A note from Jolene :
Hi ! I wrote this long ago , and it's finally placed on the web after serious consideration ! I recieved some mail asking me fore more stories , so here I am =) Anyway , this story is 100% original and I love this one the most ! So check it out !
Chapter One
" Hmm… there are so many stars tonight , " I tiled my head to the left , my hands cupped behind my head . My best friend , Bobert Moffatt nodded . We lay on the grass field that separated the our houses , with our heads facing the plain black sky that was streaked with stars . " Do you think we’ll see a shooting star ? " Bob asked , as he shifted uncomfortably on the newly cut dry grass . His brown , hazel eyes kept to the velvet sky .
" Nope , " I answered . I cleared my throat and brushed my bangs away from my face . " We’ve never seen a shooting star , " Bob and I did star-watching every weekday night unless there was something we had to attend to . Sometimes , his other two brothers - Clint and Dave would join us . By the way , Bob is the middle the triplets in his family . He has an elder brother called Scott . He’s cute , but he didn’t seem to be liking me a lot .
Anyway , Bob is my very best friend . We are so close that I know all his secrets like how he envied Scott and how he missed his mum and which girl in class he really liked . He knew everything about me too . Well , almost , but most of it . I mean , we’ve known each other all our lives ! I trust him a lot . He trusts me too . Know something ? Bob makes a perfect boyfriend . Don’t get the wrong idea . It’ll never be possible between us . I mean , it’ll just be too weird .
Clint and Dave are okay , but I guess they just don’t belong in my world . Dave has a crush on my other best friend , Kitty Richardson . At least that’s what I heard from Bob … Anyway Kitty has a boyfriend , Michael Carter and I have no intention of breaking them up although I hated him a lot .
" So , did you have a great time today ? " Bob asked as he flipped over to face the grass . I followed .
" Hmmm.." I wasn’t sounding really happy . I mean , I had a bad bad time ! AND , with the company of the most sickening creep in the whole of Vancouver Sate ! See , I was out with this guy , Gary Flintson , whom I thought was the cutest guy on earth . We were in the cinema when he started to get all touchy and smoochy and all and I just slapped him across the face and left the cinema when I realised that my blazer and backpack was in his car and I had no means to get home ! Thank god I met this senior called Sophie Gordon and she gave me a ride home . When I got home , my backpack and blazer was already dumped outside my house door . What a creep !
" You don’t have to tell me if you don’t feel like doing that, " Bob cut in before I could even start telling him everything that happened today .
He flashed me a million megabyte smile and turned back to the grass and weeds which he was pulling out from the soil . I smiled at him , the best smile I could ever give today ( thanks to that creep ) . He is just so nice and understanding at times . That’s a real good best-friend quality . Wouldn’t you like such a best friend ?
" Hey ! That’s cruelty to plants ! " I exclaimed , laughing as I pushed his hands away from those grass .
Bob plucked out this big weed from the soil , threw it at my face playfully and grinned . " Oh yeah ? " he exclaimed sarcastically .
I wanted to stand up and push his face down into the earth and bury him alive ! I jumped up to my feet and ran to the nearest flowering pot I could find while Bob went to find another .
" Water is precious ! We must conserve it ! " Bob exclaimed in his best irritating Mrs-Halter-imitation . ( Mrs Halter is a moral education teacher by the way ) I laughed , but I didn’t spare him .
" Jo ! " Bob shouted as water splashed on his black ‘ The Beatles ’ tee shirt that his dad bought when he was in USA .
In a minute , we were running around the garden and backyards , playing with water and screaming as Clint , Dave , Scott , and my elder sister , Tricia , watched from their bedroom windows .
The school bell rang promptly at two the next day . I had actually arranged to meet Kitty after school at the girls’ locker room so that we go hang out at Starbucks after school , but it was raining so heavily today I doubt we’ll still be going . I rushed to the locker room anyway , and Kitty was organising the stuff in her locker when I got there . She is such a neat freak , unlike me ! I can’t be bothered to arrange the stuff in my locker , well , unless there was a locker-spot-check . If not , my books would be messily stacked up in a pile and my worksheets and assignments would be ‘hidden’ in between those books .
Anyway , Kitty was dressed in a black and white tank top and blue denim shorts , and her long honey coloured hair was neatly tied up into a ponytail . She jumped a little when I pounced onto her .
" Gee , Do you want to scare me to death ? " Kitty gasped , holding on to the locker door . I giggled .
" So , do you still wanna hang out at Starbucks after this ? " I asked , pushing my dark brown hair behind my shoulders . I turned the combination of my locker and pulled open the door , but it was stuck . After pounding on the door for a few times , it gave way and finally opened . " Stupid worksheet , " I mumbled as I pulled the piece of paper that jammed my locker door .
" Jo , clean up your locker . " Kitty advised me as she turned to smile at me . " You know what ? " I said , as I put my left hand on her shoulder . Kitty shrugged .
" You can really piss me off sometimes ! " I exclaimed and giggled as she turned back to her locker . " I know.. " she laughed .
" Hey , do you still wanna hang out at Starbucks after school ? " I asked for the second time . " If not , I’m gonna head home . " " Hey , since when if you gone straight home after school ? " Kitty laughed , as she slammed her locker door shut . " Since today , " I answered flatly . Yeah , it was true that I went out everyday after school , but today I just didn’t have the mood .
" I promised Bob I’ll be over at their garage by four , " I continued . Bob and his three brothers are in a band called ‘ The Moffatts ’ and I’ll be over just to listen to them play and sing and see I can come up with any ideas . After all , I’m the creative one .
Kitty didn’t reply , she just stood there grinning like she always does . " You can come if you want , " I told her . Someone would be really happy , I thought .
I was wrong after all . Kitty didn’t want to go to the Moffatts’ garage to see them perform , so I took a ride from Michael and Niki and they drove me over to Marche’s so I could pack some Mexican food for The Moffatts , dropping me off outside my porch so I had to walk a little over to Bob’s house .
They haven’t started when I got there . Scott was helping Dave put up his keyboard but Clint and Bob were no where to be seen .
" Hi Dave ! " I said as I walked up to the two of them . " Hiya Scott , " I said when he turned to stare at me . You know , this guy really hates me ! I knew it but I kept my composure .
" Where’s Bob ? " I asked , smiling , as I put the brown package on the wooden table next to the keyboards . " Oh yeah , I bought some chicken and pasta from Marche’s . Over here , " I pointed to the package as Dave walked over . " Thanks Jo , "
I flashed a smile , " No problem ! "
" I think Bob’s in the kitchen , " Scott spoke .
" Thanks , " I said .
" Oh , my mum’s cooking Chinese cuisine tonight . She told me to ask you guys over . " I added . The four of them loved Chinese cuisine and my mum always asks them over whenever we had Chinese food for dinner . " Yummy , " Dave exclaimed , as he licked his fingers , a chicken drumstick in his other hand .
I galloped to the back door and peered into the kitchen . Clint and Bob were scooping ice cream into a huge bowl . I slowly pushed the door open . " Hey ! " Bob exclaimed as I walked up to them . " Ice Cream delight ! "
We always ate ice-cream in his garage . It was no different this time .
" You gonna eat that while playing drums ?!? " I asked , laughing . Bob turned to grin at me . " Yeah , " He answered .
" You’ll feed him ! " Clint joked as he pushed a spoonful of ice-cream over into Bob’s mouth .
" In your dreams ! " I laughed . " I packed Marche’s for you guys , in the garage , " I said as I helped him picked up the bowl from the kitchen table .
The three of us walked back to the garage where Scott and Dave were eating .
" Leave some for us ! " Clint exclaimed , running over to the pasta . Bob and I joined them after we put the ice cream on the table .
The band started playing after eating and I sat at a little corner of the garage while doing my homework . They have improved from the last time they performed , especially Dave . I hugged all of them when they finished , and congratulated Dave on his improvement . They would really make it big time if they wanted to .
It was six when I reached home and the Moffatts would be coming over at seven , so I had to help mum prepare the plates and mugs and stuff . I also called up Kitty to ask her over cause mum really cooked a lot . She said she’ll be coming over at half past seven , and I was pretty excited over the whole dinner idea .
The Moffatts arrived right on time , and dinner was ready , but mum and dad said we had to wait for Kitty and Tricia . So Scott and Dave played The Playstation with my younger brother , Clement , in his room ( they are pretty close to my brother ) while I watched NFL on TV in my room with Bob and Clint .
We were all served typical Chinese cuisine the moment Kitty and Tricia arrived . You know , the rice , curry chicken , soup , and tim sum thingy . Bob and I made Kitty sit beside Dave at the dinner table . You can really notice that his face was red all the time ! It was really cute .
" What are we having for dessert mummy ? " Clement asked as he let out a loud burp , and the whole dining table laughed . " Opps , "
" No matter what it is , it wouldn’t be for you , " Tricia exclaimed . She walked around the kitchen table collecting all the dirty plates and cutlery while Bob and I help bring the leftovers into the kitchen .
" So what did Mrs Tan cook this time ? " Bob whispered as he leaned over to ask me when we walk into the kitchen . I turned around and pinched his nose . " You’ll see . " I laughed . " Now come help me bring that pot out . "
" Why me ? " he pretended to sulk . " Fine , " I heaved and walked over to the pot . God , this is heavy , I thought . What am I going to do now ?
I tried to lift it with my hands but hey , am I really so weak ?
Bob walked over and laughed in my face .
" Go away ! " I exclaimed , " I can do this . It’s easy . " I lied .
" I knew you couldn’t do it ! " he said sarcastically as he lifted the pot easily with his hands and walked slowly towards the living room and I followed closely behind .
We all helped to clean up after dinner , and then Kitty and the Moffatts headed up to my room to discuss on the songs for their band . My room was in a mess as usual , but I threw everything to a side so that they could lie on my bed . " Hey Dave , maybe you should name this song ‘ Girl of my dreams’ , " Kitty suggested , as she bit the end of the pencil . She sat up and adjusted her tank top before she rested onto my huge stuff toy , a seven foot long lime green snake . She had bought it for my birthday last year , and it’s one of my favourite things .
Dave nodded and leaned down to look at the paper that Kitty held .
Clint , Bob and I smiled a little . " Yeah . Thanks Kid , " Dave said .
" Anytime , Dave , " Kitty replied as she turned over , almost knocking into Dave . " Opps ," she exclaimed . Both their faces turned red at the exact moment and the rest of us giggled .
For the rest of the night , we sat there listening to the radio and writing songs until Bob and I went down to the field to star watch .
When we went up , Niki , Dave and Clint were already asleep . Kitty on my bed and the rest on the carpet floor . Scott was at a corner still writing songs . Bob and I didn’t bother waking them up cause it was Friday night and there wouldn’t be school tomorrow . Bob then later fell asleep on Dave , and me on my bed . I didn’t notice what time Scott slept . He was the last one who fell asleep .
" White Sox ! " I shouted , jumping from the seat , waving my hands hysterically in the air .
" Noooo ! " Bob shouted . He buried his face in his hand and faked a sobbing sound .
The two of us were sitting in the Moffatts living room on Saturday evening , watching the big game . Mr and Mrs Moffatt were having a romantic dinner elsewhere , probably Compass Rose , the poshiest restaurant in town . Clint was away on a date with his girlfriend , Heather , hanging out at the mall ; Dave was writing songs in his room , and Scott was taking guitar lessons at Frederick Music Hall .
I ran around the living room , singing to the official White Sox song .
" Red Sox will strike back ! " Bob stood up , his eyes popping out in anger . " Trust me , " he added , and sat down again .
I sat down next to him on the two seater and nuzzled his hair . " Strike back when there’s only 4 minutes left ? " I laughed . " C’mon ! "
After the game ended , Bob was convinced that he had lost his bet to me , and he owed me a triple fudge sundae and chips at Frosty Palace . So we decided to have dinner there . He took a bath while I went home to change into a clean set of clothes - a baggy oversized tee and khakis . We met outside our houses at 7 , and then we walked down to Frosty Palace together .
Like usual , Frosty Palace was packed with people , A number of them from our school , and some who were already college students . Most of them were couples on dates . We found a booth at a corner of the place and took our orders . Bob ordered quite a lot coz he was hungry , and although I wasn’t hungry , I ordered a chocolate malt and a chicken and cheese lagsana coz it was on Bob .
" Gimme some of that , " Bob said , his mouth full of chips . He used his fork and took some of my lagsana .
" Oi , " I hit his hand with my stirring spoon and left a drip of malt on his finger . " Opps , " I giggled .
Bob wiped the malt of his finger with a serviette . He squashed the serviette into a ball and pretend to dunk it into my malt . " And it’s a 3 pointer for the Bulls ! " he exclaimed and laughed .
I covered the mouth of the cup with my hands and stuck out my tongue . " Dunk it , dunk it .. " I challenged him , grinning . We struggled over the cup and out of a sudden it toppled and the malt spilled all over the tablecloth and onto my khakis .
" Arrggh " I stumbled to my feet as my hands flung . " God , " Bob walked over to my side and took a look at the stain . He took a clean serviette from my side and tried to wipe it off for me as I helped to stop the malt from dripping off the table edge to the floor .
" Let’s go , " I said as I pulled his hands " at least before Mrs Frosty comes " I laughed .
We were walking out of Frosty Palace , crossing the carpark when a black convertible zoomed past us . It looked amazing familiar , I knew I had seen it somewhere . Bob and I walked further down and saw Gary and a cheerleader from school in the car making out . No wonder it looks so familiar .. Darn ! I thought .
" Hey Jo ! " Gary shouted from the car , the girl’s face buried in his chest . " C’mon over here .. You dumped me in the cinema ! " he shouted . The girl looked up and smirked .
Bob stopped in his tracks and glanced back . " Let’s go , " I muttered , holding his hands . We made our way past the car .
Gary suddenly jumped out from the seat and stopped us . I reckon he was looking for a fight , so I just turned the other direction and pulled Bob .
Gary ran after us , leaving his chick in the car staring at us . " You deaf or something ? " he shouted , grabbing my neck from behind . I bent down in pain . Gary was a kick boxer and you could guessed the strength he possessed .
" What do you think you are doing ? " Bob shouted , holding Gary’s hand back from hitting me any further .
" Who’re you , her new beau ? " Gary grabbed Bob’s hand . He tried to punch Bob with his other hand but failed . Bob has a brown belt in Karate ! I was a bit relieved that Bob was here .
Bob kicked him hard at his side stomach the karate style and then flung him to the ground . Gary yelled in pain on the floor as Bob grabbed my hands and we ran away from the carpark .
" That was close , " Bob panted , tucking his bangs behind his ears . I smiled at him . " Yeah , " I was almost out of breath when we reached the driveway of our street .
I tiptoed and move in closer to Bob’s face . " Thank you . " I whispered in his ears and gave a peck on his cheek .
" Geese , that was my first peck ! " Bob exclaimed . His face blushed into pale pink . I could feel myself blushing too . All my life I have known Bob , we’ve never got this close to kissing . I guess we’re both totally embarrassed . Maybe I do like Bob , I thought . But sigh , like I said before , it’s impossible , and I’m not sure about the way I was feeling . Maybe it was just because of the jerk . Ahh… I don’t know !
The both of us stood there , speechless and blushing . I still can’t believe I almost him ! Anyway , I was saving it for Daniel Jones , my favourite popstar . Ahh… what do I say now ? We’ve never been so quiet together , so…
" Erm.. it’s getting late , " I finally spoke , pretending to take a look at the ‘invisible’ watch . (I never wear watches) I know I sounded nervous and looked nervous .
" Yeah , " Bob muttered . " So you going home ? " he asked .
Just then , Clint walked over and stopped beside us . I guessed he just came back from his date .
" Hey Clint , " I greeted , smiling .
" Hi ! " he said , then turning to look at Bob . " What’s wrong with you ? Your face’s turning red ! " Clint exclaimed . " And what are you guys still doing out here ? Ain’t you guys going in ? It’s cold . " he added .
" I gotta go in , " I said to Bob as I pushed the gate of my house open . I started to walk in when Bob walked over and whispered in my ear .
" Hey , you look lovely tonight . " he smiled at me and I blushed a deeper red . " Thanks , " I whispered back . " See ya . "
When I walked back into the house , I went straight to my room and jumped onto my bed . My neck still hurt , and I was still dazzled by everything that happen .
I clutched my snake and thought for a moment . After a while , I picked up my phone and dialled in Bob’s number . He picked up the phone . " Hello ? " I said nervously .
" Jo ? " he asked .
" Yeah , ermm.. " I thought of words to say . " This is gonna sound stupid , but I just wanna tell you that I really liked you . I’ve liked you all my life .. and I’ve never really realised that till today when I kissed you coz it seemed so impossible . " I went on without even giving him a chance to speak . I could hear his breathing sound get louder each moment .
" Guess what ? " Bob said , breaking the ice . " I wanted to call you and tell you that I really like you too , not as a best friend , and I was hoping that we could be more than that , "
The both of us fell silent .
" Great , " I heaved , smiling to myself . " So you still wanna star watch tonight ? " I asked . " It’ll be our first date , " I pulled opened the curtain and saw Bob looking into my room from his bedroom .
" See ya , " Bob said and hung up the phone and I saw him walking out of the room .
I ran downstairs , past the living room where my sister and her boyfriend , Brian , were making out , and into the field where Bob was standing . We strolled up to each other .
" Guess what ? " Bob whispered , his finger twirling my bangs . I looked up . " What ? "
" I’ve never had my first kiss , " he smiled and his lips met mine , and we kissed !
" Till tonight , " he added . My heart skipped a beat and I kissed him back . " Yeah . Me too . " I said .
" Gotcha ! "
Bob and I turned to see Clint , Scott and Dave standing at their patio .
Darn , I muttered .
The 3 of them ran towards us as Bob immediately released his grasp from my shoulder .
" I knew you guys were an item ! " Clint exclaimed , patting Bob on the shoulder . " Good job ! "
I was totally embarrassed ! So was Bob .
For the first time , Scott grinned at me .
" Okay , we shall not disturb you lovebirds , " Dave said , smiling at us , and dragging the other 2 into their house . " Waiit ! I’m not done yet ! " Clint shouted and disappeared into the living room .
Bob and I laughed and our lips met for the second time .
