Skipping Forward Read online

  I shrugged. “I just thought I’d save you that tedious step.”

  “Thanks, babe.” He got up and kissed my temple.

  Everyone else thanked me for the gifts and my parents were next to pass theirs out. They’d gotten me a gift card to my favorite coffee shop. They’d also gotten Maddox a gift card to the game shop.

  When Rhett opened the same gift card I’d gotten, Mom said, “What can I say? My sister and I think alike. I thought it’d be a good date for you guys since she loves it so much.”

  “You guys are terrible,” I complained.

  “Nah, it works for me. It’ll keep us busy for a while. Thank you.” Rhett sent mom a smile. “Guess it’s my turn now.”

  Maddox didn't get anyone anything again this year because he was still too young to be bothered with getting them. That and he didn't have the money. He always spent his allowance as soon as he got it. So, Rhett was next.

  He’d bought my mom a candle and a new wallet to match the purse I got her, Dad some golf balls and tees, and Maddox a gift card to his game store. Maddox was going to be set on games for a while with all these, but it was the best thing to get him.

  I saved mine for last so Rhett could watch the others first. My fingers tore into the gold wrapping paper. It was in the shape of a square, so I was hoping for jewelry. Sure enough, the small box contained a diamond clock pendant that dangled from a silver necklace. It was beautiful and like our own inside joke.

  “It’s perfect,” I gushed and gave it to Rhett so he could put it around my neck.

  Once it was on, I fiddled with the clock. It sparkled when the light caught it and I continued to admire it while the others started talking.

  “I’m glad you like it,” Rhett said after a bit of time passed.

  “I love it and it fits me.” I winked at him and he grinned.

  We shared a quick kiss before joining in on the conversation my family was having.

  Today had been a good day. Dad and Maddox actually behaved like civilized beings too. I had been surprised at that since their main objective was always embarrassing me. They were probably just giving me a break because it was Christmas.

  When I walked Rhett to his car, I asked, “When are you going to cook for me Mr. Chef.”

  He smirked. “How about right now? My parents are out of town for the night and you’ve done your thing with your family. I could cook you a nice Christmas dinner.”

  “I told Maddox I was going to play his new game with him tonight, but that can wait until tomorrow. Let me just go let them know and grab my cell. Sound good?”

  “Sounds perfect. I’ll be right here. We’ll have to stop at the store on the way home though.”

  “I think I can handle that.” Sarcasm laced my words and he chuckled.

  I found Maddox in his room. He was setting up a game.

  “Hey, bud, can we play another time? Rhett wants to cook for me tonight.”

  “Rhett can cook?” he questioned.

  “I guess I’m going to find out tonight as long as you aren't upset about it.”

  “Nah, we can play all day tomorrow since we don't have school.”

  I nodded my head. “That works for me. Bye Maddox. Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas, sis. Have fun.”

  Mom and Dad were okay with me going and I was back outside in no time. Rhett opened the door for me and ran around to his side.

  “Let’s go,” he cheered as he started the car.

  We stopped at the store as planned but he wouldn't let me go in with him. He said it was because he wanted to surprise me, which was the only reason I agreed. I loved surprises and they didn't come often, so that had me even more excited for tonight.

  Rhett didn’t take long and wouldn't even let me help load the groceries into his car. It wasn't like I was an expert on ingredients and what they formed when put together. That was how bad of a cook I was.

  Rhett pulled up the driveway to a fancy two story house. It had a three door garage and Rhett slid right into the left one. I admired the art that lined the walls when we walked into the house.

  “So, you’re pretty much loaded,” I commented with awe.

  “Does that make you think differently about me?” He sounded nervous of my response.

  “Not at all.”

  “Good.” He made me sit on a large black leather couch that I sunk into. “Now, you wait here and watch tv while I go cook. I want you to be surprised up ’til the moment I serve it.”

  He handed me a remote that had way more buttons than mine at home had. I complied and began clicking on it. The television eventually turned on and I flicked through the channels. Christmas cartoons were playing and they out-ranked everything else, especially since they were seasonal and couldn't be watched throughout the year.

  The house smelled delicious ten minutes into his cooking and my stomach rumbled in response. From the smell of things, he was probably telling the truth about being a good cook. I wanted to go in and see since the suspense was killing me.

  The thought to skip ahead to when we were eating appealed to me, but I was worried I wouldn’t do it right. But I only had to skip twenty minutes. If I focused on what Rhett told me, I was sure I could pull it off.

  Focus on the when and…

  I closed my eyes and the tang metal swirled around me. When I reopened them, Rhett was sitting across from me at his table. Lit candles were placed between us. I looked down at my plate to see it was empty.

  “Where’s the food?” I questioned fearfully.

  “We ate it.” His eyebrows came together in confusion, and then it hit him. “You didn’t, did you? You couldn't just wait the twenty minutes?”

  “I-I thought it was the perfect moment to test my control.”

  “You chose the first time I ever cooked for you as the best time?”

  I cupped my face with my hands. My eyes watered. “Do I act any differently when I skip forward?”

  “Not at all. I would’ve never known if it wasn’t for the sudden scent of metal that floated around us. That and your confused look.”

  “Maybe I can go back.”

  With my eyes closed, I focused as hard as I could on going back in time.

  “Hate to break it to you, but nothing’s happening. You just look constipated.” Rhett’s voice broke what little concentration I had left.

  I banged my head on the table. “This talent is so worthless if I can’t go backwards. I just miss out on things by going forward. I think I should just focus on never using it again instead of trying to control it.”

  Rhett sighed and I heard him get up. His hand rested on my back. “You’ll get it and then it won’t seem so bad.”

  “Did I at least enjoy it?” My head was still on the table so my voice was muffled.

  “We still have a bit left over in the kitchen if you want to try it.”

  “I feel full so I know I ate a lot of it. Do you mind if I have some of the left overs anyway? I’d like to at least know what it tastes like. What is it anyway?”

  His expression softened. “Let me grab you some. Hold up.”

  Rhett quickly returned with a plate of country fried steak with white gravy, mashed potatoes, and a roll.

  I swallowed hard. “I don’t think I can eat all that, babe.”

  He shrugged. “I know, but at least you now know what it looked like the first time I brought it to you. Eat however much you want.”

  “Thank you. It looks as good as it smells.”

  He laughed. “That’s exactly what you told me the first time you ate it.”

  My cheeks flamed. “Really?”

  “Yep, sure is.”

  I started with the mashed potatoes and the buttery deliciousness melted in my mouth. Definitely homemade. Then, I tried the country fried steak and asked him, “Will you marry me? Don’t tell Mom, but I think you’re a better cook than her.”

  Rhett chortled and had to cover his mouth. “At least I know you’re consistent.”
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  “I said all that before too?”

  He nodded his head and I shook mine.

  “I can’t believe I’m so repetitive. You’d think the second go round I would say something different.”

  “At least now I’ll know when you time travel since you repeat yourself.”

  “I told you, it’s not time traveling since I can’t go backwards. I’m just skipping time frames. That’s all.”

  “And like I told you, you just haven’t figured it out yet. It’ll come to you.”

  I didn’t say anything back. It was awkward to have Rhett watch me eat but I ended up clearing the plate. That was one of the best meals I’d ever had, but I wasn’t going to tell my mom that.

  When Rhett drove me home, I pondered about traveling to the past the whole way, which made for a silent ride. Rhett pulled up to my house, but his serious expression stopped me from getting out.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “While we were eating, you asked why I didn’t play football. It’s hard to, but I wanted to repeat it so you know. My friend died from one of our games. He was a wide receiver and took a hard hit to the head. He never woke up. His parents were optimistic, but the days turned into months and they were forced to—”

  He stopped there, but I knew how it ended. Pulled the plug. It was so terrible that I didn’t know what to say. A sorry didn’t feel right. Thankfully, Rhett saved me.

  “Look, I want to end tonight on a happy note. It is Christmas after all.”

  “Right.” I smiled as best I could. “Then, thank you for the incredible meal, or meals I guess, and Merry Christmas,” I told him as I climbed out of his car. “Thank you again for the necklace. I love it.”

  “Thank you for the MP3 player. Merry Christmas, babe.”

  I walked to his side and he rolled down the window. We shared a kiss before he drove away.

  Chapter Nine

  New Year’s Eve came up fast and I was going to my first high school party. Rhett got invited to Alec’s house and I’d gotten the clearance to stay out past midnight since it was a special occasion. Mom and Dad weren’t worried about Rhett anymore. He’d earned their approval.

  I’d tried talking Autumn into coming but she declined it without hesitation. She said it wasn’t her scene. She was all talk when it came to being popular. The thought of being known by every scared her deep down.

  To be honest, it wasn’t my ideal way to spend New Year’s Eve, but it was what Rhett wanted to do. We always did what I wanted, so I caved and was doing this for him. He was picking me up in about ten minutes and I was finally finished getting ready.

  I was wearing jeans and a black v-neck sweater with Rhett’s necklace to compliment it. It was chilly outside, but not cold enough for a jacket. Louisiana was rarely cold enough for a jacket. Heck, I wore a short dress for Christmas and didn’t feel cold once.

  Rhett should be pulling up any second now, so I went outside to wait. Sure enough, I was only outside for three minutes before Rhett pulled in the driveway.

  “Hey, babe. Jump in. The party started at eight so we’ll be fashionably late.” Rhett sported a grin tonight and I knew he was excited about the party.

  I looked at the clock on his dashboard. It was eight now and Rhett said it was a thirty minute drive to Alec’s house since he lived outside the city.

  “I see you’re wearing my necklace again,” he stated without looking at me.

  “Why wouldn't I be?” I shot him a confused look.

  “I just figured you would be tired of it by now. You’ve worn it every day since I gave it to you.”

  “Rhett, I’m not sure if you realize this, but Christmas was less than a week ago.”

  He seemed to ponder over it for a minute before the lightbulb went off. “It was, wasn't it? Feels like forever ago.”

  “Either way though, I’ll probably wear it for a while. It reminds me of what you’ve been teaching me the last few weeks. Seeing this clock reminds me that I can control it. The only question I wish could be answered is why I seem to forget what happened during the time I’ve skipped.”

  Rhett had been teaching me to focus on the now, so I didn’t skip. When I wanted to jump times for some reason, then I just needed to focus on the when. He still believed that if I concentrated hard enough, then I could travel back to the past. If that ever happened, I would have to go back in time to meet Jane Austin. She was an incredible author and my favorite. We argued about that ability on a regular basis and I wouldn’t be convinced I could until it happened.

  “I’m not sure about that one. Maybe my friends will know,” he mused. “Maybe they’ve met someone else like you.”

  “If so, I want to meet that person.”

  “Of course, as long as you don’t plan to run away and time hop with them.”

  I laughed. “Never. Wouldn’t leave you behind like that.”

  He chuckled.

  We didn’t really talk for the rest of the ride. I was too busy mentally preparing myself for the events to come. Nerves made my body tremble. I had to focus on the present because a part of me just wanted to skip through the whole thing. If I did that though, then I would just miss out on another memory with Rhett.

  The party was in full swing when we arrived. I always thought high school parties started later than eight, but this party was proof it didn’t. The music was so loud that it vibrated the car as Rhett parked.

  “Ready?” he questioned.

  My hands were shaking in my lap, but I still nodded my head.

  “Good, let’s go,” he cheered and we exited the car.

  He took my hand in his and we strolled towards the booming party. A part of me wished I would’ve brought ear plugs, but they would probably look stupid. Rhett opened Alec’s front door without knocking and strutted right in as if he owned the place. It wasn't like anyone noticed though. Most of the people already looked plastered as they danced in the middle of the room where we walked in.

  My body pressed closer to Rhett, as if we were glued together. The room was hot and musty from the body heat and sweat. It was hard to restrain myself from gagging. How could people do this on a weekly basis? The answer was clear on their faces. Alcohol.

  Rhett kept walking until he found Alec. He and his group of football players were chilling on the couch. Nearly all of them had a red plastic cup in their hand and a girl in their lap. The girls were vying for their attention in not so ladylike ways. At least I didn't have to be like that to get Rhett’s attention.

  “What’s up man?” Rhett cheered as he shook Alec’s hand.

  “About time you made it, dude. I was starting to think you were no-showing.”

  “Me? Never,” Rhett joked. “I’m sure you already know her, but this is Molly.”

  I gave a little innocent wave. I stood out like a sore thumb and understood why Autumn didn’t want to come. At least we could’ve stood out together though.

  Alec gave me a little head nod, but that was about it. He turned his attention back on Rhett. “You guys make a drink and have a seat with us.”

  Rhett poured two mixed drinks and handed me one, which I accepted so I wouldn’t look lame or make Rhett look dumb. I swirled the contents, but didn’t take a sip. Rhett took the only empty seat and pulled me into his lap. I reddened, but tried to loosen up.

  The boys began talking about football while I studied what was going on around me. The bodies grinding on the makeshift dance floor were sloppy in their moves. The air was filled with stale smoke because some idiot was smoking in one of the corners. There were high-pitched squeals from the kitchen where some guys were trying to spray girls with the kitchen sink hose.

  One drunken girl fell over right in front of us, her short skirt flying up and giving the whole football team a flash of her underwear… if you could call it that. None of the guys helped her up. Instead, they laughed.

  How was this party the ultimate invite? Several people would’ve wished to they could’ve been here.


  It was wasted on me, because I found the whole scene disgusting.

  I didn’t know how long I was staring into space, but it was obvious that Alec had tried to get my attention a few times. They were all looking at me like I was dirt under their shoe. Rhett squeezed my arm reassuringly. Too bad I couldn’t see his face.

  “About time. You were on a different planet.” Alec rolled his eyes like he didn’t want to be bothered with talking to me. “I was asking why you haven't touched your drink. Rhett’s finished his yet I haven’t seen you take one sip.”

  My eyes shifted between the scrutinizing gazes. “I don’t really like alcohol. I don’t like not being in control.”

  “You need to get with the program. Loosen up a bit.” Fallon giggled. It was the first time I noticed she was here. She was perched in Alec’s lap and kept gulping from her cup.

  “I don’t like the taste either.”

  “You haven’t even tried it to know,” Alec criticized with a scowl on his face.

  “I’ve tried it before. It’s all the same,” I argued.

  “Not when you have money and can buy the expensive goods. It’s a million times better,” Alec retorted. “I hope you don’t plan on wasting that.”

  “All right, leave her alone,” Rhett defended with a warning hidden in his tone.

  “No, you two are perfect for each other. You both don’t know what’s good for you. One doesn’t want to drink alcohol and the other doesn’t want to play football,” Alec pressed.

  Rhett shifted me so I was sitting on the arm of the couch and jumped up. Alec wasn’t so eloquent and actually stood up with Fallon in his lap. She went tumbling to the floor with a thud and Alec just stepped over her.

  “Tell me something about football or bash my girl again,” Rhett threatened.

  “Is that whore the reason you don’t want to play football?”

  Crunch!

  Rhett’s fist collided into Alec’s nose and broke it from the sound of it. Alec had to be numb from the alcohol because he didn’t even flinch. Instead, he countered with a punch of his own and made contact with Rhett’s shoulder. Rhett almost dodged it, but was slightly off.