Yipe *SLAPS FACE* I can't believe myself. I've been so busy. I forgot to post. Please forgive me everyone.
I'll post several chapters this time.
Chapter NineThe next morning Courtney woke up to the sunshine filtering in through the window. She let out a gentle sigh and rolled over, Blaire wasn’t in the room anymore. Courtney could hear voices outside the room so she got out of bed and straightened her hair so she didn’t look horrible, and walked out the door.
She took the short walk down the hall and towards the kitchen, she could hear the voices more clearly now, Marcus and Cody were in the kitchen with Blaire. She made a face and walked out into the kitchen, and was greeted by a series of hey sleeping beauties and hey sleepy heads.
“Don’t talk to me. Just point me towards the coffee.” She said.
The trio laughed and someone put a cup of coffee in her hands. She wasn’t really paying attention to who it was. She just took a nice long drink. “Much better.” She said taking a seat on the stool beside Cody.
He chuckled at her and said. “Remind me never to wake you up.”
“Oh shut up. You’re just jealous you’re not this beautiful in the morning.” She said as she laughed.
“Oh wait you’re right.” Cody said.
Marcus laughed and leaned up against the counter while he watched Blaire.
Courtney shook her head and nursed her cup of coffee. She was slowly waking up. She looked up at the clock it was about ten o’clock, she had an hour to get ready for John to show up. She was about to get up when her phone went off, she glanced down at the number, it was John. She excused herself and walked out into the living room to answer the phone. “Hey good morning.” She said smiling.
“Hey uh Courtney. I have some bad news.” John said.
“Oh what’s that?” Courtney asked getting a bit worried.
“My brother just came home and surprised us, we didn’t know he was going to be able to come home.” John said.
“That doesn’t sound like bad news to me.” Courtney said with a smile. John’s brother was in the air force and they rarely got to see him.
“Well the fact is, now I can’t do anything today.” John said.
“Oh that’s ok. I understand, we can do something, some other time.” She said with a smile.
“Are you sure?” John asked.
“Yea don’t worry one bit about it.” Courtney said.
“Ok thanks Courtney. You’re a jewel.” He said.
She chuckled. “Well I wouldn’t say that, but I won’t stop you from saying it.”
She heard him laugh, and then he said. “Alright bye Courtney.”
“Bye John.” She said and then hung up.
She turned around and jumped when she saw Cody standing in the door way. “CODY!!!” She said frowning.
“Sorry didn’t mean to scare you.” He said laughing.
“Right.” She said getting aggravated. She looked at her phone and then back at him. “Were you listening to my whole conversation?” She asked.
“Uh…I…” He said.
“You were.” She said frowning.
“Sorry I just felt like a third wheel in there.” He said nodding back towards the kitchen.
She understood that, but she still frowned. Finally she looked down at the phone then back up at him again, with a smile. “Ah admit it Cody. You were missing me.” She teased.
“Opps you caught me.” He said laughing.
She laughed along with him, and then shook her head. “I’m going to get dressed.” She said before making her way past him towards the dark hall.
She flipped the switch on in the bedroom and raided her bag for some clothes. Quickly she got dressed and fixed her hair so she looked presentable and flipped the light off. She walked back down the dark hall and saw Cody sitting on the couch. “Are they still in the kitchen?” She asked.
Cody looked up and over his shoulder, with a smile. “No, they went outside. They told me to stay here and wait for you.” He said. “I feel so used.” He said joking.
“Something tells me they just wanted to be alone.” Courtney said chuckling.
“NO! Whatever gave you that idea.” Cody said acting shocked.
“Oh shut up.” She said playfully pushing his shoulder.
He laughed and stood up. “Why don’t we go on out. They were waiting for us anyway.” He said.
“You’re evil.” She said wrinkling her nose.
“I know.” He said with an evil grin.
“You better be good mister. Or I’ll tell your Mommy.” She teased.
“Oh no!” He said acting worried. “Don’t tell my Mommy!”
She threw her head back slightly and laughed. “Alright I won’t but only if you be a good boy.”
“Promise.” He chuckled as he opened the door.
It was a lot warmer than it had been the past few days and Courtney was glad yet sad about it. “Wow it doesn’t seem like Christmas is only four day’s away.” She said.
“Oh that reminds me. Come on. I have something for you.” He said tugging on her arm and pulling her in the opposite direction.
“Where are we going?” She asked raising an eyebrow and following him.
“To my car.” He said smiling.
“Why?” She asked.
“Didn’t you hear me. I have something for you.” He said laughing.
She shook her head and followed him to his car. When they stopped by the car, she watched him reach inside the car. He pulled out something she couldn’t see. “Here.” He said with a smile.
“Aw Cody. Its so cute.” She said taking the teddy bear from him. It was light brown and was dressed in an army uniform.
“I found it and immediately wanted to give it to you. Then I’ll be sure you won’t forget me.” He chuckled.
“Aw Cody I wouldn’t forget you.” She said smiling.
“Good but this will make sure you don’t.” He said smiling.
She looked up at him with a questioning glance. “Cody did you seriously think I would forget you?”
“I didn’t think you would forget me, but I wanted to make sure you didn’t forget the fun we had these past few days.” He said.
“Cody that could never happen. You have become one of my best friends. I could never forget everything that happened these past few weeks. I’m going to miss you.” She said and she hugged him tight.
Cody hugged her back, glad to know that she really wouldn’t forget their friendship.
Suddenly that weird feeling was back. She was feeling dizzy and her heart was pounding. She closed her eyes and leaned in to him to steady herself but the feelings just got worse. Her spine started to tingle. Her mind drifted back to Blaire’s comment on how she had only felt like that when she was with Marcus.
Her eyes popped open, but how could it be the same thing? Blaire was in love with Marcus, she and Cody were different. They were just friends, nothing more. Besides they could never be anything more, he was interested in someone else.
When he let go over her, she looked at him, and continued to think along that line. He was interested in someone, but he hadn’t told her yet, so technically he was available. She closed her eyes as if to get rid of a headache. NO! She couldn’t think of it. Cody was just a friend and nothing more than that.
“Hey you ok?” Cody asked looking at her.
“Uh I don’t know.” She said honestly. “Suddenly I don’t feel so good.”
“Hmm we better get you inside.” Cody said placing his arm around her middle supporting her.
Courtney clutched her stomach when Cody’s arm surrounded her back. The walk back was slow and a bit quiet. She couldn’t think of anything to say. Finally Cody opened the door and she walked in the bear in her hands. She sat on the couch hugging the bear against the strange sensations.
Cody sat beside her and looked at her with a worried look on his face. “Courtney what’s going on?” He asked.
“I don’t know.” She said shakily.
Cody stared at her for a long moment. “Is there anything I can do?”
She looked back at him and her stomach leapt, his dark eyes were so steady, and she swore he could read her every thought. She jerked her gaze away looking down at the bear. “I don’t know. I haven’t been feeling so good recently.” She said.
“Aw I’m sorry, Court.” He said.
“Yea. Me too.” She said looking down.
‘No Courtney don’t look at him. You can’t have him, he’s practically taken.’ She thought to herself. ‘But he’s not taken yet. Maybe I still have a chance.’ These thoughts continued to run through her mind. ‘Oh what am I thinking?’ She said to herself disgusted. ‘Get a hold on your self Courtney you don’t like him.’ She said as she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of the couch.
“Want me to get you something?” He asked standing up.
“A glass of water would be nice.” She said.
“Alright. I’ll be right back.” Cody said walking into the kitchen.
She watched him leave, her thoughts still running. ‘Is there a way that maybe I missed something. It wasn’t last night that we were the best of friends and I was thinking I liked John. What happened?’ She sighed. ‘I must be going crazy.’
She leaned over and looked over the couch arm. She continued to watch him in the kitchen. “Yes. I’m going crazy.” She said scooting down in the couch and rolling over into the chair clutching the bear in her arms. She was just going to pretend she was asleep, but soon she fell asleep.
Chapter TenCourtney was standing in her room, amidst the presents that she had gotten from her parents. They had finished unwrapping the gifts and now her parents were asleep. She started hanging up the clothes and putting things away. Her mind began to run again, she hadn’t seen Cody in a few days and she was beginning to miss him.
Once all of the clothes and other presents were put away one lone present was left on the bed. The small army teddy bear lay there propped up against a pillow. It brought a pleasant look to her face. She lay down on the bed and hugged the bear with a smile.
Her phone vibrated, she reached over and flipped it open, all the while holding the bear in her arms. “Hello?” She asked.
“Hey Merry Christmas.” Came the cheerful voice over the phone.
“Oh Cody. Merry Christmas.” She said forcing herself to calm her pounding heart.
“Well you sound especially cheerful tonight.” He said.
She swallowed and then covered it up by saying. “Of course I’m cheerful it’s Christmas.”
“This is true.” He said chuckling.
“Yes it is.” She said staring down at the bear in her arms.
“Did you have a Merry Christmas?” He asked.
“Oh yea, got lots of good presents.” She said with a smile. ‘But there’s one I like the most.’ She thought to herself.
“Oh really?” He asked.
“Yea. How about you.” She asked smiling, and rolling over on her back.
“The same.” He said. “So what you going to be doing tomorrow?” He asked.
‘Dreaming of you.’ She thought. “Well I didn’t have anything planned.” She said.
“Oh well we should get together.” He said.
“Oh that would be so much fun.” She said excitedly.
“Yea besides I’m only here for two more weeks.”
“Yea. I know.” She said sadly.
“Don’t sound so sad.” He said.
“Well it is sad.” She said frowning.
“Yea it is.” He said.
“I wish you didn’t have to go.” She said truthfully.
He was quiet for a while. “Well I’ll be back.”
“Yea but it won’t be for a while.” Courtney said.
“Yea. I’ll miss you.” Cody said.
“And I’ll miss you.” She said with a slight look or regret. Why had she not said anything? Why had she not felt anything?
“Well I have to go. I’ll call you tomorrow.” She heard him say.
“Oh ok. Good night Cody.”
“Sweet dreams Courtney.” She heard him say.
“I will. Night.” She said and disconnected the call.
She sighed and hugged the bear tight. She had been thinking about it a lot lately, why everything was the way it was. She had found out recently how she truly felt for Cody, and this fact was scaring her. It had crept up on her, caught her unaware. She wished Cody wasn’t leaving so soon, so she could explore these feelings.
But sadly not only was he leaving, he liked someone else. And he was planning on telling her before he left, but this didn’t mean he was out of her league just yet. She smiled at that thought. Maybe there was some hope, she just wanted to utilize every single moment between now and then.
She lay there thinking until she gently fell to sleep. In her dreams she was on a beach, the wind blowing through her hair. Cody walked up behind her and sat beside her taking her in his arms, he kissed her gently. She was enjoying every moment of it, before she awoke to the phone ringing down stairs.
She blinked against the sun and looked around the room, on the floor within arms reach was the bear. She reached out and grabbed it bring it close to her, daydreaming about Cody.
She hoped that she could see him today. She had to try to find some way even if it was with a group of friends. She slipped out of bed and got ready, she fixed her hair and was about to put it up, when she remembered Cody’s words from a few day’s before, she left it down instead.
When the phone rang she jumped at it, and said. “Hello?”
“Hey Court.”
“Oh hi Cody, what’s up?” She twiddling with the bottom of her shirt.
“Well I was just talking to Marcus and we wanted to do something today. We were thinking Dairy Queen again. Are you interested?” He asked.
“YES!” She said maybe a bit too excited. She forced herself to calm down. “It sounds like it would be fun.” She said.
“Ok,” She heard him say. “I’ll be by to pick you up within ten minutes.” He said and then said goodbye.
She hung up the phone her heart was pounding hard in her chest. She looked at the clock and then ran to her bathroom, she put on some makeup, and her best perfume, before running down stairs to sit in the small window seat near the door.
When she saw his car drive up her heart leapt but she tried to calm herself. She didn’t want to make a fool of herself, so she walked into the kitchen to wait for him to knock on the door, when it did come she forced herself to just walk towards the door.
“Hey.” She said opening the door to let him in.
“Hey you ready to go?” He asked flashing a smile.
She forced herself not to melt into a pool of butter. ‘Dear God.’ She silently prayed. ‘Help me to be strong.’ She looked at him. “Yea I’m ready, just let me get my coat.” She said walking towards the closet.
Cody stepped in front of her and opened it getting her coat. “Here.” He said helping her put it on.
“Thanks.” She said.
They walked out the front door and Cody opened the car door to let her in. Courtney watched him walk around the front of the car with a smile and a sigh. ‘What am I going to do?’ She asked herself.
The drive to Dairy Queen was too short as far as she was concerned. They walked into the restaurant to see Blaire and Marcus were not there yet. They took a booth and sat across from each other. Courtney was starting to feel very awkward. “So did you have a good Christmas?” She asked.
“Yes I did. I’m just glad everyone was able to be there. Considering…” He stopped himself and looked down.
“Considering you won’t be coming back for a while?” She asked.
“Well that and the fact I might not have another one.” He admitted.
She looked at him with a saddened look. “Cody don’t say that.” Her eyes were blurring and she couldn’t help it, the thought of losing him forever made her want to cry.
She was glad he wasn’t looking at her, she didn’t want him to see her tears. “Courtney!” He said with an aggravated tone. “It’s the truth. There is the chance.” He said looking up at her.
His heart stopped for a split second, she was crying. “Cody please don’t say that.” She pleaded.
“I’m sorry Courtney I didn’t mean to upset you.” He said setting his head in his hands. “It’s just that it is the truth.” He said.
“But…” She said.
“It scares me sometimes.” He said looking away from her.
“So why go?” She asked her eyes still blurry. ‘Please stay. Stay with me!’ She wanted to say.
“Because I feel this is what I am supposed to do.” He said.
“But you just said it scared you.” She said.
“Yes. It does scare me at times, but then I think of what good I’ll be doing.” He said. “And the fear just sort of melts away.”
Courtney sat there for a moment before drying the tears on her coat sleeve. “I’ll be right back.” She said slipping out of the booth and bolting for the bathroom.
“Courtney! Courtney stop!” She could hear him calling behind her, but she didn’t stop. She didn’t stop till she was in the bathroom, she locked it and leaned up against the wall. She didn’t hold back now, she just let it all out.
She stood there hugging her middle. This whole time she had thought about winning his heart before he left, she hadn’t even thought about what would happen after he left. It was just to much to take right now. “Dear God.” She breathed. “Please don’t let me lose him. I don’t mind if I’m not the one for him, just don’t let him die.”
She stood there for a long while after she had stopped crying, trying to make sure she didn’t look like she had been before she opened the door. There was no one outside the door and she was glad, she walked out and looked around, Marcus and Blaire had arrived so she walked over and took a seat by Cody, the only one left. She would have preferred to sit as far from him as possible at the moment.
“You ok?” Blaire asked, taking her hand across the table.
Courtney looked up at her and feigned a smile. “Yea I’m fine thanks.”
“Ok…” Blaire said, and Courtney could tell she wasn’t totally convinced. As the conversation got going, Courtney could feel Cody watching her, but she never once looked at him. She could only imagine what he was thinking. She was dreading the ride home, he would undoubtedly ask why she had been so upset.
She wanted to tell him, but she couldn’t not when he was interested in another girl. Rejection would hurt way to much, and living with loving someone who didn’t know your feelings would hurt a lot less than a broken heart.
She sat there trying to act normal, but as it grew time to go home, she wanted to shrink into a little ball, and disappear. Blaire and Marcus said their goodbyes and climbed into Marcus’ car which left Courtney and Cody all alone. He opened her door for her and let her in, and then walked around to start the car.
She was thankful that he didn’t say anything but she could tell he wanted to. Several times he opened his mouth to start, but stopped himself.
The ride home was very quiet, each of them knew that something should probably be said but neither wanted to be the one to start the conversation.
Courtney could feel his gaze ever so often as she stared ahead and clutched onto the side of the car. Why hadn’t she asked her father to come pick her up from the restaurant?
Finally she could see her house, she felt like she was mere feet away from a refuge but she still couldn’t reach it. She closed her eyes for a second hoping that they would get there and she could get out without having to talk about it.
Chapter ElevenCody pulled the car to a stop and turned it off. Courtney sat there waiting for him to open the door for her but instead he just looked at her in confusion. “Courtney what is going on?”
“Nothing Cody, nothing is going on.” She said.
“Right nothing is going on.” He said getting upset. “You call you running to the bathroom in tears nothing?” He asked.
“Cody I don’t want to talk about it.” She said as she reached for the door handle.
He reached out and stopped her, grabbing her hand before she had a chance to reach the door. “There you go again, shutting me out.” He said finally letting go of her hand. “How can I make you understand I just want to help.” He said.
She could see the aggravation on his face and she didn’t want to talk to him anymore. She quickly opened the door and got out and made a direct line for the house. She heard Cody’s door open and a second later he was in front of her.
“Courtney stop trying to avoid me.” He said, when she tried to get around him, he grabbed her shoulder and made her stay. “COURTNEY WHAT IS GOING ON??” He asked.
She looked away not wanting him to see her expression. “I’m sorry Cody…” She said. “I just…” She started. “It just…” She started again.
“Just what?” He asked with a very upset look in his eye.
“It just scared me more than I thought it would. There I said it are you happy!” She said breaking down and crying. She pulled back from his grasp and turned her back to him.
He stood there staring at her. “Courtney I…” He began to say. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” He said.
She didn’t look at him, she just kept her back to him, she didn’t want him to see her expression. “I just hadn’t thought about it that way until today. I mean the past few weeks you’ve meant so much to me. It just scared me, the thought of you dieing.”
Cody just stood there watching her. “Courtney I really am sorry.” He said.
She looked over her shoulder and then looked back in front of her drying a tear from her cheek. “I know you didn’t mean it, and its not your fault.” She said.
Cody stood there feeling helpless. He really hadn’t meant to scare her, he had just been stating the facts. Now she wasn’t even looking at him. “I’m not sure what else to say.” He said.
“Its ok Cody, you didn’t mean anything by it.” She said turning finally to face him.
“Are we ok?” He asked.
“Yea…” She said smiling lightly at him. “We’re ok.” She took a step forward and hugged him.
When he hugged her back it was all she could do to keep herself from breaking down and telling him exactly how she felt. She finally pulled away from the hug and looked at him. “Night Cody.” She said as she walked towards the door.
Cody watched her go and then climbed into his car. He waved at her and pulled out of the driveway.
Courtney watched him, she stood at the door until she could no longer see him, and then she walked inside. Her whole body was tingling from that long hug she had just gotten from Cody. She walked upstairs not even bothering to say hello to her parents. She wasn’t sure what she would say to them.
Her room seemed inviting tonight. She fell onto the bed and grabbed the bear in her arms tight. Then and only then did she let herself cry again. It was really happening he was leaving, and there was a chance he wasn’t coming back.
That fact scared her, she wasn’t sure what she would do if he wasn’t in her life. She had a feeling it would fall to pieces. Her pillow was wet but she couldn’t stop crying. “Oh Cody!” She said aloud. “Why can’t you see how much I love you?”
Her cell phone rang but she didn’t answer it. She didn’t think she could keep from crying. She listened as it rang and rang, until finally it stopped. A few minutes later a small beep singled she had a message. She reached over and flipped open the phone to listen.
Hey Court its me. If you’re still awake please answer the phone. Bye. The phone disconnected. She debated answering it when the phone rang in her hand. She flipped it open and said. “Hello.”
“Courtney?” Cody’s voice was gentle. “Are you crying again.”
“I’m ok Cody.” She said wiping a tear.
“No you’re not.” He countered.
“Ok so maybe I’m not but I will be.” She said.
“I feel horrible leaving you when you were still upset.” He said.
“Cody its not your fault. I just need to get over it.” She said rubbing the fur on the bear’s head.
“Well if it means anything. It makes me feel good that you care so much.” He admitted.
“I do care a lot Cody.” She said wishing she could tell him how much.
“I’m glad.” He said softly. “Is there anything I can do? To make you feel better I mean.”
“No just the fact you called made me feel better.” She said quietly.
“Ok, will I see you tomorrow?”
“Yea you’ll see me. It’s Wednesday remember?” She asked smiling.
“Yea.” He said and she heard him chuckle.
“Night Cody, and thanks.” She said gently.
“Night Court.” He said, and she heard the phone disconnect once again.
She lay there for a long time thinking about Cody, just thinking about him made her heart pound. She wanted to tell him so bad. Maybe if he knew how she felt, he would change him mind. She seriously was considering this, but then decided against it.
She finally got up and changed into her pajama’s. She switched off the light and got into bed, the only source of light coming from the moon outside her window. She lay there thinking her mind running in all different directions. Finally after much tossing and turning she fell asleep.
____________
Courtney walked into the church and immediately found Cody. She walked over to him, but noticed Alexis was there. She grimaced she didn’t like the fact that she was there. Ok so maybe she was jealous, was that really so horrible. She walked over and smiled at them, but mainly at Cody. “Hey guys.”
“Oh Hello Courtney.” Alexis said with a disgusted tone.
“Hey Court.” Cody said smiling at her.
She smiled at him and positioned her self between them. She caught Alexis’ glance her way which looked disgusted she just smiled and began talking to Cody.
Soon enough they were all in the sanctuary Courtney sat beside Cody with a smile. The service was short and soon they were all out in the gym. She sat on the bleacher’s watching Cody and the guys play basketball.
Blaire sat down beside her friend. “You like him don’t you?” She asked.
“What?” Courtney asked blinking.
“Cody you like him don’t you?” Blaire asked.
“I…” She started.
“Don’t lie to me Courtney Woods.” She said.
“Ok you caught me.” She admitted.
“You guys will be so cute together.” Blaire said smiling.
“But he’s leaving.” She said.
“Well don’t give up.” Blaire said.
“Well I’m not, but he said he likes someone.” She said.
“What makes you think its not you.” Blaire asked.
“He keeps telling me she’s currently taken.” Courtney said.
“Oh…well that means he’s available.” Blaire said jokingly.
Courtney sighed and watched him. “Well no matter what I do, I only have a little while left with him.” She said.
“Doesn’t he leave next Wednesday?” Blaire asked.
“Yea I only have a week.” Courtney said sadliy.
“Well we will have to make most of the time we have left.” Blaire said.
“Yea. I want to find some way to be with him every day if possible.” She said
“Well I’ll help you find someway to do that.” Blaire said.
“Thanks.” She said smiling at her friend.
“No Problem.” Blaire said as the guys finished the game. “Hey guys want to go out tonight.”
“Sounds like fun.” Cody said smiling.
“Yea let’s do it.” Marcus said.
“Need a ride Court?” Cody asked.
“Yea if you don’t mind.” She said.
“Not at all let’s go.” He said giving her a hand up.
She stood up next to him, he was mere inches away and she smiled at him brightly. The two walked out to his car and he opened the door for her once again. She slid in and waited for him to come around.
When he got in the car he smiled at her. “Let’s go.” He said.
They drove towards the restaurant the whole while they talked like nothing had happened yesterday.
“I’m really going to miss you Cody.” She finally said.
“Yea I’m going to miss you too.” He said gently smiling at her.
She smiled back and looked ahead as he parked the car and walked around to open the door for her.
They joined Blaire and Marcus in the restaurant and then drove home. Courtney smiled at Cody and said. “Thanks for tonight Cody.”
“Why are you thanking me. It was Blaire’s idea.” He said.
“Yea but you made it fun.” She said flashing a gentle smile.
“Well then you’re welcome.”
She hugged him and then walked inside waving from the window before running upstairs to bed.
Some How-Story Two In the One Chance Series
