Seasons by Katrina Alba Read Free Book Online Page A

he teases back.
    “Well, now we’re hanging out for sure! I’d hate to miss an opportunity to annoy you.” I lightly punch him in the arm.
    He laughs. “Go study, ya bore! I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turns to walk down the porch steps and then turns back. “Give me your phone.” I take it out of my bag and hand it to him. He presses some buttons and then hands it back to me.
    When I look at it, there is a new sent message that reads,
     
    Me: You are drop dead sexy!
     
    “Huh? Who did you text that to?” I look at him confused.
    “I didn’t, you did.” He winks at me. “Now you have my number,” he says as he descends the steps and gets in his truck.
    I spend the remainder of the day and night trying to study, but mostly replaying the day with Charlie in my head. It isn’t easy for me to open up to people. It boggles my mind that I took him to the cliff, but I just feel at ease with him. I can’t pinpoint what it is about him that just makes it different, but I feel as if I can trust him. He makes me feel…safe.
     
    *   *   *
     
    The next day, as promised, he picks me up after my test at my locker. We eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch and then study through the afternoon and well into the evening. I learn that Charlie has one brother, Lenny, who is four years younger. His family is pretty low key and normal . He has played soccer since he was able to walk, and he’s afraid of spiders, which I had to tease him about, of course. Charlie is attending college at one of the private colleges near home in the fall. He will be commuting, at least for the first two years. He’s considering a career in graphic design. Charlie is hardworking and driven from what I have seen of him. He’s one of the smartest most focused people I have met. It’s rare to find that in other people my age. Also, he’s a great study partner. I keep looking for fault. I’m certain there has to be something, but I have yet to find it.
    We call it a night around eight p.m. I walk him out after he says a polite farewell to my mom, who has made herself scarce this evening.
    “Night, Charlie. Thanks again for helping me study.”
    “It was my pleasure.” He smiles. “Goodnight, girl behind the red door.” He waves and is gone.
    I’m on my way up the stairs when my phone pings from my back pocket.
     
    Charlie: Don’t stay up too late studying. I’ll pick you up at 5.
    Me: 5am???
    Charlie: Yes, ma’am. Night, hun, see you then. =)
    Me: Okay… Goodnight, Charlie. Thanks again =)
     
    What in God’s name does he want to do at five a.m.? I ponder what he has planned for us in the morning as I plop down into my bed with a sigh. I think it takes about five minutes before I’m down for the count. I wake up with a start as my phone chimes. It’s still dark out. I fumble in the sheets to find my phone. I push a button and it lights up. Four forty-five! Shit! I check the new message that woke me up.
     
    Charlie: I hope you’re up. I’m on my way
    Me: I am now! Umm…what should I wear?
    Charlie: Something comfortable and bring a sweater, it isn’t that warm out yet. See you in 15.
    Me: See you soon
     
    I dash out of bed and shimmy into a pair of Adidas soccer shorts, a tank top, and throw on a hooded sweatshirt. After brushing my teeth and running a brush through my hair, I throw my locks up into a messy bun. I write a note for Mom and leave it on the kitchen island. I slip on my running shoes and walk out the front door just as I hear a truck coming up the driveway.
    When I hop into the truck, Charlie hands me a Styrofoam cup of coffee, smiling entirely too brightly for someone awake when it’s still dark out, and says, “Good morning.”
    “I’m pretty sure you mean goodnight? It’s still dark out! Where are we going anyway?” I ask as we reverse out of the driveway.
    “Fishing,” he responds. “I thought I’d take you out on the boat since you have the day off. You’ve been studying so hard, I