Cat & Mouse

         “Uno!” Alyssa called out gleefully.

        “Alyssa I'm not going to play with you anymore!” Howie declared rolling his eyes.

        “What?” Alyssa asked with wide eyed innocence.

        “You always get that goofy grin when you're winning.”

        “What are you talking about?”

        “He's right. You are an open book no matter what game. When your hand is bad you pout, when you're frustrated you look really serious staring at every card as it drops down to the pile.” William answered pulling from the pack.

        “I do not.” Alyssa protested.

        Jenny shook her head dropping a card. “Yeah, you do. That's one of the reasons I never taught you how to play poker.”

        “Jenny, you play poker? I thought you didn't know how to play? We were going to learn together.”

        “Yeah well, I kind of learned and never mentioned it. I'm sorry, please don't kill me.” Jenny begged leaning away from her.

        Alyssa glared at the group sitting around the rectangle wooden coffee in the family room. While momentarily annoyed she still couldn't help but feel warm sitting with her friends in her home. “I'm not going to kill you. I will just dominate.”

        “What are you doing right now?” Justin popped in to ask.

        Alyssa watched as Howie pulled from the pack and reversed it back to Jenny in her color. All Jenny had to do, was drop that very same color. “I’m playing a card game. We are just hanging out tonight. Cynthia even went over to a friends’ house.”

        “I just wanted to inform you I will be there very shortly.”

        Alyssa threw a sassy smile at the group before standing. “Okay, I'll answer the door when you get here.” Alyssa guaranteed then dropped her last card exclaiming proudly, “OUT! That's exactly what all of you deserve.”

        The ring of the doorbell quickened her heart's rhythm. She quick rushed over to the door before her father could leave the office. “I got it, Daddy.”

        Justin looked very sophisticated tonight in his dark wash jeans navy blue tee under his tan leather jacket. He definitely looks like more like a college student she thought. “Hello Justin. Come in.” she greeted nervously.

        “Alyssa who is it?” Appa called as they walked toward his office.

        “Daddy, this is Justin. Justin this is my father.” Alyssa introduced as they joined him in the office.

        “Annyeonghaseyo. Justin-eyo. Bangawoyo.” Said Justin, with a bow.

        You speak a little Korean? You are clearly fluent! Your accent was perfect! Alyssa thought to herself in shock.

        “It’s a pleasure to meet you please have a seat. I wasn't aware they teach Korean at your school.” Appa said, sitting down in the leather armchair by the fireplace.

        “No, they do not. My mother wanted me to learn the language of every foreign country we lived in while my father was in the army. Of course, I had to continue my education even after we left but I am a bit out of practice with some of them. I am fluent in French, German and Korean. Japanese I'm still learning.”

        Wow, there is so much I don't know about him. She thought, sitting beside him on the sofa.

        “Education is important, especially when it comes to career. Is your father still in the military? I would like to meet them one day.”

        “Yes, he is. My mother is a housewife. She was very curious about me coming over. I don't have many close friends.”

        “But he does have his cousin, Aviva, who lives with them and is in orchestra with me. She plays the violin beautifully.”

        “Well, then you must invite her over.”

        “Unfortunately, my cousin is a bit socially shy but I will let her know that you would love to hear her play.”

        “Alyssa, are you good friends with her?”

        “Actually, we don't really get to talk during class, but I will be sure to try to make friends with her.” not entirely a lie. If she were civil to me, I would be to her.

        “It's good to try. Why is it, Justin, that you do not have many friendships?”

        “No, I do not. It has never been easy for me to make friends. I was always the new kid and once I did make a few friends, we would have to move again. Unfortunately, I made some bad judgments in the past with the people I associated with and got into some trouble. My mother saw this and promised me we wouldn't move anymore. She knew how lonely I was. So, I turned my life around and started new. Alyssa is the first person to really want a friendship with me." he turned to look at her. "I am very grateful for that.”

        Appa cleared his throat for the attention to turn back to him. “Alyssa has a big heart. You are an incredibly open person.”

        “I have nothing to hide,” Justin’s voice was very confident and that impressed Appa but Alyssa couldn't help but chuckle silently.

        “It was nice meeting you. Alyssa, may I speak with you alone for a moment.” Appa said more than asked.

        “Of course. Justin, if you could please wait just outside the door.”

        Appa did not speak until the door was closed. “Are you sure he wants to be friends with you?”

        ”Appa!”

        “I know about these things, SooKyung. When he talked about you his expression changed to one that was more than friends.”

        “If he does want to be more than friends then I will discuss it with him, Appa,” Alyssa still couldn’t help but ask, “Hypothetically speaking, if he does. How would you feel about it?”

        Appa walked over to her. “Honestly, I am a little concerned. Something about him reminds me of…” he trailed off.

        “Reminds you of?” Alyssa raised her brow.

        “No one important. No matter what I want you to be happy so choose wisely, SooKyung. I will probably be in all night so be sure to not get too loud.”

        “Ne,” she lightly kissed his cheek before opening the door. Justin was leaning his shoulder against the wall with a slight smile on his lips. Alyssa couldn't hide her blush as she walked through the kitchen and into the family room. No one seemed to notice her walking back into the room as they were fully focused on the game.

        “Alyssa, who was at the door?” Jenny asked without lifting her eyes.

        Alyssa smiled introducing hi. “This, is Justin.”

        “Hi, I'm Howie,” Howie said with a slight hand raise also not looking up once.

        “Hello, I'm William.” followed with the same.

        “Uno! Hello, Justin. It's nice to finally meet you,” Jenny said before turning around. Her eyes looked as though they were going to poop out of her head. “Holy Smokes!”

        “Just sit wherever." Alyssa casually indicated with her hand. For some reason she was feeling enormously proud of herself with Jenny's reaction to Justin. "I'm going to order pizza for dinner. Is there anything you want on yours or don't want?”

        “Anything is fine.” He answered watching her step into the kitchen to place the order.

        “What about anchovies?” Howie asked pulling from the pack.

        “Uno out. Do they even have that as an option anymore?” Jenny asked sitting beside Justin.

         “Excellent question! There is a possibility that a, small, family owned, one hundred percent Italian, shop may still have it as an option.”

        “Yeah, in Italy,” Jenny threw in sarcastically.

        “Pineapples aren't any better,” Howie continued.

        “Oh, and a pile of meat like, some kind of cave animal, is better? Get back to losing the game.” She told him dismissing the conversation.

        Justin chuckled. “I see why you two are best friends.”

        Jenny flipped her curls over her shoulder as she turned to face him. “Do you?”

        “You complement each other well, like twins.”

        “We've always said that! That's what we call each other.” Jenny squeaked excitedly.

        Justin laughed. “I should have known. Very adorable.” He could hear Jenny's heart skip a beat as their eyes met confirming her approval of him.

        “So, who wants to go pick up the pizza with me?” Alyssa asked returning to the room.

        “I'll go.” William volunteered before Justin could. He took the key from Jenny to the rental.

        Alyssa leaned over the back of the couch to say to Justin, “Don't worry. Jenny will take good care of you while I'm gone.”

        “You just be careful with that guy,” he instructed while simultaneously replying. “I'm sure she will.”

        “You betcha. Alyssa, word with you please.” Jenny assured him while pulling her out of the room over to her hall.

        “Sure, what is it?”

        “Oh-my-gosh! Pierce is just like you said and oh my gosh his eyes are -”

        “Shush!” Alyssa silenced her before Justin heard anything else that she didn't want him to hear. “We'll talk later,” she firmly nodded her head while following William out the door.

        Alyssa got into the passenger seat as William took the wheel. It was one of the few times she was ever completely alone with William since knowing him. “If you just follow the main road and make a left at the light. Pizza Haven will be on the right.”

        “You know it really took me by surprise when you said you were leaving.” he shared softly.

        “Yeah, me too.”

        “I was hoping that we could be closer. I really like you.”

        I knew it! “I like you too.” Alyssa replied shyly.

        “You want to know what I miss the most about you? Your art. You put your heart into every piece. Have you done any recent work?”

        “Thank you so much for the compliment. I love your art as well and yes I have made my bedroom walls into my canvas. I can show you when we get home.”

        “That would be great. It's good to see that you're getting along here and making new friends. How did you meet Justin?”

        “We have English together. He's really a nice guy when you get to know him.”

        “You two seem pretty close. You invite him but not your other friend Dana.”

        Alyssa smiled to herself. Is he jealous? “Dana has a really busy schedule. Justin's tends to be more open.”

        “Are you two dating?” his voice was strained as he asked the question.

        Alyssa turned in her seat to look at him. He still appeared angelic even when driving the car with such an unhappy expression. “No, we're not. I've decided not to date anyone.”

        Instantly his expression changed to one of relief. “That is a smart decision.”

        “Well, I just thought about high school dating and how it, mostly, leads to nowhere in the future.”

        “You're right but there are a few couples that make it. Those high school sweethearts who are still married twenty years later knew that it was something more than a crush or lust. That is something worth pursuing.”

        Alyssa's heart skipped a beat as she thought of Justin, “Maybe you're right.” It was that moment she knew for sure; she was totally over William.

                “This pizza is just as good as the one back home if not better.” Alyssa commented, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “It’s amazing such a small town could have a great place.”

        “Oh, so much better. One hundred percent organic veggie pizza is the best!” Jenny said taking another slice from the box that was especially for her on the counter then joining them at the table.

         Justin's eyes hadn't missed the light tap on Alyssa's arm from William.

        “We'll be right back.” she said, leading him up to her room.

        “What are you doing? Don't you know you never let a man into your room?” Justin reprimanded.

        “Justin, it's okay. He just wants to see something. Besides, he's not the type of guy to do something like that.” she defensively said opening her room door.

        “Did you paint this?” William asked, touching the eye before walking in. 

        “No, Dana did.” she flipped the light switch. “This is my work.”

         “It's really magical.” William complimented looking around.

        “Aw, thanks,” Speaking of Dana. “Actually, I have to go to the bathroom so you should get back downstairs.” Alyssa flipped off the lights as she left with him following behind. How could I forget to take care of that flower! I should have at least given it a little to drink this afternoon, she thought, calling water out from the running pipe. Alyssa looked around as she left the bathroom with an orb of water and walked up to the attic. The flower was now in full bloom. Each flower was so big and red. Its fragrance filled the whole room. Walking over the water turned into tiny droplets, just enough to moisturize the petals and soil. There is no way of telling how much sunlight so maybe there's still just a little left in me, she thought reaching out her hands. To her delight rays were there just as always when the sun was out.

        “What are you doing?” William asked from behind her.

        Alyssa jumped spinning around. “Nothing, William what are you doing up here?”

        William walked closer. “What are you doing?” he repeated.

        “I was just checking on this flower that Dana gave me as a present.” Alyssa stepped aside so he could see.

        “Um, I thought I saw a light.”

        “Maybe it was just a car or something. You never answered my question. Why are you up here?”

        William smiled brightly. “Would you be angry if I told you I just wanted to see if you were okay? Howie was in the bathroom on the main floor so I waited for you to get out and you weren't there, so I got curious about where you were.”

        “Oh, I see.”

        “But this flower is beautiful. Why do you keep it up here?”

        “Dana and I like to hang out up here since it's warmer. Almost like a greenhouse.” That lie came out without a problem, she noted.

        “I was wondering what happened to you two.” Justin interrupted, standing in the doorway.

        “We were just talking.” William replied taken back by Justin's sudden appearance beside him.

        “Yeah? What about?” Justin asked as he stood beside Alyssa sliding his arm around her shoulder.

        “That flower behind her.” William answered before walking to the door.

        “Right and we were just about to leave.” Alyssa said following behind only to have Justin pull her closer.

        “Don't move or speak.” he ordered.

        “Why?”

        He waited until he heard William reach the bottom of the stairs, before speaking. “He lied to you. I don't trust him at all.”

        Alyssa could feel the sides of her mouth tugging up. “Jealousy isn't something between friends.”

        Justin gently pushed her against the wooden wall, with arms on either side of her. “I am serious.”

        She could hear her heart pounding loudly as his face was only inches away from hers.

        “He didn't come downstairs after you showed him your room. He started but never came down.”

        “Well, maybe he just wanted to find a way to be alone with me.” She suggested gazing into his eyes.

        “Maybe, but something is just not right about him.”

        “You're sure it's not that you're jealous?” she sheepishly asked, averting her eyes.

        “You're right. Friends don't get jealous.” He leaned whispering in her ear. “Jenny's heart was racing just like yours whenever she looked into my eyes. She's a cute little chipmunk.”

        Unexpectedly Alyssa's stomach began to churn, a sour expression upon her face.

        Justin's lips touched her cheek. “When you left with him, I could barely stop myself from sneaking out and following you.” he kissed her other cheek. “If anything had happened to you, I don't know what I would do. Is that something only a friend would say or feel?”

        His lips were too close to hers she could feel his breath on her lips.  Her breathing became shallow as her chest grew tighter with the quickening of her pulse. She closed her eyes in anticipation of his soft lips against her only it never came. When she opened her eyes, she was all alone.

        “Was your reaction just now one of friends?” he asked slyly.

               “It was really nice of Justin to drop the guys off at the hotel.” Jenny said lying beside Alyssa on the full-sized bed.

        “Yeah, he can be really sweet. What do you think really about him?”

        Jenny pondered for a while. “I think he's mysterious and so cute and charming and just so cool! It's no wonder you got caught up in him. His eyes are so compelling.”

        “I'm glad you like him. He and I, we've, um kind of been hanging out in secret. I didn't want to say anything because you didn't like him. Not just you, quite a few people.”

        “I understand. It's no big deal.”

        “Well, you say that now maybe, but you won't say it when I tell you… we've kissed.”

        “Oh-my-gosh!” Jenny cried sitting up.

        “Shush! It was so unexpected and so romantic. I've wanted to tell you for so long.”

        “My goodness your first kiss. What was it like?” she asked looking down at her.

        Alyssa sighed. “It was heaven.”

        “Where does that leave you and William? Do you still have a crush on him?”

        “No. William is still really cute and kind, but Justin brings my whole body alive. Earlier he told me he was jealous of William but as friends he shouldn't have been, right?”

        “Ally, have you completely lost your mind?! What friends kiss like that, unless of course you’re friends with benefits?”

        “No, never! You know I wouldn't do something like that. I really do want to be committed when I'm committed.”

        “But leading him along is okay? He is clearly in love with you. The way he looks at you,” she sighed. “I would give anything if I had someone to look at me that way. I would be his instantly.” Jenny swooned, throwing herself onto her pillow.

        “Oh, chipmunk! You get more than enough attention.”

        “I do not-. Did you just call me chipmunk?”

        “That's his nickname for you.”

        “Ooh, he gave me a nickname! He's so adorable! I have no idea what you're thinking! He's confessed. You've kissed. What more can you need! Just don't wait too long, A guy's attention is almost like that of a dog. He listens to the owner commands one minute then a cute little chipmunk comes along, and all is lost.”

        “Oh really? A chipmunk you say?”

        “Yeah, a very adorable one with curly hair and cute glasses.”

        Alyssa sighed. There are so many other factors she wished she could tell Jenny.

        “If you're worried about his drug issue, don't be. I have decided he's worth taking a chance. Sleep on it and we'll talk about it later. I am exhausted. Goodnight Ally.”

        “Goodnight, chipmunk,” Alyssa yawned but couldn't close her eyes. She couldn't help but to replay what Jenny had just said over. Justin is sweet and kind, but his personality doesn't change the fact that he's a vampire. How can I put that aside and take a chance?