Note: This is based on a real event that happened to me. Thank you for reading, and enjoy.
* * * * *
My Great Uncle had just died, so the family decided to have a get-together for New Year's Day. All of the relatives were expected to come, even the ones we hadn't seen for several years.
I was tired from the New Year's Eve party I had attended the night before. I'm 18, it's my duty to party once in awhile! And how could I have missed the biggest party night of the year?
My Grandmother noticed how tired I looked, "Well, I have a feeling you'll feel much more awake when Brad gets here."
I tried my best to remember who Brad was. He must be that skinny twenty-four year old who joined the army. He must be twenty-eight by now, I thought.
That was an odd thing for her to say. I had barely spoken six words to Brad in my entire life. Why would seeing him make me feel more awake? I closed my eyes mid-thought and fell half-asleep.
I opened them when I felt an electricity in the room. I saw smiling faces and heard, "It's good to see you again, Brad," over and over.
I saw a slim pair of legs in loose jeans walk in front of me. Then, he sat beside me on the black leather couch.
We must've looked striking together. Two good-looking young people amidst so many elders.
He was so different than I had remembered him. His eyes were like majestic blue diamonds, or stars. It wasn't until he smiled that I really recognized him. That familiar, good-natured, Southern smile.
I wanted to say something to him, but I wasn't sure what. Luckily, he was a good talker. "Why don't we get the plates set up so these senior citizens won't have to."
"Okay."
I walked behind him up the stairs. Yes, I did look at his butt a little, but I kept myself together pretty well.
The television was on in the living room, and a Matchbox Twenty video was playing. "I just love them," I said.
"Well, why don't we sit and watch it for a few minutes. I'm sure they won't even notice we're gone." He sat down right beside me again.
I felt good as I watched Rob Thomas and Kyle Cook and the other band members. Feeling Brad next to me made it all the better.
We talked about school and the army and the family for a little while, and soon I felt like we were really close.
"So you're Jane, which makes you Pauline's grandkid?"
"Yeah, and you're Brad..."
"...I'm Houston's nephew."
"Oh, so we're really not related at all." I think I said that a little too happily.
He chuckled. "I guess we're not."
I put my hand on his thigh. I don't know what came over me. I just enjoyed being near him.
"You know, you're turning into such a pretty young lady."
"So are you, I mean, guy."
"It's okay. I bet there are a lot of young guys chasing you."
"Not really."
"I try to date, but I just can't find the right girl, you know?"
My eyes bounced from left to right, hoping I was right about what he was getting at, "Yeah, it's tough."
He leaned in towards me. I felt the blood in my veins flow quickly through me. His warmth was intoxicating. I subtly licked my lips.
We heard a noise and stood up quickly. We made uncomfortable movements as we dashed to the cupboards to get the plates. "Just getting the plates," I told my aunt.
She looked at me with a suspicion in her eyes. "Well, if it takes the both of you to grab a few plates."