The New Girl

Chapter 8

Elizabeth

"Come over my house tomorrow." I almost choke on my food.

"Excuse me?"

Tristan and I have gotten pretty close the past few weeks. After the football game we started hanging out more and more. For some reason I feel at ease with him. Something I have never felt with a guy.

"Tomorrow night. I'll pick you up to have dinner with my family and I for my birthday." I look at him confused. "What?" He asks.

"Why just me?"

He shrugs, "Why not? We're friends, right? My parents are going to have to get to know you somehow." Right, friends.

I smile. "Is this how you spend all your birthdays?"

"Yep. Time with family, then with friends the day after."

"Shouldn't I come with the "friends" party?"

He smiles. "Nope, you're coming to both."

I roll my eyes. "Okay. What time should I be ready?"

"4:00. I'll pick you up right after practice."

"Dress code?" He thinks.

"Nice, but casual." I nod in response.

"I'll see you then." our conversation ending with the ring of the bell.

______

"YOU'RE MEETING HIS PARENTS?!" I quickly hush her. Even though we were inside my bedroom, I didn't need the neighbors hearing everything she says.

"Yes. He asked me to go over tomorrow night for his birthday." she gives a thinking look. "Is there something wrong, Nat?"

She shakes her head. "No, he just doesn't look like an October baby." I laugh.

"You're something else."

She bats her eyelashes. "And you love me."

Thankfully the subject changes and she's engrossed in telling me some story about a kid peeing his pants in Spanish class.

I've been bringing Natalia over my place lately. It's more private than her house so we can gossip without interruption. My parents are gone, as usual. That hasn't changed. But they've been gone for more time at a time than they used to. Now instead of weeks, it's months with only the occasional voicemail saying they're still alive.

"So what are you going to wear?" I groan realizing she's switches the topic back to Tristan.

"I don't know." her mouth drops open.

"You're meeting a boy's parents! How can you not know what you're wearing?"

I shrug. "It's just semi formal. I'll throw on a casual dress and walk out." She shakes her head and exhales and sigh.

"You have got to be kidding me."

"Nat it's not like he's my boyfriend's parents. I just have to make the impression I'm a nice person, not that I'm the person he's going to marry."

She rolls her eyes, "Yeah whatever, Liz. God you're crazy."

This time I bat my eyelashes and say, "But you love me anyway." And we both crack up.

______

The next day...

I feel someone poke my ribs. I let out a squeal and turn around to see who it was. I'm met by ice blue eyes and a dazzling smile. Tristan.

"What the f**k!" I slap him in the chest and he chuckles.

"So you ready for tonight." I groan.

"Don't remind me." he lets out a laugh.

"Come on, it won't be that bad."

I shift uncomfortably. "I'm going to tell you now that I am really nervous. I'm not too open with parental figures." I pick at the hem of my sweater. I have no idea where that came from. It seems that the zipper on my lips comes undone around him. It's kind of scary.

"Hey, look at me." I tilt my face up to look into his eyes. I meet his gaze and my heart responds with quick, erratic beats. "It'll be okay. I'll make sure my parent's aren't too overbearing." He smiles.

"Thank you." He stares at me for a few seconds and I can see he's thinking. He suddenly steps away.

"I've gotta go, Elizabeth. See you in Bio." and he leaves. I stand there confused, with my heart racing. God, this boy has me feeling all kinds of crazy.

And then it hits me. I'm falling for Tristan Blake.

Hard.

Shit.

______

Biology rolls around and I'm nervous as hell to see Tristan. I take a deep breath. Chill girl.

Then I see him enter the room. We make eye contact and I get instant butterflies. I don't know if I'm imagining, but he looks a little flushed as well. He sits down next to me, leaving me to inhale his intoxicating scent.

"Hey," his deep voice making me swoon. Get it together!

I muster a smile and say, "Hey, Tristan."

"Alright class today we are doing something very special!" Mrs. Zahn says in an overly peppy voice. I really like her, but her attitude is so sweet I'm convinced I'll end up with cavities.

"As you know every year this class dissects an animal. This time we are lucky enough to be digging into sharks!"

The whole class guffaws as she hold one up. It's a small grey shark about 3 feet in length. "I will be showing you step by step what to do and how to do it."

She takes her time going around the room placing a moist shark at each of our places. When one is flopped in front of me, I lean into inspect it more. For some reason I find it quite pretty.

40 minutes later the task is complete. Some people even found baby sharks in theirs. We continue to search through the body and I can sense someone looking at me. I turn to see Tristan smiling at me. I look down at myself to see if there was anything on me.

I look at him, "do I have something on my face?"

"No."

Okay. Why is he staring at me? That's also what I've been noticing. When we spend time together he's either always watching me or always touching me. It's a little weird but for some reason also gives me great satisfaction.

Class ends and Tristan walks me to my locker. It's a tradition we have now every day we have last period together.

"So see you at 4?"

"Yep." I try to hide my worries look with a smile.

Apparently he sees right through me. "Elizabeth you'll be fine. I promise."

I nod my head. "I know. I just hope I don't seem rude when I talk to them. I'm not really a social butterfly you know."

"I know, and I'm sure they'll understand."

He ruffles my hair and walks to practice.

I watch him and I pray that I don't screw anything up.

______

I waste no time getting home so I can whip through my homework before getting ready.

I take a shower and make sure to clean myself extra well before moisturizing my body. I leave the bathroom and pick out my outfit. I decided to go with a safe choice. It's a thin, cream off the shoulder sweater with light wash jeans and white converse. Not wanting to go overboard, I leave everything natural. I look in the mirror and give myself a pep talk.

You can do this. It's just going to be a few family members. Nothing you can't handle, right? Wrong.

I sigh at myself. So much for being positive. But honestly, if I'm distant with my own folks, how am I going to be with another?

I decide to engross myself in Jane Eyre for the thousandth time before I hear a beep from outside.

I grab my gift and exit through the front door and enter his car. He looks at me amused, "What, no window?"

I slap his arm, "Just drive."

Yeah. He still doesn't know even when my alcoholic father and deranged mother are home, I look after myself.

We chat in the car and he fills me in on who's going to be there. His parents of course, his 10 year old sister, Liliana, his aunt, uncle and their two sons, 6 year old Michael and 18 year old Ethan.

We reach his house. It's not the first time I've see it, or the first time I've been inside, but I'm breathless every time.

"God I probably reek!" It's true, I've been sitting in a car that smells like BO and burgers. He walks over to me and grabs some of my hair. What is he doing? He leans down and takes a whiff of my hair.

"Nope, you smell great." Great I am definitely blushing. I smile and he leads me in the house.

"I'll be getting ready, but everyone should be outside. Make yourself at home."

"Alright." He retreats upstairs and I find my way to the backyard. My nose is hot with the scent of whatever is cooking. I look around and see that it's decorated with lights all around with little tables in the corner for dinner. I see children running around and parents talking to each other.

I stand there awkwardly, not sure what to do or say. A minute later one of the women notices me and walks up to me.

"You must be Elizabeth!" she reaches for a hug which I awkwardly return. "Tristan has told us a lot about you." I smile back.

"I am." is all I can push out.

She leads me by the arm, "Let me introduce you to everyone."

"This is my husband, William, my sister, Mary, and her husband, Lyle."

William sticks out his hand, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

I shake his hand, "You too."

"Have you ever thought about modeling? You're so tall and lean!"

"Never." I respond, not really knowing what else to say.

A little girl suddenly appears. She has blue eyes and black hair. Liliana.

She looks at me with wide eyes. "Who are you?"

I smile at her and crouch down to her level. And look in her eyes. "I'm Elizabeth, Tristan's friend." 

She puts out her hand to stroke my face and play with my hair. I stay still and let her. She pulls away and smiles. "You're pretty."

"Yes she is." a voice behind me says. I look to see  Tristan standing there with the biggest grin on his face.

"I turn my attention back to Liliana. "Thank you, so are you." Her cheeks turn pink. That's adorable.

I stand back up and Tristan holds my waist, sending shocks through my body. "I'll go introduce you to my cousins." I nod and he turns me away from the group to two boy sitting one hammock.

"Hey Tristan!" the older one calls. Crap, what's his name?"

"What's up Ethan?" My prayers have been answered for once.

The younger one makes a beeline for me and hugs my legs. I catch myself on a nearby tree so I don't fall. "Hi." I say, not remembering his name either.

"Michael get off her." Ethan says, prying the toddler off my leg. "Sorry about that."

"It's okay."

"So you're Elizabeth. I heard you're new to town. Where you from?"

"Arizona."

"Damn. So tell me, what was your first impression of Mr. Perfect over here? I look over at Tristan who blushes.

"Let me just say that his first impression wasn't the best." I say still looking at him. "He wanted to hook up with me my first day there and I told him off."

Tristan turns pink as Ethan laughs his ass off.

"Oh. My. God. Tristan."

"What can I say, she's beautiful."

I try not to blush at his words. "But  as you can see we're good friends now."

He gives me a weird look. "Are you okay?"

He smiles, "yeah I'm fine."

Someone tugs on my sweater. It's Liliana. "Hi Liliana." I bend down to talk to her.

"Mommy told me to tell you guys food is ready."

"Thank you. We'll be there." She grins and runs away to her mother.

I walk beside Tristan. "Your sister is too cute. She's like mommy's little helper."

He smiles. "Yeah, she's always been like that."

As time goes by I become more comfortable around his family.

"So what do you want to do, Elizabeth?"

"A lawyer."

Their eyebrows shoot up. "Really? Tristan too. What school are you looking at? Tristan tells us your an outstanding student." I give a quick smile to him which he returns.

I shrug and look down. "I don't know. At the moment, whichever one that costs the least."

The give me a strange look. "Honey, money shouldn't keep you from going after what you want." I wince a little. I know they're trying to be helpful, but the thing is, it always comes down to money and what you can afford.

"Besides, your parents must want you to go to the school of your choice." I stiffen up. Now this is where I really didn't wan this conversation to go. The, your parents want the best for you, speech. Because if I were to give them the honest new flash, my parents don't give a f**k about what I do. I could disappear and they wouldn't realize it.

Tristan must realize how uncomfortable I am and suggests we cut the cake. Once the adults retreated inside to help, I turn to him. "Thank you." I say quietly.

He gives my thigh a squeeze. "It's all good. I could tell you were getting a little tense."

His parents reappear with his cake. It's white and blue with the 18 candles on top. Everyone gathers around the table and as they sing happy birthday to him, I feel a pang in my chest. I've only celebrated my birthday once. And it wasn't even with my parents. For years I wished my parents would show they loved me, but when they started leaving me alone for weeks at 11, I gave up my little fantasy.

"Present time!" I hear Liliana squeal. I have to laugh. In the short amount of time I've known her, I've grown attached. And I think she likes me too since she sits on my lap while we watch Tristan open his gifts.

They're all such nice gifts that I am slightly embarrassed when he reaches for mine. It's nothing much but when he opens it he studies it and says, "Wow."

I drew him on a large canvas. There's a picture of him in the school gym that looks like that and I see him look at it everyday.

He looks at me. "Elizabeth, this is amazing. Thank you." I blush and whisper a you're welcome.

The rest of the night goes by nicely. Talking, laughing, doing what families do.

At around 11 Tristan drops me off at home and walks me to the door. "I had a great time tonight." I say looking up at him.

"Me too. " His eyes twinkling. He leans down and kisses my forehead, his lips lingering and the butterflies flutter in my stomach. "Goodnight." And he walks away and drives off.

___________________________

Tristan

"You asked her to meet your family?" Disbelief washed over Ryan's face.

"Yeah." My feelings towards Elizabeth have only intensified over the last month. I spend more time with her than any other girl I've been with.

He looks at me with a knowing glance. "She's it, isn't she?"

All I do is nod and he slaps me on the shoulder. "I'm happy for you, man. Just don't f**k it up."

I sigh. "I'm trying."

______

I see Elizabeth and I sneak up behind her to tase her in the sides. She squeals and whips around.

"What the f**k!" I laugh as she slaps me.

So you ready for tonight." She lets out a groan. f**k.

"Don't remind me." I laugh again.

"Come on, it won't be that bad."

She looks uneasy. "I'm going to tell you now that I am really nervous. I'm not too open with parental figures." She fiddles with her shirt. Oh. Wow. I'm dying to ask about her parents again, but I don't want to push her away. I figured in time she'll tell me.

"Hey, look at me." She looks up at me and my heart stops for a second when her gorgeous green eyes meet my own. "It'll be okay. I'll make sure my parent's aren't too overbearing." I try to console her with a smile.

"Thank you." A small smile plays at her lips and all I can think about is kissing her breathless. This is getting out of control.

"I've gotta go, Elizabeth. See you in Bio." and I leave. I feel her gaze on my back but I have to separate myself from her before I do something stupid. Before I do something I want.

______

I stand outside the classroom door bracing myself. I have no idea why I'm so nervous. I see her everyday and it seems the nerves become more intense each time I'm near her.

I finally walk through the door and as soon as I turn to look at her, our eyes lock. s**t, s**t, s**t. I feel anxious. How does this girl do it?

"Hey," I say with as much confidence as I can muster.

She gives me her heart-stopping smile. "Hi Tristan."

God, even the way she says my name is perfect. She is perfect.

"Alright class today we are doing something very special!" Mrs. Zahn pulls our attention.

"As you know every year this class dissects an animal. This time we are lucky enough to be digging into sharks!"

She passes out the animals and I see Elizabeth's eyes study the shark in appreciation.

The whole time I was watching her. She looks totally engrossed in the task. When she concentrates hard, she bites her lip and scrunches her eyebrows together making her look undeniably sexy. She catches me looking and I quickly hide my shame.

"Do I have something on my face?"

"No." I answer. It's just your face.

When class ends we walk to her locker together. For some reason, it gives me a lot of pride to walk beside her in the hall.

"So see you at 4?"

"Yep." she smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes.

"Elizabeth you'll be fine. I promise."

"I know. I just hope I don't seem rude when I talk to them. I'm not really a social butterfly you know."

"I know, and I'm sure they'll understand." I try and soothe her.

I ruffle her hair, enjoying the moment of touching her silky locks and walk to the gym.

______

Before practice begins I make a quick call to my mom.

"Tristan?"

"Hey mom, I have to tell you something."

"Alright."

"You know I asked Elizabeth to come over?"

"Yes, she's still coming, right?"

"Yes, but I have to tell you she's really nervous."

"Oh sweetie, did you tell her that there's nothing to worry about? The way you've been describing her she sounds like a fabulous girl."

"She is, but I suspect that her parents aren't all that loving. She's kind of weary around adults. Can you make sure everyone knows to not ask too many questions to overwhelm her?"

"Of course honey. I'll relay the message to the others."

"Thanks mom."

"No problem honey. I can't wait to meet her. You seem quite smitten."

"Mom!"

She laughs through the phone. "I'll see you later honey."

"Bye."

______

I rush out of practice to pick Elizabeth up. The second I arrive I beep my horn, noticing there isn't a car in sight.

I'm surprised to see her walk out the front door this time. She's beautiful. Her sweater is hanging off one arm, exposing bare skin. Her skin looks soft and smooth and I am tempted to stroke her shoulder, but that'd be weird.

"What, no window?" I ask.

She slaps my arm and says, "Just drive."

The car ride there I tell her who'll be expected. Not too many people because most of my family lives too far away to make it. The only person close to our age is my cousin, Ethan, a few months older than us. He's pretty much a ladies man, too, so I already told him that Elizabeth is off-limits.

Hey, even though she's not mine, I don't like the idea of someone else snatching her up. Especially my own cousin.

"God I probably reek!"she squeals as she gets out of the car. Willing to test this theory, I take some of her hair in my hands and sniff it. 

"Nope, you smell great." Better than great. Amazing.

She smells of her signature honeysuckle and vanilla scent.

I lead her into the house. "I'll be getting ready, but everyone should be outside. Make yourself at home."

I take a cold shower and change quickly before my family can say anything too embarrassing about me. When I walk outside, I notice she's talking to Liliana. She has such love in her eyes and Liliana looks so happy. I look in amazement. Liliana usually takes weeks, sometimes months to give people that smile, and Elizabeth has accomplished that in a matter of minutes. You're dead, Blake.

I hear Liliana say, "You're pretty."

"Yes she is." it pops out before I can even stop it.

She turns back to Liliana. "Thank you, so are you." My baby sister is blushing.

As she stands up I put my arm around her, feeling myself getting worked up over her nearness. I'm only touching her. Through her clothes, I may add. "I'll go introduce you to my cousins."

"Hey Tristan!" Ethan calls.

"What's up Ethan?" I answer.

Micheal runs for Elizabeth and hugs her legs tight she nearly falls. "Hi." She says.

"Michael get off her." Ethan says hauling Michael off her. "Sorry about that."

"It's okay."

"So you're Elizabeth. I heard you're new to town. Where you from?"

"Arizona."

"Damn. So tell me, what was your first impression of Mr. Perfect over here? I give him a warning look, but I can feel myself going pink. That's not something I'm proud of.

"Let me just say that his first impression wasn't the best." She smiles at me and her eyes are lit up. "He wanted to hook up with me my first day there and I told him off."

I glare at Ethan who proceeds to laugh.

"Oh. My. God. Tristan."

"What can I say, she's beautiful." I say nonchalantly.

"But as you can see we're good friends now." Damn, that was like a punch to the gut. Friends?

"Are you okay?" she asks.

I smile, "yeah I'm fine."

Lily tugs on Elizabeth's shirt. "Hi Liliana." She bends down to her.

"Mommy told me to tell you guys food is ready."

"Thank you. We'll be there." She grins and runs back to mom.

She walks beside me and says,"Your sister is too cute. She's like mommy's little helper."

I beam. I love knowing she loves kids. "Yeah, she's always been like that." I answer.

Even though I asked them to not overload her with questions, my family is far too nosy to not.

"So what do you want to do, Elizabeth?" Here we go.

"A lawyer." I swell with pride. Could this girl be any more perfect for me?

Really? Tristan too. What school are you looking at? Tristan tells us your an outstanding student." She smiles at me.

She looks down and answers, "I don't know. At the moment, whichever one that costs the least."

"Honey, money shouldn't keep you from going after what you want." I see her wince. They don't know her family isn't well off.

"Besides, your parents must want you to go to the school of your choice." I feel her stiffen. Great. You just had to bring up her parents.

I suggest we start cake and she relaxes beside me. "Thank you." she whispers.

I squeeze her leg. "It's all good. I could tell you were getting a little tense."

"Present time!" Lily screeches. My eyes go directly to Elizabeth when Lily crawls onto her lap.

I get many nice gifts from my relatives. But then I open the one I saw Elizabeth carry to the car with her. I open it, and I'm in shock. "Wow." Is all I can manage. It's a drawing of the picture of me I look at everyday before I work out.

I look at her. "Elizabeth, this is amazing. Thank you." And I really mean it. It's incredible. I can't believe she drew it.

Around 11 I drop her off and walk her to the doorstep. "I had a great time tonight." She says, looking up at me.

"Me too. " My heart is swelling. She's it for me. She's the only one I want. I lean down to kiss her forehead, allowing myself a few seconds on her soft skin. "Goodnight." I whisper in her ear and I walk away like I did in school, preventing myself to go any further with her. Yet.