Claudia and Gabs -2

"If ur bored come 2 garfield" said the text. Claudia read the text to Gabs, who broke into a wide smile.  The thought of going outside again wasn't high on their lists, but the prospect of male company warmed them to the possibility.

After three hours of morning ski practice, both girls had been frozen to the core. After lunch, they had retreated to Gab's room; each had grabbed a blanket and curled up in it on opposing ends of her bed, alternately chatting and scrolling through ipads and phones. When Jake's text had come through, both were ready for a diversion, which turned out to be a suggestion of ice-skating at the Garfield ice rink. Rather than heading all the way back to Claudia's house to get her skates, the girls decided that they would slide around the rink in their boots while Jake and his friends skated.

As Claudia pulled into the parking lot, she immediately spotted Jake. Since he was tall and slender with jet-black hair, it was difficult not to see him; plus, he was just so breath-taking.  That's why she couldn't figure out why he was texting her.

"Ooooh, there he is!" Gabs squealed. "Are you ready?"

Before Claudia could answer, Gabs checked her hair in the mirror and jumped out of the car. Claudia exhaled deeply, grabbed her phone, and reluctantly pulled herself from the driver's seat.

As Jake skated to the edge of the rink, he shaved the ice so that both girls were peppered with a fine layer. Naturally, Gabs squealed and began sweeping the shavings off while Claudia just smiled at Jake and said, "Hey."

"Hey," Jake responded with a half-smile, "Where are your skates?"

"Gabby didn't want to skate, so we just decided to wear our boots instead." Just as soon as the words were out of her mouth, Claudia blushed at how stupid she sounded. Why hAd she openED her mouth in the first place? She totally should have let Gabs do the talking; she was good at making the conversation flow. Now, any chances she ever had with Jake were blown completely.

"Ok, cool. Are you ready then?" Jake asked. "I'll race you to the light pole."

Relieved, Claudia exhaled deeply again.  After a half-hour of chasing around the rink, everyone decided that it was time to warm up.  Rather than head to the warming house, they all decided to sit in Claudia's car so that they could warm up and listen to music. Gabby climbed into the back seat while Claudia and Jake climbed into the front seat. Claudia started the car and put the heater on full blast.

"My hands are so cold," Jake complained, "Here feel them." Jake extended his hands, found Claudia's face and neck, and placed his hands on either side of her face. Claudia nervously giggled.  Stunned, Gabby's mouth dropped open. She couldn't believe Jake's audacity, and even more troubling was the fact that her best friend was letting this guy touch her.

As if his roving hands weren't bad enough, Jake suddenly slipped his head on Claudia's shoulder and said, "You're so sweet." Again, Gabby was astounded by Jake's intrusiveness.  He and Claudia weren't even dating yet!

While the two in the front seat continued the conversation, Gabby silently observed the dynamics between the two.  Knowing Claudia the way she did, it was clear that Claudia was uncomfortable.  However, she didn't say a word.  Gabby knew that Claudia was passive; whenever decisions needed to be made in their friendship, Gabby usually took control of the situation. Gabby, however, had not expected Claudia to be so passive when it came to guys.

Feeling uncomfortable, Gabby whipped out her phone and texted Eric, her latest love interest. "Come save me. . .feeling like a third wheel right now."

"Where u?" Eric texted back.

"At garfield. Hurry."

"Will ask. Be there soon."

True to his word, Eric arrived within minutes. Gabby exited the car, relieved to be free of the awkwardness in Claudia's car. Feeling uncomfortable without her bestie, Claudia and Jake returned to the ice as well.  Within a short while, the four decided it was too cold to stay out on the ice rink. At Eric's suggestion, the group agreed to head to Claudia's house to watch a movie.

Gabby positioned herself in the middle of the sectional; Eric casually sat next to her. Claudia shyly hugged the corner of the couch while Jake slid in next to her. . .right next to her. Claudia caught Gabby's eyes which had widened as Jake made himself comfortable. "What is he doing?" Gabby mouthed to her. Claudia shrugged her shoulders and nervously ran a hand up the side of her next.

As the movie credits began, Claudia considered the afternoon's events. Jake had been really touchy-feely, making her feel uneasy at different points throughout the day.  While it was true that the texts between her and Jake had become increasingly flirty, they were far from dating, and yet, he had been so. . .close. Yet, there was a part of her that admitted that it was nice to have some male attention.  Usually, all the guys had their eyes on Gabby. Jake's eyes had been only on her.  Pressure on her right shoulder brought her back to reality. The faint scent of Axe filled her nostrils.

"I really had a good time today, Claudia." Jake turned his head from Claudia's shoulder and looked into her eyes, "You really are sweet."

Claudia sensed that she was being watched. As she looked up, Claudia's eyes met Gabby's. With a slight shake of her head, Gabby mouthed, "What are you doing?" Before she could respond, Claudia noticed movement behind Gabby's head. The light was dim, so Claudia squinted to get a better look. Suddenly, the blood in her veins turned to ice; Gabby wasn't the only one who had been watching the exchange between Claudia and Jake. Claudia's mom was standing in the doorway. Her arms were crossed, and her expression was unreadable. Claudia swallowed hard and wondered what would happen next.