Me, Me, Me and Tara

Chapter Eight

What I didn't expect come the next morning was the roar of a motorcycle outside as my phone pinged from Clint, just one word letting me know he is outside. I stand in the doorway and then look down at my plaid pencil skirt, cream sweater and pink flats with a blush. I swear I can see him smirk despite his helmet as I hold up one finger, the universal give me a second, and dash back inside to change into something more appropriate because, of course, he drives a motorcycle.

Before I even reach my room, I'm shimmying out of my skirt and nearly face plant in my rush. I stand frozen in the middle of my room scanning my wardrobe for a minute before my eyes land on a pair of leather skinny jeans. "Tara." I mutter to myself as I hurriedly wrestle them on. She must have picked them out at some point. Thank gods, because I never would've bought them. They're a little suffocating but perfect for protecting me during the ride. I nearly fall down the stairs as I slip my converses back on and scurry out the door before my parents' can change their minds about Clint taking me to school.

I give him a c**k-eyed smile as I finish tying my shoe, hopping on one foot awakwardly as I approach. He holds up a second helmet like a challenge and I slide it on without hesitation. It's too loud for conversation, so I just swing my leg over the seat behind him as gracefully as possible. A thrill races through me as I settle in and note my dad standing in the front doorway mouth gaping and eyes bulging in utter shock at the sight before him. It's almost comical and I grin at the rebellious freedom of this morning.

Clint gives him a two-finger wave and then guns it, making me lurch back even as I wrap my arms tightly around his waist. The cookie cutter houses of my neighborhood zip by and I relax as he lets off the gas a little. We lean into a bend together and I have the intense urge to reach down to touch the asphalt but I don't. I can feel Tara's joy like a drug in my veins - its giddy, fizzy, infectious. I can almost hear her calls of enthusiasm and I realize I haven't stopped grinning since I climbed on.

The vibration of the engine leave me slightly numb along with the chill of the wind through my thin sweater. I lean my helmet clad cheek against his back and take in the swirls of color as we weave in and out of traffic. The wind rushes past so fast it steals my breath, tugging at strands of hair that didn’t make it into the helmet. The air is intoxicatingly thick with freshly cut grass mixed with exhaust that adds to the thrill of the moment. I squeeze Clint’s waist tighter, half in exhilaration, half in instinct as he glides confidently between two lanes of cars.

I can feel his laughter but I refuse to loosen my grip as anxiety dance with the adrenaline pouring through my system. We come to a stop at a light and he reaches back giving my thigh a quick squeeze before we're off like a shot again with the kind of speed that makes my stomach drop and my face stretch in a helpless, wild grin.

We lean into another long curve and that intense urge rushes through my system again. I know we are getting close to the school now and I realize I'll miss this freedom as soon as its over. Tara's yearning for a longer ride echos my own and I have to blink several times to keep her at bay. Would it really be so bad to let her experience the last mile or two? I chew my lip for a moment considering it. Then, I let the tight hold go slightly and feel the shift.

Glory! Riding with Clint is a dream come true. I double tap his chest and he slows, I release my arms and stretch them out wide beside me. I'm flying. I let out a squeal of joy as we head into another turn and I drop back into my seat and wrap my arms around him. Synchronized like old riding partners we glide through the turn and I reach down mid turn and gently brush my finger tips along the warm asphalt. I laugh loudly as we straighten out. Inhaling the fumes mixed with fresh air makes me wish this moment would never end.

We slow as we enter the school parking lot and I roll my eyes. Suddenly I'm being choked again and I feel her tugging at my pyshe. I try to fight her but before we find a spot to park I'm thrown back into the backseat of my own mind, forced to watch her live my life.

He reaches back and squeezes my thigh gently as I jolt back to reality, relieved she gave up control so easily. I give him a squeeze around his waist in return. Hopefully, he understands that it means I'm okay. More than okay. Despite Tara's dismay at being over ruled the thrill of the morning ride doesn't dimmed. I feel wild, free and incredibly lucky to have Clint in my life. He cuts the engine and I climb off, slipping my borrowed helmet off. He slides off his own helmet and give me a big grin.

"I didn't know you knew how to ride." He smirks, eyeing me head to toe.

"My dad used to ride. It's been a long time though." I explain with a blush. Rides with my dad had definitely never felt like that.

"Well, we can take the bike on good weather days like today but when the cold comes or rain we will have to take my car." He explains, taking my backpack from me. I give him a quizzical look and he laughs. "I'm a gentlemen sometimes. Besides we just spent the last twenty minutes glued together - that has to make us offical or something."

"Oh does it now? You haven't even bought me dinner." I joke with a stiffled laugh. I try not to let his words go straight to my heart.

"I can fix that." He grins, taking my hand and leading me into the school building like we really are official or something.