Megan and Brianna were sitting on Brianna’s front steps talking. It was 6:45a.m. and Megan had just gotten there.

Stifling a yawn Megan asked, “Why so early?”

Looking at her watch Brianna answered, “He wanted to leave at 7a.m. I wanted you hear earlier so he wouldn’t have to wait. I get the feeling he has a thing about time.” She smiled thinking it was funny that it was the guy being on time for once.

It was exactly 7 a.m. on the dot when a black Denali pulled up in front of Brianna’s apartment and Mitchell stepped out of the driver’s side.

“He’s prompt isn’t he?” Megan whispered.

“Morning girls, you two ready to hit the road?”

Standing it was Brianna who answered, “All ready.” Mitchell smiled when she walked towards the vehicle noticing that she had her beach bag in hand and didn’t need to go back inside.

He helped Brianna into the passenger side and Megan into the backseat before getting in himself. It wasn’t until after they were underway that introductions were made to Mitchell’s friend, Steven, in the backseat.

AT THE BEACH

They were all lounging around in the sun laughing and talking. Steven seemed to be laid back and quite a character. He was always cracking jokes and picking on people as they walked or drove by. He had Megan and Brianna in tears with laughter.

At one point Mitchell leaned over to Brianna, “So are you having a good time?”

“Definitley. Thanks so much for today.”

“It’s my pleasure. Can I ask you something?”

“Sure?”

“So how come you’re not wearing a bikini like your friend?”

Brianna was caught a little off guard by his question but just thought he was trying to be flirtatious. “I don’t know. I guess I thought I’d be different. Besides when I went shopping a while ago for a swimsuit I had a hard enough time finding this one that I liked. The styles this year are kinda funky.”

“I guess. But you know, you’d look really good in one. Maybe you’ll let me take you shopping and help you find one that you like? We could make a day of it.”

“You don’t need to take me shopping, but thanks for the offer.” I can buy my own clothes thank you.

“Oh, come on, it’ll be fun. I’ll even let you pick something that you think I’ll look good in. How about it?”

“Well, will you wear what I pick out?”

“Of course.” He reached for her hand and held it. “Please?”

“Let me think about it. But, maybe.”

“Well, atleast it’s not a no. Let me put some more sunscreen on you. I don’t want you getting burned.” He reached for the sunscreen and started rubbing it all over her shoulders, arms, and legs before asking Brianna to turn over so he could get her back. While Brianna was lying on her stomach she looked over at Megan who was smiling at her. Mitchell had won Megan’s approval.

The foursome spent the day sunbathing, laughing, swimming and walking along the beach. They even did some body surfing. Mitchell promised that the next time they came he’d bring his Hoby-Catamaran.

Megan jumped in, “Brianna loves boats. Her friend Nick takes her out on his when ever he is home.” Brianna shot Megan a sharp look but the comment didn’t seem to upset Mitchell.

“You like boats? I wish I knew that, I would have brought mine along this time. We’ll have to do this again soon then. Does he have a Cat or a sailboat?”

Brianna felt a wave of relief wash over her. John had always gotten upset whenever Nick was mentioned. Smiling she felt at ease to answer, “No, he has a Cabin Cruiser. But he’s good with all types of boats.”

Not much more was mentioned about Nick or boats for the rest of the day. They stopped on the way back to Gainesville for a quick bite to eat before Mitchell dropped Brianna and Megan off at Brianna’s apartment. After helping Megan into her car and walking Brianna to her door he stopped and just stared at her.

“What?” She suddenly felt very self-conscious with him looking at her like that.

“Nothing. Just thinking about how much fun I had today. We should do this more often.”

“Yeah, that would be nice.”

“Can I call you again?”

“I’d like that, but remember I’ll be at my parents all weekend.” It suddenly dawned on her that the tour started back this weekend and Nick didn’t know she would be at her parents if he wanted to call and let her know how things went.

“Something wrong?” He had noticed the change come over her face.

“No, no, nothing.” She didn’t want to mention Nick again. She didn’t want him to think that he was all she talked about. Instead she didn’t exactly lie, but just stated about something else. “Just here school is out and I am still on the go. Seems like I’ll never get a chance to rest.”

“Well, hey. How’d those pills work for you? If you’re gonna be busy at your parents I can give you a few to last through the weekend.”

She really didn’t want to get addicted to some sort of speed. But her parents were sure to notice if she was too tired and irritable. Maybe a few wouldn’t hurt. “Um, Yeah, that would help a lot. Sometimes my parents like to be on the go, if you know what I mean.”

“I can do that. Hold on, I think I might have some in this vehicle.” Mitchell went to the Denali and a few minutes later returned handing Brianna several more of the white pills. “These should get you through for several days. Keep taking them with food, especially at your parents. They won’t make you jittery that way, and then you won’t have to answer any questions that you’re not ready to.”

“Thanks so much. What are these things called anyway?”

“Most people know them as White Cross. Can I call you on Monday?”

“Yeah, I should be home by noon. I’ll have breakfast with my parents before heading here.”

“Well, I’ll call you then. Have fun and drive safe.” He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips, but nothing more. Then he stood up straight and left. Brianna looked at the small white pills in her hand before unlocking her door and going inside.

<~ Chapter 54 or Chapter 56 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003