The Strange House - Part 4

“Who was that?” Mom asked as I came home.

“Just someone giving me a lift. I slipped at the mall and they drove me,” I said, trying to make the details vague. I wasn’t entirely sure why I did that, but I guess I found Faith very pretty and like most other insecure eighteen year olds I was too shy to talk to girls with my mom.

“That’s nice,” Mom said, returning to her newspaper. Luckily, she didn’t notice my lip. The bruising in my ribs would probably be hidden as well.

After a shower, some fresh clean clothes, and I’d run around to Marsh and Browning with their stuff. Both were happy enough, so I went home for the day, figuring I’d perhaps run through Skyrim’s Dark Brotherhood questline for the 400th time.

I was halfway through sneaking poison into a cauldron when eddie345 suddenly wrote to me again on Discord. It had been a while since the last time. I had mostly dismissed him as some guy who just writes to everyone he encounters online, and that I had replied to something he wrote or something.

“What’s up?” he wrote.

“Not much, u?” I wrote back.

“Not much,” he said.

I sat there and wondered for a bit if I should follow up like Faith had advised me to. But no. I decided against it. Instead, I alt-tabbed back into Skyrim, cursing the old alt-tab bug they never fixed.

The next school day I was utterly distracted. I was never the most diligent student anyway, but today I was just not able to focus at all. Even when Zach and Jeremy found me that morning at my locker and started talking about whatever the fuck party I hadn’t joined in on, and how dumb I was, did I not even bother to respond. I just walked away, barely registering them.

“What the fuck, lil faggot, you think you better than us?” Zach asked angrily as he thought I ignored him. “How about I fuck–”

“How about I fuck your mother, you little shit?!” Jeremy called after me. But as the bell rang I just went to class.

The truth is, it wasn’t a newfound courage that made me able to ignore them. It was Faith. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. There was just something intriguing about her. Her confidence, how kind she was despite being so pretty… It wasn’t anything like the girls at school. Except Anna. She was perfect. I knew she sometimes laughed at me, and that made me feel like shit, but she probably didn’t know the extent of Jeremy and Zach’s torment. I couldn’t really blame her for that. Out of context, perhaps some of the teasing they did was objectively funny.

The two gorillas did, however, make me payback later. They did the ol’ trick of throwing me into a bathroom stall and started banging on the doors, yelling obscenities and by the time it was time for class, they broke the lock.

“Hey!” I called. “You gotta let me out!”

“Fuck you,” Zach yelled as he exited the door, the two of them laughing hysterically.

Before I would just climb over the stall, but even I had grown too big for that small little gap. So instead, I just sat there on the toilet seat and waited for my rescue. It came an hour later in terms of a janitor, accompanied by my PE teacher Louise. A pretty woman in her own right. She knew to some extent my predicament so she had sometimes come to my rescue, though I knew better than to say who it was who had locked me up again.

One thing that did change in my day-to-day life was that almost every day I ‘chatted’ with eddie345. I put chatting in quotation marks because our conversations were more or less the same each and every time.

“What’s up?” he‘d write around six PM every day.

“Not much, u?” I wrote back.

“Not much,” he said.

I still hadn’t taken the leap in expanding on what I had done, or taken any initiative to prolong the conversation like Faith had suggested, but it felt nice to chat with someone who wasn’t my parents, my bullies, or old folks around the neighborhood. Until one day I did take that leap.

“What’s up,” Eddie wrote.

“Not much, u?” I wrote.

“Not much,” he replied like always.

Fuck it. Why not? Though, I had to google how to ‘break the ice’ to figure out how to broker a conversation. Yes, I’m that ill-trained in meeting new people. Or talking to people in general. Or perhaps I was just looking for topics to even talk to someone whom I knew nothing about.

“Can I ask where you are from?” I wrote, before quickly, albeit awkwardly, adding, “Just wondering cuz time zones and stuff.”

“I live in Indiana,” he wrote after a bit. “How about you?”

“Me too! Where in Indiana?” I asked. What were the chances? I wasn’t interested in meeting anyone for real, but it would be pretty cool if we both happened to live in the same area.

I saw the small notification of Eddie writing. I was starting to think whoever this was, he wasn’t all that comfortable with computers as he didn’t write the fastest. As I waited for his reply, I glanced out the window and saw Pete wander toward the old house, a shopping bag in hand by the looks of it. Then eddie345 finally wrote his reply.

“I am from Courtington.”

“Me too!”

“Cool. is Watford still principal?”

I had no idea who that even was, and I had been under at least two principals. I was guessing Eddie was an older gentleman. Not that it mattered, he seemed nice anyhow.

“No. When was he at the school?” I asked. But no reply. The conversation seemed to stop there.

Oh well. If he indeed was an older guy, perhaps sitting on his computer all day wasn’t something he often did.

*

“This fucking thing won’t budge,” Dad grunted.

As yet another Saturday came, Dad had recruited me in an attempt to get rid of a root that was in the perfect spot for a small pavilion. Gazebo, they called it. Sounded like some dangerous Australian animal if you ask me. But the root wouldn’t budge, as the old man said. We had hauled at it for what we both were worth, though Dad was far stronger than I was. There were certainly some secret techniques people who knew these things did to make root-removal much easier. But sadly, nobody had shared that with us.

“Fuck it,” Dad said, grunting after giving a last yank.

Who would’ve thought volunteering for yard work would be so backbreaking? Dad had made it sound so easy. As I said, lately helping out folks, including my parents, has become somewhat of a habit. I even made new trips to the mall. Sometimes in hopes of seeing Faith again. Partially as she had promised to help me out, but also because I couldn’t get her out of my head. Her hazel-green eyes, her sandy blonde hair, freckles, how sun struck she looked even in the winter. She was just so… Different. And interesting.

Something I had thought back to, as I thought back to our few encounters a lot, was that I hadn’t stuttered as much with her, even as intimidating as I found her. It was like her confidence in herself, how she carried herself, gave serenity to my awkwardness. I wasn’t sure if I was able to explain it, even to myself.

And her advice had helped. After ‘opening up’, if you can call it that, to Eddie, I felt much more comfortable in my own skin. Of course, everything is relevant to the status quo, where mine was pretty abysmal in the first place. Still, I was even able to talk to Anna for a brief moment without being influenced by alcohol. Not much, but I had said an unprompted ‘hi’. She looked a bit surprised, but pleasantly so. Thanks to that little nudge Faith had given me in the car before, I had made Anna, my crush, pleasantly surprised. That’s a good thing, right?

Mom had teased me a bit by asking a few times who the pretty lady was, having seen Faith when she dropped me off, asking me if she should be worried. I never talked with or about girls, and certainly not in the presence of my mother, so I think she was pleasantly surprised.

I dismissed that immediately every time though. No way. Faith was in another league, too unobtainable, and that was the end of that. Not that Anna wasn’t also unobtainable, but at least… I don’t know, she was sort of always my crush. I never thought of Faith the way I thought of Anna. I think. I mean, Faith did put me pretty hard in the friend zone by saying she was my sister. But then again, what else could she say?

“Dad,” I started. “How did you meet Mom?”

Dad looked a bit surprised. I never talked about girls. But I had managed to say ‘hi’ to Anna, so I needed to know where to go from here. Who better to ask than my dad? He had landed Mom who was a pretty woman in her own right.

He stared at the shovel for a second before answering, finding some remnant soil stuck on its iron head to scrape off with his boot. Finally, he took his handkerchief and wiped his hands as he looked to be in some state of remembering, a nostalgic glint in his eyes.

“You asked when you were younger, but I guess old Paps’ stories don’t stick,” he chuckled. “Well, now that you’re older, I can probably give you the adult version.”

“Ew, gross,” I joked.

“No no. I mean, nothing like that, for heaven's sake. I caught your mother’s friend drunk behind the wheel. Sally(my mom) tried to talk her way out of it, and perhaps she managed to do just that,” Dad told. “What, got someone in your eye?”

“I guess. But she barely knows I exist. And… I don’t know, she’s too pretty for me,” I mumbled, sitting down at the back porch steps.

“Nonsense,” Dad chuckled. “You just gotta talk to her.”

“Easy to say, not so easy to do,” I muttered.

“I get it. Why don't you start by just greeting her? A lil ‘good morning’? I’m guessing she’s in your class?”

“Yeah, I already said ‘hi’ once,” I said, sorta realizing how that sounded. Dad just smiled under his bushy mustache.

“Well, that’s the first step. A few more of those and you guys are talkin’,” Dad said, ever the optimist.

“I guess,” I muttered. Was it that simple?

So on Monday when I took the bus and walked past Anna, I mumbled a ‘good morning’ to her. Better than a regular hi, I think. Anna smiled and greeted me back. Oh, what a smile. My whole body heated up just from that small exchange. It was so different from when we were kind of intoxicated.

Tuesday, I did it as well. But when I was about to walk back to my regular seat, Anna patted the seat next to her for me to sit. My heart jumped, and shaking like a leaf I sunk down next to her.

“Top of the mornin’ to ya,” Anna chuckled.

“T-to you a-as well,” I replied. The bus seats were in theory double, but not really, so I was able to feel her warm body next to mine. It felt like I would melt my way out of the seat and all over the floor of the bus.

“Mind if I listen to music?” she asked, lifting her airpods for emphasis.

“N-not at all,” I said. Damn it. Oh well, I was happy just sitting here.

It wasn’t until Thursday until I was able to ask her what she listened to. As she was about to pop in her airpods, I hurriedly blurted out, “Wait!”

She looked a bit surprised at my outburst, but looked at me expectantly.

“Erh, wh-what are you lis-listening to?” I asked.

“Just some hip hop songs,” she said. “Jeremy likes them so I thought I’d give them a listen. It’s pretty bad.”

“Oh. Yeah, I’m sure. I don’t really… listen. To hip hop that is. Or music, I guess,” I said. I saw her polite, but impatiently, waiting for me to get done talking. “Oh. Go ahead, sorry to bother you.” She offered a stiff smile and popped them back in.

When the school day ended, I once again stood by my locker. Jeremy and Zach too, talking and talking above my head as if I wasn’t there. Zach went to shove at Jeremy’s shoulder for something he said, but made sure to step on my toes and bump into me on the way, showing his true intention.

“Oh shit, sorry, didn’t see ya there,” Zach said cruelly, looking down without moving his head.

“Hey, there’s another party this Saturday. But you know what, lil Gay Boy,” Jeremy said. “You can’t come. We got a new alcohol supplier, so fuck of, ait?”

“I wasn’t going anyway,” I said. Jeremy slapped the back of my head for talking back.

“Too bad you can’t come. It’s over at Anna’s place. Parents are out, so you better believe I’m gonna donkey dick that bitch,” Jeremy said, staring into me as if daring me to talk back. “Maybe I’ll fuck your bitch Mom too. You think you can introduce me?”

“Hey! Logan!” A far more pleasant voice said from down the hall. Anna was walking towards us.

“Sorry about this morning. I’m always tired on the bus,” she said.

“From sucking too much of this pole!” Jeremy joked.

Anna just rolled her eyes. “So anyway. Party at my place this Saturday. Wanna come? Could be fun,” she said with a small wink. Oh boy.

I nodded eagerly, wanting to know what she meant by ‘fun’ especially with the way she said it, and before I got out a verbal confirmation, Anna had spun and walked away.

“Guess you got off lucky, you fucking idiot,” Jeremy chuckled.

*

Mom and Dad were happy I was getting out of the house, unaware of what had happened last time. When I asked, they made me promise to behave, which I swore I would, so the party was pretty much a given at this point. It probably helped that it was at Anna’s place too, and not the woods. Though, she actually lived on the other side of said woods.

Honestly, I was excited. Not only was this possibly the yet another step in having a somewhat normal life, I was excited about seeing Anna. I mean, she had called me cute, she had promised to ‘reward’ me previously, and now she invited me to a party to have fun. We even talked.

But I didn’t think much further, though. Too afraid to imagine. I just looked forward to that evening. I was too distracted to even play a game. I alt tabbed in and out, here and there, until Discord popped up.

“What’s up,” Eddie wrote.

You know what? Let’s tell someone the good news. I had reason to be happy, after all.

“Going to a party this weekend,” I wrote.

“Meeting a cute girl?” Eddie wrote. He saw right through me. Why else would a boy my age highlight going to a party? This time the prospect of a party just felt different, I have to say.

“You could say that. Got any advice?” I replied.

“A new shirt is always nice. And perfume,” he wrote back.

“Any recommendations?” I asked. Perfumes? Wasn’t that something only women wore? I thought back to Mom and Faith. They wore perfume. I guess Anna did too, but something way more bubbly, fitting her age.

But Eddie never responded. He always kept it a few replies at a time. I guess he had a life. Who would’ve thunk, people actually got that. A life, that is. But I hurried down, pulling a jacket on me, hollering to Mom I was going to the mall.

A quick bus ride later, I was there. Though, it was not the best bus ride, as an old lady came on and it was really slippery so I gave her my seat. When the bus ran into a small crevice in the road, I slid and almost fell. Clumsy me. That was why I preferred to walk, bus rides were never fun, but in my eagerness I wanted to save time.

Anyway, here I was. At the mall, shopping for clothes that weren't Walmart. I actually don’t mind Walmart at all, but Anna had teased me with it before on occasion, so I thought better to rule it out for now. Perfume, I don’t know, it was still a bit out there. I still thought it was a bit girly and stuff. I couldn’t remember if Dad ever wore it, and that was honestly my only source of reference that I could think of.

“Curious to see you here,” I heard behind me. It was Anna. And Amanda. Fuck me.

“Y-y-yeah?” I replied, if you can even call it that.

“Yeah, this is neither a thrift shop, nor Walmart,” Amanda snorted. Anna playfully slapped her girlfriend's shoulder.

“I thought p-perhaps something n-new,” I mumbled. “For the weekend.”

“What’s that?” Amanda said, challenging me mumbling all over the place.

“Let’s leave him alone. Good shopping and good luck,” Anna said cheerfully, pulling her friend with her as they went along.

I just stood there a bit dumbstruck. Anna seemed friendly enough, but I wasn’t sure if they were being passively demeaning or not. I mean, obviously, Amanda was, but Anna seemed to try to be cordial. Perhaps she was acting a bit cooler in front of her bimbo friend. Yeah. That was it. I did notice she laughed at a joke at my expense again, and that didn’t feel too good.

Walking around the mall, I had to wonder how many clothing stores one needs. I mean, there were just so many. And restaurants. How was it even sustainable as a business model? I slumped down at a bench eventually, too undecided to pick something. I didn’t even know what was a reasonable price. I had some money from helping out around the neighborhood, but I hated taking money from the elderly so it wasn’t that much either.

“Hey there, Logan,” a familiar voice said. This time it wasn’t Anna, not at all. I turned and saw Faith take a seat beside me, smiling down at me. “What are you up to?”

“Hey. I don’t know,” I said defeated.

“Aw, don’t be like that. Want me to help? What are you looking for?” she said. I can’t explain it, but it was just something about the way she talked to me that made me feel a bit better. Like a warm embrace in an otherwise so hostile environment. Even her voice was nice to listen to.

“A shirt, I think. I’m going to a party, and I figured I would get a shirt,” I explained defeatedly. “But I don’t know anything about fashion.”

“Trying to impress a girl, are we?” Faith teased knowingly. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you out.”

“Really?” I asked.

“What are sisters for?” she chuckled, getting back up. I never had a sibling, so I wouldn’t know.

Faith held out a gloved hand for me to grab, and easily lifted me up on my feet. God she was strong. Only if she actually was my older sister. Maybe she could’ve protected me against my bullies. Faith saw me chuckle at the notion.

“What’s funny?” she asked, leading the way towards a long row of stores.

“Erh,” I started, trying to come up with something. But Faith was too quick for me.

“Come on, tell me. Or your big sister will beat you up,” she teased, nudging me with her elbow.

“The sister thing. I just… It’s not funny, but it’s fun to think about,” I explained, blushing a bit. Faith nodded, steering the course ahead.

I guess it was odd to once again hang out at the mall with Faith. Last time I had hurried after her like a lowly servant to a fine Lady. Some servant I was, as she was the one carrying all the bags. No, I just walked next to her as if we had known each other forever. Though, I was still sort of scared of her. Faith certainly was an intimidating presence. At least to me.

It was not something I could put a finger on. It was not only in terms of her literal strength and apparent status, but something about her demeanor. Yet, the longer we walked together, the calmer and more relaxed I became. She wasn’t creepy or threatening, no, it was more… playful. Friendly, in an oddly charming and daunting way. Full confidence in herself and with no need to bully others for self-esteem. ‘Perhaps that was it,’ I mused.

Some girls walked towards us. Dressed in similar ways as Faith, but yet differently. They had their arms around each other as they gossiped and chatted. And glancing at Faith. Perhaps admiringly, perhaps in envy. Or perhaps they wondered why on earth she was hanging out with me. Not that she was snobby or anything, but she was just plain and simply better than me.

So Faith took me through one store after the other. I reluctantly dismissed most of the shirts she proposed, but she was undeterred. In the end, she caught on to why I didn’t seem to find any shirt I wanted. The prices were way out of my comfort zone. I only had thirty bucks and some change. Faith did then something I was highly uncomfortable with. She paid for them. All the shirts I had liked but that was too expensive.

“I can’t let you do that,” I said shocked.

“Why not?” she replied.

“I don’t know. I worked for this money, but getting stuff for nothing… It doesn’t feel right,” I muttered. It was hard to decline her offer, as it felt like I was shoving her kindness back in her face.

“Oh. Well. I can certainly make you work for it,” Faith said. My eyes widened a bit. There was something about her tone when she said that. Was she playing with me? If so, Faith sure knew how to tease me, despite barely knowing me. Maybe she was my long lost sister after all.

“Let me at least buy us something to drink,” I muttered.

“You’re asking me out?” she teased. “I’m joking. Of course. Something warm to drink would probably do good,” she said. Though, it didn’t really seem like she was freezing. But I was, so I was more than ready for a cup of coco. Faith wasn’t picky either, and just got what I got.

There we sat, me sipping my coco while she looked at me. But after a few sips and letting me get my warmth back, I noticed she wasn’t drinking hers. When she saw I had noticed, she quickly picked up the cup and took a small sip, her lipstick smearing the cup a tiny bit. I hadn’t even noticed she wore any makeup.

“So. Tell me about this girl. Maybe I can give you some pointers,” she said, moving her chair a bit closer so she could lean in a bit. It was nice of her, I hated having to talk too loud. Figures, as I had a party I was going to later.

“Erh,” I started.

“Okay, so the first lesson is, like I said before, think through what you want to say before you say it. That way you don’t bumble and stumble, right? With practice, it’ll be more fluent,” Faith said.

“Can I ask a question?” I blurted out.

“Of course. I will be your guiding sensei to get you laid,” she said. I certainly felt warmer now, and a bit flustered. But before I stuttered through my question, I stopped and gave myself a small breather. Faith nodded acknowledgingly.

“How do I know if a girl likes me?” I asked, unable to meet her eyes. Faith sat back a bit, staring out into the hall a bit as to think.

“There is no easy answer to that, especially for a young man as yourself. Mostly, if they are not shy, they tend to give you attention. They make excuses to be near you. Some, though perhaps not girls your own age, will give you cues even. Even try to direct your attention to certain… areas. Sometimes unknowingly, sometimes deliberately,” Faith explained.

“Cues?” I asked.

“Or clues. Like,” Faith said, moving her hand from being folded over her knee over to her cup of coco, my eyes following every single motion, “that.”

Wow. That was impressive. It was so small, yet so… effective. Faith smiled as my eyes grew in how easily she directed my attention by just moving her hands.

“And what do I do?” I asked, still looking at her cup.

“Well, eventually you should be able to compliment her,” Faith said, leaning a bit closer, drawing my attention back to her face. “Maintain eye contact, and without being creepy.”

“I know I should compliment but… how?” I asked, eager to learn.

“How about a field test? Compliment me,” she challenged, folding her arms, leaning back and looking at me like a teacher would.

I gulped. Why was that so scary? Still, I forced myself to be calm and breathe evenly. Faith had given me a pretty good lesson so far, so why not see the end? It couldn’t hurt. And really, I could compliment a pretty girl like Faith, couldn’t I? I mean, there were no wrong steps in complimenting someone like her. Though, I knew if there was indeed a wrong step, I was the one to find it.

Faith raised her eyebrows as she waited, expecting her compliment any moment now.

“Y-you’re very p-p-pretty,” I mumbled, and immediately looked away. I had been able to talk to her almost normally up till when I had to say something about her.

“See? Not so hard,” Faith said proudly. “Again. And no stuttering. And remember, eye contact.”

Here we go. I drew a heavy breath and met her green scary eyes. Man, there was no lying about how beautiful she was.

“You’re very pretty,” I said, finally able to get it out, still looking into her hazel-green eyes. And for my compliment, I got one of her dimpled, pretty smiles in return.

“Why, thank you!” she said, sounding almost genuinely flattered. She leaned in, adding, “and I think you’re very handsome yourself.”

“You think so?” I blurted out, with a sudden pang of pride.

“Of course,” Faith said, leaning back again.

The way she said it so naturally really hit home with me. I guess I smiled stupidly at that, as she smirked at my sheepish reaction. Her hand moved to her neck as if to rest her hand under her chin. Was this to draw my attention again? Or was it just some posture she liked? My newly found knowledge about cues and clues made me start to wonder.

“You caught that one,” Faith said. “That is something girls do too. Not only draw attention, but if they like you, they will draw said attention towards some of their more delicate areas. Like, I’m sensitive in my neck, so I want your attention there, for example.”

Faith took her cup and another sip as she studied me, letting me take in the lesson. I wasn’t sure if she liked coco the way she drank so small sips. It was surely cold by now.

“So again, why do you like Anna?” she asked, putting the cup down.

“I think she is pretty. Very pretty,” I said.

“Was she the girl you talked to before I caught you?” Faith asked. I nodded. “Yeah, I’d say she’s pretty. I can see why you would have a crush on her. That’s all it takes sometimes. Do you think she is sexy?”

I had never thought of her with that terminology. I mean, everyone knew Anna was insanely hot. But sexy? I mean, perhaps Anna was sexy. She had the hottest body ever, I think. At least in gym class, when she wore yoga pants. Or during swim class when–

“I think we can conclude you think she’s sexy. We can work with that,” Faith said, but without sounding condescending. “So let’s go over the points. Eye contact, but don’t be a creep. Compliments. And when you’re offered to take a look,” Faith said, trailing her hand down the buttoned mid-hem of her coat, “take a look.”

I suddenly found myself pulling my eyes away from her chest, meeting her smiling eyes, though I could sense teasing glint in her eyes. As if she knew how easily I was following everything she did. I felt myself a bit paralyzed by her, honestly. And I don’t know, perhaps sitting in such a public place made it all so awkward, especially with someone I had more or less just met. But she sure knew a thing or two.

“Wanna get out of here?” she asked, standing up while taking my hands, dragging me to my feet. “When is the party?”

“This Saturday,” I said.

“Awesome. Come on. Let’s find you some decent perfume and get out of here,” Faith smiled.

That was a much smoother process. Faith seemed to know exactly where to go and what to get. Some French name I couldn’t even pronounce. And before long, I was sitting next to her in her car again, on my way home.

“Do you think I actually have a shot?” I asked. “At Anna, I mean.”

“I think all you need is to believe more in yourself. Be who you are, and not give a fuck what people think of that,” Faith said. “Hey, how about I meet you tomorrow evening? And Saturday too? That way we can build you up a bit so you can be more natural when you finally meet Anna banana.”

“Sure,” I said, looking curiously at this odd woman who suddenly showed up in my life seemingly out of nowhere. And now we were gonna hang out, including today, three days in a row.

“Sounds like a plan,” Faith winked.

“Why are you doing this?” I asked.

“What?” Faith asked, undeterred.

“Helping me,” I said.

“Because we’re friends, Logan,” Faith laughed.

“We are?” I asked, a bit perplexed.

“Do you want to be friends with me, Logan?” she teased.

“Yes,” I answered immediately. It seemed we were having a bonding experience. I wasn’t complaining, because who in their right mind would? And, friends with someone who was as awesome as Faith? Yes, please.

“Can I tell you something?” I asked her.

“Anything. You can harass me with your curiosity as much as you desire,” Faith said heartfeltly, and again without sounding chiding or condescending.

“I really appreciate you… you know, you hanging out with me and stuff,” I said. “I’m not the most popular guy and stuff, so having someone to talk with is… nice.”

“Aw, Logan. You’re sweet. Cute enough to eat up,” Faith said in a tone I couldn’t quite decipher.

“It’s true, though,” I said.

“I didn’t say it wasn’t. It’s just cute that you appreciate our friendship like you do,” Faith said, confirming what I had hoped for. That she was my friend.

“So we are friends?” I asked, wanting the confirmation, if nothing else than for myself. I know I was repeating myself, but I just wanted to know for sure.

“Of course! I’ll be your best friend, if you want to,” she said, soon finding my exit.

I found myself regretting our small ‘date’ coming to an end. Talking and being with Faith made me feel weird inside, but in a good way. Jittery, excited. I don’t know how to explain or describe it.

“That would be pretty cool,” I said, finally smiling over at my friend.

“You don’t mind hanging out with a girl?” she teased.

“Someone as pretty as you? Nope, not one bit,” I said.

“There you are,” she said, then leaned across to open my door. I felt my heartbeat increase almost immediately as she was so close. So close I could feel her aroma cling to my nostrils. She paused a little bit, but soon leaned back in her seat. “See you tomorrow?”

I nodded, exiting the vehicle.

*

The next day, Friday, I felt almost like a new person. As if Faith’s lessons already had an effect on me. Or perhaps it was my excitement to meet her again later this evening. And on Saturday.

On the bus, I once again sat next to Anna. We exchanged good mornings. I once again asked what she was listening to, when she took notice.

“You’re speaking way differently,” she said.

“I just try to, erh, to not stutter,” I said, jinxing it. “Like, think about what I want to say.”

“Smart,” Anna replied. She then popped in her airpods and listened to her Akon Essentials playlist.

During the party tomorrow, I would use everything Faith had taught me. Eye contact. Compliments, and to give attention if Anna gave any hints.

“The fuck you looking so fucking smug about, you piece of jailbait bitch?” Zach said that morning.

“Nothing,” I said, but unable to hide my smile.

That earned me a fist in the gut, but not much more else, as the bell rang. The rest of the day went relatively well, and by the time evening rolled around, I was out back helping Dad once again with that stubborn root. But we were none the closer to getting it out this time around.

“Not today either,” I panted. “Dad, I have someone I’m meeting later. Do you think–”

I was interrupted as Dad looked past me, and gave a wave. “Hey there!” I looked over my shoulder. Talk of the devil, there she was! Faith! And to my surprise, she had a rectangular shaped box under arm that showed the images of chess pieces. I didn’t expect her to show up like this! With my parents here. But I guess, if she was my friend, why should I even mind?

She stuck out her hand and shook Dad’s hand smiling her pretty smile. “I’m Faith.”

“She’s the friend I was talking about,” I explained eagerly.

“George,” Dad said, a bit startled by how firm her grip was, but quickly shook his surprise away.

“I ran into your son the other day, and I sort of promised him to play some chess. Mind if I borrow him?” Faith asked eagerly, nodding towards me.

“Do I know you?” Dad asked, a half smile under his thick mustache.

Faith smiled but shook her head. “Don’t think so,” she said with a smile.

“Maybe. Yeah well, this root ain’t going nowhere, that’s for damn sure. Chess it is, son. Sally will be happy to get some company, even if it is for Logan,” Dad said.

“You need to dig it out. It’s an oak root, so you need to dig deep around it and then try to pry it out,” Faith said.

Dad looked at her quizzically for a moment, before suddenly looking at his watch. “Oh shoot. I gotta go. The root can get dug out another day,” he said, hurrying toward the garage.

“Wanna show me inside?” Faith said, turning towards me. Once again I was struck by how much taller than me she was. Five eleven? Maybe even six feet, perhaps?

“Sure,” I said, guiding her toward the front. Mom hated when we used the kitchen door in the winter. I then noticed that she didn’t have her car. “How did you get here? Where’s your sports car?”

“Oh, I walked. My home is not too far from here. Yesterday it was all the way over to the mall, so fuck that, am I right?” Faith said enthusiastically.

I walked up to the door and went inside, but Faith hesitated a bit as I started to take off my jacket.

“Erh,” she started.

“Please, come in,” I said awkwardly. “It’s freezing. Mom hates it when I let the door stay open for too long.”

“Oh sure. Don’t want to piss off your mom,” Faith said, hurrying inside.

“Close the door!” came from the living room.

“You’re a smart man to respect your mother,” Faith whispered. I nodded. Dad was a cop, but Mom was the law.

“Who’s with you? I heard voices– Oh!” Mom said, coming out to the hallway.

“Faith,” Faith said, extending her hand to greet my mother. “And you must be Mom.”

“You’re the lady from the mall?” Mom asked, frowning ever so slightly.

“My reputation exceeds me!” Faith said cheerfully. I could see Mom was eyeing the fair lady, wondering her intentions. Faith noticed the same, and showed the carton of chess in her hand. “Teaching chess and some good ole confidence to my little brother,” she answered the unspoken question.

Mom seemed to soften a bit by that.  “Brother?” Mom asked.

Faith leaned in for a small whisper, “that’s what we told the mall cop.”

Mom nodded slowly, then smiled at our guest. “Sure. I’ll clear the kitchen table,” she said and headed in said direction.

I had sort of expected us to go to my room, but I guess it made more sense in my parent’s view that the grown woman should not go to an eighteen year old kid’s room. I was legally an adult, but I knew how it looked. Though Mom’s precaution was justified, it was without merit. Faith was just being nice. Why? Well, you could ask that about a lot of things and never get a proper answer.

“Can I take your coat?” I asked. It was something Mom had hammered into my upbringing. It was an easy equation. Women guests meant coats on hangers.

“Oh, thanks,” Faith said, a bit surprised herself.

As I took her coat, I saw that she had chosen a longer skirt, offering very little view of her long legs. A loose, dark gray woolen skirt, reaching all the way to her ankles from her navel. To match it, she had a lighter gray wool sweater too, with a turtleneck. Even if it wasn’t form-fitting, it certainly made for a smart look. Almost like a tutor, I guess. Though, I suspected Faith could make anything look good.

And thus we followed Mom into the kitchen. “Can I offer you something? I got coco on the stove, but I also figured perhaps to open a bottle of wine? If you’re above the legal age, of course. My husband is a cop.”

“Oh, don’t trouble yourself. But if you’re offering wine, I can take a glass if it is not too much trouble,” Faith said. All manners, I noticed. “Oh, is it Italian wine?”

Mom nodded.

“Awesome. It’s so much more refreshing than French, don’t you think?” Faith said, taking a seat by the table, and I promptly sat opposite of her.

“I agree. I think you’re the first one I’ve met that agrees with me,” Mom said in a slow fashion, as if she realized that this random girl in her mid twenties had some sense after all.

“Down with the French!” Faith said, lightly pumping her fist, chuckling and smiling cutely at her own joke, making Mom smile as well. Faith looked over at me, offering one of her glittering smiles.

“Here you go,” Mom said, pouring two glasses of blood red wine, then retreating to the counter to fiddle with something.

“Thanks, Sally! So. Lesson number one, Logan, set up the pieces. And after we’ve played a few times, I want you to have a real conversation with me. And I want you to try to avoid stutters, to ask me questions, and bladi blah, alright?”

Faith then turned to Mom. “I know it is your house, but perhaps it would be easier for Logan if it was just him and me? Just for a little bit? I promise I won’t bite.”

Mom looked like she didn’t like it. Neither to leave me alone with a stranger or to be told what to do in her own home. But she relented, disappearing into the living room to watch TV.

“See, now it’s just you and me,” Faith said in a small whisper. She sounded almost sensual, the way she said it. “You see, conversations with a partner should be more than just about compliments and such. Which reminds me. Do you have one for me?”

“Have what?” I asked. Then it dawned on me. Of course. “I think your outfit is nice.”

“Come on, Logan. I know my clothes are nice; I picked them out,” she said, smiling knowingly at me. Her glittering teeth and cute dimples gave me the perfect compliment.

“You have a nice smile,” I began, but hesitated.

“Go on,” Faith smiled, though I could tell she was flattered.

“And I think you’re pretty. I mean, you’re always pretty, but even more so when you smile,” I explained. Faith put a hand on her chest and closed her eyes.

“You are just so adorable,” she said, and opened her eyelids again. “I swear I could just leap across and kiss you. But your mom wouldn’t approve, so let's focus on chess for a bit.”

I got a bit flustered by that. I was sure it was just something she said, but the way she said it… She was teasing, but for a small moment I thought perhaps she didn’t. Some part of me, surprisingly, seemed to even hope that she wasn’t just joking. But Faith regained our attention towards the board game instead.

“Here, play white. Wait, the bishops are in the wrong place, and the numbers and the letters should be the other direction,” Faith said, looking down at the board. She quickly made the adjustments, though. “And you call yourself a nerd?”

“Sorry,” I muttered.

So it was chess then. I moved a pawn, a knight, a bishop, castled. Then it seemed like Faith blundered her own knight when I tried to scare it off with a pawn H-file. But no. She moved her queen in and checkmated me. Damn it. What was that, five or six moves?

“GG,” Faith smiled, happy with the results as she took the pieces back in their places. “Don’t let traps like that fool you. I wanted you to take my knight. Easy dub for me.”

“You’re so weird,” I said. “When you use lingo like that.”

Faith playfully shoved a foot at me under the table. “You’re weird,” she retorted playfully.

“So what should I do then?” I asked, nodding towards the chessboard.

“Not take the knight. I have no clue what to do then. Allegedly,” she said, ending her advice by sending a small devious smile, making me smile a bit myself. She was kinda fun too, in addition to being nice. “Your turn to play black. Then we’ll have a conversation. As promised.”

Somehow, I managed to make the same mistake when I played black. I thought perhaps her advice was only for white, but here I sat defeated yet again. Faith just smiled, taking her first sip from the glass Mom had offered her, living small prints from her lips on the glass. She even had some wine on her upper lip, which she caught with a small flick of her tongue. When she caught me looking, I looked away, and she said nothing. I can’t understand why I suddenly… wanted to lick the glass where her lips touched…

“So. Let’s put chess aside for a bit, and talk,” she said, dragging the board indeed aside. She then planted her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her fingers, looking expectantly at me.

“Erh,” I started.

“No stuttering. Think through what you want to say, then say it. Or ask. Or whatever your plan is here,” Faith ordered.

Plan? I had no plan. In fact, I had no idea what to even talk about. And as she stared at me, waiting for me to say something, I felt my cheeks flush and I was soon unable to maintain eye contact, looking everywhere else.

“Okay,” Faith said after a bit. “I’ll start. Do you like dogs?”

“Yes,” I replied. Everyone likes dogs, right? But I was a bit unsure how this would lead to a full conversation.

“Yes what?” Faith insisted.

“Yes, I like dogs. I think they are cute,” I said, thinking a bit to avoid stuttering. Also, it gave me room to actually think about what to say. “Not all dogs, I think. Yeah, all of them have their place, but I think I prefer bigger ones.”

“Yeah? Like the one your neighbor has? That big one?” Faith asked. “Would you like to have a dog like that yourself?

“Exactly. Barney. That’s an English Mastiff. But they’re too big for me,” I explained, thinking how kind that giant was.

“So why do you like them?” she asked. “Because they are big and potentially dangerous?”

“Oh. Erh, not really. Barney isn’t dangerous at all I think. But I don’t know. I just think they’re cute. They’re like big teddy bears, and they look so sorry all the time. You’d almost wanna just squish their faces. And they are, Barney at least is, extremely cuddly, and I think I like that in such a big dog,” I explained.

“There are other mastiffs. Smaller types I mean,” Faith suggested, tipping her glass for another slow sip.

“Yeah, I know. But I can’t take care of a dog. I got school and college coming up. Mom and Dad work a lot, so they don’t have time either,” I explained.

“You see?” Faith said, perplexing me at the shift. “A conversation. And I even challenged you on why you liked them, and you answered what you knew to be true in your opinion. Once you got going, you did alright. And for the record, I like those big cuddly teddies as well. Want to play some more? Or talk?”

I guess she was right. “Maybe talking a bit more?”

“Sure. So what do you want to talk about?” she asked.

“What can I talk about?” I asked, not sure where to even begin.

“Anything you’d like,” Faith encouraged, sitting back to study me.

“Erh,” I stuttered, but I managed to catch myself. “Dogs or cats?”

“Dogs. I used to be a cat person, but meh. They drag dead animals into your yard as if that’s something to be proud of,” Faith snorted. “Though, I don’t mind cats, of course.”

“Yeah, I guess,” I agreed. “Can I ask you where you live?”

“Not far from here. What video games do you like? I take it you’re a gamer?” Faith asked. I noticed that she moved the conversation away from herself quite immediately. Was this a part of the lecture, or was it because she didn’t want me to ask about her?

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. I don’t–”

“No, I’m the one who should say sorry, Logan. I’m just a bit of a private person in some areas. It seems hypocritical, but I don’t really talk to too many people either, other than the clerks at the store and so on, so I can perhaps be a bit short,” she said. “Sorry. Go ahead, ask away.”

“So what do you do for a living?” I asked. “I mean, the only reason we can afford it here is because Dad inherited the house.”

“Hm. Now it was almost me who stuttered. Well, I work in real estate. I own properties and rent them out. Not all of it is in the States, so I work a lot of nights. In fact, I only work at night,” she explained.

“So you’re like a landlord?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

So we had a brief break from talking for a bit. I stewed a bit, trying to digest what I knew about her. A rich landlord lady who worked at night. I guess it made sense. She was always smartly clothed, and seemed to know a thing or two.

“Logan, can I ask you something personal?” she suddenly asked, shifting her chair a bit closer to me.

“I guess,” I said.

“How far have you gotten with a girl?” she asked in a low voice so my mom wouldn’t hear.

“Erh…” I started. “Not far.” I tried to look away, but Faith moved her head, guiding me towards her eyes once again.

“Have you ever kissed someone?” she asked, still her voice low, though with a tad bit different tone.

I slowly shook my head.

“Would you like to?” Faith asked. “To kiss someone, I mean?”

“Y-Yes.”

Then the moment was broken. Faith sat back. Just in time as Mom walked back in. She didn’t seem to have caught on to what we had been talking about. I wasn’t sure how she would react to a grown woman talking to her son like she did. But I didn’t mind. At all. Faith had me listening to every octave of her voice.

“How is the chess coming along?” Mom asked. “Logan, do you mind if I talk a bit with Faith here?”

I didn’t like the sound of that, but I was ever dutiful. I gathered the chess pieces into the box, then hurried out of the kitchen. As I had no idea how long the conversation would take, I kinda just slipped up to my room. Not my finest moment, but that’s what I did. Five minutes later, there was a knock at the door. I expected my mom to peek through, but to my surprise it was Faith.

It was weird to see such a gorgeous lady stand in my childhood room. Her in her pristine outfit, and my room with a scrawny desk, posters, and some small bookshelves. But it was something I very much invited, as she made her way across the room and promtply plumped down on my bed. I still sat on my gaming chair, and looked at her leaning back on her elbows, her woolen skirt riding up a bit so I saw some of her dark nylon stockings. I quickly looked away, but Faith had caught me staring.

“It’s okay to look,” she encouraged.

“What did Mom want?” I asked instead.

“Oh, she was just worried. I put her mind at ease,” she said promptly.

“Worried? About what?” I asked, dumbfounded.

“That I’ll eat her son alive,” Faith chuckled, sitting back up. I smiled a bit at her joke. She seemed to like teasing about eating me. “No, I just told her I am here to teach you a thing or two. She seemed happy you found a friend. Perhaps a friend to confide in… so… In that regard, is it okay if I ask you something?”

I nodded, but Faith patted the bed next to her. I awkwardly got up from my chair and made my way over and plumped down next to her, letting there be an appropriate amount of distance between us. Faith moved closer, however, and turned to me, taking my hands in her extremely warm ones. Jesus, I had never thought I’d feel someone so warm!

Come to think of it, I think this was the first time I had touched Faith for real. It felt pretty good, I can’t lie. And as the topic she was about to bring up seemed heavy, I felt featherlight at her kind gesture. Her holding me was almost like she was trying to guide me.

“So… Do you not have a lot of friends?” she asked, keeping her voice soft and kind. This time I wasn’t able to look her in the eyes. And for once, she let me look away.

“No,” I muttered so low I was surprised she heard it at all.

“Your mother told me you don’t have it easy at school,” Faith said. “And that you were bullied.”

I sighed. No point in beating around the bush. “Yeah, it’s true,” I admitted, shame, guilt, humiliation, all of it welling up in my chest.

“So that’s why she wanted to know if I was here to break your heart, or to harm you any other way. But I told her as much of the truth as I could. I’m here to be your guiding hand,” Faith said, then added in a small whisper, as if discussing something that was just a secret between us, “I didn’t say anything about Anna. I know how it can be for you teenagers.”

She held onto my hands tightly still, I could feel the warmth of her fingers move across into my own. My poor heart was thumping up a storm as she moved her fingers between mine, locking her grip. I was speechless, and no doubt had red cheeks, but Faith wasn't put off by that.

Faith showed me so much sympathy it was overwhelming. I was not expecting something like this to ever happen. This beautiful, strange and considerate woman showed any concern to me, an average white-ish kid.

It felt so bizarre to suddenly have someone show me this level of intimate connection. My body didn’t seem to know how to react to Faith. I was scared of her in some ways, yet she said so wonderful things, and her presence and feeling her fingers wrapped between mine. Was this what a friendship looked like?

“Relax, little brother,” Faith said, sensing my turmoil.

I let out a deep breath, and relaxed to a degree.

“So. How far have you gone with a girl? You’ve never kissed someone, but what about holding hands like we’re now?” Faith asked. I shook my head, and Faith shuffled a bit closer. “What about hugs? Except for from Mom?”

I shrugged. When I was younger, sure. Mom was never the most hugging person, and neither was Dad. I mean, they were loving, but there was never a lot of physical stuff. And other girls? No chance there either.

Faith then removed one of her hands from mine, to gently guide me to look at her, and she looked at me with this weird look. I wasn’t sure what it was. But it felt nice to be looked at like that. Then she removed her other and soon both her hands went outside my shoulders, then around down my back as she pulled me into her. A hug. And a strong hug. She squeezed me hard, and soon I kinda awkwardly found my hands around her as well, hugging her back.

Talk about feeling safe. This was something else. This was exactly what safety felt like. She was so warm, and so strong, I never wanted the hug to end. I closed my eyes and felt good in a way I hadn’t felt in what had to be forever.

And then she pulled back a bit, but paused as her mouth was so close to my neck. I could almost feel the softness of her lips, right there. My heart was through the roof and I felt almost dizzy when I was in her arms, with her mouth so close to me. I could feel my whole body yearn for her lips to grace my skin, even if it was by mere accident. I had never felt such a strong desire for anything before.

But then she released me completely, looking me over again, smiling as she always did.

“Something tells me you don’t get enough hugs,” she said. I gently rubbed my ribs as she had held me quite hard.

Like I said, Mom had given me hugs, but we were never a household that ran over with physical affection in that way. And I’ve certainly been hugged like that before. With such force, with such security. In an embrace that held a lot more than words could describe.

“So your bullies. Who are they? Have you ever talked to anyone about it?” she asked.

Oh the old tale. Yes. I had told Mom and Dad plenty, without names, but there was nothing that could be done. As for anybody else, there was no one. Not that would care, anyhow. The school was more or less owned by Jeremy’s parents, Zach’s parents were short behind.

“Yeah, plenty,” I muttered. Why did we have to talk about it?

“Tell me. Then you’ll get another hug,” Faith said, but with a smile. Of course. She always smiled.

So I spilled it all on Faith. A woman of such caliber I had never envisioned I’d could talk to. I told her the numerous things Jeremy and Zach had done. Not all, as there was too much, but enough for her to get the gist of it. I told how it was frustrating, and how much I looked forward to college to get away. I told her how it tormented me to see Anna and Jeremy talk, for him to flirt and be obscene towards someone I adored. And not only towards Anna, but Mom too, which was perhaps more devastating.

“Man. Jeremy needs someone to beat his ass,” Faith muttered, laid flat on her back beside me. I was sort of seated awkwardly at my side to look at her, though I was more looking out the window. “I think I hate Jeremy, and I don’t think I have ever even met him. Zach too, but he just seems to live in a closet somewhere or whatever.”

“Heh, yeah,” I said, smiling jaggedly. “They can be something.”

“Why do you even wanna go to that party? Anna doesn’t seem…” Faith said, but trailed off.

“It’s the only way I have a chance with Anna,” I said. Faith shrugged.

“If you insist.”

Faith then held out her arms, still on her back. “Come here. I promised one. And, honestly, you deserve one,” she said. Though, if I didn’t know any better, I thought it sounded like a command. Not that I would disobey.

So I crawled up on the bed and she wrapped an arm around my neck and pulled me down to rest on her chest. Faith even kicked her leg under mine to toss it over herself, making me kinda lay sideways on top of her.

“There you go, little man,” she said, rubbing my shoulder with her hand around me. Normally being called little was something that stung, but from Faith it oddly enough didn’t.

Once again, her embrace sent me up a storm. She was holding me hard and I held her back just as hard, as if not to lose the precious source of safety I felt in her hold. We laid like that a bit, me nuzzled with my cheek down into her sweater clad chest, my arm and leg across her, and her arm over my back, sometimes rubbing me gently.