Chasing Day Series: Chasing Day & Catching Day (10 page)

“Mom, I just want you to know that when I make it pro, I’m gonna take you away from here. I know you feel you can’t leave now, but eventually you will. I’ll help you. Just hold on, okay?” Chase said, blinking back tears.

“Yeah, baby. Okay.” Stephanie pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “I better get going.”

Chase nodded and opened the door for her. He stood for a moment and watched her walk away. Finally, the cold wind blowing in forced him to close the door.

“You okay?” Day asked from behind him.

“Yeah.” Chase turned to look at her.

All the hurt that he felt a moment ago eased the second he gazed at her beautiful face. After her shower, she’d put on some hip hugging bootcut jeans and a black V-neck sweater. Her thick shapely legs were begging to be stripped bare, but Chase figured he’d have to wait till later tonight. He was not about to get caught with his pants down by her mom. Pat was already suspicious.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?” Chase said sincerely.

“And you’re blind.” Day rolled her eyes.

“Don’t. Don’t do that. Why do you think I call you, Pretty Day? I saw how beautiful you were from the moment I met you.” Chase walked up to her and raised her face with an index finger under her chin.

“Then why did it take so long for you to make a move, huh?” Day teased him, with a sassy smile.

“I didn’t say I was smart.” Chase leaned in to kiss her lips softly. “Let’s go finish our movie before I throw you down and do you dirty here in the hallway.”

“Actually, that sounds like a better plan to me, than watching a Christmas classic,” Daylen said thoughtfully.

“Yeah? Well, I’d like to keep my balls. Your mom catches us and I’ll be castrated for sure.” Chase cupped his crotch, thinking about it.

“True. You’ve got a point.” Daylen conceded as they walked back into the family room.

They sat on the couch and faced each other, the movie a distant thought.

“I just wish she’d loosen up a little bit. She expects me to be perfect
all
the time. She’s so afraid I’ll mess up that she won’t even give me a chance to make some mistakes. I thought that’s what your teenage years are for?” Daylen grumbled.

“At least she cares. You could be like me and my family.” Chase shrugged.

“Yeah…I know you’re right.” Daylen sighed.

“So…what are you plans for next year? Are you gonna go to the Chicago College of Performance Arts?”

“Yeah, I’m gonna apply next semester to get an audition. I just hope I get in.” Daylen said worriedly.

“You will,” Chase reassured her. “You know…I wish you’d let me know when your concerts are. I’d love to come see you perform,” Chase said. He was always a little hurt that she never wanted him there.

“I don’t know. You listen to Rock and HipHop most of the time. I just figured you wouldn’t like classical.” Daylen reasoned.

“But Day, it’s a part of you. And I want to know
every
part of you. Not just the little pieces you think I want to see.” Chase said sincerely.

He reached over and grabbed her hips, pulling her onto his lap. Day straddled his legs but didn’t sit down fully. Chase grasped her hips and pulled her down all the way, ignoring her self-consciousness about her weight.

“Besides, how many football games have I made you come to over the years?” Chase smiled up at her.

“Countless.” She rolled her eyes.

“See? It’s only fair that I come to some of your concerts.” Chase bargained.

“Well, I do have a concert tomorrow night that I was invited to perform at for the holidays. And since you’re staying here now for the holidays, I suppose you would’ve found out anyway.” Daylen confessed.

“Perfect! Do I have to wear anything special?” Chase grinned happily.

“Do you have a dress shirt and slacks?” Daylen asked.

“I have khakis and a polo,” Chase answered, hoping it would be enough.

“That’ll work,” Daylen said flippantly though Chase could see the anxiety she tried to hide behind a pretty smile.

“Stop worrying. You’ll be great.” Chase pulled her in for a soft kiss.

The kiss quickly started to escalate. Their tongues entwined passionately. Daylen rocked into his swiftly hardening cock. Chase groaned into her mouth as his hands made their way under her sweater. He was about to circle her nipples through her bra when they heard a key in the lock.

Daylen flung herself to the side and laid on her back. She tried to affect a relaxed posed as she turned her gaze towards the TV. Chase grabbed a pillow and clutched it to his midriff, effectively hiding his erection. It was all so comical that if it weren't for the fact that her mother would kill him, Chase would’ve laughed hysterically.

When Pat peeked her head around the corner, as if she was going to catch them doing something, Chase almost lost it. He squeezed his mouth closed and raised a hand in greeting.

“Hey, kids,” Pat said coming into the entryway.

“Hey.” The responded in unison.

“Well, I’m gonna go read for a little while, then we’ll have dinner,” Pat informed them.

“Alrighty,” Daylen said.

They listened as Pat made her way upstairs. When the door closed, they both looked at each other and then burst out in huge guffaws of laughter.

“Did you see how she tried to sneak up on us?” Chase whispered between his laughter.

“Yeah, she’s so evil!” Day giggled.

Finally, they settled in to watch their favorite holiday movie until it was time to eat. As they sat at the table, the huge spread in front of them, they held hands as Pat said grace. Both women bowed their heads and closed their eyes. Chase decided to watch them instead. His heart warmed with love. His home life wasn’t ideal, but it had brought him closer to Day on numerous occasions, and he wouldn’t change that for the world.

Chapter 11

Daylen stood in front of her mirror and smoothed down her black dress, trying to soothe her butterflies more than anything. She was always nervous before a concert, but tonight was even worse. It would be the first time that Chase would be present for one of her performances. She’d always thought that he’d think it was dorky, boring, or lame. She had no idea that not inviting him, had hurt him over the years.
Well, here goes nothing. I hope he doesn’t fall asleep.

She checked her reflection in the mirror one last time. Her black dress had fitted, lace sleeves and a straight neckline that laid across her shoulders. The bodice fit her breasts and ribcage snugly. Then it flared and fell loosely from the waist. It hid her thick waist and round tummy as the dress flowed down to her ankles.

Daylen had dampened her braids at the ends and then rolled the ends in rollers the night before. Chase had teased her, saying she should wear her hair like that for the concert. She, of course, punched him in the arm and kept rolling her hair. Now her braids hung loose to her mid-back and bounced with pretty curls.

Her dark brown eyes looked large in her face with the light eyeliner and mascara she’d applied. Her lips looked fuller from the deep red lipstick she wore. And as always, her cheeks were rosy without the help of any makeup. Daylen was sure Chase had a lot to do with that.

Day grabbed her cello case, took a deep breath, and opened her bedroom door. Chase was on the other side with his hand raised to knock. His eyes widened as he looked down at her.

“You look beautiful,” he breathed.

“Thanks.” Daylen looked down shyly.

He leaned down and kissed her softly on her cheek, coming dangerously close to her lips.

“Uh huh…”

They pulled apart to see her mother standing in the doorway of her bedroom. She wasn’t fooled. She wore a pretty red dress that complimented her caramel skin and matching red lips.

“You look really pretty too, Mrs. D.” Chase tried to butter her up.

“Thank you, Chase. You look very handsome.” She smiled knowingly.

Chase bashfully shoved his hands in his pockets. Daylen had to admit that he did look really good in his khakis and black polo. He’d also foregone the blond spikes, in favor of a more refined, smoothed down look. His slicked down hair, for some reason, made his jawline look squarer, and his pretty brown eyes stood out as well.

“Well, we better get moving,” Pat announced, shooing them down the stairs.

Chase pulled the large cello case from Daylen’s shoulders, to carry for her. She saw her mom nod in approval of the gentlemanly gesture. In the entryway, Chase helped them put on their coats and he shrugged on his new leather jacket.

On the way to the theater where Daylen was performing at, she remained quiet. She let the notes from the piece she’d be playing, swirl in her head as her mom and Chase talked about his school. All too soon, she had to part ways with them. She took her cello from Chase and headed backstage, though not before he’d wrapped her in a big warm embrace, telling her to break a leg.

She was third in the lineup of performances. Her cello would be accompanied by the piano. Played by Drew, a boy her age from another high school in the area. They’d practiced together a lot over the last couple of weeks. He was quiet and so was she, so they hadn’t talked much during their practices. Instead, they’d bonded over the music they played together.

When they were announced, they looked at each other and took deep breaths. Drew walked out and sat on the piano bench, folding his hands in his lap. While Daylen walked over to the chair and sheet music stand, holding her cello by its neck in one hand. The bow in the other.

Daylen sat down, placed the instrument between her legs and tried to smile at the light applause from the audience. She looked over at Drew, telling him with her eyes that she was ready.

Chase watched as Daylen came out and sat in her designated chair. She looked beautiful and terrified. When she placed the cello between her legs, it was as if she was trying to hide behind the big, polished reddish brown instrument. She had pulled her hair to the side, letting her curling braids hang over her right shoulder. She wrapped her left hand around the neck of the cello, placed her delicate fingers on the strings, and positioned the bow at the bottom. After looking at the boy that was at the piano, Chase watched her take a deep breath and close her eyes.

The first strains of the song from her cello reached his ears and sent chills down his spine. The music stand with her sheet music was in front of her though Daylen didn’t open her eyes. The notes came to her from memory.

They played a medley of Silent Night and O Holy Night. The songs were slow and haunting. The deep notes of the cello tightened Chase’s throat. His eyes became glassy with unshed tears as the poignant melody wrapped around him. Chase wiped away a tear that escaped down his cheek.

Daylen pulled the bow across the strings one last time as the song ended. The audience burst out in applause and both Chase and her mom stood up, clapping exuberantly. Chase put his thumb and index finger in his mouth and whistled loudly. Of course to the utter mortification of the pretty girl taking her bows on stage. His heart swelled ten times its normal size and his chest puffed out with pride.

“That was amazing!” Chase said to her proud mother.

A little while later, Daylen quietly crept to their row during the performance of the Chicago Symphony. She sat in between them, in the seat they’d saved for her. Once she settled in, Chase reached for her hand and gripped it tightly.

“You were incredible!” Chase whispered in her ear.

“Really?” She asked with shining eyes.

“Really.” Chase grinned down at her.

Daylen smiled brightly and then pointed to the stage at the orchestra currently playing.

“That’s the Chicago Symphony. They’re considered one of the Big Five Orchestras in the country. I want to be their principal cellist one day,” she whispered to him, confessing her dreams for the first time.

“Then you will,” Chase said confidently.

He entwined their fingers together, gently stroking his thumb over the back of her hand.

Pat glanced over at the two young people and clearly saw what they had been trying to hide. She prayed that their burgeoning young love wouldn’t ruin their friendship or bright futures.

Chapter 12

And so it went, for the next couple of days, leading up to New Year’s Eve. Pat would walk around the corner and nearly catch the two best friends, in an almost compromising position. Until one day, she found them kissing in front of the kitchen sink while they were in the middle of washing and drying the dishes.

“Ahem.” Pat cleared her throat and she watched them jump apart, like the fear of God was in them.

Pat clenched her lips as she tried not to laugh at their embarrassment at finally getting caught.

“Sit,” She commanded of the two, pulling out two chairs. “We need to talk. The rest of the dishes can wait.” She quirked an eyebrow and waited for them to sit.

Daylen sat in the chair next to hers and Chase took the one across from her. She finally lowered herself once they were seated. Pat didn’t say anything for several beats, enjoying watching them squirm a little. She decided to take it easy on them and started to speak.

“What’s going on with you two? And don’t say ‘nothing.’ Aside from the fact that I just caught you two kissing, I’ve been noticing the way you’ve been acting around each other. All your little looks and secret touches.” They both looked at her in surprise, their faces equally pink. “Yeah… Didn’t think I noticed, did ya? Under my roof and pertaining to my daughter…I see all.” Pat informed them.

“I-I love her.” Chase stuttered out.

Daylen’s head whipped up to stare at him in shock and Pat smiled kindly at him.

“I know you do, sweetie. I can see it written all over your face. Heck, I’ve known this was gonna happen for years now.” Pat sighed in resignation, as Daylen whipped her head in her direction now. “Baby, if you keep doing that, you’re gonna give yourself whiplash.”

“You l-love me? And you
knew
?” Daylen asked them both.

“Yeah.”

“Yes.”

“I saw it the night you both were going to your fourteenth and fifteenth birthday party,” Pat told her.

“Jeez, why did everyone notice but me?” Daylen scowled.

“Because you don’t see yourself the way others see you,” Chase answered wisely.

Pat smiled at him in gratitude that he cared so much for her baby.

“Now…” Pat started again, drawing their attention from the googly eyes they were making at each other. “I don’t know what you two are up to and I really don’t wanna know.” Pat shuddered. “But please be careful. I’m not ready to be a grandma.”

“
Mom
!” Daylen exclaimed in mortification.

“Don’t ‘mom’ me. You’re eighteen, which means as much as I hate it, that you’re an adult. But you will respect me in my house. No funny business under my roof. Under normal circumstances, you wouldn’t even be allowed to stay the night, Chase. But I understand that you can’t exactly be at home right now.” She said looking at his yellowing black eye and healing cut lip.

“Yes, ma’am.” Chase bowed his head.

“I know that this is all new to you both and you’re filled with all kinds of emotions. But you both have bright futures and I don’t want this to get in the way of that. You’ll both be in schools that are over a hundred of miles apart. Have you even considered that yet?” Pat asked.

“Yeah.” They both answered sadly.

“Long distance relationships are hard. And I’m sure you’re thinking that you feel strongly enough for each other, that the distance won’t make a difference. If yes, then that’s great and you can be together when school’s done. But if not, I just want you both to try to remember that you were friends first. And that should never change.” Pat finished, warning them and reassuring them, all at the same time.

They both nodded their heads silently in understanding. Pat stood up from her chair, ready to call it a night. Chase’s voice stopped her.

“Mrs. D?”

“Yes?”

“If it’s all right with you, I’d like to take Day to dinner New Year’s Eve and then go to a party at Miguel’s house after. His parents will be there.” Chase looked her straight in the eyes as he asked to take Daylen on her very first date.

“Sure, you can take her. Please be careful, though. There are nothing but fools on the road New Year’s Eve. So no drinking.” Pat conceded, but with conditions.

“Yes, ma’am,” Chase said earnestly.

Pat nodded her head and walked out of the kitchen, leaving them to sort out their future.

“You really love me?” Daylen asked Chase again.

“Yes. I mean, I’ve always loved you. Now I’m just
in
love with you.” Chase answered sweetly. “D-Do you…?” He asked nervously, leaving the question hanging.

“Of course, I do. I’ve been
in
love with you since you saved me from bullies and told me I was pretty.

“I couldn’t tell with all your NKOTB and Jared Leto posters hanging on your walls,” Chase said, reaching over to pull Day out of her chair and onto his lap.

“Camouflage.” Day grinned down at him, before placing a soft kiss on his lips.

She licked at the crease of his lips and Chase opened up with a moan. Their tongues danced for a few moments before he pulled away with a painful groan.

“I can’t. Your mom is an evil sorceress. She was so cool about all of this and I don’t wanna disrespect her house. Well…any more than I already have.” Chase sighed regretfully as he stared at Daylen’s pink lips.

“This blows.” Daylen pouted.

“I’ll just have to find other places to take advantage of you,” Chase growled as he playfully kissed her neck. “There’s plenty of room in the back of Cortney.” He teased.

Cortney was his old beat up blue Ford Escort that he’d saved all of high school for, working odd jobs.

“Wow…so romantic.”