Life is Funny That Way

Chapter 1

As I stepped out on the stage, the fear in me increased. I was scared stiff. My heart was pounding out of my chest, and it was hard for me to breathe. The deafening cheers of the excited crowd made my ears ring. My dream of dreams was about to come true and my mother, the one person to whom I owed this to, was gone.

Theodore was the best friend I ever had. He helped me through all the rough times and we celebrated the good ones. He showed me that I was worth something and made me feel alive. And most importantly, he showed me the courage I had inside, the courage that I used to get where I am today. This story I dedicate to him.

I remember the time that Teddie, that is what everyone called Theodore, and I went up to Bad Bear Cave. It is a beautiful area with a lake and camping spots. A mile away from the camping area was the cave. Teddie and I had our own camping area off to the left side of the cave entrance. In the trees, we had found a small clearing that had a couple of boulders big enough to use for seats. It had a magnificent view of the lake below, and enough room to put up a tent. This had been Teddie and my spot for years. We had been coming up here every weekend for the last three years to get away from school, our parents, and anything else that got us down. This spot, our spot, was the only place that Teddie and I felt we could get away from the pressures of everyday life. The things such as having to get those straight A’s so I could get into a good college, or Teddie making sure that he had great games so that he got his sports scholarship that his dad had been after him about. Pressures that we felt were placed on us by his dad and my mom so that we could succeed in life. These pressures in our eyes seemed pointless. Teddie didn’t want to go to college and play ball any more than I wanted to go to college at all. Our dream was to sing. Once in a while, we would come up here with all our friends, but even then, we stayed near the lake or the camping areas. This spot was all for Teddie and me, and we never shared it with anyone.

We were drinking; I got really messed up on beer and tried to walk down a very steep hill... Maybe a mountain would be more accurate

Teddie, I’m drunk, I slurred, grabbing for Teddie’s arm to keep from falling. 

I know Jenn. Just try to walk.  

I can’t. I feel like I’m walking in a snowbank in high heels. I tried to keep on my feet.

Guess I should’ve known that letting you drink beer was a bad idea. he laughed.

Before I could reply, Teddie stopped walking and turned to me. Here, lean on me, he said, reaching for my hand

Ok.

As I leaned over to grab Teddie’s hand, it happened. The most embarrassing thing that could have happened did. I fell. Not just on my butt either, but right on top of Teddie. I couldn’t believe it. I felt stupid, but a little thrilled too. I had a crush on him for years and to be this close to him sent shivers down my spine.

I couldn’t believe it... I fell right on top of him. Teddie, the most popular and gorgeous guy in my entire world, he made Mr. Universe look like a geek. His muscular body came right out of one of those bodybuilding magazines. He had blonde hair that went a little past his shoulders and deep blue eyes that made me melt every time he looked at me. All the guys were envious, and the girls would gawk at him wherever he went. Teddie was different from all the other jocks, though. He was a real person on the inside, one that cared about people. He was always lending a helping hand to someone.

I’m so sorry. 

It’s ok Jenn, I kind of like this. He glanced at me with a sheepish grin. His arms were wrapped around my waist.

Yeah, whatever. I laughed, pushing myself into a sitting position.

No, seriously. Teddie got a serious look on his face and sat up. He looked deep into my eyes and then leaned over and kissed me.

He kissed me, Jennifer Harris, the girl who scares guys away by being too smart. The girl who in ninth grade was voted most likely to appear on Jeopardy. That comment followed me to where I am today senior year of high school. The supposed fun year... not!  

It was just a quick peck kind of kiss, but it was still excellent. I was totally shocked. It seemed like time had stood still. The only people in the entire world were Teddie and I. I had dreamed of this very moment for years. Now that the moment was here, my dreams had paled compared to the reality that stood before me.

His lips were soft but firm as they had met mine. Teddie smelled of soap and Drakkar, which was his favorite cologne. My eyes opened after the kiss, and Teddie was there with a sweet smile on his face. Teddie’s expression quickly changed from a smile to nervousness.

I’m sorry Jenn. I’ve, uh. I’ve wanted to do that for a long time. Teddie mumbled, looking down at the ground.

You have? I asked, trying to stand up but failing miserably. What’s wrong with that? Teddie asked, sounding offended as he stood up and then helped me to a standing position. 

Oh, I meant nothing bad by that. I’m just kind of... Um, shocked is all. 

Why is that so surprising?

Cause you’re so... Wow and I’m... Well, not so much.

We walked in silence until we reached his truck.

It wasn’t just any truck. It was a metallic black Ford Bronco with Purple Heartbeats on the side. It had a killer stereo system, too. Teddie called the truck Thumper, and it lived up to its name. You could hear his music coming from a mile away, and that was with the windows rolled up. He got it from his parents for his sixteenth birthday with the stipulation that when he was done with school, he would take over paying for the upkeep and insurance.

I really don’t think you should go home like that. Your mom will shoot me. 

Well, where am I supposed to go?

I’m sure it would be ok if you stayed at my house.

What! I exclaimed.

I don’t exactly know why I reacted this way. It had to have been the kiss mixed with the beer. I had stayed at Teddie’s house a ton of times. This would be no different, except the kiss made it feel different.

Well, if you’d rather stay somewhere else, I can... 

No, it’s ok, it’s just... Well, what I mean is.

Jenny, you seem really uncomfortable around me tonight.

No. Everything is fine.

You’re really freaked out over this kiss, aren’t ya?

No, it’s not that. It’s just that I kind of love... and you’re so popular and I am... well, I’m not so popular and stuff. I stared at the ground as I fumbled for what to say.

You... Not popular? My friends and I are constantly talking about ya. Teddie placed his hand on my cheek.

Really? I stared at him in disbelief. 

Yeah. His face turned flush. 

What do you say?

Uh... Well... Just stuff... We better get going, Teddie stammered. He opened the passenger side door, and then walked over to the driver’s side and then got in the truck.

We drove for what seemed like forever, but I didn’t mind. We talked and laughed all the way back home, singing to our favorite songs over the radio like we had done several times before. It was kind of like the kiss never happened, but it did. It was still in the back of my fuzzy thinking drunk mind.

Well, we’re home, Teddie shut off the truck and scooted closer to me. I looked at him, smiled, and peered out the truck window. Well, shouldn’t we go in? I whispered. 

I’d rather sit here and admire the view. Teddie smiled, scooted closer to me, and put his arm around me. Then, for my next stupid move, I opened the door and got out of the truck. Still, to this day, I’m not sure why I did it. Teddie gave me a questioning look and then shook his head. Teddie got out of the truck, opened the front door, and then motioned for me to go in. We went into the house and walked up the stairs.

Well, you can sleep in here. Teddie opened a door and pointed to a bed. 

In your parent’s room? I asked, poking my head through the door and looking around.

Yeah, my parent’s room.  

They’re not here? I questioned as I continued scanning the room. 

Teddie laughed. No, they’re out of town until next weekend. What do you think they will say if they find me here? Probably it will be nice having you here or something like that. Where will you be?  

In my room, where did you think I’d be?

I shrugged and then we both went into his parent’s room. I sat on the bed and Teddie crouched next to me on the floor. We were both silent for a while. We would look around the room, occasionally glance at each other, and then quickly look away with a smile.

Well, I guess you’re tired, Teddie said, finally breaking the silence. 

Me... Not really.

Jenn, can I ask you something?

Sure, ask away. I smiled. 

Do you... Uh, what I mean is... How do you feel about me?  I think you’re a great guy, I replied, touching his cheek.

You do? Teddie put his hand on mine.

Yeah, I mean, who wouldn’t think you’re great? You’re sweet, kind, caring, and very... Um. 

Very what?

You’re very cute. I took my hand off his face and gazed at the floor. 

Hmm... Really?

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass ya. You really don’t realize just how wonderful you are, do you?

I’ve never really thought of myself as anything special, I guess. An awkward smiled spread across Teddie’s face. 

Are ya blind?

Teddie smiled shyly and then laughed. I better let you get some sleep. Teddie stood up to leave.

Teddie?

Yeah?

I don’t want you to go.

Teddie looked at me, smiled, and then pulled me up to my feet in front of him. We just stared at each other for a moment, and then we both smiled at each other. He held me gently and then brushed my hair from my face. Our lips met simultaneously, bringing to life a moment that was better and more passionate than any dream I could have ever had.

I woke up the next morning with Teddie’s arms wrapped tightly around me. I gently pried his arms away, got dressed, and went downstairs.

I went to the kitchen and was going to make us breakfast. Just as I opened the refrigerator, a hand tapped my shoulder.

What are you doing? Teddie stood there with a beautiful smile. I was going to make us breakfast, I said, returning his smile. Don’t do that. Teddie shut the refrigerator. 

Ya don’t like breakfast?

Teddie laughed. Oh no, it’s not that.

But... I gave Teddie a curious look. 

You’re with Theodore Hamilton worlds’ finest chef. Teddie smiled and bowed. 

Well, in that case... I sat down at the kitchen table. 

He got out the eggs, cheese, and ham. He mixed the ingredients in a bowl and then cooked the omelets. When they were done, he handed a plate to me. He took a plate as well and sat next to me at the table.

This is really good, I said, taking a bite of my omelet.

Teddie just smiled. We finished our omelets and rinsed our plates. We were just about to leave when the phone rang. It was my mother. 

Hey Ms. H, Teddie said, answering the phone. 

Teddie began every conversation with my mother that way. He was obviously getting drilled for information about my whereabouts by the way he was answering yes and no. Now Teddie had to do some acting.

See, our parents liked us being together. They probably had our wedding planned since the day we were born, but us being alone in a house together kind of put them on the edge. I am sure they are just trying to avoid situations like the one that happened last night. So Teddie pretended to be his parents to make my mother think they were home. He was great at it, too. I called him one day and thought I was speaking to his dad.

Sure Mrs. H I’ll go get her. Teddie put the phone down and then picked it up a few seconds later. Sam, how are you? That is great. Oh, I am fine, thanks for asking. Teddie said in his best impression of his mother. Yes, we would love to have her. It is no trouble at all. Alright then... You have a safe trip. Bye. Teddie hung up the phone.

What did she want? I asked, trying not to laugh.

She has some conference to go to for a couple days, and she was wondering if it was ok for you to stay over here. Teddie smiled and raised his eyebrows. 

Well, I better get some clothes and stuff then. I smiled as I shook my head.

I knew what Teddie’s eyebrow raises were saying. Not that I didn’t want to spend pretty much every waking moment in his arms, because I did. I just didn’t want our parents finding out about it.

Well, let me grab my keys and we’ll get going, Teddie turned around, walked about two steps, and then came back over to where I was. He leaned down and gently kissed me on the cheek. What was that for?

I’ll never forget for the rest of my life what he said next. 

Just because... I love you, baby.

My heart stopped. I couldn’t believe what I had heard. Teddie loves me? I knew we were close, but love? I couldn’t have had a better dream come true. I couldn’t speak. The only thing I managed was a smile. He smiled back and took off to find his keys. He was back as fast as he left and then we walked to my house.

When we got there, I couldn’t look my mom in the