After the Sun Sets

Charlie

I woke to something hard hitting me, my bookbag? "Your going to be late for school!" Mike hollered as he walked out the door, Nora ahead of him.

I jumped up and grabbed my stuff. Dad already left for work so I ran up to my room to change clothes and drive to school. I was up all night thinking about Nora and everything she must be going through. How I needed to apologize for the way I acted... bringing her dad into this... that was too low. I crossed a line.

As soon as I get to school Becky is all over me. I really shouldn't have kissed her the other day. I was definitely paying for it. I thought the girl was a clinger before but now she was way worse! I needed to find Nora and apologize but that won't go over well with Becky around. I'd have to wait till I could get Nora alone.

When I stepped into my study hall classroom Nora was in the back working on her homework like she always was, some days she would read. Always kept to herself. I glance over to the other side where I usually sit to see Becky and some other girls going on about the party tonight. Instead of going for my usual spot I take a seat in front of Nora. She's zoned out and doesn't seem to be aware of anything around her. "Hey." I said trying to grab her attention but she doesn't seem to notice me. "Earth to Nora!" I say teasingly waving my hand in her face.

"OH Charlie, you are so funny!" Becky laughed and she sat next to me. Nora seemed to come aware of her surroundings. I wanted her to stop ignoring me. So I flirted just a little with Becky... that did the trick.

Nora

OH Charlie, you are so funny!" Becky laughed obnoxiously twirling her hair platium blonde with her finger.

I always sit in the back of the classroom for study hall so I can do homework or study. I was so focused on my math homework I hadn't noticed they sat right in front of me giving me a front row seat to their flirting.

"Are you going to Austin's party after the game tonight" she asked him. Charlie winked at her "If your going to be there... I may make an appearance."

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "We bothering you James?" Charlie smirked at me. "Actually, yeah! I'm trying to focus on my homework. Can you go sit somewhere else?" Charlie laughed "Lighten up. You have all weekend to get it done."

I said through gritted teeth "I want to get it done now!" Becky playfully pushed his arm "Don't worry about Nora, Charlie, you know I like to let loose and have fun!" Charlie shook his head and laughed "Yeah you do!" I slammed my book shut and started shoving my stuff in my bag. "What are you doing?" Charlie asked wide eyed.

" If you won't move than I am. I'm not going to sit here and watch you enjoy her throwing herself at you." I said as I swung my bag over my shoulder. Becky gasped and said "Your just jealous because he would never be into a girl like you!" I laughed "Yeah, that's it. I'm jealous." I walked over to the teacher and got permission to go to the library.

Walking through the hallway. I try to clear my head, but she was right... I am jealous.

An arm wraps around me and pulls me towards to auditorium. I look up to see Charlie. I try to push him off.

"Nora, I just want to talk.." he said as he pulls me inside.

He step towards me and I stepped back only to bump into the wall. "I'm sorry, Nora... please look at me." Charlie pleaded.

I couldn't look at him. He said hurtful things after ignoring me for weeks and I knew as soon as I looked into those deep brown eyes all would be forgotten. I can't allow myself to keep doing this... falling at his feet with every apology. He cups my face and brings it to face him. I look down, I can't make eye contact... I just can't. "Nora.." he pleaded the sound of his voice had my heart leap and my eyes settled on his without even a thought. "I'm sorry sweetheart. I didn't mean to say that. I was frustrated with things and I just blew up." I look at him for a while and give him a tight smile. " I'd like to pretend it never happened and we can keep going the way we were, ignoring each others existence. " "There is no ignoring you , Nora." he runs a frustrated hand threw his hair."I've tried but your all I think about... the only one who gets me!" Next thing I know he's kissing me and like it's my second nature my arms wrap around him, my hands in his hair.. kissing him back. His hands slid down to my butt, he grabs ahold and pulls me up, wrapping my legs around him. I feel his fingers slip under my shirt.. touching my skin...and just like that the bell rang and brought me to my senses. I push him away ."Charlie, stop!" I said. He gently set me down and stepped back. He had a look on his face... I'm not sure if he was confused or disgusted at what just happened. Didn't matter. I needed to get to class and as far away from his as possible. I push past him and head to my locker. when I reach my locker my friends Meagan and Mike are waiting for me. Meagan give me a look like she knows something is up and a pointed look that we will talk about it later Mike pulls me into a hug and kisses the top of my head. We walk together with Mike's arm around me and I can't help but look up when I see Charlie out of the corner of my eye. We make eye contact just before he wraps his arms around Becky and he kisses her like he kissed me not even 5 minutes ago never taking his eyes off of me. I feel nauseous and heartbroken.I look away from him, how can I be so stupid. I take a deep breath and ask my friends about what they are doing tonight after the game hoping no one saw how him kissing her affected me. Charlies is a player. I never understood how girls let themselves be used by guys like him, but now I know. They make you feel special, different. You don't even realize you fell for it before its too late and then you look like an i***t. I needed to stay away from Charlie Mayfield, I obviously couldn't trust myself with him.