "That's the Michael Collier I remember so well. When you going to do it?"

  "Tonight, at the prom,"

  Charlie

  Prom is supposed to be the biggest night of a teenager's life. For me, it one of the nights I longed to experience. When I was a freshman, it was a dream of mine to go to the prom with my best friends and the perfect date. I would have the best time ever and be voted prom queen. Now that it was the night I'd been dreaming of, I'm not speaking to my best friend anymore, and I'm not going to the prom with the man of my dreams. At least I'm going with my other best friend though, I thought as I was in my room admiring the peach colored prom dress I saw at the mall two months ago. I loved the dress so much, I decided to go back to the shop and buy it. As I looked in the mirror, I had to admit that I made one stunning beauty. My long flowing hair was turned into a barrage of curls that were stacked into a beautiful coif. The hairstyle would look gorgeous with the peach strapless dress. I turned around and stared at the window. I noticed Derrick's car was parked in the driveway.

  "What's he doing here?" I asked as I went downstairs.

 
Derrick and I hadn't talked since the incident two months ago. To be honest, I didn't know if we were still going to the prom together. Although I was still upset with Derrick, I was grateful to his parents for talking to Mr. McCue regarding the prom. He agreed for me to attend, only if I stayed away from Theresa and didn't cause any disturbance. He even suggested having chaperones keep an eye on me in case I caused a "scene." Of course the arrangement had to go through Mr. and Mrs. Sherman, who surprisingly agreed considering they were the ones who put me in this predicament of transferring to another school.

  I'd done a lot of soul searching these past two months and realized that maybe the feelings I had for Derrick were not as strong as I thought they were. Maybe I wanted to relive the legacy that Derrick and I created when we were together at Parker. But now I don't want to go down that road with Derrick again. The person I really want to be with is Michael. I just hate I waited so late to figure out what I really wanted. As I went to the door, I opened it to reveal a stunned Derrick standing on the other end with a dozen red roses.

  "How did you know I was here?"

  "I saw you from the window. Come in."

  Derrick came in and gave me a bright smile.

  "I wanted to give you these as an apology. I'm sorry for the way I acted."

  I smiled as I took the roses from Derrick.

  "Thank you. They're really pretty," I said as I went into the kitchen to get a vase.

  "So you forgive me for being a jerk?"

  I came back into the living room with the vase and roses in hand.

  "Of course, but I should apologize too, for the way I acted."

  "You don't have to. I know what's going on Char. You don't have to pretend anymore."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "I'm talking about your feelings for me. I know you'd rather be with Michael than me and I completely understand that. Charlie, I just want you to be happy and I realized that day that you were happy with Michael. He brought out a side of you that even I'd never seen before. I can't believe I'm saying this, but Michael is the better man for you."

  I looked at Derrick with complete shock. I couldn't believe that Derrick was saying the things he telling me.

  "Wow, I'm stunned," I said as I sat down beside him on the couch.

  "Why?"

  "Because you are a different person. You changed so much since I went to Belmont, and it seems like you amaze me each day."

  Derrick smiled. "I'm glad you see the new me."

  "I am too."

  "I do want to know one thing though."

  "Sure."

  "Why did you say you had feelings for me?"

  I looked at Derrick as I took his hand into mine."I guess I did because I wanted to feel that connection that you and I had for so long. I think I was scared to move on with my life, and when you came back, I got caught up in the relationship we had and I wanted to go back to that comfort zone with you. I didn't lie about one thing though. You are my first love, and not even Michael can change that."

  Derrick smiled. "You will always be my first love too."

  I smiled as I extended my arms out to Derrick for a hug. As we were hugging, I had to smile at all the experiences I felt during these past few months. I guess it was true that a person has to go through so much in their life to appreciate what's important. With me, I realized that I met someone so wonderful and perfect for me but I didn't realize it until he was gone. I knew what I had to do now, and that's get Michael back. And I think tonight will be the night I will do it.

  Michael

  After talking to Chris about Charlie, I felt confident about tonight. I loved Charlie, and if I have to compete with Marberry to get Charlie back, I will. I know things between us will probably not be the same since there's a child in the picture now, but we can work it out. I know we can. I wanted to call Brandy about Steve, but since the incident at school, I didn't know if Brandy would talk to me or hang the phone up in my face. I missed Steve and I wanted to see him. Although I saw Steve all the time, I never realized that he was my son. Now that I knew, it was going to be even more significant when I saw him again. As I was looking at my tux, the doorbell rang, which caused me to jump.

  "Who's there?" I asked as I went up to the door.

  I opened the door to see Brandy standing on the other end with Steve.

  "Brandy. How are you?" I asked in a hesitate voice. Brandy looked at me and smiled.

  "I'm doing good. How have you been holding up?"

  "I've been good."

  "That's good."

  I looked at Steve and bent down to be at eye level with him.

  "Hey, little buddy. How have you been?"

  Steve looked at me as he put his hand out to me for a high five. I put my hand out and gave him a high five, which made him completely happy.Brandy smiled as she watched Steve and me play around like father and son.

  "Come in," I said and Brandy and Steve walked in. She turned around to look at me.

  "Can we talk for a second?"

  "Sure," I said.

  I went over to the couch where Steve was sitting and I looked at him.

  "You want to watch some TV?"

  Steve nodded his head excitedly as I turned on the television. I went straight to the Nickelodeon channel and I noticed SpongeBob SquarePants was on. I didn't know what children see in this show, but I figured Steve might like it. And from the looks of it, he did because he was glued to the TV.

  As I watched Steve enjoying himself, I went over to Brandy and smiled.

  "Good thinking. Steve loves Sponge Bob," Brandy said.

  "I see," I said while laughing.

  "I guess you're wondering why I'm here."

  "Not really, but I thought you would be getting ready for prom though. I'm glad you came by, especially with Steve. I miss seeing him."

  "You know you could have called if you wanted to see him."

  "I know, but after what happened, I didn't know how you would have reacted."

  "That's why I came by. I wanted to apologize for what happened before and at the party. I should have told you about Steve being your son, but at the time, I thought it was the best thing to do for Steve."

  "And why did you think that? It's not like I wasn't seeing him. So why did you keep the fact that I am his father hidden all this time?"

  "Because of your parents, well your mother in particular. I never had a problem with your father. After the way they treated me and the relationship, I didn't want Steve to go through any type of hardship that I experienced. So in order for him not to, I decided to tell you that someone else was the father.""Brandy, I understand you did it to protect Steve, but what about me? You could have told me I had a son."

  "I know and I realize that now. I'm so sorry that I put you through so much pain. Not only did I put you through pain, but Steve as well."

  I looked at Brandy as she smiled at me.

  "Listen, I don't expect you to embrace my apology with open arms, but I want you to know that I'm not going to deny you seeing Steve. I know how much you love him and I would never break that father and son bond that you two had before you knew the truth. So whenever you want to spend the day with Steve just let me know and I'll be here."

  "Thank you, Brandy. I really appreciate that."

  "If I would have told you sooner..."

  I went up to Brandy and put my arms around her.

  "Stop Brandy, everything that has happened is in the past now. I forgave you for it; so now it's time you forgive yourself."

  Brandy put her hand on my arm and smiled.

  "Thank you," she said softly.

  "Since that's all under the bridge, why are you not getting ready for the prom?" I said while sitting down next to Steve.

  "I had some last minute preparations to do before I got ready. I had to put a huge deposit on a limo since Kim forgot to do it."

  "How she forgot to do that?" I said laughing.

  "With Kim, she would forget her own name. But if you're not
going with anyone, you're more than welcome to ride with us."

  I shook my head and smiled.

  "Listen Brandy, that's a nice offer but I don't think that's a good idea."

  "Michael, I understand that there's no future with us. You made that clear the last time we talked. I just thought that this would give us a chance to hang out together like we used to."

  "Thanks Brandy, but I still can't. I have a date.""Really? Who's the lucky lady?"

  "Danielle."

  Brandy's smile suddenly turned into a frown.

  "Hopefully you're talking about another Danielle."

  "No, I'm not."

  "Hasn't she done enough to you? Why would you want to give her the time of day again?"

  "It's just a date to the prom Brandy. It's not like I'm rekindling my relationship with her. Besides, I don't think you're the right person to be talking about this with."

  "I know, but I just want you to be with someone that's not going to break your heart. First it was Danielle, and then Charlie..."

  "You weren't exactly the perfect girlfriend yourself."

  "What happened between us wasn't my fault."

  "Why are you bringing this up? It doesn't matter who I go to the prom with or who I have a relationship with."

  "What you mean by that?"

  "All I'm saying is that it none of your business."

  Brandy nodded her head and sighed.

  "I know, but you have to realize that you have a son now and I don't want either Danielle or Charlie around my son."

  "He's our son, Brandy, and if I want either one around Steve, that will be my choice."

  Brandy folded her arms across her chest while giving me a scowl.

  "I hope you're not thinking what I think you're thinking. If my thoughts are true, you making a huge mistake."

  "If I am, that would be my mistake.""I don't understand you Michael. You gave Danielle so many chances it was ridiculous, and now you thinking about giving Charlie a chance. When are you going to realize that you can't keep giving people chances? All it's going to leave you with is a broken heart."

  "Why are you so upset, because I didn't give you a second chance?"

  Brandy looked stunned and turned around toward the door. She looked at me with a frustrated look on her face as she opened the door.