Goodbye Isn't Forever (6 page)

Alex
had only caught a glimpse of the power-suited Zand during the dinner.  She
was seated several tables over, and even then, she wasn’t completely sure it
was Zand.  She could see a little of his black hair as he sat beside a
very serious looking man that commanded attention.  It was even visible
when he was seated.

Good
lord! Alex had thought.  If that is Jackson, then no wonder Zand had been
so worried.  She knew that he had wanted Zand to follow in his footsteps,
but surely it wouldn’t be that big of a deal if he didn’t.  Wasn’t his
son’s happiness more important?

Alex
just fidgeted with the food on her plate.  It was beginning to occur to
her that her role in picking their project was not going to be
appreciated.  She glanced at her parents.  She knew that they would
defend her to the bitter end if anyone insulted her.  And by the looks of
Jackson Gabriel, Alex had a feeling she was going to see just how far they
would go.

Damn
it!  Alex’s independent nature came to the forefront.  She was proud
of what she and Zand had accomplished.  She refused to bow down to
preconceived ideas that needed to be updated!  If Jackson came down on
Zand, then Alex was prepared to defend their choices.  She had already
begun to realize that there was nothing that she wouldn’t do for him.

#

Everyone
had gathered in the room that held the much anticipated projects.  It was
a presentation style format, so seating was arranged facing a stage that had
the top five projects covered on display tables.  The others were already
on display in a room off from the stage that would be opened for viewing after
the winners had been revealed.

First
place not only was awarded with two large trophies, but also a monetary
prize.  Second and third received trophies, while the other two had
ribbons for outstanding recognition.

First
prize money was quite substantial this year.  A lot of investors had given
to the camp’s prize escrow account, so the winners would each receive a
twenty-five-thousand-dollar check.

The
parents were seated separately from the campers, which would allow Zand and
Alex to sit together, if he could find her.  He had sat near the aisle and
was disappointed when the vacant seats around him filled up quickly.  He
had resigned himself to the fact that his project partner wouldn’t be beside
him, when he realized the seat next to him had suddenly became vacant.

He
turned to see why everyone was shifting down a seat, when he caught site of a
vision in black.  Zand’s mouth suddenly felt dry as he let his gaze travel
over Alex while she was making her way down the aisle.  Zand had always
thought that Alex was quite attractive, but this dressed up version was
something else entirely.

Alex
made it passed the knees of the seated people and stood by the seat that had
opened up next to Zand.  If Zand was enamored with Alex’s appearance, it
was nothing compared to Alex’s view of Zand.  She hoped that she was
smiling normally as she glanced at Zand and sat down beside him.

Both
teens felt suddenly shy in the presence of the other.  Regardless that
they had practically spent every waking moment together, somehow tonight was
different.

Alex
noticed that Zand exuded a more confident demeanor than she had ever
seen.  She found this side of Zand quite intriguing but a little
intimidating.

And
this softer version of Alex was something that Zand was unprepared for. 
He could feel Alex staring at his profile, but he couldn’t will himself to look
her way, so Zand just stared blankly toward the stage.  A million thoughts
and feelings were running through him and he had no idea how to deal with any
of them.

Alex,
on the other hand, had a good idea what was going on in her friend’s
mind.  She smiled to herself, thinking that she couldn’t have gotten a
clearer reaction from Zand.  Her attached-at-the-hip friend had suddenly
found it awkward to be in her presence?  That was a very good sign indeed.

Alex
leaned over to whisper in Zand’s ear and wanted to laugh out loud when Zand
nearly jumped out of his chair.

“How’s
it going with Jackson?”

“So
far, so good,” Zand answered, as he leaned towards Alex.  He caught a
whiff of her perfume and, with the intent of complimenting her on it, he turned
fully to face Alex.

Alex,
while watching the proceedings on the stage, chose that exact moment to whisper
back in what she thought was Zand’s ear, but found herself up close and personal
with Zand’s lips.  Alex couldn’t fight back what she had been controlling
for the duration of the camp. She closed her eyes and softly kissed the lips
that were right in front of her.

For
a fraction of a second, Zand didn’t move even though Alex had already pulled
away.  It was hard for his brain to process the fact that Alex had kissed
him.  It had been so soft and fleeting that Zand’s initial reaction was
that he had imagined it.  He made eye contact with Alex and saw the fear in
Alex’s eyes and couldn’t suppress a smile.

Alex
was searching Zand’s eyes for any sign of an adverse reaction.  She needed
to know that she hadn’t just made a terrible mistake.  It was painfully
obvious that Zand was struggling, but his smile eased Alex’s trepidation.

Before
either one could fully analyze the situation, they realized that all eyes in
the room were looking their way.  Zand immediately started to panic
thinking that everyone had just witnessed their first kiss.

When
the clapping started and finally permeated their befuddled minds, they realized
that they had been called to the stage.  With hearts pounding in their
chests, Zand and Alex stood and made their way to the stage steps.

With
the kiss on both of their minds, they were having a hard time focusing on what
was happening before them.  Zand noticed first that four of the five
projects had been uncovered with their respective designers standing proudly
by.  That left only one that wasn’t uncovered.

Dawning
finally descended upon them as the camp director motioned for them to stand by
her.  Zand looked out at the audience and could see the pride radiating
from both their parents.  He knew that Jackson’s would be short-lived once
he saw the project.

Alex
instinctively grabbed Zand’s hand as they turned and watched their first place
project become unveiled.  Zand tightened his grip, determined to enjoy
their victory if only for a moment.

The
director was explaining how hard of a decision it had been for the judges to
narrow it down to five winners.  All of the projects this year had shown
amazing creativity, but the first place pick had been unanimous.  It was
clear that this joint product had been above and beyond the criteria given,
and, the most original design that the judges had ever seen.

Without
further ado, the cover had been removed from the gallery model and the crowd
burst into uproarious applause.  Zand and Alex, without thought,
immediately hugged each other.  As they pulled apart, for a fraction of a
moment, the desire to lean in for a kiss was evident in their eyes.  Both
turned quickly toward the director who had stepped forward to give
congratulatory handshakes to each one and present their prizes.

The
partners were receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, and while each reveled
in their victory, one lone observer, with jaw clamped, had already stopped
clapping.  Even from this distance, Jackson could see that this was not
what he had sent Zand here for.

He
realized that the crowd was dispersing and the winners’ parents were being
summoned to the stage for the obligatory pictures.  These winning projects
and designers would be added to the hall of fame where they would be forever
displayed.

Jackson
tried to keep his displeasure hidden as he ascended the steps and approached
his son.  He noticed that Alex’s parents were already beside their
daughter and had included Zand in their joyous embraces.

He
could see the happiness on his son’s face, but he could not share in his
moment.  Jackson passed up his son to give their project a closer
inspection.  Maybe there was something there that was worthy of a
Gabriel.  He studied it and knew that it had the young Kensington’s stamp
all over it.  She must have pushed to have this done and Zand had somehow
been coerced to agree.  The Kensingtons had suddenly started to slip down
a few pegs in his eyes, especially the feisty, young blonde.

Jackson
eyed her with disdain.  She had influenced his son to waste his last year
on something completely frivolous.  How dare she!  Jackson decided
right then and there that Zand was to sever whatever ties, if any, that he had
made with this girl.  He wasn’t going to allow these hippy, free-thinking
people to influence his golden boy.  Not now.  Not ever!

Jackson
prided himself on his ability to always show an outward level of proper
decorum.  Tonight would be no exception.  He plastered a smile on his
face and managed to pose charmingly beside the Kensingtons and their daughter.

Jackson
had ceased to remember her name.  It was no longer of importance.  Once
this camp was over, she and her family would be a distant memory.  He had
lost his desire to use their investment company.  No more contact would be
needed, he decided, not for him nor Zand.

He
had to admit that he had never seen such a smile on his son’s face.  For a
moment, he almost softened, but when he made eye contact with Zand, Jackson’s
displeasure was evident.  He tried to hide it, but he knew that Zand would
see through him.  And he did.

Zand
blinked back his disappointment and couldn’t wait for the socializing with the
parents to be over.  He needed Alex to smooth over his hurt
feelings.  Jackson hadn’t spoken to him and that was the problem.  He
could give praise to his youngest, but when he wouldn’t say anything, Zand
could fill in the blanks.  He knew that they would discuss it at length
another time.  At least he didn’t believe in public displays of any
kind.  At the moment, Zand was thankful for that.

Alex
had been watching Zand’s reaction while she was basking in the praises of her
parents.  They had included Zand until Jackson had quietly appeared. 
Alex watched his demeanor and knew that he was not pleased.  She had a
knack for reading people, and Jackson’s body language had told her that Zand’s
nervousness had been justified.

She
felt her happiness being overshadowed by Zand’s disappointment.  Mr.
Gabriel could at least be a little more supportive, she had thought.  It
is not that hard to let your son know that you are proud of him regardless.

Alex’s
boldness, at times, knew no bounds.  That, in combination with the
impetuousness of youth, could often result in explosive outcomes.  She had
let her exuberance for pushing Zand’s hidden desires for his future to the
forefront so consume her, that she had not considered the effect of Jackson’s
displeasure.  And his displeasure was written all over his purposely blank
face.

Alex
knew that she should tread carefully, but she had ceased to care.  They
had worked hard on the project and had won for their efforts.  In Alex’s
eyes, Jackson could at least be happy about that.

She
squared her shoulders and decided it was about time that Jackson met Alexandra
Kensington face to face.  She smiled warningly at her parents, and made
her way over to Jackson.  He had been staring at their project for the last
few minutes.  Alex couldn’t help but smile as she looked at her and Zand’s
achievement.

“Isn’t
it amazing, Mr. Gabriel?” she asked innocently.

Jackson
had to remind himself that he was dealing with an eighteen-year-old.  He
chose his words carefully.

“It
is intriguing, Miss Kensington.”

Alex
gave him her best smile, “Please, call me Alex.”

“Is
that short for Alexandra?” Jackson managed to ask.

“Yes,
it is.”  Alex remembered how he would only refer to his son by his full
name.

“Then,
Alexandra, I want to know how,” Jackson paused as he looked the young blonde in
the eyes.  What he saw there surprised him.  This girl had a wisdom
beyond her young years and she knew exactly what she was playing with. 
Alright, Jackson thought, no more evasive answers.  “I want to know how
you managed to talk my son into wasting his last year on such a frivolous
concept?”

Zand
had noticed Alex and Jackson standing side by side.  He managed to excuse
himself from the conversation he had been in, and arrived just in time to hear
Jackson’s comment.

“Dad!”
Zand reprimanded.  “It is not a frivolous design!  Alex and I worked
hard on this and I am proud of it!”

Jackson
was more than surprised at the tone of his son.  He looked away and caught
the smile that the blonde was trying to hide.  Oh, she finds it
amusing?  He was now, more than ever, convinced that this girl was not a
positive influence on Zand.

“It
is frivolous because it is not something that you will ever be a part of. 
If Miss Kensington has her sights set on something like a gallery, then that is
entirely up to her, but...”

“Oh,
the gallery is not what I want, Mr. Gabriel,” Alex interrupted sweetly. 
She knew that she should be more respectful, but she couldn’t help it. 
She thought of the state Zand would be in after every phone call from his dad,
and Alex was letting it influence her.

“No?”
Jackson asked.

Zand
closed his eyes.  He wasn’t ready to have this conversation with his
dad.  At least, not here.  He had hoped to prolong it until after
camp was over, but who was he kidding?

“Now,
Dad, it seemed like the logical choice for us.  Alex loves film and I…”

“Film,
Miss Kensington?” Jackson interrupted.  “You want to become a movie star?”
Jackson didn’t try to hide his contempt.

Alex
didn’t let Jackson’s tone insult her.  “No, Mr. Gabriel, I don’t want to
act.  I prefer development and production.  I wouldn’t shy away from
running my own studio.”

Alex’s
parents appeared at her side.  “Yes, our daughter has a mind of her
own.  She has always been interested in the making of movies since she was
a little thing,” her dad added, putting a protective arm around his daughter.

“That
is admirable, Mr. Kensington, that you would let your daughter make such
decisions, but Zand is more like me.  He is like a little shark when it
comes to business.”

Alex
looked at Zand.  Was he really talking about the boy that she had spent
all of this time with?  Did he know his son at all?  Zand was the
gentlest person that she had ever known.

“Well,
it seems that he may be using all of that business talent in running his own
gallery someday, isn’t that right, Zand?” Alex’s father asked.

All
eyes were on him as he looked sheepishly to the ground.  If he answered
truthfully, then Jackson’s disappointment would be endless.

Also,
he would never finance the education for his dream.  And without him, Zand
knew that it would be almost impossible to afford the Ivy League education that
he so desired.

On
the other hand, he didn’t want Alex to be disappointed in him, either. 
Alex’s design of the gallery had been exactly what Zand dreamed of for his
future.

He
wasn’t prepared to make a choice between his dreams or current reality.

He
was so torn.

#

Jennifer
was about to take her last sip of coffee.  She quickly put it down and
looked at her brother in amazement.

“Oh
my God, Zand!  What did you say?”

Zand
smiled gently at Jennifer.  The memory of that day had never left
him.  He had replayed it in his mind time and time again, wondering what
the best response would have been.  He had been stumped at eighteen, and
he still was over a decade later.

There
hadn’t been one right answer.  He had finally come to that realization
although the outcome was not any easier to take.