Mine Forever: The Beginning (Chapter 6)

Chapter 6 - Billie

Nine-Years-Old

That summer, my family and Javon's went to Disney World. He clutched my hand as we ran to this ride and that at each park. My parents walked behind us as we talked excitedly. We hopped off the rides, talking about the thrill. We also watched the parades as the characters and floats went down the street. We took pictures with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and a few other characters. Then, we made masks and rode on more rides. We went to all four parks, spending a day at each one. At night, we watched the fireworks explode beautifully in the sky. Javon and I pointed while we bounced up and down.

As we drove away from Disney, Javon and I, peered out the back window. We had such a great time, and couldn't wait to return.

*****

After we returned home, we began riding our bikes together again. I was still afraid of what could happen, but I did it anyway. I rode in front of him so he wouldn't have to look back. If there was room, we would ride side-by-side. Sometimes, we liked to race. He won most of the time.

The sensation between our skin never returned. I guess it was a once in a lifetime occasion. I didn't mind. I still thought it was strange to feel that way.

On movie nights, we ate popcorn and watched something that we agreed on. Sometimes, after the movie ended, we would talk about it and laugh. Other times, we got into playful popcorn fights but would clean it up before anyone noticed the mess. It was just more amazing moments that I shared with my best friend. 

*****

It was the weekend, I walked into Javon's room to see what he was doing. He was all dressed up, but his tie was undone. "Come here, I want to show you something." He waved me over.

I stood in front of him. He slowly tied his tie.

"Do it again," I bobbed up and down.

He untied it and did it again.

"One more time." I put up my index finger.

He did.

"You want to try it?" he asked.

"Sure." I moved closer to him and my stomach felt funny. That hadn't happened in a while. I ignored it. Instead, I tried to tie it, but it tangled. I untangled it and tried again. I pulled in my lips and looked up into his eyes.

He smiled at me and cleared his throat. After I tried again, I still didn't get it.

"Okay, let me show you again," he said, patiently.

I nodded.

He did it extremely slow. I closely watched the steps.

I walked closer to him, smiling and keeping my eyes on the tie. Yes, I got it. I looked into his eyes. He ran his hand over his hair.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah," he nodded. "Good job." He smiled, giving me a high-five.

"Can I try it again?" I asked.

"Sure."

I untied it and tied it again. He gently grabbed my hand as I finished.

"Billie, I wish you could come." He stared into my eyes.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to an event with my dad."

"Oh, that might be fun," I said, thinking positively.

"I guess so. It would be fun if you came, but he wants us to spend father and son time together."

"That's great. Don't you want to do that?"

"Yeah, I like spending time with my dad. I just want all of us to spend time together."

"Maybe next time." I put my hand on his shoulder.

He nodded slowly.

His dad popped his head into the room. "Ready?"

"Yeah, dad." He nodded.

I said hello to his dad.

"Hey Billie," he smiled.

I told them goodbye, waving. Javon told his dad he would be back. He walked me to the gate in the backyard.

"Have fun," I said.

"Okay." He smiled. "And thanks for this." He pointed at his tie.

"Anytime."

I opened the gate and he stared at me, with a sad look in his eyes. "Are you okay?" I asked.

He hugged me and I hugged him back. Then, I let him go.

"Will you call me when you get home?" I asked.

"Yeah. I will." he nodded.

That night, he called excitedly telling me about the event. It seemed like he had a great time. We talked throughout the night.

The next day, we played tag outside. Then we went into his room to play with his toys. I asked my parents if I could stay the night at his house. They looked at each other and smirked while I listened to my heart beating in my ears, waiting for their response. Thankfully, they agreed.

Javon and I played video games most of the night. Then, we watched a movie, got ready for bed, and went to sleep in our sleeping bags in the living room. In the middle of the night, I woke up. Javon was sitting up with his knees to his chest. His puffy eyes looked tired.

"Hey, why are you awake?"

"Oh," he chuckled. "Just making sure you're okay." His voice sounded scratchy.

"I'm okay." I stood up and walked into the bathroom. When I came back, he was still up. "Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah." He nodded.

I slipped into my sleeping bag, closing my eyes.

"Billie." I felt his hand on my cover.

"Yeah." I opened my eyes. He was on his knees beside me.

"Good night."

"Night, Javon." My voice croaked.

I watched him slip under the covers. Then he poked his head out.

"Wait. Why are you awake?" he asked.

"Just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I am." He smiled at me.

"You're gonna go to sleep first," I said.

"Nope," he shook his head, sitting up.

"Hey, no fair." I pouted but stayed wrapped in the warmth of my sleeping bag.

"I'm gonna win," said Javon, chuckling groggily.

I smiled, nodding my head. That's the last thing I remembered before falling asleep.

When I awoke, Javon was sleeping. So, I stood up and I got ready for the day. Then, I watched TV as he slept. I guess he won the game, but I felt rested. His mom came in, asking me if I wanted anything to eat. I told her "yes." We ate together and talked. I enjoyed talking to her. As we talked, we noticed Javon pop his head from beneath his covers. His living room and was visible from the kitchen.

I waved at him. He waved back, smiling groggily. He stood up and went to the bathroom. When he returned, his mom asked if he wanted anything to eat. He said "yes." She finished eating her meal, then started cooking his.

I went into the living room to join him on the floor.

"I beat you," he shoved me, playfully--referring to our contest last night.

"I know."

"What do you want to do today?" he asked.

"It doesn't matter," I said, shrugging my shoulders.

Later we went bike riding, then we went out to eat with my family. He was allowed to sleep over my house that night. I went to sleep right away. I'm not sure, but I think he stayed awake.

We rarely snuck in each other's window because we had a lot of sleepovers. When Javon did sneak over, it was because his dad went out of town and he was feeling down. I would pat his arm or rub his shoulder until he fell asleep. He didn't stay awake very long, during those nights.

We continued to grow in friendship as we shared secrets, ideas, and time. We were having an awesome summer. As it was coming to an end, I hoped he would be in my fourth-grade class.