A Thousand Ways to Love

Show Me What I'm Looking For

KatieIt's only when I'm in the car alone that I realize what I'm doing. I'm going over to Colin's house. On a Saturday night. To watch a movie. What was I thinking? His car pulls out. If it weren't for the fact that I have all the snacks in my car I might consider just not going. Pretend that I got lost. No. That would be a terrible thing to do. Especially to a child. I start up the car and pull out so I can follow Colin's soccer mom van.

His house is nice and when I walk in, it’s beautiful on the inside. Hannah is already setting up the DVD player when I walk into the kitchen while Colin is setting up bowls and glasses.

“Nice place,” I say while looking around.

“Thanks,” Colin says and grabs the bags from my hands to put them on the counter. “What do you want to drink?”

“Water is great,” I say.

“Can I have juice?!” Hannah calls out.

“One glass!” Colin calls back as he opens the fridge.

“Does she usually stay up this late?” I ask.

“Only when the parents are out for the evening,” Colin says as he pours the drinks. I start opening the bags of chips and filling the different bowls and bring them to the coffee table in front of the big flat screen. Colin brings the drinks and I grab the candy and chocolate for the table.

“Now we’re just missing blankets,” I say.

“You have this down to an art, don’t you?” Colin smiles.

“Staying in and watching movies is my favourite Saturday night activity,” I say.

Colin slips open the large chest by the window and throws a blanket at me.

“Hey!” I say as grab it before it hits my face.

“Think fast,” he says and passing a blanket to his sister who has placed herself in the middle of the couch. Colin and I both sit on either side of her.

“Ready?” Hannah says from under the blanket.

I grab a bowl of chips to put in my lap. “Ready!”

I see Colin grin to himself. “Ready.”

After an hour and a half of laughing and quoting through my favourite childhood movie, Colin is cleaning off the coffee table while I French braid Hannah’s hair on the couch.

“Perfect,” I say when I finish.

“Can I do yours?” Hannah asks.

"Sure!" I say and then sit on the ground with my back to the couch to make it easier for her. Her hands are so soft and tiny in my hair and I'm enjoying the treatment.

“Your hair is so long and soft,” she says.

“Thank you, I try,” I say.

“I don’t have a sister to do this kind of stuff with,” Hannah says.

“You mean your brother never lets you braid his hair?” I say in mocked surprise. She laughs.

“Done!” Hannah says after a few minutes and I turn to look at her.

“How do I look?” I ask.

“Pretty,” Hannah says.

“Hannah,” Colin says from the kitchen. “I think it’s time for bed now.”

“But Colin!” Hannah starts.

“I’ll be up in 15 minutes to check on you,” Colin says.

“Fine,” Hannah says. “Will you be at our next practice?”

I shake my head. “I was just covering for Evan. He’ll be back next time.”

“Why don’t you come too?” Hannah asks.

“Hannah,” Colin says.

“Fine.” Hannah rolls her eyes. “Goodnight, Katie.”

“Goodnight,” I say, and she jumps off the couch and heads up the stairs.

I get off the floor and head to the kitchen and stand on the other side of the counter to Colin. “You made her night,” Colin says.

I grab a chip and eat it. "Please, if it weren't for you guys, I'd be doing the same thing at my house alone," I say.

"A pretty, popular girl like you," Colin says.

“I much prefer nights in,” I say.

Colin looks me over. “So where were you really?” I give him a look. “I don’t think you’re that dressed up for just seeing a friend.”

“A gathering of the girls’ and guys’ hockey teams,” I say.

“A party?” Colin says.

“If you want to label it,” I say. “I think I was there for about 20 minutes.”

“Something happen?” Colin asks.

“Wasn’t in the mood for drunk, horny hockey players and girls trying to get their attention,” I say.

Colin laughs. “You’re not what I expected,” Colin says.

“What did you expect?” I ask.

“A popular princess that has to have everything her way,” Colin says. “A princess who likes exerting her dominance and hooking up with different guys.”

“And what do you think now?” I ask.

"A fierce, smart, and athletic girl who doesn't like parties," Colin says.

"Got that right," I say. We just stare at each other. He's really attractive and the more I get to know him, the more attractive he becomes. I feel my heart drop whenever he smiles at me.

“I have something for you,” Colin says to break the silence and then leaves the room. When he comes back, he’s holding a book and he comes up to me to put it in my hands. “Fahrenheit 451. Let me know how it goes.”

“Thanks,” I say. “I’ll get you my book on Monday.”

“You better read it,” Colin says.

I smile. “Of course I will.” Colin’s already cleaned everything and put it away. “Can I help with anything?”

“I think I’m okay,” Colin says as he looks at the kitchen.

“Is it just you and Hannah?” I ask.

“I have a younger brother as well that’s at a friend’s right now. Grade 9,” Colin says. “What about you?”

“It’s just me,” I say. He’s leaning one arm on the counter and I want to take a step closer to him.

“She did a good job,” Colin says.

“What?” I say confused.

“Your braid,” Colin says and then grabs the braid at the base of my neck to bring it over my shoulder, running his hand over it. “Hannah did a good job braiding your hair.” He lets go and I brush my hair back. My heart’s racing. Even him just touching my hair has sent it into overdrive. Take the step, Katie. Just do it. But then the front door opens.