Short Mix: Who's Terrano? (Chapter 05)
**WARNING: Language**
Short Mix: Who's Terrano? (Chapter 05)
During the time she was looking for Johnny Smith, Stella also attempted to stay way from Tank, not because she feared their animosity could interfere with her search, but because she worry it could involuntary hurt Tank, who was obviously troubled with the mentioned man and unfortunately he seams to be the only person who could hopefully get some answer to her questions.
And so Stella painfully decided to try avoiding all contact with the tall man, but it turned out to be extremely difficult to achieve when Tank was now the one constantly joining her for breakfast, at the chess table or the resting area.
It was even harder when she would let herself get captivated by the way he usually stammered his good mornings, or totally trapped on his blue eyes when he smiled at her nervously and certainly impossible the few timed he had overcome his constant stuttering when talking about matters he obviously cared deeply about.
Like the time had visited his family for the first time since moving to college, shortly after the time they dine out.
The next morning she had joined at a game of chess like many other occasions before, but instead of quietly following the game like usually,
he had spend hours detailing his day at home while Stella listened fascinated by the passion he showed as he talked about his siblings, father and his new girlfriend,
who according to him seamed to be making a wonderful influence on his household.
Finally all her efforts failed miserably the evening he came close and, timidly holding her hand,
asked her out on a date…
* * *
The sun had just set when they arrived to the Wasteland lounge, probably the only acceptable place in campus to go out at night.
- I hope Smith doesn’t show up - He muttered low with a sigh and looking around preoccupied
Stella wasn’t sure if he pretended her to heard or not, but she did, and the words made her heart sunk in a second. Again the name and again Tank’s painful expression at the sound of it … why? why someone like Johnny Smith who was so polite and nice with her, could trouble Tank so deeply?? She simply couldn’t imagine, but she had come to know him well enough to trust his judgment. If he had something against Johnny Smith, it should be a reasonable explanation for it.
- So would .. would you … ehm - Tanks stammered nervously - have a drink .. I mean … ehm .. some juice maybe…
- I’d love to, thank you - she answered shyly
Stella ordered a fruit juice, Tank, a slightly harder drink, which surprised Stella at first, but soon gave her reasons to thank for.
....It certainly helped to relax....
- I went home again yesterday, did I tell you?? - Tank started speaking suddenly, but casually and calmly, with a confident tone it was rare on him
- No, you haven’t - Stella couldn’t help to grin widely back
- Yeah, it was Buck’s birthday - He explained visibly proud
- Your younger brother, right?? - she said based on the few times he had mentioned his family before
- Exactly, he’s starting high school now, that’s never easy, but Ripp will be with him, he can be an imbecile, but really cares for Buck
He paused thoughtful and continued
- I can’t believe Ripp’ll be coming to college soon too, in fact I can’t believe he’ll be coming at all... he didn’t even wanted to, can you believe that??
- What made his change his mind? - she asked absolutely involved on his story.
Tank didn’t talked about his family often, but when he did, he did with such a intensity, that even when he criticized his middle brother, Ripp, she could tell deep down it was only out of sincere caring for him.
- Bella, of course, she changed so much at home - He said grinning widely, almost excitingly-… did I tell you they are engage??
- Engage??
- Yeah, General Buzz Grunt and Bella Bachelor are finally getting married, isn’t that incredible? … I mean …. they have been dating since I’m in high school!!! - He laughed loudly - We thought they never would
- That’s wonderful news - She tried to keep him in the conversation - Is your brother assisting to the same high school you did?
- Yeah … same shit - he said lowering his tone in a way that made Stella regret her question - I just hope he doesn’t have to deal with any pretentious arrogant bully like wonder boy Smith the way I did
A tense silence followed, Tank simply stood thoughtful for a short while and took a long deep shot at his drink
- Fuck!...- he hit the cup on bar counter angrily - I know I’m old enough to be over some absurd teenage rivalry, but... you know … he was always best in everything .. everything .. from sports to class performance … my dad just loves him! He was always comparing me with him “Johnny is a honor roll student, Johnny got the fitness award again this year, Johnny won the Hogan Award for Athletics and SimCity Scholar's Grant scholarships”… Johnny... Johnny... Johnny…I wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up as my father’s best man for the wedding…
Again Tank stood silent shortly until he took another long shot that seamed to empty his glass and finally offered to walk outside excusing that the place was too loud, but Stella could see he was most certainly in need of fresh air.
- I must sound so childish, so stupid… - Tank sighed deeply once outside and sat on the floor heavily.
Stella followed and listened carefully
- ... but It’s not like I had a real chance against Mister Perfect Genes, you know? - He was saying looking at the starry sky - amongst all the Curious he’s probably the luckiest of them all, faster, stronger, smarter than anyone else and so willing to show it off every time an opportunity came along
He laid his back on the floor and continued.
Stella listened intently but getting more and more confused with every word
- ... and please, don’t get me wrong, I mean, it’s just Johnny - He added - I don’t really mind the rest of his family, they are all nice...
- I’ve … I have an appointment to meet with him next week… - She said quickly while Tank looked back puzzled - Johnny Smith, Tank… I’ll meet with him next week…
- What!??- He sat up difficultly - what do you meat you’ll meet with him!?
- I need to ask him some questions - she answered shyly
- Like what? How to be the biggest jerk in both worlds!? - Tank was visibly bothered, but didn’t seam able to stand up
- Tank, please listen… I’ve never met or seen anyone like me before until Johnny Smith appeared that night… - she sighed and calmly continued telling all her story, only wishing he would understand
Tank didn’t say a word while Stella spoke and when she finished, he stood quietly shaking his head slowly, she followed him and reached for his hands nervously fearing he might step back, but instead he held hers tightly back
- Why you never told me ….? - he asked lowly before she could pronounce any other word
- because I didn’t wish to get you involved….I … - she blushed - I really like you, Tank … I do not want to hurt you in any way … I’m sorry… I….
Stella struggled looking for the right way to express the way she felt, the correct words, the proper phrases…
… but Tank knew the perfect one ….
Continue soon....