These Bright Lights Have Always Blinded Me

It was nice out tonight. The guys were done with the video shoot and all of us (and I mean all of us including Frank, Gerard, Mikey, Ray, Bob, and Bill) were hanging out in the den. How we fit everyone in there I have no clue.

Anyway, instead of going outside where it was nice and pretty, we were inside watching Batman Forever. Bill’s never watch Batman. Which is sad really. So we’re having a Batman marathon, ending with The Dark Knight.

So, it was getting towards the end of the movie when my phone went off. I looked to see that it was a text message. I read it and glared at it.

Tom: listen, I know you hate me right now, but I really need to see you. I realized that deciding to listen to Kat hurt you, but give me a chance to explain and maybe we can go back to the way we were.

I shook my head and texted him back.

Me: I have a boyfriend. I’m still mad at you, so I do not want to talk to you right now. Now, I’m watching my monthly dose of Batman. Do not text me back.

I sent the text and rested my head on Max’s shoulder, his arm around me. I looked up at him and opened my mouth to say something when my phone when off again. I looked to see that it was another text message.

Tom: since when?! Is it that guy who was with you and Ali?

Me: you mean Max? yep. And didn’t you say yourself that I should find someone else that was “better” than you? Is that what you wanted?

I sent the text and focused on the movie again. “Are you okay baby?” Max whispered.

I nodded as the movie ended. The lights were turned on and everyone started complaining about how bright the room was. “Sorry guys. Jesus,” Frank said before the lights went back off.

Deciding that I didn’t feel like watching movies at the moment, I patted Max’s shoulder. He looked at me and asked, “Yeah Chelsea?”

“I’ll be back. I’m going to get some fresh air,” I replied.

He nodded and kissed me before I stood up and left the den, muttering something about having to use the bathroom.

I reached the kitchen and saw Mom, Mama Donna, Mama Toro, Mama Bryar, and newly appointed Mama Simone sitting at the table drinking coffee. “Hey mom. Hey Mama Donna. Hey Mama Simone. Hey Mama Toro. Hey Mama Bryar,” I said.

“Hello Chelsea,” Mom said, “What are you doing up here?”

“Going outside. I need some fresh air,” I replied.

Mom nodded. “Don’t leave that boy alone down there too long. He’ll wonder where you are,” she said smiling. I am so freaking glad she likes Max. I really am.

“I won’t mom,” I said smiling. I waved to everyone before walking outside. I walked over to the in-ground pool that was installed last year. Yep. Can’t wait until it gets really hot outside and everyone comes over to go swimming.

I sat by the edge of the pool when I felt like swimming. I stood up, stripped down to my black and pink matching bra and boy shorts underwear, and sat everything on a lounge chair. I walked over to the edge of the pool and dived in.

I surfaced and started swimming laps. I was in the middle of doing the breast stroke when I saw someone sitting with my stuff. I stopped swimming and saw that it was Max. I smiled and swam to the edge. “Hey,” he said, “Having fun?”

I nodded. “I needed to swim. I haven’t swum since the end of the summer and I felt the need to swim. Wanna join?” I asked him.

He shrugged and replied, “Okay.”

I back stroked out to the middle of the pool as Max stripped down to his boxer briefs. I mean seriously. How could he wear boxers with the pants he wears? Not that I’m complaining…but still. You have to see my point.

I smiled as he walked to the edge of the pool and attempted to dive. I said attempted because all he ended up doing was belly flopping.

I swam over to him and asked, “Are you okay?”

He looked at me before splashing me with water. I giggled and we started splashing each other, treading water as we did so.

We continued splashing each other when I felt my back hit the edge of the pool. “Okay Max,” I said, “It seems to me that we hit a dead end.”

He shook his head. “Well shit,” he said, “What are we supposed to do now?”

I shrugged. “Ich weiss nicht,” I replied.

He smiled and held onto the edge of the pool, one arm on either side of me. “Well,” he started, “I could kiss you right now.”

I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck before pressing my lips to his. He cupped my face with one hand while bringing his body closer to me, pressing me between him and the side of the pool. The hand cupping the side of my face started trailing down my body until it reached my waist, pulling me closer to him.

He stopped kissing my lips and started kissing my neck when I heard Ali yell, “Oh yeah! Get some!”

I hid my face in Max’s wet chest. “Go away Ali,” I said, “Moment ruiner.”

“Sorry. Just hurry up and get inside. We’re getting ready to watch Batman Begins. That means hurry your butts up and get inside,” Ali said before I heard the patio door close.

I unburied my face from Max’s chest and said, “That just totally ruined the moment.”

Max shrugged. “Come on,” he said, “We can sit in the recliner. How does that sound? You can sit on my lap.”

I smiled and nodded. I pressed my lips to his in a sweet kiss before saying, “Come on before the others think we’re screwing or something like that.”

He nodded. “Can’t give them that satisfaction, now can we?” he asked.

I shook my head before kissing him again. “Come on. Let’s dry off and get back inside, okay?” I asked.

He nodded and he helped me out of the pool before getting out himself.