“Yeah, I’m done, what now?” She asked.
“I don’t know what do you want to do?” Abby asked Jimmy.
“Well, is there a craft store you would like to go in, get some scrapbooking supplies?” Jimmy inquired.
Everyone turned and looked at him.
“What? It’s her hobby I was wondering if she needed anything.” He answered as they glared.
“No, I am all set with supplies for now, thank you though, that was very thoughtful of you to ask.”
“Yes, yes it was very thoughtful” Holly admired and gave Abby another friendly nudge.
They finished their lunch and headed back to the bus. A few girls who had been to the concert the night before, obvious by the bands t-shirts that they wore, ran up to them and asked for autographs and photos. The guys graciously complied, signed the girl’s t-shirts and posed for pictures. Abby had also had her camera with her and periodically throughout the day, had snapped photos of all of them. Jimmy had noticed, smiled for a few of them and made a mental note to get a picture of her to take with him. Abby and Holly were already on the bus when the three of them climbed in.
“That’s why I love this job,” exclaimed Ben and they all laughed at that.
They spent the rest of the day just hanging out. They had gone back to the University to walk around so Abby and Holly could see more of the college. When it was getting too dark to see any more of the sights they all walked back to the bus and got in.
“Wanna watch a movie?” asked Ben more to Holly than to anyone else.
“Sure what do you have?” Holly accepted as Bed brought out a box of DVD’s
“Abbs!” Holly yelled “They have Twilight, put this in!” as she practically threw it at Ben.
“Holly is a big fan of the main vampire.” Abby stated losing count of how many times they had actually seen this movie. They each bought a copy of the DVD when it came out so they would both have one at their homes so they could watch it whenever they, or more to the point, Holly wanted too. They have already seen the sequel four times and it’s just been released in the theaters.
“Yeah, I picked it up on a whim one day…we needed new stuff to watch.” Ben said with embarrassment. Abby figured that wasn’t quite the whole truth and the look on Jimmy’s face confirmed her suspicions. Abby giggled.
“Oh he is so cute” Holly sighed when the vampire of her dreams makes his first appearance on screen, “a much better choice than the werewolf” she added.
Ben paused the movie,
“How can you say that?” Ben questioned, surprising about everyone on the bus. “The werewolf is a much better match.” He exclaimed
“Are you crazy?” Holly uttered totally exasperated. “The vampire is totally in love with her and would give his life for her, he is the one for her.”
“Yeah if you like feel of cold stone and want a guy that sparkles like Cinderella’s tiara whenever he steps out into the sunshine.” Ben retorted still leaving everyone else watching absolutely speechless.
“His heart only beats for her.” Holly swooned
“He doesn’t have a heartbeat, he’s a vampire!!” Ben stated matter-of-factly.
“Whatever, you know what I mean!” Holly shot back
Abby could tell things were getting heated, not sure why, obviously Ben was also a fan of the vampire series.
“Ok, Team Vampire, Team Werewolf,” Abby said looking back and forth between the two of them, “you will just have to agree to disagree, Ben please turn the movie back on.”
Ben pushed play and sank back into the couch, arms folded in front of him looking very frustrated. Abby looked at Jimmy as if to say, “What was that all about?” Jimmy shrugged his shoulders and had a totally bewildered look on his face as if to say “I have no idea” he did however think to himself, “she could hold her own if it came down to it, not bad” and pulled Abby back towards him and wrapped his arms around her again.
By the time the movie was over, Ben and Mikey were asleep on the couch. Holly stretched and looked over at Ben,
“Werewolf fan…as if.” she rolled her eyes and got up from the chair.
“We should really get back to Cliff’s dorm Abbs.” she said a bit apologetically, “it’s kinda late.”
“I know” she conceded and started to get up.
“Hey… um… why don’t the two of you just stay tonight here on the bus?” Jimmy offered.
He saw the looks the two girls gave each other, a mix between skepticism and assumption. He quickly added, “You two can have my bed of course it’s a queen size in the back and the guys and I can take the bunks. There is plenty of room and it’s no problem at all,” he added for good measure still observing their hesitation.
“Well Chicky what do you think?” Holly asked Abby. “Would you prefer to share a soft queen size bed or a twin size bottom bunk in Cliff’s dorm?”
“Wow, you make both sound so appealing Holls, whatever will I chose.” Abby replied and chuckled at the sarcasm.
Holly called Cliff to let him know we wouldn’t be staying with him. He was pleased he didn’t have to sleep on the tiny loveseat in his room but was also concerned that his sister and her friend were staying on a tour bus with a rock band. Holly assured him they would be fine and they would see him in the morning.
“Ok all set.” Holly said putting her phone back in her pocket.
Jimmy sprang up off the couch,
“Let me show you to the back.” He said and took Abby’s hand to lead her.
It really was a nice bus. It reminded Abby of some of the motor homes she had looked at with her parents when they were contemplating buying one and traveling across the country once Abby’s dad retired from the bank.
He led her past a small kitchen area that had a cook top stove, small oven, microwave and fridge. It also had more cupboard space than Abby thought it would have. They passed a tiny bathroom on the right that had a sink and toilet. On the left across from the bathroom was a shower. They passed what must have been the bunks three on the left and three on the right with curtains that can be pulled for privacy
“All the comforts of home.” Jimmy said as he was opening a small door at the very back of the bus.
The bedroom had a queen sized bed, end table, built in dresser with a mirror, a closet on the opposite wall from where the bed was positioned and a flat screen TV with DVD hanging above the closet. Holly pounced on the bed.
“Ooohhh comfy.” She stated as she lay down on the pillow.
Abby faced Jimmy and she placed her hand on his chest,
“This is really too much, we can’t take your bed, we can sleep in a bunk and you hardly got any sleep last night and…” Jimmy cut her off.
“You didn’t get a lot of sleep last night either, I can sleep till next Friday if I want too, you have school on Tuesday, you need to get a full nights rest, you are taking the bed.” He insisted and placed his hand over hers still on his chest.
Holly noticing this may be a good time excuse herself stated,
“Ok well I am going to go to the ladies room and wash up before bed, excuse me.” She squeezed past Jimmy and Abby still standing in the doorway.
Abby looked up at Jimmy again and met his gaze. He gently caressed her cheek with is other hand. Slowly he bent down and put his lips to hers. He was so soft and gentle. His mouth gently forcing hers open and he massaged her tongue with his. His breath was hot and sweet. Abby took her hand and placed in on the back of his neck she pulled him closer to her. This was the best kiss ever. Abby knew it put the kisses in romance novels to shame. This was one for the history books. Jimmy moved his hand away from her cheek and slid it to her neck holding her tighter.
“I am now coming out of the bathroom.” They heard Holly announce.
They stopped kissing and both laughed at Holly subtlety. Holly squeezed back though the doorway of the bedroom and crawled back on to the
bed. She got under the covers and rolled onto her side facing away from them.
“Well good-night then.” he whispered and gave her one last sweet kiss. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good-night” Abby whispered back…still breathless from their first kiss.
He closed the door behind him and Abby fell on the bed.
“Was it good?” Holly asked in a low tone as she was rolling over to face her and propped herself up on one elbow and rested her head on her hand.
“It was….amazing!” Abby answered mimicking her low tone. “Seriously one for the record books” and the both giggled.
“I’m glad” Holly said to her. “I have seen you smile more today than I have seen in a long time. You’re still smiling.” she said in a whisper and laughed.
Abby was smiling, she wasn’t sure when she would stop.
“Thank you for convincing me to come this weekend Girly Girl.” She leaned to give Holly a hug.
“Anytime Chicky, anytime” Holly hugged her back and they both lay back down on the pillows. Abby was still smiling when she fell asleep.
* * * * *
Chapter 6
It had been five weeks since the weekend Abby and Holly had spent at the University of Maine visiting Cliff, Holly’s brother. Every day since then she has spoken with Jimmy. The morning they left UMO to return home, Jimmy had given her every number he could think of where he could be reached, his email address and Skype user name so they could video chat. He had also given her another incredible kiss, just as fabulous as the first. Ben and Mikey had all but fallen over themselves when Holly had given them a hug good-bye. They offered to give her their contact information. Holly graciously declined and stated,
“If I need to reach you, I will.” Winked at Abby and got in the Jeep.
Abby and Jimmy hugged again and he told her,
“Drive safely, you’re taking my heart with you.”
Abby promised to be careful, got into the driver seat and drove home. After dropping off Holly at home and confirming plans to pick her up in the morning for school, Abby got home just as her mother was getting sandwiches ready for lunch.
“How was your weekend?” she asked and gave Abby a welcome home kiss and hug.
“Mom, no words can describe how my weekend was….it was beyond words.” Abby answered.
Abby’s mom looked at her daughter, “I take is a boy was involved?” and she looked at Abby with one eyebrow raised. “I hope he’s not too old for you.” She continued.
“I think he’s 23.” Abby said winching waiting for her mom’s response.
“Well, you are almost 18 Abby, 23 isn’t that much older, so what is he studying?” She asked assuming he was a student.
“Oh, he’s not a student.” Abby said biting her lip.
“No?” her mom looked at her quizzically.
“No, he was in the band that was performing.” Abby’s mom was about to protest when Abby continued. “But Mom, Jimmy was so nice, not the type of guy you would picture the lead singer of a band to be like. A complete gentleman, so sincere and thoughtful.” Abby felt as if she could cry.
Her mom set a plate down and put both of her hands on Abby’s shoulders. “Honey, your dad and I trust your judgment. We know that you would not do anything reckless. We may not always agree with your choices” Abby knew she was talking about Billy. “But they were still your choices, not ours. As long as you are not doing anything to cause harm to yourself or others, we will not stand in your way. It sounds like this Jimmy really made an impression.” Her mom said giving her a hug.
Abby felt as though this was the opening she needed to tell her mom about the whole weekend. She never felt she had to hide anything from her parents. Her mom was the first person she told when she lost her virginity to Billy and her mom understood, they recapped available birth control methods, but there was no lecture or criticism. After Abby and her mom took lunch to her dad who was in his office going over the current growth and decline of the stock market, Abby and her mom sat down at the kitchen table and Abby told her mom every detail about the weekend.
Abby had not talked to Jimmy about meeting her parents in the five weeks since they had met. She did not want to push the issue with Jimmy and it didn’t fall under her parents “we want to meet the young man that is interested in our daughter before you leave the house with him” rule. Since he was traveling across the country on a bus right now, the dating part didn’t apply. Even though they spoke every day that topic was never brought up…until today.
It was Sunday morning, three weeks into November when Abby’s phone rang. She knew instantly it was Jimmy. It was 11:00 a.m. and he called every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m.
“Hello,” she said in an expectant tone
“Hey Babe, how was your night?” he asked. They had spoken last evening before she went to bed but he asked as though he hadn’t talked to her in days.
“It was fine” she replied, “Holly’s still sleeping” which was also the norm for a Sunday morning. They did stay up later than usual playing the “This is How I See My Future” game which now Abby didn’t mind playing. She had lots of scenarios on how her life could be, now that she had met Jimmy. It usually included a log cabin and a bunch of babies.
“What are you plans for today?” he asked.
“Not much,” she admitted,” just veggin’, we have a paper due on the Battle of Bunker Hill for U.S. History that I have to get the final draft typed up, but other than that, just another lazy Sunday, what about you, what are you doing today? Where are you?” She knew they were somewhere in the Mid West working their way back to LA.
“We are in South Dakota don’tcha know.” Abby laughed at his attempt at an accent. It’s about 40 degrees and far from what I am used too.”
“Oh no” Abby laughed, feigning pity, “Remember you are calling Maine in November, I can’t really sympathize.” They both laughed. “Although I will feel bad for you for about 10 seconds since you are from LA and not really used to anything less than 75 degrees and sunny, hold please” and Abby went silent.
“Ha ha funny girl, you are just a riot this morning.” He teased.
“Shhh I still have five more seconds of pity for you. Ok all done.” She said after another few moments of silence.
“Look here missy” he joked “I have had to withstand cold weather plenty, I bet I could even withstand a winter weekend in Maine.” He claimed.
“Oh I would love to see you try, be sure to bring your long johns and wool socks, I bet you couldn’t make it 15 minutes outside without running inside to stand in front of the fireplace.” Abby then broke out into hysterics picturing the scene.
“Alright then, it’s a bet, I’ll see you this weekend and we’ll see who gets colder first.” Abby’s laugher stopped short.
“What?!” she said more like statement than a question. “You’re coming here this weekend? Don’t even tease me like that”
“I’m not teasing, I never pass on a bet and you bet me.”
“Jimmy, seriously, that’s not funny, if you’re kidding please stop.” She was now feeling a little sad and missing him a bit more since they were talking about actually seeing each other again.
“Abby,” he said with as much seriousness as he could, “I’m not kidding, I want to come and see you.”
“YES!” Abby started screaming and jumping on her bed, scaring the Bejesus out of Holly who was still sleeping up to that moment, making her fall out of the bed.
“What, what, what, what’s the matter?” Holly asked completely exasperated, pulling herself back onto the bed.
Abby parents had come running into the room to see why she was screaming and to see if everything was ok.
“Jimmy is coming here this weekend,” Abby said still jumping on her bed. Holly got up and started jumping with her, echoing her screams.
“For Pete’s sake Abby.” Her mother said breathless, “you just about gave your father a coronary. Tell Jimmy we look fo
rward to meeting him.”
“Oh my Gosh I almost forgot he was still on the phone” and she landed down on the bed in a sitting position, Holly falling on her and both trying to compose themselves.
“Jimmy are you still there?” she asked while pushing the hair out of her face.
“I am,” he answered “although I now have this constant ringing in my ear.” He teased her.
“When are you coming? How long can you stay? Are you bringing Mikey and Ben with you?” Abby asked excitedly.
“I am flying into Knox County Regional Airport in Owls Head, Saturday morning. I can stay until Monday. No, the boys aren’t faring to well with the cold so they are gonna head to LA for a long weekend, so it’s just me, is that ok?” he asked sounding a bit unsure.
“It’s more than ok. You can stay here with us, I am sure my parents’ won’t mind. We have plenty of room and it will give them a chance to get to know you.” She thought for a minute, “Unless you don’t want to stay here I don’t want to put you in an uncomfortable position.” It didn’t dawn on her that he may not be ready for a whole weekend with her parents.
“I don’t want to put anyone out, I had my assistant Karma book a room for me at the Samoset in Rockport. She said it wasn’t too far from where you live in Thomaston.”
“No, it’s not” she said disappointment in her voice. “The Samoset is nice”
He could tell she wasn’t as happy as she was two minutes ago and he didn’t like the thought of her being disappointed in anything having to do with this weekend.
“I’ll tell you what,” he started, “Once I get into town and meet your family, we’ll see how it goes. If it makes more sense to stay with you at your home and your parents have no objections I can cancel the hotel room, deal?”
This made her smile, “deal” she agreed.
They ended their call with a plan for her to meet him at the airport and drive him to her house. He was going to reserve a rental car as well so she didn’t feel the need to drive him everywhere unnecessarily. Especially if things did not go well with her parents, he would need transportation to the hotel.