Just a Crush

This is my first story so please be kind  constructive criticism is welcome. Thank you and enjoy!

My name is Natalee. I was a senior at Oakwood High, and like every other teenager, forming ideas of colleges from far away to accept my offer in wanting to attend their campus for the upcoming year. It's not like I hate where I practically spent my whole life existence. I felt like I was suffocating, I wanted to see the world, I wanted to live.

I think that's why my main focus was to do well in school, so that no matter where I wanted to go, I could. Not like that much mattered, I was a good student. Good grades came naturally to me and I knew I was fortunate. Constantly hearing around the time of finals, about all the stress and pressure from my fellow class mates. Knowing that if I all I wanted to do was cram the night before I could easily get an A. Not that I ever did that, but I could. My memory was corky and I remembered the littlest things that not many people could or simply would just oversee.

As I was strolling home my books in hand. I couldn't help but notice how the air was crisp and at just the tip on every trees leaves was the colors of an orange or yellow. I loved Fall, I think it was the colors mostly. The deep reds and the rusty orange, nothing could replicate the colors and beauty the tall trees could. The weather was just an added bonus that came with it. Hoodie weather as I like to call it. The feeling of just being comfortable and not having to see others parading around with barely anything on. Because all though our Winters were cold, I felt the Summers were just as hot.

Like every day, I walked right past Evan's on my way home. I didn't have to go out of my way, which if I had to I probably would. He lived right down the street from me, always has, there wasn't ever a time where we hadn't been neighbors. Since I can remember Evan had always been the charmer. Not that he had to, his looks alone never went unnoticed from the girls. He grew into his final height of almost 6 ft., dark brown hair, a slightly darker olive complexion, and had the most beautiful green eyes I think I've ever seen someone possess. Not to mention his infamous boyish grin. He got away with pretty much everything with that grin of his and he knew it. Not just girls but even adults couldn't see past his charm. I remember plenty of times him bragging to his my brothers how teachers let him get extensions on this or make up that. I never understood why though. The work he did do was always A worthy. I think it mostly had to do with the fact he was always doing something with friends, or girls. In a way I kind of envied him. I went out occasionally with friends but I was always committed more to school work than friends.

As I approached his house, I looked just like every time I walked past. Hoping to see his car in the driveway or at least in the garage under that beater he and his Dad started rebuilding about 2 years ago. I haven't seen him lately. He graduated about 2 years before I did. Attended a University close to home and was planning on expanding his Dad's mechanic shop to Colorado. I remember him visiting his Mother there since I could remember. I knew that he missed her and that partly, besides the change of scenery, it was to be closer to her.

Our community is quaint I guess you could say, everyone pretty much knew everybody. My Mother was a single parent to 3 kids. The oldest being Mark who was the same age as Evan. They were pretty much inseparable growing up, always getting into trouble and chasing after girls. Then there was Trevor, only about a year older than me. We had similar friends through school but he was much more comfortable being around a small group unlike our eldest sibling. Who was always attending a party or seen hanging out with a group of people.

My Mother was always working. Partly because she had to, but also because she loved her job as a Head Nurse at the Children's Hospital. Our Dad passed in a freak construction accident when I was 7. He fell through a roof and instantly broke his back when he landed on the latter below. It was hard on all of us, even Evan. Who had also grown close to my Dad. Always coming over and helping him and my brothers on some wood work that always seemed to be a side project for my Dad. So it was to no surprise that after the incident it only made Evan's presence around the house become more often than it already was. I liked having him around he always made all of us feel better. Each in our own way, while also understanding a sense of what our pain was in losing him.

As I walked past, the garage door was open and I saw Evan's dad underneath the piece of junk above him as he was fumbling around with the tools spread out next to him. I walked up to say Hi. Because like my brothers who were also very attached to the other male figure in their lives, I was too. He reminded me of my Father, always working with his hands, easy to talk to, and always protective of my brothers and I. I also think it was an unsaid bond with him and my Father that he looked after us, for they were close just like their children were.

"Hey Mr. Bianchi, I see you've started on that thing again." I said standing a few feet away from where he was on the side of the car.

He rolled out and under sitting up wiping his hands with a greasy rag that laid in his lap. He grinned looking up at me. I could see where Evan got it from. His Father was probably just as much of trouble as he was growing up in his prime. His features were similar compared to his son's. His boyish features more so that of a rugged mature man. Whose life definitely displayed on his wrinkled features and his salt and pepper hair. No wonder even after him and Evan's Mother divorced he remarried to Angie. Who he says is his last chance at love because without her it didn't make sense. Him and Evan's Mother married young and later had Evan. They tried to work it out for Evans sake. But I think Colorado had more of her heart than Mr. Bianchi ever could. One thing Evan got from his Mother was that he too loved Colorado.

"I have to make it look like I've done at least something for when Evan comes home. You know he would complain that we don't have to do everything together on this car." He said chuckling.

I knew he was right. Evan had more patience for all the minor details when it came to that car, letting his dad doing the basics and him going back over it and perfecting it to the best it possibly could.

"How's the expansion going?" I asked

"It's getting there. He seems to be really focused lately. More serious than I've seen him in a long time. Don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing yet." Knowing exactly what he meant by Evan's care free nature. But If Evan wanted something bad enough he worked hard on it and got it. Like many things of Evan, I admired that also. He knew how to be care free but also knew when to be serious and hard working.

"It will be good to see him home, I know Mark has really missed him." I did to in all honesty but I wasn't going to say it to him. Even though I'm sure he probably already knew by how I always use to follow the boys around trying to hang out with them. Especially where ever Evan was.

"Yea it will be good to have him around for a while. There really isn't much else he could do there at the moment. I know he enjoys spending time with Sandy. But the shop hasn't been the same without him here."

I knew Mr. Bianchi had always hoped Evan would stay and help run the one in Oakwood right along beside him. But just like me he craved change. Many times we would talk about all the places we wanted to see, where we wanted to go. His love for all the little beautiful things matched mine. He loved his Father and they were always close. He chose to stay and not move to Colorado not only because of not wanting to uplift from school and his childhood friends, but because of him. His Mother also approved of young boys adolescent being more controlled by a respectful male figure growing up. Working at his Dad's shop did help some with Evan's running around town too. Not only did he enjoy working on cars but it also gave him a sense of responsibility. My brother Mark worked there too. I know Evan and him were in the talks of possibly having Mark joining him and being a partner.

As if they knew we were talking about them Mark and Evan came pulling up in the driveway in Mark's pick up. When the engine stopped both got out and Evan retrieved his duffle bag that was in the bed. My heart fluttered its usual flutter that it always seemed to do when ever Evan was around. And I couldn't help but notice how his shirt raised just enough to show a sneak peak of his well-toned stomach as he reached in the back. His bare chest was definitely not foreign to my eyes, but it never got old to look at or admire.

"Thought I would stop over here first before I took him to the shop to see how things are running and to get his car." Mark said to Mr. Bianchi.

I thought to myself how that month seemed too long. Not that it was unusual for him to be gone that long every time he went there or to see his Mother. He normally spent his Summers there also. But because I missed him, he was just as much of a friend to me as he was to my brothers.

I was wearing my favorite pair of dark blue skinny jeans, my black Uggs, and my navy High School pull over hoodie. My dark Auburn hair was down today curled naturally just slightly at the ends. I usually wore my hair up, I was more convenience over caring. I wore little make up if at all. Today, all that was added to my morning routine was some eyeliner and mascara with a little bit of lip balm. My cheeks are naturally rosy and I've always been complemented on my clear complexion. So there was no use of cover up. I stand at 5'5 and have a slim figure. My breasts could be bigger for my taste but they looked well on my frame. Any bigger and I would look fake.

Evan smiled that smile that I often day dream about and gave his Dad a hug. Then pulled me in his strong arms, wrapping me up, and lifting me as if I weighed nothing.

"Natty! Who would have known I would miss you too!" He said teasing me. I struggled against him. Knowing I was lying to myself, I loved every minute like this, being this close to him.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that!?" As he set me back down to Earth. I didn't mean it, I love the fact he has a nick name for me. I think he knew it to, but our playful banter consists of slightly annoying one another.

"Angie is making dinner tonight, I know your Mom is working late again. So I better see all of you at the table tonight around 7 no buts." Mr. Bianchi said sternly pointing at Mark and I. We both nodded our heads Angie's cooking was to die for and we always made it a point to enjoy at least once a week usually on Sunday's. But since it was Evan's welcoming it would have to be a Friday.

They all started to huddle around that car of theirs and I decided to head home and get whatever work I had done, so I could have my weekend open. I walked in quickly kicking off my boots and taking off my hoodie. Entered my room and dropped my books on the bed. I looked in the long mirror at my reflection. I've always been a tom boy. My wardrobe usually consisted of jeans and an old Rock band T-shirt that once belonged to my Dad. My mom always said how he was a "typical" Rocker in High School and College. He had tons of shirts to show for it. Anywhere from Led Zeppelin to Tom Petty, he was there and his shirts were his souvenirs. I felt close to him wearing his clothes that were always slightly a little too big on me. I think my brothers didn't mind that I took Dad's clothes as my own, seeing how they were a little bit older and knew him a little better than I did. I wasn't bad looking I got attention from boys at school. I never really gave much notice back, maybe because I was too focused, or maybe because they weren't Evan. I had been talking to this boy named Travis he was new this year. I shared a couple classes with him. We did a science project together and we got along really well. He was really nice and easy to talk to. That's why when he asked if he could take me to see the old black and white movie at the Drive-In I didn't recline his offer. Our town did Drive-In's as a yearly thing around this time of year. Usually black and white it seems the whole town went, to watch the movie and to catch up with everyone. Now that Evan was in town I couldn't help to think I wish he could take me instead of Travis. Fat chance, I'm sure he will call up one of the girls he graduated with or go with my brothers and check out the girls there.

We arrived at Mr. Bianchi on time. The boys rushed to the table as I veered to the kitchen to see if Angie needed help.

"Hey Ang you need any help?" I asked.

"If you could just carry out this we should be good." As she handed me a bowl of her famous cheesy potatoes and they were Evan's favorite. I knew she made them especially for him. I walked to the table setting the potatoes down and sat at my seat. Which so happened to be next to Evan. As I sat down Evan leaned over, his elbows on the table with his hands clasped together in front of his face and softly spoke at the side of his mouth

"Why did you put your hair up? I like how it looked earlier with it down."

I elbowed and him and said, "Since when do you care what my hair looks like?"

"You always wear your hair up, I'm just telling you as a compliment."

My cheeks heated and I was hoping he didn't catch the effect he had on me."Oh, so I get the privilege of a famous Evan Bianchi compliment? Now I thought those were only saved for the girls you were interested in?" I teased him playfully with my hand to my chest.

"I know which is why you should be lucky." He grinned at me playfully. I knew he was joking but I wish he wasn't I wish he looked at me as a girl and not as Mark's little sister. I was okay looking. I didn't have the fake blonde hair and tan skin like he usually went for. But I had natural beauty, I can guarantee that if we ever had a late night I wouldn't wake up beside him looking like a melted Barbie.

Dinner went well mostly business talk between the boys. I sat there and watched them talk most of the night. As it started to die down, conversation was directed towards the Drive-in.

"So going with anyone special sweetie?" Angie directed the question towards me. I slightly blushed and directed my eyes towards my fork which was now playing with the left over contents on my plate. I didn't feel like answering the question with all four protective males in my life sitting at the table.

"I hear that Travis boy asked you. You know the new kid in town?" Trevor interrupted grinning as I eyed him down in my mind your own business stare.

"Yea he asked. We are going to meet Cara, Steph, and Mike up there." Knowing that Cara and Trevor talk and do the occasional flirting I should have guessed she would tell him. Not to be mean but as a way of conversation.

"Well if he knows what's good for him he won't try anything stupid knowing we all will be there." Mark said. Referring to Evan and Trevor. Evan chuckled knowing Mark was serious and I was annoyed. It was hard for me to go on dates knowing that I had overly protective brothers who tried to control my life. Not that I really wanted to date but if I did it either had to be secretly or discussed. There was no easy way for them to except that their little sister wasn't so little anymore.

It was Saturday night the boys had left early and I was waiting on Travis to pick me up. I had on a tight black long sleeve V-neck and dark blue skinny jeans and black slip on Vans. With a necklace my Dad gave to me for my Birthday before he passed. It was my favorite and I wore it all the time. I studied my reflection, I chose a light pink lip balm to show off my full lips and wore my hair down to surround my heart shape face. I had to admit I looked pretty good.

I came down the stairs just as the doorbell rang. As I opened the door Travis stood there his hand instinctively going through his shaggy light brown hair. He was wearing jeans and a light grey zip up hoodie. He was cute in an adorable way whereas Evan was more of a ruggedly handsome kind of way.

"You ready?" He said looking down at me. He was a little bit shorter than Evan but he still seemed to tower over me.

"Yes let's go." I replied, as I smiled up at him.

I grabbed my keys and some blankets. We were going to find a place on the lawn instead of sit in his car so we could all watch together.

We parked the car right next to Mike, Steph, and Cara and got out. Saying our hellos we made our way to a spot where we could set down the blankets.

"I have a little surprise to make this night even better." Mike said pulling out a couple of water bottles out of his coat.

"Oh no not water?" I said mockingly

"It's Grey Goose thank you very much, and just for that you aren't getting any!" Mike replied.

"Why do I care I don't drink?" I smiled knowing that he was joking and that his fun was not my fun. Everyone knew that.

Travis wrapped his arm around my shoulder and led the way. I could tell by the way Cara was looking at me that she likes the idea of Travis and I being together. We set up a spot and just as we are sitting down I spot Mark and Evan in perfect view slightly across and ahead of us. They were with two girls. I recognized the one named Sara. Evan previously dated her in High School for a short time. Always bragging to my brother how she would do anything at the drop of the hat for him. I like Evan but I'm not as so desperate just to be with him even if I meant nothing. My first time or anybody who I'm intimate with, I want to matter to them, no matter how skillful that boy is.

The movie started and I couldn't help but to sneak glances his way. My brother had left them and all that remained was Evan and Sara. I couldn't help but want to be the one Evan was wrapping his strong arms around. All of a sudden my staring caught his eye and he looked at me then looked at Travis as if wondering if he was the one I was with. As he did so my instinct was to lean backwards into Travis's lap and put my eyes toward the movie. At the corner of my eye I saw Evan nibbling at Sara's orange tan neck. Oh how I wish I was that neck. It angered me.

"Hey Mike you think I could get someone of that?"

They all were eyeing me as if I had spoken a foreign language to them.

"What? You all say how I need to loosen up once in a while." I just wanted to forget Evan Bianchi and how he controls me without even knowing it. Travis leaned in and whispered in my ear.

"I don't think that's such a good idea, your brothers will kill me if I bring you home drunk."

"They can't control my life forever. If they say anything I will tell them you tried to stop me. Don't worry."

"Okay but not a lot I don't want you to get sick on me now okay?"

I liked how Travis was so caring and concerned. He made me feel wanted, pretty, funny, smart. There was nothing wrong with him, it fact he was probably perfect for me. I just didn't lust for his touch or his words like Evan.

I took a sip and it immediately burned going down. I started coughing and my belly instantly became warm. I decided to try another hoping the second wasn't as bad as the first. It was. Soon enough I was slightly buzzed. I'm definitely not a drinker, I almost immediately became more relaxed and carefree. I leaned into Travis's arms and held his hands over my abdomen. Liking the feeling of how he felt against my body. Travis rested his chin on the top of my head and I could tell he was grinning. I looked up at him as if to ask him what he was grinning about and his blue eyes were looking at my hazel ones. I knew that look without any words he wanted to kiss me. At that time I wanted him to kiss me. His lips lightly brushed mine. My skin became hot I don't know if it was from the kiss or the alcohol I had consumed. His touch was sweet and timid as if asking me if it was okay. I kissed back but as soon as it started it ended. By someone grabbing my elbow and pulling me up from the ground.