Chapter
16
Brian
looked over at Mariah in the passenger seat. She had fallen asleep and her soft
brown hair had fallen on her face, lightly covering it. She looked so peaceful
and that set a calmness in Brian's heart. No matter what, he couldn't, and
wouldn't, let anything happen to this fragile creature.
Brian
thought back to what happened that day. He was so surprised to see her at the
beach, yet, not surprised at the same time. She had mentioned that she loved to
go to the beach, but he had never expected to see her there. She was so kind
and gentle to AJ when she helped clean the small wound on his forehead. It
seemed that he not only had a bruise, but a small cut as well. AJ had offered
to buy dinner, but he meant only for Mariah. The rest of the guys had to pay
for themselves.
"What
a cheap guy," thought Brian, smiling at the incident.
After
they had eaten dinner they decided to go up to Nick's place to hang out. Mariah
hesitantly accepted the invitation. She was worried at how late she would get
home. Also, her car was still parked at the beach. Brian assured her that he
would drive her to pick up her car.
Everyone
had a blast that night. They went down to the little beach by Nick's house and
played in the water. They played a little basketball, and when it got a little
cold outside, they went inside and played with Nick's Playstation and N64.
Mariah hadn't had so much fun in a long time.
Brian
remembered the easiness in Mariah's smiles, she had so much fun. He had to
thank the guys for making her feel so comfortable. They included her into
everything and she seemed to be a part of the 'family'.
Brian's
thoughts were interrupted when Mariah began to stir.
"Hey,
sleepy head. You're awake."
"Mmm...that
was a nice nap," said Mariah. "I'm exhausted."
"I'll
say, you did so much today." replied Brian smiling.
"No
kidding!" exclaimed Mariah. "Don't you guys ever get tired?"
Brian
just smiled and kept on driving.
Finally
they arrived at the beach where they had met up before.
"Here
we are. See, your car is safe and sound."
Mariah
stretched and yawned. "Thanks a lot Brian. I appreciate it."
"No
problem."
Brian
watched as Mariah got out of the car and walked to her own. Brian rolled down
the window.
"So,
do you have any plans for tomorrow?"
Mariah
thought for a while. "No, I guess not." She paused, smiled, then
said, "I've got an idea. Why don't you and the rest of the guys come to my
house tomorrow? Maybe we could have a barbecue for dinner."
"That
sounds good. I'm sure the guys will be okay with it. They never pass up a
barbecue."
Mariah
laughed. "All right then, it's settled, my house tomorrow around
5:30."
"Okay,
see you then!"
"Okay,
good night, Brian."
"Good
night, Mariah."
Mariah
smiled and got into her car and with one last wave, she drove off.
After seeing Mariah leave, Brian made his way home. He smiled once
again at everything that had happened that day. He had such a good time and
tomorrow seemed to be a promising day.
***
