Black Butterfly

Chapter 8

I hadn't heard from Mason since the closet debacle, and it was a relief. I hadn't even see him at all actually, no one to kick the back of my chair in class or whisper in my ear. In fact my days were becoming boring, wake up, go to school, come home and sleep. But not hearing from Mason also meant that I didn't have his side of the project, which could be a problem as it was due in three days.

Me: Mason, I know we haven't spoken in a while, per my request, but I need your side of the project. It's due in three days, I've already finished mine just tell me how to get it to you. 

One minute. Two. Five. No response. "Sure, lets just get an F why don't we." I growled to myself. I thought about going to his fathers house, but remembered that he doesn't live there and I don't know the location of Nick's apartment. I sigh and go to tuck my phone into my pocket when I feel it vibrate. 

An unknown number flashed across the screen and the message read:

Unknown: Hey Calsy, it's Olivia. I was still wondering if you're still coming with us to the beach tomorrow.

I put her in my contacts but hesitated before responding, Will Mason be there?  No, I can't let him make decisions for me. I shot back:

Me: Yes. I'm so excited!

Olivia: Awesome! I'll pick you up tonight.

Me: Sounds good. 

I smile at little to myself and head to third period. 

-

"Listen up please." Ms. Chase's voice floated through the classroom and slowly the other conversations died away. "Now I know we haven't talked about it much lately, but your get to know each other projects are due Monday, which is also when you'll present." A groan rose and heads flipped back. "I expect A's, as you've all had plenty of time to complete it." The bell rang and students made for the door. I put my notebook back in my bag and headed to the door when, "Calsy, wait." Ms. Chase called me. I stopped, You haven't don't anything, relax. I turned around and slowly walked toward her desk.

"I noticed Mason hasn't been here lately." She said. I nodded.

"You two are partners." Not a question. I nodded again.

"Because of his unexscused absences, I can grant you extra time if you would like." 

"That's very nice Ms. Chase, but it's not necessary. We finished already." I replied.

She blinked, "Okay." She nodded, "Everything's completed?" I shook my head yes. She bobbed her head up and down, "Alright then. I'll see you on Monday." 

As soon as I was out of the class I texted Mason:

Me: I haven't gotten your side of the project yet. Ms. Chase was asking after it, can you send it to me please? I don't want to fail.

No response.

Me: Look Mason, I get that maybe you're a bit embarrassed about almost trying to make out with me, or whatever it was you were trying to do, but if I could at least get a response that would be great. 

Again no response, but it was expected. My day continued on, each class as boring as the last.

-

I stopped at the entrance to my room huffing a sigh. My room was a mess, my dresser had clothes on it, and not in it. My desk had papers strewn everywhere and my floor was covered in hangers as shoes. I'm not going to be able to find anything before Olivia picks me up. I ran a hand over my face and shuffled through my disheveled room.

After fifteen minutes of searching, I had finally found a bag, some shorts and a pair of sunglasses. The bathing suit I had didn't fit anymore so I guess swimming wasn't really an option. I finally slipped on jeans a white shirt and my sneakers, and headed to the living room to wait for Olivia. 

"Hey sweetie, what are you doing?" s**t, I haven't told mom. 

"Uh, me? Oh, uh, I'm spending the weekend at a friends house. If that's alright with you?" 

My mothers brown eyes narrowed beneath her brows, "And which friend is that?" 

"My friend Annie. Yep, she just moved here about a week ago. Um, I thought it would be nice to be her friend for a while, until she has some other friends you know?" God, I'm blabbering, she's not gonna buy it.

My mom shrugged, "Okay, as long as your back a reasonable time on Sunday." 

I blinked, slowly. Before I had a chance to dig myself into a hole, a car horn honked. I breathed a sigh of relief and rushed to the door and shouted, "Love you mom!" And closed it behind me. 

The sun would set in a few hours, it cast a glow onto the black, sleek model and Olivia sat in the drivers seat, sunglasses on the top of her blonde hair and a smile on her face. I reach the car and she rolls the window down, "Put your stuff in the back and hop in!" We smile at each other.

I climb in and put my seatbelt on. The interior was black leather with gold lining, it was clearly expensive. Suddenly I felt embarrassed, this car was way too nice to be going to the beach and getting sand in its crevices. Olivia must have noticed my stare because she reassured me,

"Jordan doesn't really care for this car. His old Mercedes' interest him more anyway." 

That didn't make me feel any better. I nodded and looked at her a smile settling itself on my face after seeing hers. "So, where is this beach house?" I ask. "It's about an hour away so we have some time to sit in this car." She pulled out and we started our drive, talking and swapping stories.

-

It felt like almost no time had passed since we had left my house, but suddenly we were pulling into another gated driveway. Huge white columns stood at the front door and windows of blue tinted glass stood and caught the setting sun in their planes. My mouth fell open, but Olivia just got out and grabbed our things from the back. I opened the car door, not even feeling the leather touching my hand. 

"It is beautiful isn't it? I never get tired of coming up here, sadly I don't get to do it as much as I'd like." Olivia's voice broke the spell and I took my bag from her, determined not to let her carry it. We walked up to the front door, and walked on to the white marble floor, the glittering stone beneath me was hit with setting sun and the room was bathed in warm light.

White couches and tables, another huge kitchen. A spacious living room that led to a backyard the size of community park. A pool, a wall of green, and a beautiful view of the ocean. I looked back at Olivia to make sure that I could go out and she nodded. The sliding glass door didn't make a sound as I opened it. 

I stepped out and the sea breeze blew past my brown hair. The smell of seaweed and salt water caressed my skin and I wrapped my arms around my self, I took a step when a voice said to my right, "Took you guys long enough. Thought my drink would warm." My head snaps to the sound and a beach chair faced away from me, toward the pool. A small table next to it held a glass filled with amber liquid. 

The sun was almost gone now, and the last rays glided on the pool and on the muscled figure now standing up from the chair and stretching. Tanned back muscle flexed and brown hair was wet. He turned toward me and his brown eyes met mine. I sucked in a tight breath. Mason was here, and would probably be here all weekend. Words hung between us. Because here he was, the setting sun casting a golden glow on his tanned skin. 

Here he was, strong arms folded over his tight chest. Mason Ace Shade, the boy who hasn't answered me for a week was just standing there. He smiled and I copied his stance and crossed my arms across my chest. Mason started from me and I resisted the urge to take a step back. When he reached me he leaned down to my ear, his breath tickling the shell of my ear and whispered to me,

"Embarrassed my ass."