Free Emerge by Lila Felix Page B

him dead in the eyes and I said , “I’m eighteen years old and I’ve only ever gone out with groups of people. I won’t let them stop me.” 
                  He put both hands on each side of my waist and gave a slow squeeze. 
                  He matched my direct eye contact and said , “Don’t let them stop you…please.” 
                  He started walking toward the door and glanced back one last time to smile at me.  I left shortly after I could move my legs again.
     
                  I rode the bus home and took that time to gather my courage in order to face what I had to tonight.  I got home and directly went into my parents’ room to say what I had to say.  I walked into the room and started in without even saying “hello”.  I made my voice stay solid and firm.
                  “So , ” I began. “Carlos is the boy who brought me home the other day and that’s him who was calling while you were gone. . .” I waved my hand in the air .. . “Wherever.  I’m 18 and I work and put in for groceries here.  He asked me to go to the movies tonight and I’m going.  First I’m going to work and then he’s picking me up at 7:30.  I’m simply telling you so that you’ll know.”
                  Man, I’m gonna get my butt beat for that one. I raised my eyebrows and crossed my arms over my chest in satisfaction that I had gotten all I needed to say out.  Even if they were the last words I would ever mutter.
                  My Mom and the Ty r ant smirked at each other and he said “Fine.  But your date…” He sneered the word “date”. “Is going to have to come in and let us meet him first.”  I shrugged one shoulder and noticed that my Mom was in pure shock at the conversation being held in front of her.  Her eyes were bulged at my Step-Dad trying to convey a secret message to him. 
                  “Ok, that’s fine , ”  I said all smug with myself. 
                  I didn’t give them an opportunity to say anything else.  Instead I got dressed and picked on May for playing for playing with Pet Shops and then went to work early to try to make up my hours. Before I left I scrolled through the caller id and wrote down Carlos’ number. As soon as I got out of view of the house on my way to the music store I had to stop and lean against the concrete of the freeway underpass.  I let out a long breath that I could swear I had been holding for hours.  I then started giggling to myself.  It was there perched against a crumbling concrete column under the freeway that my hope, the hope I saw in my new found love, turned from a feeling into tru th. 
     
                  I started to do my regular duties at work in a hurry.  There was a method to my madness today .  I vacuumed and dusted the whole store and straightened the shelves that needed it.  I finally made my way behind the desk and retrieved the sheet music that needed to be filed because it was in the wrong place, returned or the customer changed their mind.  I brought it to the storeroom which was hidden in this cool door which was flush against the wall and if you didn’t know there was a door there you wouldn’t be able to tell.  I hurried in and closed the door behind me and first sorted the sheet music alphabetically by composer.  I snuck a look out through a small window on the side to ensure that no one was coming and took my chance.  I called the number I found on the caller id and shuffled back and forth on my feet as it rang. 
                  I nearly knocked over the shelves beside me when I heard the voice my heart desired answer, “Hello?” His voice literally melted me. 
                  I giggled a little, “Hi! It’s Jenna.” 
                  I could hear the smile in his voice when he answered, “Hey!! You called.  Aren’t you at