Chapter 6: Understandments
Luckily, I turned off my cell phone before I went to bed last night. When I woke up after sleeping until 10am, I had 20 texts and messages on my phone. Instead of listening to them, I checked my missed call log and saw that many of them were from Thrace. I headed to the shower to clear the cobwebs from my head and got ready for my karate class. I drove myself to class and left a little early to avoid a scene if Thrace decided to come pick me up. Because I was early, I headed to the track and actually found Rafe doing warm-up laps. I fell in step with him when he came around.
He tentatively inquired, “How’d you sleep?”
“Like a baby. I was out like a light bulb after I got interrogated by my parents.”
“I take it Thrace got busted. Any sightings of him this morning?”
I shook my head and increased my pace, “I didn’t bring my phone with me today, and I turned it off last night after I talked to Clio.”
We finished up a mile before we headed to class. No surprise, Thrace was not in class. He also would not have been happy that Rafe took his regular place next to me in the front row. Both Key and Jazz were amused by this turn of events and shot me questioning looks that indicated we would be having further discussions later. Class was the perfect antidote for the previous night. Although my concentration was slightly disrupted when Rafe asked me if I wanted to go check out the Urban Archeologist place. I answered in the affirmative because it sounded interesting, and it allowed me to avoid Thrace—not because I got to hang out with Rafe. After class, it was Key’s turn to spar Rafe, which gave me time to go home, shower again, and change because Rafe said he would pick me up at 2pm.
I heard a knock on the door at exactly 2:00 and was hoping that it was Rafe and not Thrace. My luck today apparently held, and we left in his Explorer. First off, Rafe was one of those guys that opened car doors as well as any other doors for a girl. Although I could in fact open my own door, I found it very chivalrous. I asked how his sparring match with Key went and he replied, “Well, she doesn’t have a career in military interrogation like Jazmine does. She seems like a lovely person. You are lucky to have two such good plane friends. I would like to meet Clio someday as well if she ever comes to Detroit.”
I smiled fondly at his observation and replied, “I have definitely been blessed in my friends, that is for sure.”
Rafe tentatively inquired, “Do they have the same level of drama that seems to follow you around?”
I raised my eyebrow at him and commented, “Half that drama could be laid at your door, I think. The other half is typical once a month drama that definitely had a twist on it this time around. But no, Key tends to be a serial monogamist, and she generally chooses guys that are pretty stable—hence her checklist. Jazz goes through guys like fast food, but she never gets real attached to one in particular.”
We arrived at our destination, and I became utterly fascinated by the building. It was The Grand Army of the Republic Building, which was one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in all of Detroit. It was five stories high and looked like an ancient fortress. I think my mouth must have been hanging open as I said, “Nice Digs.”
“Wait until you see the inside. It’s like going to another era as soon as you walk in the door.”
I jumped out of Rafe’s SUV and headed for the GAR front door. Rafe opened the front door for me while guiding me through with his hand on the small of my back. As we walked in, I felt like I was stepping back in time to the 1800’s. They had kept true to the castle like feel with their large antique furniture in dark wood. There were framed civil war memorabilia as well as weaponry hanging from the walls. However, the turret spaces were decorated with pieces that looked like they were perfect for kicking back and relaxing with a book. Rafe let me gawk for several minutes before he started to introduce me to the Director of Detroit Urban Archeologists (DUA). Dr. Admetus was a retired professor from University of Michigan’s College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
When I went to shake his hand after our introduction, I remarked, “I knew I should have worn my Spartans shirt.”
He laughed like I hoped he would and commented, “Well, this just means I got my work cut out for me to lure you over to the dark side. If what Rafe tells me is true about your love of architecture and restoration, there is no finer program in this area of the country than UM.”
I smirked and teased back, “Your first mistake is assuming what Rafe tells you is true, and your second is that I am staying in this area of the country, Dr. Admetus.”
Dr. Admetus laughed and replied, “Touché, Calli. There is nothing I love more than a challenge, unless it’s a volunteer.”
“Well Dr. A, this is your lucky day, because I am a definitely a challenge, and I would like to be a volunteer.”
“It was wonderful to meet you. I’m off to an appointment, so I will let Rafe show you around. We look forward to working with you as well as the other students from DAI.”
Rafe led me to one of the empty turret spaces, so we could check out the view. He had his hand at my back again. As I looked back at him, I saw him shaking his head at me, “Is it your goal to charm every male you come in contact with or am I just imagining it?”
I stopped and turned to face him. “I try to save my charms for the unattainable, unavailable, or uncomplicated. It’s less messy that way.”
Rafe leaned against the turret wall as he gazed down at me, “Hmm….which do you think I am—unattainable, unavailable, or uncomplicated?”
“None, which means I truly haven’t tried to charm you.”
Rafe’s eyes sparkled as he asked, “Will you warn me before you do try to charm me? I don’t think I’m equipped to withstand that type of assault.”
“As soon as you prove to me that you are unattainable, unavailable, or uncomplicated, I will take a shot at it.”
He stepped in front of me and held my eyes in his thoughtful hazel gaze, “When I met you, I was both unattainable and unavailable. I just don’t know what my status is anymore. Dr. Admetus was wrong. You are not a challenge. You are a Siren.”
“Whereas you are a charmer who could probably tempt a nun to sin.”
Rafe’s husky voice ran over my skin as he took one of my hands in his, “What if I only want to tempt you?”
My voice and eyes turned serious as I gently removed his hand from mine and stated the obvious; “I have a previous commitment that far outweighs my five day friendship with you. And until I manage to figure out what to do about Thrace, I can’t afford to fall under your spell. So keep your thoughts in the friendship realm for now. We clear?”
Rafe took a step back and stated, “If by clear you mean that I am absolutely on board with the mixed messages we keep sending each other, then by all means, we are crystal clear.”
I let out an exasperated sigh, “As long as we have an understandment.”
Rafe’s eyebrows raised, “A what?”
“Understandment. You know, an understanding and an agreement.”
“Then, yes, Siren, we definitely have an understandment.”
“Now, can you give me an actual tour and run down on what areas we can volunteer in?”
Rafe led me to end of the corridor of the turret room to check out the rest of the first floor. “Your wish is my command, Calli.”
My gaze traveled upward to admire the beautiful ornate ceiling. Rafe talked me through the history of the building, the architecture, and the renovation that had taken place to return it to its former glory. The beautiful stone castle was designed by Julian Hess and was completed in 1890. The building was created for Civil War Veterans of the Union Army.
Once I absorbed as much history as I could, Rafe introduced me to various volunteers and a few employees that worked in the GAR building. DUA was a non-profit corporation, so they had several events and fundraisers a year to help continue their work. I asked Rafe if he thought Dr. A would consider teaching a class at our high school and
incorporate working at DUA as part of the curriculum. We could even research the historic buildings as part of the class. Rafe seemed supportive of the idea, but didn’t know whether Dr. A would have enough time on his hands. We wandered around all five floors as I continually stopped to admire this breathtaking space. We ended up sitting in the top turret as I kicked back and grilled Rafe about everything and anything DUA. Several volunteers passed by and joined in the conversation or showed me what they were currently working on. I was like a kid in a candy store.
Around dinnertime, Dr. A came back wearing jeans and a UM t-shirt. He said he had ordered pizza for the group, so we headed to the dinning room to hang out and gab about the status of their current projects. Rafe grabbed me a Diet Dr. Pepper and a Mt. Dew for himself. The volunteers recapped the progress they had made in their various projects. They were doing a Parcel Survey of one area of Detroit, researching the history of a particular neighborhood, and restoring a historic theatre. I sat back and tried to absorb all the different activities. I raised my hand to ask a question, and everyone laughed at me.
Dr. A chided me with an amused tone, “Calli, you don’t have to raise your hand to ask a question here.”
I sassed back, “Dr. A, my grandma was strict about not interrupting anyone while they are speaking.”
Dr. A laughed at me again and replied, “Your grandma was right, but you can wait for a pause in the conversation and jump in then.”
“I’m sorry. I hadn’t noticed any pauses in the conversation, Dr. A.”
Of course, that made everyone laugh as Rafe said, “She’s got you on that one Admetus.”
Dr. A laughed and asked me politely, “What can we help you with Calli?”
“Our school is big on having us take classes where we can apply our knowledge to actual real world settings. I was wondering whether you or one of your staff would be interested in teaching an elective if I could set it up next semester. Since school starts on Monday, I think this semester is out of our reach.”
Dr. A pondered my request before he finally said, “I think the DUA could handle teaching a service-based learning class at your school. It wouldn’t always be one person teaching every day. Maybe you could even raise money to buy a particular building to rehab, then the school could sell it or kept it at the end.”
“Wow. I never thought of that. We could raise money and target certain DAI parents that are in construction to help out with some of the cost.”
Dr. A smiled and replied, “I will start a list of properties that might fit the bill for you.”
“Thanks, Dr. A. Do you have some publicity material on your organization that I could present to my school board?”
“What do you need? We have brochures, our website, informational packets. We even have a documentary created by one of our UM film majors about one of our rehabs. I will have Rafe give you what you need before you leave.” And then the group was off to the races again with 10 different conversations going on.
After we were done eating, Rafe took me down to the reception parlor where all the materials Dr. A talked about were located. He switched on the TV and the DUA documentary started to play. I immediately became engrossed in the show. Rafe did make several attempts to draw my attention away from the DVD with his outrageous flirting, but I just rolled my eyes at him. When the credits were rolling, I gave him back my attention. An amused smile played across his lips as he said, “You have complete tunnel vision when you want something, don’t you?”
I tilted my head and replied, “Yes and no. Tunnel vision implies that I see nothing else, but the end goal—that is not true. I see the 50 things I have to do to get to the end goal. So, it’s more like spider web vision.”
“Alright, Spider Woman, let’s get you home before your parents start to worry.”
I got home about 8, and I said good-bye to Rafe in the car. I thanked him for the amazing day as he commented, “Somehow, I think the amazing part was because of the setting and not my company. Someday, Calli, when you are ready, that will change. I promise you.” Then, he kissed my hand and gave me his best wicked grin.
I replied in a calm voice that didn’t mirror how fast my heart was beating, “We’ll see, Sparky,” as I bolted out the door and went into my house. As I shut the front door, I leaned back onto it until I got my heart rate and breathing back to normal.
Since my parents were not home, I went upstairs to write in my journal about today. As I entered my room, I had to stop and literally shake my head to see if my vision needed clearing. My whole ceiling was covered in different colored helium balloons. Each balloon had a message on it in Thrace’s handwriting. I started pulling the balloons down to read them. They had messages like, “I’m Soooooooo Sorry! I’m a Big Tool! Please Forgive Me! I Love You. I’ll Do Anything.” There were probably close to 100 balloons. Then, I looked on my bed, and there were two sold out concert tickets to Seymore Save the World for next weekend sitting on a t-shirt. It had an arrow pointing to the right that declared, “I’m with Stupid.” My cell phone was under the t-shirt with a post-it note that said, “Please call me, Calli.”
I laughed and sat down on my bed to think. Thrace or Rafe. Rafe was charm and mischief, but I still knew so little about him. Thrace had been my hero growing up and the love of my life. Was I ready to give him up just because of a few bad days? I would call Thrace and listen to him before I made that decision.
I picked up my phone and hit speed dial 3. Thrace immediately picked up like he had been waiting by the phone. “Calli! Oh, thank God. Would you please let me come over and grovel in person? Please?”
I hesitated before I said, “Fine. Come over.”
“Thank you, Calli. I’m on my way.”
He managed to get to my door just as I was opening it, which was pretty impressive. He was out of breath though, so I just led him to the kitchen and got him some water. I finally asked, “How were you able to decorate my room and get those tickets while being grounded?”
He came toward me like he was going to hug me, but I stopped him by putting my arm out to stop his progress. “My mom un-grounded me for the duration of my mission. I told her how I flocked up, and if I didn’t do something extraordinary, I was going to lose you for good. You know mom adores you.”
“Thrace, I need you to really think about things for once before you just decide that I am what you want, because there are times that you sure don’t respect me.” Thrace kept shaking his head back and forth to disagree with me, but I continued. “You are a senior. It is perfectly natural to want a girlfriend that will be able to party and mess around with you like you want. I am not that girl though, Thrace. Even with your 21 steps, I am still not going to be that girl.”
Thrace took my hands and captured my gaze, “Is it my turn to speak, now, Calli? I can live without both of those things, but what I can’t live without is you. I can’t believe I pulled that crap at the house. I guess I thought because you seemed so relaxed and that you were really having fun for once that was ok. I know that you deserved better than that. Please, forgive me for the whole night.”
“You lost some of my trust last night. I even played by your rules during spin the bottle so you wouldn’t freak, and what did you do? Made out with Siena and Tiffany.” Apparently, I was starting to channel Clio, Jazz, and Key.
“That was just a game, Calli. I swear.”
“And if Rafe had kissed me the way you kissed your ex-girlfriends, you would have tried to beat the crap out of him.”
Thrace nodded his head and said, “True. He definitely did the stand up thing. Can we just forget last night? Start over this year. Start fresh. I promise no pressure about drinking or sex. I will even write it down. Nothing is the same without you by my side, Calli.”
In the end, there wasn’t much to think about. As charming as Rafe was, my heart still belonged to Thrace. It was definitely bruised, but he was my Prince Charming. I finally said, “You will write that pledge down, and you are on probation.
Plus, you are going to have to accept that I have a guy friend. Jazz and Key are gonna make sure Rafe sits with us and is friends with us. So, you might want to work on that jealousy thing as well.” Then, I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him.
He kissed my forehead and did the pick up hug where he lifted me off my feet and twirled me around. He finally set me down and kissed me. It felt safe. It felt like home. I let him hold me for a while just taking comfort in his presence. I finally let go and took him by the hand to the den. I told him all about my plan to work with the DUA for the upcoming year as we snuggled on the couch.
My parents got home about 10:30. Thrace kissed me good night on the doorstep and made me promise I would come over after church tomorrow. I asked my parents about their part in my room surprise. My mom just laughed and said, “Believe me, that was all Thrace with a little help and money from Honey. You don’t actually think your father would encourage any boy, even Thrace.” Dad just grumbled, “Whatever he did, you best let him know that I’ve got my eyes on him again.”
I laughed and replied, “I will let him know.”
When I got upstairs, I completed my nightly beauty rituals and found that I missed a text from Rafe. “2 roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the 1 less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Flock it. How does he know just how to get me--to make my stomach churn--to doubt myself? I could even see his sarcastic grin as he sent that. I just replied, “U Suck! That was not nice! I Luv that Poem!”
I took a picture of my room and sent it to Jazz and Key and told them they had to come over after church to either help me pop the balloons or help me release them. They texted me back that they would come over to help if they got all the details. When they arrived the next day, we decided for every good deed Thrace performed, I would give him back one of the balloons. When I had no more balloons, Thrace would be off probation. We called Thrace over and walked him through his probation. He accepted it, and we made him sign his contract with his misdeeds that would be given to my dad to see if he broke the contract--that more than anything scared the flock out of him. Then, the girls called over the basketball players to hang out on our last night of freedom. We played Boxers or Briefs, which is kinda like Apples to Apples but much funnier until my parents kicked everyone out with a, “You realize this is a school night, Falcons.” We all groaned and all the boys being mighty seniors had to go into a chorus of remarks about ruling the school before they were booted and booed out the door.
Just as I was about to go to bed, I got a call from Rafe. He started by asking me all these dorky school related questions, and I always answered with totally inappropriate responses about the dress code (wear only togas), our classes (15 minutes long), the cafeteria food (all vegetarian), and our teachers (all male models) that he pretended to believe. As expected, he asked about Thrace, and I gave him the scoop. He sighed, then asked me if I wanted to go meet with Dr. A because he thought they had a building picked out for me. I was totally on board, and we planned to meet after school at the GAR building. He reminded me that I would probably want to make an appointment with our Superintendent, School Board, and PTA to get on their agenda. I thought that was a little rushed since I didn’t have any of the details of the building or a presentation ready, but he convinced me that by the time they would get me on their schedule we would have that all completed. I told him since we were both juniors that I would volunteer to guide him through tomorrow, and I got a wicked laugh with a, “My guardian angel.” I hung up with a smile on my face. My junior year was not gonna be boring.