A Changed Life Read online

  “May I walk you to class?” Simon asked flirtatiously.

  “Of course, you can.” I winked at the girls as Simon took my hand. “See you at lunch, ladies.”

  Simon walked me to my first class and before turning to leave, he said, “You won’t see me at lunch, because I run track that period. I’m in your English class so save a seat for me.”

  “Maybe I’ll skip lunch and watch you run sometime.”

  “Well hell yeah! I would love that!” Simon scoops me up and now loudly kisses me goodbye. “O-M-G, Simon, everyone is staring at us,” I giggle.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I wanted; now the other guys will know that you’re taken.”

  He runs off and leaves me to enter my class with my blushing cheeks.

  My morning flew by. I liked all my classes so far and the teachers were actually cool. I wish my friends were in more of them, but at least I get to have English with Simon. By the time I got to the quad for lunch Alexis practically pulled me down to the grass, begging me for details about Simon. Alexis was so curious and asked me question after question about my status.

  I took a deep breath looking at my friends eagerly waiting for the 4-1-1 on Simon. “Girls, there’s nothing new to report.” I couldn’t help but smile.

  “Come on, Nicolette! You’re so holding out on us”

  “Seriously, no, I’m not. There’s nothing to report. We’re friends, maybe more? I really don’t know, he hasn’t formally asked me out yet, so—”

  “So what are you then?” asked Bailey.

  “Friends...who kiss and hold hands?” Giggling as I take in their wide smiles. They asked me all the time what Simon and I were, and honestly I didn’t really know. He hadn’t asked me, formally that is, so to say I’m his girlfriend wouldn’t be right. To say I’m not his girlfriend is equally confusing, because we’ve kissed and we hold hands a lot. “I guess when he’s ready, he’ll ask me.”

  “Well, you have to be blind if you don’t see how he looks at you when you enter a room. It’s a force to be reckoned with,” Alexis stated.

  Bailey continued, “Simon is probably the most popular guy here at school. He’s dated a bit, but he’s been single since the winter formal. I’ve seen him at parties with tons of girls around him, but no one has been able to land him since Jennifer Williams.

  “Who’s she?”

  The twins glance at each other. Alexis nods before Bailey continues, “She was his girlfriend from start of junior year until February.”

  “What happened?”

  “She died in a car accident on the night of the winter dance,” Bailey explained.

  “Oh my God! That’s terrible… poor Simon.”

  “They were beginning to fizzle out anyway,” Bailey said without any emotion or regret.

  “Are you kidding me, Bailey? No matter what they had during their relationship, she still died. What a horrible tragedy for her family, and Simon. I bet he really liked her.”

  I was angry with Bailey and the callous tone in her voice and sad at the same time for Simon. I threw out my lunch and left. The girls tried to call out to me, but I ignored them and kept on going. I found myself at the track, watching Simon run and leap hurdles.

  I was just standing up at the fence, watching Simon round the last corner, as he looked up and locked eyes with me. He slowed and walked over to me, trying to catch his breath. “Hey, you decided—” Stopping in his tracks as he must have noticed my tear stained face, “You’ve been crying... what’s wrong?”

  “I’m sorry, I just needed to see you.”

  “Ok. You’ve seen me, now tell me what’s wrong?”

  “At lunch I was talking with Alexis and Bailey. They told me you had a girlfriend for a while last year, until she died in February.”

  He lowered his head.

  I reached out to his perfectly tousled hair, gently combing my fingers through it until he finally looked up at me.

  “It’s true. She was smart and very pretty. Unfortunately, she made an extremely foolish decision one night and it ended her life.”

  “Do you want to talk about it? I’ll understand if you don’t.”

  “I took Jennifer to a party after the winter formal. She was drinking quite a bit and smoking pot. When I saw how Jennifer was behaving, I was angry. I told her to stop or I would break up with her. Jennifer was extremely book smart and got straight A’s, but her parents were super strict. On the weekends, she just liked to let loose and forget about being the perfect daughter and just be a silly teenager.”

  “I get being the silly teenager, but drinking heavily and doing drugs. That’s not a good thing, Simon.”

  “I know that. Jennifer took it too far when she got hammered and stoned. She was acting foolish, dancing crazy with guys, being irresponsible; I had enough. I called a cab and gave specific instructions to the driver to take her straight home. The next day, I received a call from her brother. He told me that she had been killed in a car accident. The days following her accident, I had found out that Jennifer drove her car back to the party. She was still very intoxicated and high. Jennifer had run a stop light and smacked right into a semi-trailer. She never saw him. She was pronounced dead on the scene.”

  “I’m so sorry, Simon.” All I wanted to do was hold him, so I did exactly that.

  “Thank you, Nicolette, but I’m ok. Her parents never held any resentment toward me, and they appreciated the fact that I did try to get her home. Jennifer was the one that decided not to stay home. It hurt like hell for a while, but my parents had me talk to someone about it. I’m doing much better with it now.”

  “I’m sorry you had to go through something like that, thank you for trusting me with your story. I will always keep it between us, you have my word.”

  “You’re so easy to talk to. I am comfortable and feel I can tell you anything. Do you think that’s weird?”

  “Nope… not at all.”

  After sharing his story about Jennifer, he cupped my face with his hands and kissed me softly.

  “There goes the second bell. I guess lunch is over.”

  “I guess, it is. Well, since you missed lunch to talk to me, can I take you somewhere after school?” Smiling as he waited for my answer.

  “That would be perfect! I’ll call my mom, but it shouldn’t be a problem.”

  “I will follow you to your house, and then we can go on my bike.” The thought of being on Simon’s bike with my arms wrapped around him gave me happy butterflies again. I silently giggled to myself. I called my mom, but got her voicemail. I left her a message, telling her about my after school plans.

  After the sound of the last bell, I was so excited to take a ride on Simon’s bike. It was a shiny, cherry red Harley-Davidson Road King Classic. Simon’s motorcycle didn’t blend in with the typical sporty type bikes here in L.A. My heart accelerated at the sight of him sitting on it while waiting for me.

  Simon jumped off his bike and his look said it all. He so wanted to kiss me. I ran up to him and once again he scooped me up into his arms, this was the best place to be. I welcomed his kiss and then he gestured over to Bailey, who was trying to get our attention.

  “I won’t be a minute, let me talk to her.” She wanted to apologize for her insensitive behavior at lunch.

  Simon glared at Bailey, clearly annoyed. I accepted her apology and turned back to Simon. He stroked my cheek and then kissed me. My body felt like it was on fire, and I wanted to kiss him again and again, but this time I hesitated. Simon is giving me all the signs that he wants me as his girlfriend, but hasn’t said the words yet.

  We left school with him following me home. I quickly parked my car and ran over to Simon. He scooped me up and placed me on the back of his bike. Feeling the electric pulses rage through my body, as his hands grazed the inside of my thighs. All these new feelings I was experiencing with him felt amazing. He asked me to wrap my arms around his waist and lean into him as he made the turns. Oh yeah, he didn’t have to ask me twice, it f
elt so good with him pressed against me. The ride to the “Juice Bar” was too short but I enjoyed it all the same. I have never been here before, but I remember the girls mentioning to me that this was a popular hangout.

  Simon lifted me off of his bike and placed his hand at the small of my back as we entered the restaurant. We had chosen a booth toward the back for some privacy.

  “Why did Bailey apologize to you?” asked Simon.

  I so didn’t want to have this conversation with him right now. Simon, telling me about Jennifer was hard enough, and I didn’t want to make him mad by telling him about Bailey and her comments.

  “Nicolette, please look at me.” Gently lifting my chin so he could look directly at me. My body trembled as his fingers grazed my chin.

  “Simon, do you seriously want to discuss Bailey right now?” I asked, hoping he would change the topic.

  “No, not really, but I do want to know why you were so upset at school.”

  “I told you that Bailey and Alexis were the ones that told me about Jennifer.” hesitating looking for any sign to stop or go forward. He nodded in agreement so I continued. “What I didn’t mention was the way they told me. The girls didn’t exactly hold back when they were talking about Jennifer, and it just upset me”. Simon didn’t seem surprised by this. “What’s with the look, Simon?”

  “Don’t get me wrong, Nicolette. They are nice and all, but extremely superficial, so just be careful what you confide in them with.”

  “I don’t think it’s fair to call them superficial, Simon. They have been nothing but nice to me, and I believe we can be really good friends. I was caught off guard when Bailey was telling me about Jennifer. I was expecting to hear a typical break-up story, not that your girlfriend had died in an accident.”

  “Ok, how about we just drop the subject and talk about something else?”

  “Fine by me, but can we order some food first? I’m starving.” I felt at ease with Simon. “You know I usually am a bit guarded with new people, but with you; you make it easy for me to talk about anything.”

  “I feel the same way about you, Nicolette.”

  “Ok, let’s recap. I told you about Chicago, we covered music, likes and dislikes, and of course my Uncle Jack and his amazing restaurant. If you ever visit Chicago, you will have to try my Aunt Sara’s specialty burger.”

  “Sounds like a plan, but it will only work if we go together. You can be my tour guide of the windy city.”

  I smiled at Simon, as we finished our food.

  “What’s it like having three older brothers, and them being triplets?”

  “My brothers are very cool, but being the youngest, sometimes they tended to tease me a bit much, but all in good fun. They always have my back and I’m lucky to have them. Hopefully you can meet them when they visit.”

  “I would love that, as long as they don’t sandwich me like they do to you.”

  “Um, sorry, I can’t promise that.”

  We both laughed because we knew that his burly brothers would do exactly that.

  Looking at my phone, Simon and I have been talking for several hours. I knew I had to get home, but didn’t want our time to end. Enjoying another ride on the back of his motorcycle was thrilling, and again too short. Simon helped me off of his bike and walked me to my door.

  “I had a really good time today, Nicolette”. Simon was about to kiss me when my front door swung open, staring back at me was my father and not a happy one.

  “Hey, Daddy, I was just saying bye to Simon. I’ll be right in.”

  Totally ignoring me, my father looked over at Simon. I loved the protective side of my dad, but the looks he was giving Simon were beginning to freak me out. I just told Simon thank you for this afternoon, and I would see him tomorrow at school.

  I was silently praying that Simon would pick up on my hint and leave, but he didn’t. Before Simon could answer, my dad extended his hand and had introduced himself to Simon.

  “I’m Mason Vanelle, Nicolette’s father.”

  “Simon Paulson,” he replied.

  My dad looked at him and rubbed his chin. “Have I met you before?”

  “Yes, we did, sir.” Simon replied. “We met over the summer at the Beach Club.”

  I gave my father a look, willing him not to embarrass me in front of Simon.

  My father invited Simon in and asked if he had a few minutes to talk. This can’t be good if my father already wants to have a serious conversation. Did Gracie rat me out or something?

  Simon reluctantly took a seat that dad gestured to him, and I sat beside him. I instantly felt sick to my stomach but Simon appeared to be calm.

  Giving Simon a stern look, he clears his throat before starting. “Well, here’s the thing son. School ended at 2:15 and now it’s seven o’clock. The way I see it, you have spent more than four hours with my daughter. She should have been home and having dinner with her family.”

  “Um, yes sir.”

  The next thing out of my father’s mouth was not what I was expecting to hear.

  “Are you dating my daughter?”

  “DADDY!”

  “I care about your daughter. As far as officially dating, we haven’t discussed that yet.” looking at me while answering my father’s question.

  I guess I couldn’t be angry with Simon for being honest, but I was secretly hoping we were on the same page. Having spent some time together, I was already feeling a mutual connection between us. If Simon didn’t care about me, then why get upset with Michael or stake a public claim to me in front of my entire class.

  “You see, Simon, we are new to California, and this is Nicolette’s last year in high school. I want her to meet many new friends and get used to her new school.”

  I’m sitting here and listening to my father go on about me as if I’m not even in the room.

  “I understand that, Mr. Vanelle, I have only lived in California for two years now. I’m originally from Colorado.”

  “What? Really?” I said in a high pitch tone.

  “You didn’t ask. You assumed I was a surfer dude.”

  I smirked at him.

  “What brought your family to California?” my father asked.

  “My mom was offered her dream job and accepted the offer to be dean at California State University.”

  My jaw dropped at that revelation, and my father just smiled from ear to ear.

  Simon had just earned major brownie points from my dad. Thinking dad was satisfied with that last bit of information, I was ready for Simon to leave, but daddy was far from being finished.

  “What does your father do?”

  “My dad is a lawyer and practices in the private sector.”

  “Well, seeing how you’ve been raised by a lawyer I think I’m done with my cross-examination.”

  I could see Simon’s shoulders relax.

  “Nicolette is our only daughter, and her mother and I do not like her socializing with just anyone.”

  “Yes, sir. I completely agree.”

  He’s got to be kidding me, right? Oh my God. Protective is one thing, completely embarrassing, another. I put my elbows up on my knees and drop my head into my hands, wishing I was somewhere else.

  “We are hosting a party in a few weeks, mostly business associates, but friends too. Consider this as my invitation to you and your parents. You are more than welcomed to join us.”

  My head snaps up, turning from daddy to Simon and back again. Party? Here? Invited Simon?

  “Thank you, sir. I will pass along your invitation to my parents and let you know.”

  “Happy we talked, Simon.” They shook hands, and before my over protective father left the room, “Not too much longer, it’s a school night.” And then he was gone, leaving me to sink deeper into the couch.

  Keeping my face shielded with my hands, “Simon, are you okay?” too embarrassed to look at him directly.

  “I’m ok, Nicolette. Is your dad always like this?”

  “Yes, my fa
ther is over protective, but his intentions come from a good place.”

  “I’m sure my brothers get the inquisition when they meet fathers, too.”

  “You mean to tell me this is your first time meeting a tough dad?” I was smiling at him.

  Simon shook his head and laughed. “Jennifer’s mom was the strict parent, her dad not so much. Jennifer was my first serious girlfriend, so I’m not that experienced in the dad department, like you think I am.”

  “No. I never—”

  “It’s cool, relax. “I have to go. I’ll see you tomorrow at school.”

  “I’ll walk you out.”

  “It’s ok. See you tomorrow.”

  “Thank you, Dad.”

  I stood watching Simon leave, in complete shock; no kiss goodnight, a smile, nothing. He just got up and walked out. I ran up to my room, slammed the door shut, loud enough to be sure everyone heard it, including my father, who I was currently really pissed off at; and flopped down on my bed to cry.

  A knock came at my door. I tried ignoring it, until it became a little too persistent. I shouted, “LEAVE. ME. ALONE. YOU. RUINED. EVERYTHING.” Not caring if his feelings were hurt or not, because after all, he didn’t care just a few minutes ago about mine, or Simon’s for that matter.

  Oh shit! Simon. I bet he’ll never want to see me again. I mean, he seemed okay. Well, not really, he did get up quite quickly and make an excuse to having to leave. I’d be pissed. I’m not sure I’d want to ever see someone again who just put me through the third degree.

  The knocking persisted, with less meaning, as if he was about to give up. “Please, honey. Let me talk.”

  “Don’t you think you’ve done enough talking for one night? Go away!” I took my pillow and covered my tear stained face, trying to drown out the knocking and his voice. I didn’t want to hear his voice, not tonight, not right now.

  A kind and warm voice interrupted his knocking, “Honey, may I come in? I promise not to let your father in.”

  I leaped off my bed and pulled her in, not before giving my daddy the look of death and slamming the door once again, on him.