The Town of Winchester

I hop into the back of the jeep so I can feel the cool breeze run across my skin as we cruise down the highway along the coastline. I had the same four friends since middle school and had developed a bond stronger than super glue. We could finish each other’s sentences and we always knew what the other person was thinking just by facial expressions. We had the kind of friendship that people always post about on social media, except we didn’t because we didn’t to. We were happy, young, free of stress and in love. Chris, Brett, Gaby and I had an instant connection and an unbreakable bond.

Numerous memories were created because of this jeep. I still remember the day that Chris got it. It was his 16th birthday present from his father and it soon became the only thing that we all would ever ride in. A black stick shift with tires big enough to get you through the mud. Chris loved driving it as much as we loved riding in it. It was just something about the way you felt when you were in it that just made you feel invincible. Every ride was always the same with the boys in the front and the girls in the back with the destination unknown to us, but the boys always knew where the endpoint was. Today was too hot not to get in the water, so I knew better than to step foot outside the house without my bathing suit.

We all played sports but didn’t hang out with the jocks. Chris and Brett played football while Gaby and I played soccer. We’d get asked to party after party but always ended up doing something together instead. Our parents were close, so we always stayed out of trouble because we knew better than to cross them. In a small town a secret never stays a secret.

Chris had short brown hair that he gelled perfectly everyday so that it swooped slightly to the side, enough so you could see his deep hazel eyes that would glisten when the sun caught them just right. I remember the first time I saw those eyes and how stunning I thought they were, piercing even. He put on a front that he was a hard, tough, emotionless guy but in reality he was one of the sweetest I knew. He cared deeply for all of us, but me especially. I always knew that he had a thing for me, and I can’t deny I wasn’t curious about him. Maybe this would be the summer that something would happen between us, maybe I would let myself indulge in his touch. Even with my curiosity towards Chris, something always felt off when I would try and fantasize about us. Undoubtedly I loved him, but only as one would love a best friend. I would do anything for him day or night, but the thought of us in bed together or him kissing my neck didn’t arouse me in the slightest. Regardless, maybe I just needed to stop overthinking and allow him to take me for me to see him more than a friend. After all, Gaby and Brett were amazing together, I wanted what they had and so did Chris.

Gaby had been my ride or die from the very start. She had hair that I would always make fun of because she was already going grey at 17, but it looked good on her, and dark brown eyes. I never cared for brown eyes but hers were different. Sure, the guys were my best friends too, but Gaby and I had a different kind of friendship. People would make fun of us because they said we seemed like we were dating more than Gaby and Brett did. Gaby and I played soccer together and our relationship grew stronger because of it. I loved watching how passionate she was about the game. How competitive she was made me want to be better in all aspects of my life. She always motived me and I was addicted to it. I was slightly jealous of her because she could roll out of bed and look beyond beautiful, with her thick eyebrows and caramel skin color, while I had the worst bedhead you’d ever seen. She had gone through so much growing up, with her parents being strict and traditional Indian, that I never understood how she was so incredibly strong and outspoken. Her parents loved Brett, and I think that’s one of the reasons they worked so well.

Brett never tried to be someone he wasn’t. He prided himself on being a sweet and caring guy and Gaby loved that about him. He could sometimes be a little too sentimental, girly even, and I would give him shit for it but he didn’t care. I always thought I was more of a guy than he was, as I was a super tomboy, but I wouldn’t trade the way he listened and gave advice for anything. Gaby and I would cheer him and Chris on every football game and we loved wearing their jerseys. Sporting their numbers on the side lines with a basket of fresh football fries slathered in ketchup was how we loved spending our Friday nights.

As we turn into the pull-off area, my heartbeat intensifies knowing that we’re about to jump 30 feet into water that initially takes your breath away and gives you an instant high. We all jump out of the jeep and make our way towards the rushing sound of water. Chris walks over to me and puts him arm over my shoulder.

“You look nice today, Kay. As always.” He smirks slightly and leans his head onto mine.

“Oh, you know me, always dress to impress.” Which was me being a smart ass because I could care less about makeup or doing anything with my hair. I actually thought about chopping it all off and going with the Justin Bieber look. Not the “baby” phase with the swoop, but with the “boyfriend” phase with the gelled look. Maybe senior year, but for junior year I’ll keep it long and simple.

“Oh stop, you know you don’t have to try.” I force myself to enjoy his embrace and put my hand to his chest as we walk towards to beach.

“Aw, look how cute you two are. I knew it was only a matter of time.” Brett says as he comes up behind us and puts one arm on each of us, pulling us closer together. I just roll my eyes and allow it. Enjoy it, Kay… just enjoy it.

We reach the beach and Chris lays out the giant red and black plaid blanket we always carried in the jeep for adventures, just like this one. We each grab a corner and help him lay it in a perfect square. Brett pulls out the speaker from his backpack and connects his phone. Smooth indie music plays and we settle in to enjoy the sunshine. Gaby and Brett lay together and I move closer to Chris. I lay my head on his strong chest and he plays gently with my hair. This does feel nice, but like a friend kind of nice and not a “I want you” kind of nice. We lay in verbal silence, as the music overtakes each of our souls and we enjoy each other’s presence accompanied by the sounds of light crashing waves. Just kiss him Kay, just close your eyes and do it. I look up to meet Chris’s eyes already looking at me delicately.

“What?” I ask in a playful way, but I am also very curious about what he is thinking in this very moment.

“You. You know, I have always known that there is something different about you.”

“Oh yeah? Elaborate please.” I look at him softly and rest my hand on his cheek.

“You don’t care what people think, if they like you, or if they approve of what you do. You do things because you feel they are right and true. You have an old, pure soul and I have always admired that in this day and age you maintain that and don’t conform to society.” Hearing his words roll so effortlessly off his tongue I can tell he is being so raw and sincere; it allows me to get lost in the moment. I lean in slowly, pushing all abstract thoughts from my mind, and our lips touch. A delicate kiss unravels and leads to a deeper intensity. It feels right and wrong all at the same time, but I allow myself to feel it. I allow myself to take it all in and experience this unfamiliar territory. It feels like an entire eternity passes by before we both pull away and our eyes lock once again.

“Kay, that was amazing. I have been wanting to do that for so long, but I didn’t want to ruin or put a strain on our friendship. I never knew if you felt that way about me, but I’m sure glad that I got my answer. This day, with the waves crashing, our skin touching, your eyes beautifully reflecting the sun, it’s just perfect.” Chris was always elegant in the way he put words together. I loved listening to his long rants about his thoughts about life.

“I am glad that it happened too. It somehow feels that it was long overdue. I couldn’t imagine kissing anyone else. Maybe we could start making a habit out of this.” I notice the corner of his mouth form a soft smile. This could work. You DO like Chris. He’s perfect for you. He’s sentimental, thoughtful, sweet, cute, and loves everything you love. It’s literally a match made in heaven.

“Aw! I knew it was just a matter of time until you both declared your undying love for one another!” Gaby always loved being right about love and romance. She predicted roughly 90 percent of the relationships in our school, it was kind of amazing actually.

“Oh shut it, Gaby. It was only a matter of time before we kissed. It’s kind of hard being around you and Brett and not want to have what you guys have. You two are almost too perfect for each other.” It’s true, I was jealous of their relationship. Everyone in school wanted what they had. Gaby and I make eye contact and I notice that for a moment she feels uncomfortable. For a moment, it’s like we share a consensus about our mutual uncomfortableness about our “perfect love life.” She grabs Brett and kisses him hard, and her eyes meet mine from beside his head.

“Your too sweet Kay! Now we can be the cutest couples in school. This is great!” I think Gaby was more excited about Chris and me than I was. I look at Chris and smile while I nuzzle my head into his chest, and he wraps his arms around me. I think that I could get use to his embrace. We all continue to lay together back into our initial silence. I can’t help but remember the feeling I got when Gaby and I made eye contact, there was something different about it this time, but I can’t put my finger on what. I drift away in thought and give in to a deep sleep, drifting off to the feeling of the cool breeze and warm sun.