"I am sorry, but I dont do tuna," Alyssa said rejecting the tuna sandwhich Joey handed her.
"What? How could anyone not like tuna?" Joey countered waving the sandwich in front of her nose.
"If it's not Dolphin friendly I wont eat it," A soft giggle escaped her pink lips. Her eyes looked away, into the clear water sourounding them. Tiny diamonds of sunlight danced across the surface, as a gentle gust of wind blew her hair away from her face. Chocolate waves followed behind her neck, in an endless stream of beauty.
"OK, then I will," Joey broke the silence of the moment, working as a severe reality check to Alyssa, who sat quietly enjoying the relaxation cradling her body.
"OK," She said quietly, folding her legs up to her chest, resting her head on her knees. Allowing the wind to drift away her thoughts.
"Alyssa, you're pretty good at football. Not like I was expecting you to be. I figured you were gonna be all girlie and junk, but you weren't," JC grinned, throwing a wink her way.
"Thanks, I think," she laughed. "No, football is fun. But its not really my thing. i love sprts and stuff, especially basketball, and and swimming. I could live in the water," She wrinkled her nose as she sighed.
"You haven't played me yet. I could whoop your butt anyday. Just like I did in football," Justin bragged.
"I don't even think so. And you did not whoop my butt in football. You tackled me once, and that was it. And not to mention that you weigh probably three times as much as I do!" Alyssa protested.
"I do not. Maybe 2, not even," Justin said smiling. Alyssa rolled her eyes, fixating her gaze onto Justin.
"Ha, next time. Me and you buddy. One on one OK? But, now I've got to go. I have to go to work," Her words were flat, drained of all excitment at the thought of leaving the sereinty of the place.
"Ok, I am glad you came I had fun," Justin told her, getting up as well.
"Same here. it was nice meeting all you guys, talk to you all soon I hope," she smiled.
"I'll walk you to your car," Justin decinded standing aside her. Alyssa shrugged as they inched closer to the parking lot. "Bye, I'll see ya at church tomorrow. It's Wednesday remember?" Justin wondered, stopping as she climbed into her car.
"Uh-huh. See ya," She answered, slamming the door. Justin waved once more as she disappeared, her car only becoming a silver spec in the distance. Walking back toward the guys, he sighed, resuming his spot on the blanket.
"You guys like her?" Justin asked casually. Not sure what he wanted to hear for an answer. He didn't want them to like her, like he did, but then again he didn't want them to not like her either.
"She's cool. I like any girl that can tackle Joey," Chris said laughing.
"Shut up. I let her tackle me," He defended. Everyone laughed again.
"You are such a liar. She took you down man,"
"Whatever," He mumbled.
"What about you Curly? You like her?" Jc asked, raising his eyebrows in expectation.
"Uh-huh. Only as a friend of course though. She's not my type," Justin answered.
"What do you mean shes not your type? What is it that you don't like? That she is HOT, an athlete, has a good sense of humor, confidence. Tell me where she isn't your type?" JC wondered.
"I don't know. It's not that she's not my type. God knows that's the exact type of person I need to be with. Its just, I don't know," He tried to explain.
"Yeah, that's what I thought," Joey said rolling his eyes.
"Silent Night,Holy night,all is calm, all is bright," The choir sung. The anual Christmas concert, was only 2 months away. And it was the biggest event the church did all year. Alyssa shuffled her feet,and toyed with her thumbs, as the director preached something about posture, and eye contact.
"OK, you can go. Services start in 10 minutes. Thank you for your time," She smiled as they stepped out into the open space of the front greeting room. Alyssa found a seat in the front of the stage, designated for the choir singers. People soon started filing in, filling up the empty seats. It was then that she saw Justin's familiar head of golden curls, and laughing blue eyes. She grinned at him, giving a small wave. When Justin saw her he smiled even bigger, and winked at her. The room was in silence as the services went on. Wednesday nights were never as long, nor crowded as Sunday. The choir took position to sing only two songs. The first, one with a soft melody, and peacful harmony that eased the air, in its soft chords, and meaningful lyrics. Then the next song had a faster beat, toend the night. As they sang, Justin kept his eyes on alyssa, who was concentrated, and focused. Her mouth shaping every word she sang, and every emotion she felt lined her voice. She could easily be identified from the voices sourounding her. The chorus stopped as Alyssa sang a small solo peice in the midst of the song. Justin felt chills course through his body, as her words tickled his thoughts, and taunted at his emotions.
what I got has really got a hold on me.
And what I got is the truth and it set me free.
Now I got heaven above, I got faith hope and love
I got peace like I'd never seen.
I got joy down in my soul and the Spirit got control.
Since I met Jesus I got all I'll ever need.
Alyssa carried out the last note, as the chorus regained their singing. Justin couldnt help but stare at her. Her stage prescence, was locking his gaze, and his mind. As the last chorde played Justin found himself clapping, along with everyone else as the throngs of people made their way out of the building. He waited to greet, and compliment Alyssa. She came walking down the stage, alone. Not looking, or talking to anyone. A forlorned expression plastered onto her face.
"Alyssa!" Justin called. She turned sharply and smiled at him. Giving only a simple wave, and moving out the door. Justin frowned, and noticed his mother was as well.
