Autumn turned to see Ike wiping the suds from her face and her kissing at his neck and laughing at the things he was whispering in her ear.
"Yeah...that's sweet," she said, quietly.
She took the dishes from the sink and began vigorously cleaning them. She was hearing her bed, her pen and her journal calling her and wanted to finish as soon as she could. She finished all the dishes and dried her hands.
"Well Taylor, I'm done washing them..I think you and the lovebirds can finish. It was nice meeting you," She said smiling and leaving the kitchen.
"Nice meeting you too. Autumn, hey!" She turned around. "Maybe we could...uh...you know...hang out tommorrow if you want. I could show you around Tulsa...but...uhhggg..only if you want to," he said, as red as a beet.
"Yeah Taylor, I'd love that. Thank you," she said, pecking his cheek, right below his lips.
"See you tomorrow," she said, and walked off. "It was nice meeting you all. See you soon."
She walked up to her room, slid into her pajamas, and crawled into
her bed, journal and pen in hand. She began writing a poem when she heard a
knock on the door.
"Taylor's gorgeous and a total babe. I know."
"Yeah...I told you that...but that's not it.."
"Then tell me, girl," she said in anticipation.
"I think Taylor likes you," she said smiling.
"Really?"
"Yeah..."
"Yeah he invited out tomorrow. I was like jumping inside,"
"And I saw you plant that sucker right below his lips before you came
up. And who's Pecan?"
"Picon...Picon who?"
"Hahaa...awesome.. I knew Tay would do the trick."
"I guess so..."
"Well, goodnight, Autumn. I think we're gonna have so much fun
together. I've always wanted a sister..thanks for giving me one."
"Aww Skyye," she said, opening her arms for a hug. "Well, it's late
and I'm tired, so goodnight."
"Night, Aut." And with that, Skyye left the room.
Looking back over the day, it sucked but it was awesome. Taylor and Skyye
were the gifts of the present and Picon and Seattle were the past. Tulsa
might not be so bad after all, Autumn thought before dozing off into a
dream-colored sleep.
"Riiiiiiiiiiing. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiing!" The phone next to Autumn's bed blared
loudly, waking her from her peaceful sleep.
"Ughh...who the heck is calling me so early," she thought out loud. "Hello?"
"Uhhmm, Autumn?" "Yeah...who is this?"
"Umm...this is Taylor." Silence. She had to think for a second.
"Oh...hi Taylor...how early is it?" she asked, still half-asleep.
"It's already 12:30 Autumn," he said, laughing.
"Oh..just kidding then," she said, sitting up in her bed. "So, what's up?"
"Nothing...I was just wondering if we were still on for our little outing today."
"Yeah you bet. What time should I be ready?"
"Well I was hoping to leave around one so we would have lots of time to see
Tulsa," he explained.
"Oh..well that doesn't give me much time then does it," she said, giggling.
"I don't mind, Autumn. Just give me a call when you're ready," he said. Gawd,
he sounds so beautiful, she thought. "Umm...sure Taylor," she said, dazed.
"Okay, bye, Autumn."
"Bye." Click. "Ohmygawd..outfit...hair...make up...everything must be
PERFECT," she thought aloud. "SKYYE...HELP ME QUICK SKYYE! SKYYE SKYYE SKY-,"
"WHAT DO YOU WANT, GIRL?" She asked, with a bewildered look.
"Skyye," she said, making puppy eyes with an innocent voice. "Me and Taylor
are going out today. Help me pick out an outfit again."
"Yeah, Ike told me about that late last night."
"Oh really..like after dinner?" Autumn asked, her attention grasped. "Yeah..."
"Did he say anything about Taylor...umm...liking me?' Immediatly, she felt
her face flush.
Skyye laughed. "Are you blushing?" she asked, in between her hysterics.
"Don't worry Autumn, Ike did say something."
"REALLY? OHMYGAWD TELL ME SKYYE! TELL ME TELL ME TELL MEEEE PLEEEEEEEEEASE,"
Autumn whined.
"Oh man you've got it bad, Autumn. Ike told me that after dinner, he asked
Taylor about you and he said that he thinks you're so pretty and seem to be
really nice." "Wow," she said breathless. "Well, are you gonna help me?"
"Yeah, girl. You bet," Skyye answered, smiling.
After about 45 more minutes, Autumn and Skyye were standing in the mirror,
looking at the result of their work.
"Autumn, you look great. Tay'll be knocked off his feet," Skyye said, in awe
of Autumn. "Call him now."
"Thanks, Skyye. Okay." She picked up the phone. Skyye stood listening.
"Hi Isaac..is Taylor there....this is Autumn..thank you...." She then looked
over at Skyye and mouthed. "what do I say?" "Oh hi Taylor...yeah it's me...yeah
I'm ready...see you then...yeah bye." And she hung up. "OHMYGAWD Skyye...he
sounds so hot on the phone!" They both laughed very hard.
Once she caught her breath, Skyye said "ok, let's go downstairs and
act occupied so he won't think we're waiting around for him."
"Okay...let's blare some...uhh...Brian Setzer real loud and go crazy," Autumn
said, getting hyper.
"Let's do it," Skyye exclaimed with the same enthusiasm. They rushed
downstairs, Autumn with her CD in hand, loaded the CD and put it on her
favorite song..."Jump, Jive, and Wail".
Soon after, the two were going completly crazy and having a time.
Such a time, no one heard the doorbell ringing until it opened.
"BABY BABY IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S GONNA HAIL.. BABY BABY.., SKYYE? SING GIRL,"
Autumn shouted, noticing the stunned look on Skyye's face. She turned around
to see what Skyye was so shocked by and there stood Taylor and Isaac holding
their breath, about to have a fit. "Ohmygawd," she said, totally embarrassed.
She too was unable to hold it in and let out a huge laugh and before she knew
it, Taylor, Isaac and Skyye all joined in.
"So, Taylor, are you ready to go now?" she sweetly asked after
catching her breath. "Yup. Ike and Skyye are coming along...they sorta invited
themselves," he explained to her. Ugh...just like them two to ruin anything,
he thought to himself. "But you and I can do something on our own if you
wanna." "Sure Taylor. Whatever you want to do is fine with me." Like
kissing...hugging..loving...making out..somewhere around there. She smiled
at him. "Cool. Let's go then," he said, with a wink.
"Okay...Skyye, Ike, get some air and let's go," she teased. There
were Skyye and Ike on the couch, having a hot and heavy make-out session. She
turned to face Taylor and rolled her eyes. "Taylor, are they always like that?"
"Pretty much...yeah. Always," he said, sadness beginning to blanket his face.
"Taylor...It'll be fun when we get our chance..s. Chances," she said,
immediatly blushing. "Let's go now," she said, grabbing him and going out the
door. "I'm sick of waiting."
After about an hour of walking, talking and getting to know each other,
Taylor and Autumn were walking on a quiet sidewalk with lots of little shops
along the sides.
"Taylor...this has been so much fun. Thanks for taking me out," she
said, laughing. They had just downed an ice cream cone each and the sugar had
gone straight to their heads.
"Sure no problem, Aut. I've had fun too. Tulsa'a never been so much
fun...I mean before you were here," he said quietly.
"Aww Taylor..thanks." She looked up and saw a coffee shop and
immediatly was flushed with memories of Seattle. "Taylor, can we go in there?"
"That coffee place," he asked, sounding very shocked.
"Yeah, boy! I'm from Seattle, remember? Coffee shops, poetry houses on
each corner..." "Sure then. Maybe you can tell me what's good."
"No problem. The mochas are usually the best everywhere...if you like
chocolate." "Chocolate..hmm..." Autumn suddenly burst out laughing.
"Taylor...your mocha's on me!"
They bought their mochas and each asked for extra whip cream on the top. They
were sitting at a table, talking.
"Autumn...we've gone on and on about just..stuff...tell me about you now."
"Only if you tell me about you after." "Deal," he smiled.
"Okay. Then...well I was born in Seattle. I loved everything about it. The
rain...the people...the place...everything. Whatever street you were on, you
could find a good coffee house right on or around the corner. Me and Picon
used to go drink and write and read almost every night. We were for sure..."
"Picon? Who's that," Taylor interrupted.
"Oh...Picon is my ex boyfriend. The morning we left, I called him to
tell that I'd miss him and that I'd call him when I got there...and he broke
up with me. He said it's the distance," she said, feeling her eyes burn. No
Autumn...Taylor is right there. She shook her tears.
"I'm sorry. Guess you liked him a lot." What was his problem? Taylor
thought. He lost the sweetest, most beautiful girl because of distance? She
looks so cute and vulnerable with tears in her eyes. I want to touch her and
say that it's alright. But..maybe now..me..and her...naaahhh.
"Yeah...but he's history. I've moved on. I thought it would be hard but
you..uhh but someone showed me otherwise." Ohmygawd. I can't beleive myself.
That's like the 50th time I've said something like that today. Aww he looks
so beautiful when he listens..., She was thinking. "Taylor, you haven't
touched your mocha yet."
"Oh yeah," he said. He took a sip of it and when he lowered his cup, saw that
Autumn had a sly smile on her face. "What are you smiling at?"
"Nothing..it's just too cute. If only I had a camera Taylor," she said,laughing.
"WHAT? What is it, Autumn?"
"You have cream on your nose Taylor...lemme get it off," she said. She
scooted her chair over closer to him and cupped his chin with her hand. With
her other hand, she swiped the cream off his nose with her finger and licked
it off. "MMM...Sweet," she said, smiling.
Oh no, Autumn, don't tease me like that, Taylor thought.
I love teasing you, Taylor, she thought, smiling her sweetest smile at him.
Just then, the lights were dimmed down and the jazz band played.
"Taylor...dance with me," she whispered in his ear.
"Okay," he agreed in an instant. He stood up and grabbed her hand and they
went together to the deserted dance floor. He turned to face and slid his
arms around her waist and felt her's encircle his neck.
She breathed his scent in and out as much as she could, savouring the moment.
Damn you smell good, Taylor. She raised her face and nuzzled Taylor's neck and
exhaled very gently on it. Picon loved it when I did that...maybe Taylor will.
Autumn, I wish you would stop doing that stuff before I have to lay you down
right in this coffee shop. He was loving every moment of this. He never
wanted to let go...never wanted to stop feeling and hearing her breath come
in contact with his skin and manage to send chills down his spine.
Autumn began playing with Taylor's hair. "Taylor," she whispered softly in
his ear. "Hmm?" "Has anyone told you that your hair is just so sexy?"
"No...you're the first," he said, blushing.
She removed her face from his neck and looked him straight in the eye. "Glad
I could be," she said, quietly. Soon the song ended and they went back to
their table. "Well, Taylor, the sun's almost about to set. Know any place
where we can go watch it?"
He sat there and pondered. "Yeah, actually I do. Let's go." They grabbed their
mochas and left the coffee shop. "While we walk, keep telling me about yourself."
"Okay. Well, I LOVE poetry. I've been writing it and reading it ever since
second grade. I love it soo much. And if I'm bored enough, I'll sit down at
my keyboard and write music to go with my free verse."
"AWESOME! I love poetry. Who's your favorite poet?"
"Poe. I love his diversity and his flexibility. He can write to greatest of
horror, and the most beautiful love poetry. He's amazing. But, for love, who
can I love more than Shakespeare?"
"That's a good question. I think my favorite would be Robert Browning. I
would love to be the type of man who could write like that and melt millions
of womens' hearts."
"Well, with your smile, I don't see how a girl's heart doesn't melt at the
first glance," Autumn complimented. He blushed. "Taylor...you blush easily
don't you, boy?"
"Yeah I guess," he sighed. "Well we're here. We just have to climb a little
bit to get to the cliff. The sunset's awesome from there." He jumped up and
grabbed her hand and helped her up.
"Thanks." Taylor guided her to the edge of a small cliff, where they each
sat and got a royal view of the sun, which was just beginning to set. "I had
so much fun today, Taylor! Thanks for yaking me around. Tulsa seemed like,
so...weird to me yesterday, but it's cool. No Seattle, of course, but I like
it," she said.
"Good. I have a feeling that I'm going to start liking it more now
that you're here," he said, looking her straight in the eye.
"Aww, that's sweet, Taylor." She held out her hand for him to take and
he intertwined his fingers with her own. And they sat in peace, watching the
bright Tulsa sun set after another day of shining.
"So, can I call you later?" Taylor asked. He had just walked her home
and it was dark outside. His hand was still meshed with her's, and he found
it hard to let go.
"Okay, Taylor. Night!" She watched as his tall, beautiful body
persued the darkness. She then walked into her house, up to her room, and
gathered all her things to take her shower. She absolutly couldn't wait to
hear Taylor say her name again.
After her shower, as she was rolling her sheets back, she
heard a knock on the door. "Come in!" She turned around to Skyye walking
into the room. "Hey!" "Hey! How'd it go?" "Great! He's so awesome, Skyye!!!!!"
"Yeah, they all are! Oh yeah, Ike told me to tell you two thanks for
ditching us."
"Well, it's not like we want to stick around to see your guys suckface 24/7!"
"Oh. Sorry. We like doing that."
"Does your relationship with him have any substance?"
"What are you talking about? Yes, of course it does...I think," Skyye
said, a look of utter confusion clouding her face.
"Forget it. I'll ask you later. I told Taylor that I'd call him later tonight."
"Okay. Night babe," Skyye said, hugging Autumn. And she left.
"Hello?" "Hey, Taylor!" "Hey, Autumn! You called!"
"Um..I said I was going to. Why wouldn't I?"
"It was getting late. I kinda thought you'd blow me off or something."
"Oh no, Taylo--" "Call me Tay."
"Okay, Tay. I wouldn't just blow you off. I really like you, like, so much,"
she confessed. "I like you a lot too, Autumn."
"Good. I came here and I was like so dead end. Picon was the only thing that
made me think I was beautiful in any way, but meeting you, Tay, it's like,
whoa! There're actually guys one hundred times better than Picon!"
"How could you not think you're beautiful?"
"What?" His question caught her off guard and she felt her heart melt
beneath the words that so respectfully came from his mouth.
"Someone as gorgeous as you....shouldn't need a guy to think you're
beautiful. That's outrageous." Silence. Oh shit. Wrong move, he thought. He
heard her clear her throat, and her voice followed suit.
"You have no idea how many times I came so close to kissing you today because
of the things you say. If you were here right now, I wouldn't even hesitate,"
she said, giggling. "Go to your window and open the curtains."
She walked to her window, and pulled back the curtains. She look up and
across the street to see Taylor sitting in his window sill, the lights bright
shining in his room. She smiled to herself, thinking how gorgeous he is, and
how close she was to having him.
"Hey, Tay. This is cool." She turned and walked to her CD player, put
in her Lauryn Hill CD and programed "Nothing Even Matters" on repeat.
"Whatcha doin'?" He asked.
"Putting in a CD and lighting a candle." She lit the candle and set
it down in her sill. She grabbed a blanket and settled herself into the large
windowsill. "Okay...talk!"
He laughed and replied, "I had so much fun today. We gotta do that again.
Busy tomorrow?" "Not busy enough to not see you. Got any ideas?"
"We'll think of something tomorrow." "Ok, great."
The night lasted forever as Taylor and Autumn talked and rambled on
about anything and everything imaginable. They discovered each other's loves
and passions, hates and aversions. They discovered each other's birthdays,
his being March 14, her's January 14, him being the oldest. As soon as they
hung up, she fell asleep in the sill. He watched from his in awe of her.
She's amazing. Period. And she likes me. How cool. She looks so peaceful
sleeping. I wish I could fly to her, sleep next her, hold her, love her.
Once, he felt himself yawn, he knew he was getting tired also. He brought his
pillow and sheet to the sill and watched Autumn until he, himself fell into a
quiet sleep.
The sunlight pouring in from the huge window on that wonderful morning
peacefully awoke Autumn. She yawned, stepped out of bed and got dressed.
Afterwards, she walked downstairs into the kitchen where her mother and Mane
were talking over coffee.
"Hello, Mom," she sighed, in a dreamy voice. She gave her mother the first hug
in a very long time. This made her mom wonder... "Morning, sweetie," she said.
"Morning, Mane," she once again sighed. She even leaned over to give him a hug.
"Someone's in a good mood," he replied smiling. "Yes, Mane, someone is."
"So, I heard that you and Taylor went out all day yesterday, honey,"
her mom said. "Taylor...aaa," she said, sinking down into her chair. "I hope he
calls me today. I like him a lot," she said, still in her Taylor trance.
"Oh my, looks like someone's trapped in a love bubble," Mane
whispered to Carman.
"We should leave her here," she whispered. Then they left. Autumn
sat there thinking when the phone rang, taking her from her thoughts.
"Hello," she asked, in a dreamy voice. "Hey, Autumn." "Yeah, who's this?"
"Taylor," he said, snapping her out of her trance.
"Oh..hey, Taylor," she said, trying to sound normal. "How's it goin'?"
"Alright. Better if we could get together, though," he said, with his
sweet innocence.
"Yeah, okay. Mane and mom are getting ready to head for work, so it'll
just be Skyye and I here if you and Ike wanna come over here and hang out
with us." "Sounds good to me. Call me when it's cool to come."
"You got it," she assured him. "Bye, Tay."
"Bye." Click. Now, it would only be about 15 minutes more until her
eyes had the pleasure of gracing Taylor's face again.
Those minutes passed quickly and soon Mane and Carman were both gone
off to work, leaving Skyye and Autumn home. So Autumn called Taylor and he
and Ike were on their way over. Skyye was upstairs primping and Autumn was
downstairs putting a CD in when the doorbell rang.
"Hey, Autumn. Where's my baby?" Ike greeted when the door opened.
"Hello to you too Ike. And your baby is upstairs in her room," she replied.
"Probably waiting for you with the condoms," she muttered beneath her breath.
She looked over at Taylor, who had heard and was red with containing his
laughter. She smiled at him and rolled her eyes.
"Thanks, Aut. See you two later. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, k?" Then, he
ascended the stairs. "Okaaaay. Whatever, Isaac," Autumn said.
"Waiting for you with the condoms?" Taylor asked, laughing. "I wouldn't be
surprised."
"Well, you can't blame me for thinking that Taylor, can you? I mean just look
at them when they're together. I bet if we went up to Skyye's room right now,
we'd see them, making out, all over each other."
"Hmmmm. Not a bad idea, actually. You're brilliant, Aut. Let's go." And with
that, he grabbed her hand and ran up the stairs before she had a chance to
protest.
"Hmm...I missed you babe," Skyye whispered in Ike's ear, wrapping her
arms around him from behind.
"I bet I missed you more," he said, turning to face her. He brought
his forehead to her own and kissed her nose one time. "You know, I've always
considered your nose an undeniable turn-on."
"And your lips always put pictures in my mind."
"Oh really? What kind of pictures?"
"Pictures. Of them. On mine. On my body," she whispered , kissing
him. He didn't hesitate to part his lips and receive Skyye's tounge. Soon
after, he trailed his kisses down her cheek and into her neck. He loved the
feeling of Skyye's fingers lingering in his wavy blond hair. He guided her
over to her bed and began to suck and lick her neck. The sounds of pleasured
gasps escaping Skyye's mouth were only turning him on more, and he lied her
back and began treading his hand under her shirt as a result of this. Seeing
Skyye and Isaac make out brought back beautiful , but painful memories of her
and Picon. Pictures of her and him near the creek in the woods behind her
house, in the rain, making out, came back to her mind and caused her to feel
cold, stony, and alone within.
"But, Autumn, it's just heating up," he whined, still watching from
the crack they left in the door.
"Whatever, Taylor," she said, walking off and into her room. She
closed the door behind her and put in her Sarah McLachlan CD. Automatically
she put it on track two. The words of her Picon's song softly wandered into
her ears. "...let me surround you. A sea to your shore. Let me be the calm
you seek. And every time I'm close to you, there's too much
I can't say. And you just walk away.
And I forgot to tell you I Love You. And night's too long and cold
here without you. I grieve in my condition, for I cannot find the words
to say I need you so...."
She sang the words softly, and cried merciless tears as she sat facing the
sunlight in her huge window. The song was soft and the only sound she could
hear were those of her breath, her tears, her's and Sarah's voices and the
music that she so sacredly held in her heart. Her door opening took her from
her thoughts. She ignored it, not wanting to be talked to or not feeling like
explaining her tears to anyone. She felt a hand on her shoulder and tender
voice say "Autumn. I'm sorry."
"I hear that too much," she replied, her voice empty and drained of any
emotion whatsoever. "Autumn, I--"
"Shh. I love this song," she whispered. And I don't need you ruining it with
your horny self." "And I forgot to tell you I Love You
And the night is too long and cold here without you.
I grieve in my condition, for I cannot find the
words to say I need you so..."
Once the song ended, it started again. Taylor looked at the system and the
repeat sign was flashing. "Like this song much, Aut?"
"I love this song, Taylor," she said, still gazing out the window. He took
her hand in his and intertwined their fingers and she looked over at him.
"I'm sorry for what I did. If you didn't want to see that, I shouldn've
forced you to." "You're right, Taylor.""Let me guess. Pecan?"
"Picon. Yeah. I guess seeing people kissing each other like that brought back
memories. They wanted so badly to feel the other's breath inside their own
bodies or on their own skin, Taylor. It's such a beautiful thing, but God
knows how painful it can be," she weeped.
He took her into his arms and whispered in her ear, " I have another place
I'd like to take you." He grabbed her hand and led her down the stairs and
out the door.
They walked on silently hand in hand as Taylor listened and watched
as she cried. He wanted so badly to hold her and kiss her and not ever let
the world touch her so that she never knew any kind of pain. When he saw her mouth
slowly form into a small smile, he felt his insides begin to praise him for
being so creative with his words. <>p>"Is that a smile I see, Autumn?" he
laughed, tickling her with tickles.
"Maybe," She said inbetween her calm laughter. He stopped and
brushed back some vines hanging in their faces.
"Here we are, Autumn. Close your eyes. Be ready. You'll lose your
breath." He brought her in and sat her on the grass and sat right next to
her. "Now...open 'em."
"Taylor...wow."
"It is beautiful. Someplace where I'd like to come with someone
special just to tell her I love her and shower her with my love, and my
kisses and flowers. Just to tell her all the things that I love about
her..the big and the small...the things that could go unnoticed, but don't
because they only make her more perfect," he said, his voice thick with
dreams and desires.
She watched him. His skin glistened in the sunlight and his eyes had
a light and crystallized look in them. "She'd be a very lucky person,
Taylor," she half whispered. He looked over at her and smiled. She smiled back.
"So, tell me something. The song you were listening to in your room.
Tell me again why it's so special to you. Like, how did it become your's and
his song?" He asked her.
"Well, it was actually pretty strange. That night, I went to a poetry
reading I had read about at a coffeehouse called Sphere. Picon had read a
poem there about a rose in a garden and stared right at me the whole time,
and I knew that I wanted to be with him. After he read, he came and sipped
his coffee with me and we talked. That night we were on the phone and he had
put me on hold. While he was gone, I heard Sarah McLachlan playing in the
backround. It was the exact same song, "I Love You", at the exact same spot
and time. When he picked up the phone, I told him, we laughed and then he
asked me out. The rest was just clockwork I guess," she explained, tears
stinging her eyes. "Aut-,"
"But, that was then and I can't dwell on the past, Taylor," she said,
standing up. She walked over to the river and bent over to touch the water.
"Autumn. I need to ask you something," Taylor said from behind. She stood up
and found that he was tall and she came to his shoulders.
"Ask me then," she responded. Silence.
"Um...would you...uh...show me some of your poems sometime," he
stuttered. Damn. That was my chance, he thought to himself.
Damn. I thought he was about to do it. "Yeah sure, Taylor. If we get
back in time today, we can read some of it." "Cool. So what do you write about?"
"Everything. What I'm thinking. I just think of three words to start
with and then I let my mind and pen race onto the paper. I've written a lot
about love recently." "Why's that?" he asked, his attention grasped.
"I have feelings for you, Taylor. I told you that last night. I guess
you just make me think about love," she confessed.
"Well you're not the only one that has the feelings. Last night, I
watched you sleep from my window until I fell asleep there in the sill." He
blushed. She responded, "Taylor...that's so sweet." Again, there was a
silence, thick with tension.
"Autumn," Taylor said, taking her hand gently. He pulled her close to
him. He whispered in her ear, "Will you be the girl that I bring here to tell
her I love so much?"
She could only smile. Finally, she thought. "And you shower her with
your love and your kisses and flowers?" "Yeah." "Of course I will be."
"Good. Because I've been desperatly searching for a reason to kiss
you," he said, feeling his ears flush.
"Well, this is a good reason. We're together now."
"Is that an invitation to kiss you?"
"Actually it is," she whispered. She brought her face closer to
Taylor's and a second later felt their lips connect. It seemed to last only a
few seconds, but by the time it was over,she couldn't ask for anything more.
"This is right, Taylor," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Yeah it is," he resounded.
"That tree over there, if you sit beneath it, you can feel an
awesome breeze and the view of the river and everything is breathtaking," he
said, pointing with one hand, holding her with the other.
"Let's go sit over there then."
He lead her over to the tree and invited her to sit in his lap
underneath it. He wrapped his arms around her waist and enjoyed the sound of
nature and her breathing. Aaa. It's like an orchestra. She's mine now. Autumn
and me. It's not real. It can't be, He thought, smiling.
His hands were peacefully resting on her abdomen and she took them
and intertwined her fingers with his own. She felt his breathing beneath her
and nothing felt better. This isn't real.
"You know. Your skin looks like my cappuccino the other day. Like a chestnut.
It's gorgeous," Taylor complimented.
"I'm not all the way African-American. I'm half white. Maybe that's why."
"Oh, I see. You're beautiful too, you know."
"Oh my gawd," she said, burying her face in her hands. He removed
them and kissed her cheek. "You are. I love that about you."
And tell her all the things I love about her, big and small, his
words rang in her ear. "Thanks." The evening passed quickly and soon the sun
was setting. They had began the walk home and were hand in hand when Taylor
dropped her hand to pick up some flowers in a feild for her.
"Aww..Thank you so much, Tay. They're so pretty," she thanked him.
He replied, "Not as pretty as you though." He took one flower and
placed it behind her ear and kissed her cheek. Autumn reached up and touched
his cheek and kissed his lips once. They smiled at each other and continued
the walk home.
They opened the door to find Ike and Skyye on the couch, cuddling and
kissing, with a movie playing.
"Hey, Tay. Hi, Aut. Where have you guys been all day?" Skyye welcomed.
"Ya'll are holding hands," Ike spat out.
"Ike, stop it. That's cute," Skyye said, playfully slapping him.
"I'm sorry, baby," Ike said, nuzzling her neck.
"It's okay," she replied, turning her attention back to him.
"Ugh. Let's go upstairs, Taylor," Autumn said, repulsed.
"Good idea." They reached her black and midnight silver room and
closed the door behind them. "So, wanna read some poems," she questioned.
"Yeah." He watched her as she went into the huge closet and searched
for something. I can't beleive that that girl is my girlfriend. She's so
beautiful. When she came back, she had an oversized box in her hand.
"This is all I've written since January this year," she said, opening
the box. Doing so, she disclosed many different colored, shaped, and sized
journals. "Wow. And this is..November. This is a lot."
"I write a lot I guess," she said, sitting next to him on the bed.
She took a journal from the box and began reading it. Almost one second
later, she felt Taylor's arms around her and his breath against her neck.
She giggled, "Taylor, that tickles," but in no way stopped him from what he
was doing. She heard him stifle a laugh. "You smell good. What's that called?"
"Dream." "Hmm...Like you? A dream come true?"
"Aww, Tay," she said, bringing her hand into his hair. She ran her
fingers through his hair as he kissed her neck over and over again. He
brought his lips to her own and kissed her mouth. Just as his tounge entered
her mouth, the door opened.
"Tay, it's ti-- whoa. Sorry," Ike apologized and went back downstairs.
"Skyye. I think they're going out now or something. They were just
making out upstairs in her room," when he reached downstairs.
"That's good, Ike. They really like each other," she said. Just then,
Tay and Autumn descended the stairs, hand in hand, fingers interlocked. "So,
what's up with ya'll," Skyye spat. "Well," Taylor began, "we're together now."
'Aw...isn't that so cute," Ike and Skyye teased, causing them both to blush.
"Awww, shut up you guys," Autumn said.
"Okay, you better," she said, pecking his lips once, and then
wrapping her arms around him. "See you later," she said. Then, Ike and Tay
left. "You and Tay sure have gotten close," Skyye commented once they were gone.
"I know. He's wonderful. He's awesome. He's gorgeous. He's hot. He's...Taylor!"
Skyye laughed and said, "Well, I'm happy for you guys."
"Thanks. I gotta go take my shower now. I'll be in before I tuck in to talk
to you," she said, before going upstairs to shower. "Okay, cool."
"I don't know about this, Mane. Autumn is such a sweet girl, and my
only daughter. Her heart was just broken and I don't want that to happen
again," Carman was explaining to her fiance. Autumn had walked downstairs
after showering to get a frap and was listening to the conversation the two
were engaging in.
"Don't worry about Taylor, Carman. He's a really sweet boy and he'll
be careful with her heart. I've watched Skyye and Isaac for all this time and
I've noticed a sincerity and a real love in their relationship. Taylor is
probably no different. And you've met their parents, Carm. They're nice people."
"I know. But, still I want to look out for her emotions. Maybe I
should tell her something, Ma--"
"Tell me what? Not to see Taylor? You tried the same thing with
Picon because of the way he dressed and spoke. Now what's the reasons with
Taylor mom? Is he too sweet? Are his intentions too good? What'd you have to
tell me, Mom?" "Sweetie, I--"
"Mom, you brought me to Tulsa and you tore me away from Picon. Picon
was doing what was right for him. I admit that Tulsa wasn't a place I could
imagine home. But in these last 4 days, I see that home is where...Taylor and
Skyye are. Please don't try to tear me away from him. He makes me happy mom,
and I just want you to be happy for me," Autumn lectured. She walked over to
the fridge to get her frap and felt her mother's and Mane's eyes stalking her
every move. "Goodnight."
"Yeah, Skyye, I heard her talking about it. She needs to know that
Taylor isn't like Picon. He'd never do that to me...or anyone for that
matter," Autumn confided. "You're right, he wouldn't. Him or Ike."
"So, what do I do? Do I just let this ride or what?"
"Let it ride. Stay with Taylor. You guys deserve each other."
"Thank you. Thanks for understanding. You're my best friend, Skyye,"
Autumn said, wrapping her arms around Skyye for a hug.
"Anytime. You're mine too...and Ike of course," Skyye replied.
"Of course, Ike. Night, Skyye," Autumn said rolling her eyes and leaving the room.
"Night."
"Ike, I'm so happy. The happiest I've been in such a long time," Taylor said,
ringing out his wet hair. "You should be. Autumn seems to make you happy."
"Oh man. She really does," Tay said. "I want to fall madly in love with
her." "Just give it time and it might happen."
"I hope so. She's so beautiful and hot and so sweet and sensitive and gentle.
When she cries in front of me, I feel like I just want to be her sheild and
protect from this world so she knows no pain at all. And when I see her, I
just want to take her off to some romantic place and make love to her
endlessly. And when she talks, man--" "Damn, Taylor. Call her or something."
"OH YEAH!" Taylor finished dressing for bed and slipped into
the sill and picked up the phone. Pick up, babe, hurry! "Hello?" "Hey."
"Hey, Tay. Hang on just a sec, k?"
"Cool." Within minutes he saw a candle from his window rest inside of
her's and then saw her face lit up gently by the candlelight. "Lord, you're
so beautiful," Taylor said, thinking out loud. "I'm smiling. You're so sweet."
"I try. Hard." "And you do well," she said, giggling. "I'm looking at you," she
flirted, looking at him from her sill. "I'm looking right back."
"Well, we caaaan....hmm..." "Find some place quiet to be alone?"
"Sounds good to me. I think we have a little more to get know about
each other," she whispered, a sly smile playing across her face.
"I think we do. So, from a poet's point of view, what is the sexiest
thing about a guy?"
"A guy that can use words and make something beautiful with them. Or
put something beautiful to music. Or anything that makes him his own person."
"Music. Did I ever tell you that I play the piano?"
"No way. You do? That's so awesome. I want to hear you play sometime, Tay."
"Sure. Anything for my lady."
"Awww, sweetie," she said, feeling her heart rejoice. His lady.
"So, put the kiss we shared today in words for me," Taylor whispered.
"One question. How can I?" "We can try."
"As long as you put it to music and I get to hear it." "You got it."
"Ok.. The kiss that you and I shared today waaas...more than
beautiful. More than ground breaking. More than anything words could ever
express. Kissing you was the only thing I wanted to do the second I saw you.
Your lips always were drenched in spit and I wanted to know what your spit
tasted like. They looked so soft and so delicate, that if I ever got the
chance to kiss you, I would kiss you so softly, but with all my affection.
Today, you made a sort of dream come true for me. I loved it." "Hmmm..."
"Hmmmm. What?" "Nothing." "Okay, yeah whatever, Tay.."
They went on talking until dawn broke into the sky. A new day was beginning
and she thought of how much better it was seeing it break with Taylor on the
line, instead of lying in bed, almost dead to the world. They vowed to stay
together as long as life would allow them. Morning came sooner than Autumn
wanted. "WAKE UP, AUT," Skyye yelled, pulling the covers up.
"I am awake already, Skyye." "Well, get out of the bed!" "No!" "Why not?"
"Because...I'm thinking about Taylor..." she whispered, feeling her ears and
face flush. "WELL HE CALLED YOU TO TELL YOU TO CALL HIM WHEN YOU GET UP!"
"OH OKAY," Autumn exclaimed, picking up her phone. She dialed his number and
his sweet voice answered, "Hello?" "No way! I have to get dressed."
"I'll help you. Bye." Click.
"UGH! TAY THAT'S NO FAIR!" She went into the bathroon to brush her teeth and
hair. She didn't even try to do her clothes. Soon the doorbell rang. She
assumed someone got it because it rang once and she heard the door open and
close. Oh damn, he's here! Yeah he was.
"Hey, Autumn," Taylor said, opening her bedroom door.
"Taylor," Autumn exclaimed, "I could've been naked."
"I wouldn've minded," he shot back, smiling very big.
"I'm sure you wouldn've. Help me pick something out to wear." She grabbed
his hand and they walked over to her closet and picked out something to wear.
They were standing in her bathroom, she was applying make-up and doing her
hair and he was watching. She let her hair fall from the curling iron and
felt it fall gently on her shoulder.
"Why are you watching me? I have a keyboard, a computer, and a TV in
there," she said.
"This is better than either of those," he said, walking closer to
her. He pulled her hair from her neck and wrapped his arms around her waist
from behind. He buried his face in her neck and started to gently kiss it. He
felt her fingers in his hair and deepened his kisses. She turned around in
his arms and kissed his lips. His hands were roaming all over her body and
his hair was messying itself in her hands.
After a while, she pulled apart and said," I have to finish getting
ready, Tay," and kissed his lips one time before turning back around to face
herself in the mirror. "Okay," he said, returning his lips to her neck.
"Every time you do that, I get shivers down my back, babe," She
whispered, giggling and finishing her make-up. "I'm done."
"Good," he said.
Embarrased, Taylor got off of her and straightened his hair. "Well, if you
knew how to knock, then you wouldn't be seeing. What do you want anyways?"
"I was just wondering what you guys were up to. But now I know, so.."
"So leave," Taylor suggested.
"Not sure. Probably just walking around the mall." "Okay. We'll see."
"We'll be downstairs."
"Skyye. They are all over each other in her room and it hasn't even been a
day yet. I think they're going too fast."
"Ike, just think of you and I when we first got together. We were probably
moving faster than them. You know how much we liked each other when I first
got here, baby," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
He encircled her waist in his arms and pulled her close into a tight embrace
and said, "I know. But they're younger than us. I mean they're already
Frenching and sucking on each others' necks."
"Ike, be grateful that they haven't gone any farther than that and if we
suspect anything other than what they should be doing is going on between
them, let's talk to them about it. Okay, babe?"
"Okay. Good idea," he said, and kissed her forehead and held her tight.
"So, should we go with them or no?" asked Taylor, still wrapped up in Autumn.
"Taylor? How long has it been since you've made out with a girl?" "Ummm..why?"
"Because, babe, you're so flesh-hungry..."
"Oh..well I can't help myself when I'm around you. This is all I
wanted to do from the first time I saw you, Aut," he said, sincerely, looking
into her eyes, having a gentle hold on her hips.
"Aww, Taylor," she sighed, and kissed his lips once. "So, here or with
them, babe?" "Whatever. I don't care. As long as we don't separate."
"Okay...then let's go with them," she said, getting up from her bed.
"That feels so good, baby," she whispered in his ear.
He laughed and said, "You smell like...beauty."
"Like beauty? That's a new one. What does beauty smell like?" "Like you."
"Grr," she excalimed, rolling her tounge, as if she was speaking Spanish.
They rode home and pulled into Skyye's and Autumn's house and were at the
door when Autumn suddenly asked, "Can I go over and see your room, Tay?"
"Umm..sure. We'll be right back," he said, picking her up and running
across the street to his house.
"Ah! Tay, put me down," she screamed, through her hysterics. "Stop
laughing Tay! Put me down! Seriously!" "To my room, I mean."
"Uggghh..Taylor!" He opened the house door and raced up the stairs to
his room where he flopped her down on his bed and showered her with kisses.
"Ahh..now I see why you were in such a hurry," she said, smiling at
him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"You finally caught on?" he asked, kissing her lips once.
"Finally did," she said, deepening the kiss. She opened her mouth in
order to feel Taylor's tounge in her own. They played with each other's
tounges for a while and soon Taylor's lips found their way back into her neck.
"Taylor?" she gasped, feeling the tenderness of his lips on her skin.
"Hmm," he replied, still kissing her. "Why doesn't Zac have a girlfriend? We should invite him to hang out
with us sometime, babe. Right?"
"Uh-huh," he muttered. She ran her fingers
through his hair and held him closer as she felt his hands go wandering
beneath her sweater.
"So, baby, are we finally alone?" Ike whispered to Skyye, feeling
comfortable on top of her on the couch.
"Mmm..I think so," she said, pulling him in for a kiss.
"Finally," he sighed, kissing her deeply. He trailed his kisses down
into her neck and loved the feeling of her hands in his hair. He began to
unbutton her sweater and his hands went roaming all over her body.
His lips found their way into her chest.
Skyye played around with the buttons on Isaac's shirt until finally
they all came undone and his shirt found it's place on the floor. While she
was being intoxicated by the feeling of his hands undoing her bra clasp and
the feeling of his lips on her skin, she guided her hands all over his firm
upper body and into his back pockets. Soon she felt her bra come off and his
lips and tounge on her chest. "MM..Ike..." she whispered in his ear.
"You know, Taylor, as much fun as this is, I should go home now. I
don't want my mom to get mad if I'm not home when she gets there."
"Okay...no problem," Tay said, removing his hands from under her
sweater and wiping his mouth. "Let's go." He grabbed her hands and pulled
her up off his bed. The two walked down the stairs and outside holding hands.
"Ohmygawd," Autumn whispered when she opened the door. "Oh, shit," Tay blurted.
Skyye and Ike looked up to see Taylor and Autumn standing at the door, in
total shock. "Ohmygawd," Skyye shouted, grabbing her shirt to cover herself.
"What did we just see, Taylor?" a shocked Autumn asked.
"I think we just saw Skyye, your future stepsister getting her
breasts sucked on by Isaac, my big brother."
"Well, since you put it that way...Taylor, I had no idea they were
that serious." "Neither did I. I mean..well...why am I not surprised?"
"Autumn? Tay?" Isaac and Skyye were at the door, fully clothed.
"So, you guys decided to put your clothes back on," Taylor said, giving them
a sarcastic smile and tone.
"Tay... guys, we're sorry about that. That wasn't supposed to happen and you
weren't supposed to see that. We promise it won't happen again as..long...as
you guys don't say anything to anyone," Skyye asked.
"I won't say anything, Skyye. Trust me," she said.
"I won't either...I guess," Taylor said.
"Thanks, guys. We're really sorry." Ike apologized. And they left the room
leaving Taylor and Autumn alone.
"Autumn," Tay said, opening his arms to her. "Come here," he said.
She crawled into his lap and looked up into his shining blue eyes.
"What's up babe?"
He wrapped his arms around her and ran his fingers in and through her
hair. "Do you...feel weird?" "Weird? Why would I feel weird?"
"I dunno...I do sorta." "Why Tay?"
"Aut, I don't know. Since we saw Skyye and Ike...um...you know..." "Yeah?"
"I dunno...do you feel that making out like that...is how you show
your feelings for each other? Because although that's the first time I saw
them doing that, that's all they ever do."
"Taylor...first...is this about them? Or is it about you and I?" "You and I."
"Aww, Taylor...that's not how you show your feelings, I don't think.
Love is something that you show or express, but it's also something you feel
and cherish. If you feel love, you can let it be known by just taking that
person in your arms and saying "I Love You" to them. Yeah, lust fuels love,
but love is love. Sex is a way to show your love, but it's not nesessary I
don't think, and with words, to me, it's more tender and more beautiful."
She took his face in her hands. "And when the time comes for you to have sex,
make sure what you feel inside in love and not just lust. Make it something
wonderful and something to remember."
Taylor tightened his arms around her and held her close to himself.
He kissed her lips once and said, "You're the single most important person to
ever grace my existance. I am falling so hopelessly in love with you,
Autumn." Silence. THANK YOU, PACEY, he thought, remembering Pacey's exact
words from the last episode of Dawson's. He felt the world be lifted off his
shoulders, for he had said what was on his mind all day long. "Um..that would
be your cue to say something."
"I feel the exact same way, babe." And they shared a long, lingering
kiss. "And I loved that episode of Dawson's. Pacey's a Romeo!"
"That was so embarrasing, Isaac," Skyye said, cuddling in his arms.
"Oh tell me about it. But, they said they won't tell anyone."
"Ike, that's not the point. We were so irresponsible. If we were doing
something like that, then we should've at least done it in my room."
"I know I know I know and I'm sorry for that. Please, Skyye, can we just put
it behind us? Please?"
The pleading, innocent look in Isaac's eyes at the very moment softened
Skyye's insides but gave her the feeling that if she didn't go down on him
right then and there, she would explode. "Okay..it's in the past, babe," she
said.
"Okay, I guess we'll see you guys tomorrow. Bye Carman..bye Mane," Isaac
called into the kitchen. The hour flew by fast and before they knew it,
Taylor and Ike had to get home to eat dinner with the family. "Bye, sweetie.
Call you later," Ike said, kissing Skyye. "Bye."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Aut. Call me tonight?" Taylor asked, wrapping his arms
around her. "Yeah you bet, babe," she replied, kissing his cheek. "Bye."
"Bye." Autumn closed the door behind them and then walked into the kitchen to
have dinner with her mother, Skyye and Mane.
"So, what did my two beauties do today?" Mane asked in the middle of dinner.
They replied, "Nothing much."
"So, Autumn, you and Taylor have been spending a lot of time together?"
"Umm...I guess you could say that. Yeah."
"That's great," Mane said, tucking her hair behind her ears. "Is it going to
get into something serious?"
"Well, Mane, I sure hope so," Autumn said, getting up from the table.
"Goodnight," she said, kissing his forehead. She kissed her mom and told
Skyye that she'd be in to talk later and walked to her room where she crawled
into her bed.
She was so beautiful. In his dreams, Autumn's hair was flowing gracefully in
the air and her skin was glowing like an angel. She crawled on top of Taylor
in his bed, and kissed his neck ever so softly.
"Taylor," she whispered sweetly, "make love to me, baby." He pulled the
single sheet from her body, leaving it exposed. His hands went roaming all
over her body and her breath felt warm on his skin. "Taylor, my beautiful
Taylor, let's make love." He brought his lips to her breasts and pressed his
body close to her own, causing her to softly moan.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered, and continued kissing her. Her body
against his felt like heaven and all he wanted from her was more. He heard
her breathing quicken, and, from her lips, pleasured sighs. At this point,
he only longed to please her. "Baby, I love you. I love you, Taylor...."
"TAYLOR, WAKE UP!" Ike harshly whispered. "Wake up, Romeo!"
"Ike! Why'd you have to wake me up? That was wonderful."
"Because I can't sleep with you saying "you're so beautiful. I will make love
to you...I love you too" in your sleep."
With flushed cheeks, the lovestruck fifteen year old said, "Oh, sorry, Ike."
"Yeah-huh. Go to sleep." And he slept a peaceful sleep.
"I had the best dream last night, babe," Taylor said, holding Autumn, in
front of the river where he asked her out.
"Oh yeah? What was it about?" she asked, leaning her head on his shoulder.
She turned her face to nuzzle his neck as she felt her's and Tay's feet
touching each other in the water. "It was wonderful. It was about you and I."
"Soo...tell me about it."
"Okay. You walked into my room one night, wrapped in a sheet and your hair
flowing behind you. You joined me on my bed and you kissed my neck. Then you
told me to make love to you and crawled on top of me. So, I pulled the sheet
off of you and we made love. And then..Ike woke me up."
"Wow. What a dream, Taylor."
"I know. It was beautiful." He kissed her neck and whispered," but you're
more beautiful than any dream."
"Oh, baby," Autumn said, and turned to face him. "Let's make out in the
water," she shrieked, her voice full of excitement.
A smile spread across his face, and he said, "Let's do it." He grabbed her up
and they ran wildly to the river and jumped in.
Taylor pulled her beneath the water and swam off in the opposite
direction. When she came up and saw no Tay, she began calling out,
"Taylor..come out already...please..I miss you. Tay? Babe?"
"BOO!" He shouted, tickling her hips. He went into mad hysterics when she
screamed at the top of her lungs and jumped.
"Hey! I should kill you, Taylor," she exclaimed, playfully hitting his arm.
"But..you love me too much for that," he replied, smiling.
"And that's my weakness." She took him in her arms and begin to softly kiss
his gentle lips. He held her close to him and kissed her in return. He
trailed his kisses down into her neck and felt her start to shiver.
"Are you cold, babe?" he asked.
"A little. But you're keeping me warm," she stated, and kissed him again.
Taylor, caught up in his emotions, began to unbutton the sweater she
was wearing, and once it was unbuttoned, he pulled it off and threw it on the
dry land. He began kissing her bare skin and it felt smooth beneath his lips.
Amazed by the wonderful feeling of Taylor's lips on her, she started
to peel his wet shirt off of his body and threw it over and behind her head
in hopes that it would find the dry land. Now I understand Ike and Skyye's
motives, she thought. All too soon, the situation became uncomfortable for
Autumn when Taylor was playing with her bra clasp.
"Taylor?" No answer. She subtracted his hands from her body and
pulled away from him. The look of disapointment and hurt took over his face
and bore into her soul. "Aww, baby," she said, holding him, "It's not
you...you, oh gawd, you felt wonderful, but it's just too soon. I'm sorry."
"So am I." "It's okay," she said, pecking his cheek, "Let's get dry."
They sat out in the hot sun holding each other, hands tight in clasp,
bodies close together and dried.
"You're hair smells so good," Taylor said, inhaling the scent. She pulled his
arms tighter around her and pressed her body closer to his own.
"Baby, you're so warm," she sighed.
"You still cold?" he asked, rubbing her arms up and down. "Yeah a little."
"Let's go home. We'll get you warm, drink coffee, and write poems in your
room. Sound good?" "Yeah, babe, that sounds good." And they began the walk home.
"We have something very important to say girls, so listen carefully," Mane
instructed, sitting at the head of the dinner table. Taylor had left the
house only minutes before, leaving Autumn's body and her thoughts warm.
"Okay," they each replied.
"Well, Skyye, you remember your little cousin, Fyzah, right?"
"Yeah, what about her?"
"Well, Uncle Lee has been transferred overseas to France for business and he
and Aunt Shayla decided that they want her to stay here and continue her
education, so she's going to be staying with us."
"Sounds cool. How old is she?" Autumn inquired. "She's 13."
"Skyye, isn't that Zac's age?"
A smile played across Skyye's face, and she said "yeeeeaaah. Aut, you're
right. Ooo...another connection between our family and the Hanson's! Can't wait!"
"That's so weird! Tay and me were just talking about Zac yesterday!"
"This is gonna be cool. Dad, when's she coming?" Skyye asked.
"Really soon, actually. This weekend, just in time for Thanksgiving. We're
going to have to turn the guest room into her room. That's why tomorrow, you
and Autumn and whoever else get to work on it all day," he said, smiling.
"Ohh...sounds great," Autumn said, her voice dredged in sarcasm.
"Can Tay and Ike's family come over and have Thanksgiving dinner with us
Mane?" Autumn asked. "Good idea, Aut," Skyye praised.
"I think that's a good idea also. I'll call Diana tomorrow to see what she
thinks of it," Carman stated.
"Great! Anyways, night guys!" Autumn called getting from the table. Soon
after, Skyye followed suit. "Hello?"
"Hey, baby. What's up?" Taylor asked. "Tay, I do not feel good," Autumn replied.
"Still? Aww. Should I come kiss you and make it better?"
She giggled and replied, "I wish you could, but Tay, it might be something.
I don't want you getting it." "If it's for you, then I don't mind...at all."
"Oh, Tay. What am I gonna do with you?" "Love me."
"That, I'm sure I can do. Anyways, guess what?!" "What's that?"
"Remember yesterday in your room when I asked you about Zac?" "Yeah."
"Well, Skyye's cousin, Fyzah is going to be staying with us since her parents
are going to France, and she's Zac's age! Isn't that great?"
"Sounds cool. I'll tell him." "Good. And one more thing." "Okay."
"Tomorrow, we have to start working on her room. Wanna come over and help?
I'm sure Skyye will ask Ike." "Well, I'll be there."
"Good. I'm sorry, baby, but I gotta go to bed." "You feel really bad, huh, Aut?"
"Yeah...I do. But, I'm sure I just need some sleep."
"Okay. Well, good night, beautiful. Sweet dreams."
"You too, baby. Dream about me."
"That would definately be sweet. Get some sleep now, so you feel better soon."
"Okay. Night, Tay." "Night." Click.
Autumn tucked herself in and snuggled into her sheets and whispered,
"I love you, Tay."
"Ike," a whining Tay said. He shook his brother in order to get him to budge.
"WHAT?" "She doesn't feel good and I'm not right by her."
"I'm sorry, Tay. What do you want me to do about it?"
"Well, I thought you would be more supportive, but I guess not."
"Yeah, guess not, Taylor. Now go to bed."
"Fine," he pouted. He settled into the windowsill with a pillow and blanket
and watched Autumn sleep across the way. He touched the glass lightly and
silently wished he was there, in her bed, holding her. "I love you, Autumn,"
he whispered. And before he knew it, he was asleep.
"And I love you," he said. "Taylor--I can't. I love you too much."
"If it be so painful, let go," he said, tears burning his eyes. "I'll miss
you, but we'll see each other again." "Tay--let's make love one more time."
With a tear-stained face, he began to undress and kiss her. And they made love.
"You're wonderful," he whispered, the next morning. He turned to face
her and touched her skin which was unusually cold. "Autumn? Wake up." he
said, shaking her. "Autumn! Autumn!" He touched her heart, and felt no pace.
"No.. No..No..."
"NOOO," Taylor shouted, shooting up from his sleep. "AUTUMN," he
screamed. He immediately jumped up,
put some jeans, shoes and a sweatshirt on and dashed downstairs and out the door.
"Autumn. Open the window," Taylor harshly whispered, from outside.
"Taylor," she exclaimed, running from the bathroom. She quickly
opened her window, and pulled Taylor tightly in her arms.
"Autumn...are you okay?"
"Tay, I've been throwing up all night and no one will wake up to help
me. I'm burning up and that's why I'm only wearing this." She looked down at
the small tank top and underwear she had on. "I'm sweating and Tay.." She said
breaking down, "I look..I feel like shit." She then collapsed in his arms.
"Whoa. My Gawd, Aut. You..ohmygawd...what do I do?"
"Taylor, just stay with me."
"Okay," he obeyed. Almost
immediately, he heard the sound of someone vomiting and ran to help her. He
wet a towel and dabbed her forehead with it.
"C'mon, sweetie. Lie down right here," he said, guiding her to her
bed. He tucked her in her moist bed and sat on the edge right beside her as
he touched the cold towel to her forehead, her face, and her chest. "I'll be
right back. I'm going to go get you some medicine and water. Anything else?"
"Um..some ice, please."
"Sure. Back soon." With that, he kissed her forehead and went downstairs.
While he was out, she decided to pick up her journal and write.
About ten minutes passed, and Taylor came back in, and was welcomed with
Sarah McLachlan singing "I Love You" and his Autumn writing in her journal.
"Back," he said, his hands on a tray, carrying a sandwich, some
water, medicine, and ice.
"Aww, Taylor," she whispered. She patted a spot on her bed for him to
sit on. The clock said 2:33 A.M. and he found himself thinking, why don't I
want to be anywhere else?' "Thanks," she whispered, smiling.
"No problem. Here, lay down." He got up from the bed and helped her
lie down. He then grabbed her desk chair and pulled it close by. He helped
her eat her sandwich and drink her water. "Oh here, take the medicine now
that you've eaten. Aut, what do you think caused it?"
"I dunno, Tay, but I think it was the water today," she said,
swallowing the pills.
"Hmm..you're probably right." He started to once again dapple her
skin with the cold towel and she was sucking on the ice. He suddenly stopped
and just stared at her. "What..Taylor?"
"You know, you still look radiantly gorgeous with sweat all over your
body and hair pasted to your face."
"No, I don't," she said, looking down in embarrassment. She felt his
fingertips collide with her chin and her eyes met his own.
"Don't ever say that. Yes you do." Silence. He looked around the room
and noticed her journal near by. "Hey, babe...can I read your new poems?" He
saw that she was dozing off to sleep, but heard her mumble, "yeah." He
kissed her hands once, and opened her journal. He picked it up and saw that
it had been written in today. He began to read: October 31, 1998
It's very early in the morning and I feel like crap. Earlier today, Taylor
and I were making out in the lake, and I think that's what provoked the
sickness. I tried to wake up Mom, and Mane, and Skyye, but they each rolled
over and went back to sleep, so I was left alone up here to vomit and pout.
Then, by some awesome work of the Lord, Taylor showed up at my window. I
opened it for him and immediatly jumped in his arms. I wonder how he knew I
needed him. I wanted to call him, but was afraid of waking someone up. Right
now, he's downstairs fixing something for me. I swear, I love him so much.
It's only been about a week and a half, but I know in my heart that I love
him. I get all those signs and symptoms. Whenever I'm with him, I just want
to hold him and feel his skin touch mine. Whenever I'm not with him, though
we may be on the phone or something, I feel like we're miles apart and I hurt
so bad because he's not right there with me. I think about him constantly and
I picture him and I together in the future...being together, growing even
more in love, and maybe even getting married and having kids. I want to. I
want my kids to end up with the same beauty as him. He's so wonderful. I LOVE
TAYLOR! SO MUCH! Pecan...oh my bad..Picon was never like Taylor. Come to
think of it, all he wanted to do, was kiss and contemplate sex. Oh, I hear my
wonderful, gorgeous babe coming, and I wanna give him all my attention.
This night is raging with pain The tears, are all I think of
My mind is consumed with thoughts of my being But all I feel inside, is love.
Autumn....Taylor's Autumn.
By the end of the entry, Taylor sat, speechless with tears in his eyes. He
leaned over, kissed her goodnight, and whispered, "I love you" to her. While
in her shifts and dreams, she somehow must've heard, because he could've
sworn she said "I love you, Tay" back. With all of his energy, Taylor tried
to stay awake in case she needed anything, but with no success. He fell
asleep in the desk chair, his hand still tangled with Autumn's. It seemed
only seconds later that he was being awoken by Autumn softly whispering his
name. He looked up with tired eyes to see her tossing and turning and saying
"Taylor. No. I love you. Taylor" with tears running down her face.
"Autumn, wake up, sweetie. Wake up," he whispered, rushing to her
side. "Aut, wake up." He shook her gently and watched her eyes begin to
flicker open. It took her a second to place his face, but soon she caught on.
"Taylor, oh, Taylor," she said, violently taking him in her arms and
hugging him breathtakingly hard. "Don't ever leave me again. Please, Tay."
"Shh. It's okay," he said, rocking her in his arms, "I'm not going
anywhere. I promise." He held her and listened to her cry so hard and felt
her clutching his sweatshirt like she would die if she let go. "Autumn, what
were you dreaming, sweetie?"
"And then you touched my heart and there was no beating inside and
you screamed my name."
"Yes! That's it. I woke up from it, and I looked over here and saw
the candle burning and you weren't there in your bed, so I rushed over here." "I know...baby, what does it mean?"
"I don't know, babe, I seriously. Is it bad? Am I gonna.." she said,
breaking down.
"Oh, Autumn, no. Don't even think that way," he said, taking her back
into his arms and rocking her once more. "Shhh. Just go back to sleep. I'm
right here. I'm not going anywhere." Silence. "I love you, Taylor," she said.
"I love you, too, baby." He kissed her forehead.
"And I know that right now would be the perfect time to kiss you, but
I don't wanna you know.....and those are such special words and for the first
time, and stupid me I have to.." "No, Autumn, shhh. Sleep, baby. Just sleep."
He stayed there that night and held her the entire night. He
protected her and made sure nothing harmful came in contact with her. He
felt the feeling of her body rise and fall..rise and fall inside of his arms.
It was nothing he could've ever imagined, although it wasn't exaclty how he
pictured their first night together. He eventually fell into a peaceful, deep
sleep, colored with more beautiful dreams than the previous one. But, it all
came to an abrupt ending when Skyye walked in the following morning,
astonished at what she saw.