Rock and a Hard Place

chapter 7

The instant the door opened Peter flew out of the bus ignoring the steady rain that soaked the area. His footsteps sank into the soggy grass as he ran across the clearing and past the large oak where he first met Libby. He made his way down the muddy path leading him closer to the stream. The slick ground slowed his progress. Please let her be here.

The rain came down in a constant stream, muffling sounds in the glen. Peter rounded a bend and spotted Libby. He paused and smiled. She grinned back. Then he laughed. She stood in the center of the large rock that hung over the stream. She wore a dark green windbreaker and jeans. One hand was tucked into her coat pocket, the other held a huge blue and white faded umbrela. Its enormity dwarfed her. She looked like a cute little gnome who’d been left out in the rain.

Peter closed the distance in seconds. “You’re here!”

“So are you.” She grinned, her hair damp. Peter noticed several gaping holes in the umbrela, causing a constant flow of water onto her.

“I was so worried you wouldn’t be here, with the rain and al.

Have you been waiting long?” He wanted to reach out and hug her, but didn’t quite know how to make it happen.

“No, not long at al.” A shiver racked her body.

“Liar, your lips are turning blue.” Peter’s eyes settled on her trembling mouth.

“You’re getting soaked, come stand under the umbrela.” She lifted it enough to clear his height. In the process of tipping the umbrela a sheet of cold water swooshed off the back and splashed their legs as it hit the rock.

“Oops, sorry,” she said with a giggle.

Peter crowded close under the umbrela. He gazed down at her smiling face. Rain drops clung to her eyelashes.

“What do you say we go somewhere we won’t get pummeled by rain?” He took the umbrela from Libby and wrapped his arm around her. She felt smal, delicate and very wet. They moved off the rock and climbed to an area near the wal. Trees reached over the glen, blocking some of the rain, the constant downfal now sounded like a pitter patter.

Peter reached for her hand and held the oversized umbrela with his other. “Geez, your hand is freezing.”

“I’m not gonna lie, it was realy cold out here, but I didn’t want to stand you up.” Her cheeks chafed red from the cold. “So I hope you plan on making it worth my while,” she chalenged him with a sly look.

“Now that you mention it, I did have something in mind.” Libby’s eyes widened.

“Want to know what it is?” he teased, watching her reaction.

He loved to see her off balance.

“Okay.” Now she looked less confident. Peter almost laughed.

“I have something for you.” He had moved heaven and earth to pul this together.

“You do?” Her eyes glittered in surprise.

“Yup. Close your eyes and hold out your hands.” He couldn’t wait to see what she thought. Libby obeyed. Her dark eyelashes lay against her rosy cheeks. His heart beat in anticipation. He reached into his jacket pocket and puled out a white plastic bag, then glanced up. Her closed eyes changed to little slits.

“Hey stop peeking!”

Libby squeezed her eyes closed and laughed. She held out her hands and waited. Peter puled the slim item out of the bag and placed it in her hands.

“Okay, look.”

She peered at the shiny device and then back at him in disbelief. “You gave me a cel phone?” She stared at the gift. “You gave me a cel phone!” This time she yeled it.

Her excitement touched him. “It seemed like a good idea.

You didn’t have a phone number to give me and I realy missed you. It’s gonna get harder to see you. I thought this way we could stay in touch and actualy talk whenever we want.” She closed her hand around the precious phone and turned pensive.

“Is something wrong?” He wondered what could have upset her.

“I don’t know if I should accept this.” She gazed up at him with large doe eyes. He couldn’t believe this. She needed to take the phone.

“We barely know each other, and, wel . . .” Mischief lit her face and he wondered what she was up to. “We’ve never even kissed.”

Peter paused and took a good look at her. He’d been wondering how to sneak a kiss; she just made it simple.

He tossed the umbrela aside and puled her close. He let his fingers tangle in her wet hair and lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her long and slow, taking his sweet time. Cold rain trickled down his neck as he savored each moment. Startled at first, Libby now matched his kiss. He enjoyed each touch of her tender lips.

He slowly puled away.

“Now can you take the phone?” his forehead rested against hers.

“Yeah, I think so,” she answered in a breathy voice.

“I’d better be sure.” Empowered by their perfect chemistry, he leaned in for more. Her body melted against him. He wrapped his other arm around her, and puled her close.

“Wow,” she whispered, her eyes dark and smoky

“Haven’t you ever been kissed before?” His eyes searched hers.

“Not like that.”

“Good.”

Nothing like kissing a girl senseless to boost his confidence. “I think I’l just stay here al day. The rain’s not so bad.” He caressed her damp cheek with his thumb.

“I’d like that.” She leaned her head back against the rock wal, gazing contently up into his eyes.

“The tour is overrated anyway.”

Libby leaned into him eager for more. Everything about her brought Peter alive. His life was great; he had nothing to complain about. But this simple girl turned everything upside down. He couldn’t get enough. He wanted to sneak her onto the bus and take her with him.

They parted, breathless and aroused, secure in each other’s arms. Peter’s phone rang. His family was back.

“I should have sent them to Iowa for lunch.”

“You can’t leave me now.” She sighed, wanting to stay in Peter’s arms al day.

“I think I’l have to kil them. With my bare hands. Except my hands are busy.” He emphasized, moving them down over her hips and back up.

“What are we going to do?” Disappointment colored her words.

They had opened a new door and complicated their lives.

Neither wanted to walk away.

“We’re going to talk as often as possible and text in between.” He hoped to reassure her this was only the beginning.

“Okay, but when wil I see you again?” she asked, the angst clear in her voice.

“I don’t know. We’re leaving the Midwest for a while.” Not knowing worried him too. “But that isn’t going stop us from being together. I’l figure something out. I promise.” He meant it with every fiber of his being. They barely knew each other, but he would not let her go. The connection they shared was extraordinary.

Libby nodded, her trust in him absolute. His phone played music again.

“You’re ringing.”

“They can wait, I’m with them al the time. You’re special.” He lowered his lips to hers once more, feeling neither the cold nor the rain.



# # #

Peter jogged through the steady rain, his heart bursting with joy. The silver bus stood ominous, surrounded by a thick fog.

He hammered on the door twice. It opened smoothly. He returned to the other part of his life, energized and empowered. He could conquer the world.

“Peter, where’s Libby?” His mother asked.

He pushed the hood of his jacket back and shook his head like a dog, spraying water on everyone around him.

“Dude, grab a towel, would ya?” Garrett blocked his face with his arm.

“She didn’t want a ride. She’s not far from home and wanted to walk.”

His parents exchanged concerned glances.

“She’s realy shy, that’s al.”

“Apparently not too shy,” Adam said, noticing Peter’s over-the-top mood.

Peter shrugged, a smug grin on his face. He moved to the back of the bus, high-fiving Garrett as he passed.

“Oh yeah, little brother.” Garrett said.

“We brought you a burger,” his mother caled.

“Not hungry.” He plopped onto the couch, popped in his earphones, and closed his eyes. He lost himself in thoughts of Libby.



# # #

Libby sat in the middle of her bed wearing her sweatshirt and underwear. The sopping wet jeans she wore earlier lay in a pile on the floor along with her squishy shoes and dripping socks. She spread the new gift out on the bed like the crown jewels.

Unfortunately she didn’t know how to use the shiny new phone. Al the kids at school owned phones. She was about to get one last year, but then the car accident happened. The box contained some cords and a smal instruction booklet. She picked up the high-tech device and ran her hands over it when a familiar Jamieson tune played.

She dropped the phone, then flipped it over and tried to figure out how to answer. She fumbled over the buttons on the screen until she heard laughter come from the tiny unit.

She picked it up and held it to her ear. “Helo?”

“Can you hear me?” Peter’s magical voice sounded close.

“Yeah, hang on, I’m trying to figure this out.” Libby turned the phone around and found the right end for her ear. “Okay, can you hear me now?”

“Your voice is music to my ears,” Peter answered.

Libby felt warm and tingly down to her cold feet. “I can’t believe you gave me a phone.”

“Wel, I had to do something. I couldn’t quit the tour and hide in the woods everyday waiting for you. My dad would have blown a gasket. I figured this would be a good compromise.”

“Works for me. Although I’d have hated for you to disappoint al your fans.”

“Whatcha doing?”

“Sitting on my bed looking at al this stuff that goes with the phone. I just got here a few minutes ago.

“Perfect timing. You’l have to learn how to put it on vibrate when you’re at school.”

“I’ve decided to quit school so I can talk to you al day.” She wished she could.

“No you won’t. You need to study, get smart and graduate.

You’l never get to colege if you don’t finish high school.” She couldn’t stop grinning. This was almost like having him there with her. “Never fear. I’m only a few credits from graduation anyway.”

“Are you a senior?”

“No, I’m a junior, but I have enough credits to graduate at the end of the semester.”

“How’d you manage that? I just finished last spring and I swore it would kil me. I hated homework. It kept me from writing songs.”

“I spend a lot of time studying. I’ve had a lot of time on my hands, so I just loaded up on extra classes and took summer courses.” Studying had been her savior and only sanity. Losing herself in books made the rest of the world go away. You don’t notice kids snubbing you, when you’re deep into Advanced Biology or Calculus, and you don’t worry about your missing dad either.

“So you’re a brainiac?”

“Maybe,” she replied with a smile. She carried a 4.0 even through the trauma of losing her family. She clung to her studies.

“Does that bother you?” Some guys didn’t like smart girls.

“Heck no, maybe some of your smarts wil rub off on me.”

“So where are you? What are you doing?”

“We’re headed south, Texas, and I’m sitting in my bunk talking to this realy cool girl I know.”

Libby hugged herself. “Texas is far. How long til you get there?”

“I think it’s about sixteen hours to Dalas, so I have a lot of time to talk.”

“I can handle that, but you’re going to have to tel me how to plug in this phone or we’l drain the battery on the first time out.” She talked to him late into the night about anything and everything. It felt like they’d known each other forever. He gave her the basics on how to work her phone, use the internet, and text.

She cut him off three times in the process.

They talked al evening. Peter’s family interrupted off and on throughout their marathon conversation. Somewhere around 2:30 in the morning, their energy began to wane, so they agreed to hang up and begin again the next day. They would try texting throughout the day, since she had school.

Libby fel asleep with the phone snuggled up against her, a symbol of the soul mate she’d found.

# # #

“Libby, you’re wanted in the office.” Ms. Dorsett, her Math Chem teacher, held a pink slip of paper.

Libby closed the heavy text book and grabbed her papers.

As she passed Ms. Dorsett, she took the note. She’d never been caled to the office before and couldn’t imagine why it happened today. As she walked through the vacant hals, her mind searched for a reason. Then it hit her.

Dad.

He said he’d be back for her. Finaly she could escape Rockvile. She hurried the remainder of the distance. Wait until he heard about Peter. Libby burst through the office doors searching for her father’s loving face. He had been her rock and strength before the accident broke him.

The grey-haired secretary glanced up from her work. “I’l be right with you, hon.”

Libby’s heart beat in anticipation. She went around the corner and peeked into Miss Orman’s office. No Dad enjoying a nice visit with the counselor while he waited for her. Miss Orman glanced up from a cal, her smile forced.

Libby returned to the main office, disappointed.

“Principal Harried wil see you now,” the kind secretary said.

Was her dad in with the principal? Something didn’t feel right.

She moved past the counter and down the short hal to the open door of the principal’s office. She paused, unsure if she should knock or walk right in.

“Ah, Miss Sawyer, please come in and take seat. Close the door behind you.”

As Libby obeyed, dread pressed in. She shut the heavy door with a solid click and took a seat in a worn chair facing the principal’s desk, her hands in her lap.

Principal Harried closed the folder in front of him and removed his glasses from his pointy nose; his bulging eyes reminded her of a mouse. The kids caled him Rat.

“It appears we have a problem.” He leaned back in his chair and narrowed his eyes, delaying the news.

Libby gripped her hands. Her mouth went dry as words eluded her.

“Last Friday you sold bus tickets for the away footbal game.

Is that correct?” His eyes pierced hers.

Oh shit. He knew.

The heat of guilt climbed her neck. “Yes sir.” She swalowed.

“One of the women working in the lunch line saw you take money from the cash box and pocket it. Is that correct?” He spoke slow and quiet.

More than anything she wanted to lie. The only time in her life she’d ever taken anything and now she was caught. Panic hit. Deny it, lie. Don’t admit it. She could taste the words on the tip of her tongue. She wasn’t a bad person, she just needed the money.

“Before you answer, I want you to know that the same cash box came up short seventeen dolars.” He tapped his finger against his temple, he had her cornered.

“Yes, sir.” She crossed her arms, hugging herself tight.

“What was that?” Principal Rat asked.

“Yes, sir. I took the money.” Libby’s head hung low. She never meant anyone to find out. No wonder she always folowed the rules. Breaking them and getting caught sucked.

“Would you like to explain yourself?” He crossed his arms, his voice tight.

“No, sir,” she mumbled.

“Excuse me?” Apparently he wasn’t used to hearing no.

“No, sir, I wouldn’t like to explain.” If she confessed about her CD, he’d ridicule her and probably take it away.

“I see.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Wel, young lady, we have zero tolerance for stealing in this school. Let me spel this out so you understand the ful consequence of your actions. You wil serve an in-school detention, you wil return the money and your guardian wil be notified.”

“Please don’t cal her,” Libby interrupted in a ful panic.

Caling Aunt Marge was the worst thing he could do. “I’m realy sorry, I didn’t plan to do it. I’l do whatever detention you want, but please don’t cal her.”

“We have strict policies in this school and perhaps this wil help deter you from stealing again, and I’ve already caled her. You can expect to be disciplined at home as wel.” Why did life always have to be so complicated? Could nothing ever go her way? How could she go home and face her aunt? Her bely began to hurt.

“Miss Orman wil oversee your detention and you can return the money to Mrs. Keler at the front desk.”

“I don’t have it any more. I spent it.”

He leaned back in his chair again, glanced at her file and sighed a deep breath, clearly annoyed. “I assume that would explain your unexcused absence Friday afternoon.”

She nodded.

“Wel, we’l be sure to find a way for you to work the money off. Let this be a strong message to you not to repeat your crime. If this should happen again, you wil be looking at a suspension. You may go.”