This chapter is dedicated to KLNHeartbreaker97 who has been with since my first day on WP. Thanks for all your support, votes and many insightful comments XD.

My First Kiss

"Mom, can I ask you something?" I swing myself onto the barstool at the kitchen island to join my mother who is fixing dinner, cutting the carrots for the stew. I hope she is making her famous German style Goulash, a recipe from her own mom, grandma Gruber.

She glances at me fondly. "What is it honey?"

I give her a roguish smile. "There is this girl in school, Melanie, and I really want to ask her out for the Valentine dance, but I'm not sure how to do it." I look at her expectantly. "I mean, you are a woman - what are men supposed to say when they don't really know the girl yet?"

Her laugh is light and reminds me a little of the wind chimes outside the kitchen window. "She is probably just as nervous as you and will say yes the minute you ask her. Just be yourself and things will be fine."

My expression is doubtful. "I don't know, mom. She has experience."

My mother frowns. "What type of experience?" She glances at me. "How old is this girl anyhow?"

There is a firmness in her voice which I don't appreciate - it is not her place to question me about things like that. After all, she is only my mom.

Yet, I don't feel like arguing with her. "I heard she kissed boys before. She turned fifteen a couple of weeks ago and I'm just not sure if she is interested in a guy who is younger than her."

My mother tosses the carrots into the pot and starts on the onions. "You are almost fifteen Brent, and if she really wants to go out with you, it shouldn't matter."

I secretly agree with her, maybe I am just obsessing about it too much. "Have you ever dated a boy who was younger than you?"

For a second, her piercing blue eyes darken. "I only dated one man other than your father, if you could even call it that. He was the son of a business friend of your grandpa's and a few years older than me and we went out a few times. Then I met your dad and that was the end of it."

I remember my father telling me that my mom was only seventeen when they became a couple. "Was it love at first sight?"

A sad smile twirls her lips. "He swept me off my feet." For a moment, she pauses chopping the onion into small pieces. "He was very different back then, charming and caring. A real gentleman who would have done anything to make me happy."

I am not sure what she is implying but I don't like the criticising hint in her voice. "He hasn't changed that much and really loves you." I wanted to add that she can be a bitch at times but didn't want to be disrespectful, keeping my opinion to myself.

The knife comes down hard on the onion. "If you say so Brent."

There is an awkward silence while I watch her assault the vegetables. A few strands have come lose from her ponytail and partially hide the bruise on the side of her face - she mouthed off yesterday when my dad complained that she missed a spot in the bathroom and he had to put her in her place.

Afterwards, he made her clean the tiles with a toothbrush and I have to admit that the whole place is really clean. She shouldn't always try to oppose him when he was right - it would make things so much easier for her but it is just like he has always said - most women are hardheaded.

I figure that dinner is not ready for at least another hour and decide to ask Melanie before the little bit of courage I mustered up after my chat with my mother left me again. She only lived three blocks away and I swing myself onto my bike, taking off - a man on a mission.

There is a chilly nip in the air and the sky is steel blue without a cloud in sight, the setting winter sun coloring the horizon into a deep red. The salt from the nearby ocean teases my nostrils - I love living in Quantico so close to the sea but am still itching to get away from my dad after high school. We have been doing much better recently and my beatings are cut to a minimum since I have been avoiding winding him up most of the time but we have had a few smaller arguments about my future.

He wants me to join the military and then study right here in Virginia, while I want to live on my own for a while in one of the bigger metropolitan cities - Boston perhaps or maybe Chicago. I have long given up reasoning with him and come up with a plan that doesn't involve him.

Melanie's house is a small bungalow in a quiet street, set little ways off the road. With every step I take, my courage dwindles until it has almost vanished by the time I reach the door. My hand is hanging in midair for at least a minute until I am finally brave enough to ring the doorbell.

Her dad opens, giving me a good once over. "Can I help you?"

"Y-Yes," I stutter, feeling my face flush like a ripe tomato. For a second, I am thinking of running off but don't want to seem like a coward.

"Is Melanie home?" I finally press.

His brows knit together. "And you are...?" he inquires, his face not remotely as friendly as it had just been a minute ago.

I straighten. "I'm sorry, sir, that was thoughtless of me." That earns me an amused chuckle. "I'm Brent Parks. I'm in Melanie's year."

"Parks?" He briefly squints in thought. "Your dad works for the bureau, right?"

I nod. "Yes, sir."

His expression softens. "Let me get Melanie for you."

I'm left outside and my desire to just desert the whole plan is growing stronger and stronger. I could just pretend I forgot what the latest math assignment was all about and not invite her to the dance. She would probably just blow me off anyways.

I hear them whisper in the background and then Melanie appears in front of me. Her mom is peaking out the side window to get a look at me as well and I shuffle my feet, utterly embarrassed.

"Hi Brent," she says coyly with a small smile. "My dad said you wanted to talk to me."

"Yes." I can't hold her gaze and observe the tip of her shoe, my face burning hot again. "I-I..."

She waits patiently for me to continue and I finally raise my head and gaze into those beautiful blue crystals that remind me of the turquois of the ocean on a summer's day.

I muster up all my courage. "I know it's really short notice but I wondered if someone already asked you to the dance on Friday night?" I talk so fast that I am not even sure she can understand me.

Her giggle is just like my mother's and I am totally smitten with her. "Kevin asked me but I declined because I really wanted to go with someone else."

My heart plummets into my stomach and the little bit of bravery I had left after my daring question is hiding somewhere undetectable. If she didn't want to go with Kevin, there is no way she will agree to come with me. Kevin is much more popular and most girls think he is cute.

There is an awkward silence and I study the metal plate of the doorbell like it is the most interesting thing. It was a stupid idea to come here.

"Well, I'll better go than," I finally mutter.

This time it is her who blushes and drops her gaze to the ground. I narrow my eyes, confused by her reaction. Girls are really the strangest creatures, how is anyone supposed to figure them out.

"I was hoping you would ask me," she mumbles really low and I have to strain to even hear the words.

"Are you serious?" I blurt out, my heartbeat back in action. I'm conscious that there is a terrible amount of spit in my mouth, which I am trying desperately to get rid of.

A silent nod, accompanied by more blushing. I think it's adorable, I really like shy girls. I wouldn't have it any other way, those pushy broads in school really scare me.

"Well, I would like to take you to the dance," I confirm and damn my voice for sounding squeaky. Judging from my burning face, I'm not sure who is the winner in tonight's crimson competition but I don't care anymore. My heart skips a few beats when she gives me a bashful look and affirms that she would love to be my date. We agree that I would pick her up at seven on Friday night.

My heart is racing all the way back home and I bounce into the bedroom as soon as I get home, still in a daze that I would really go to the dance with Melanie Montray. I have never felt happier.

xxxx

I arrive at her house a few minutes early on Friday night and after a close inspection by her mom and dad, my father is allowed to drive us to the school. Melanie looks stunning in her rose colored chiffon dress and I proudly slide my arm around her waist when we present ourselves for the photograph.

Next she insists on joining her friends with their dates at a table which doesn't suit me at all. Patrick and Ronnie are on the other side of the dance floor with their respective dates and I would much rather be around them but give in grudgingly to make Melanie happy. Kevin is amongst them and gives me a nasty look.

The next half hour is dreadful. The girls hop around on the dance floor, mostly giggling and being silly mixing with groups of guys while I sit on my own since I don't really like to dance. This whole thing is going on my nerves and I feel an inner unrest rising.

After a trip to the buffet, I seize the moment.

"Why don't we take a walk?" I suggest.

She purses her lips. "It's dark outside," she pouts. "And cold."

Her words irritate me but I continue to be a good sport. "Come on, just a few minutes," I beg, giving her a hopeful grin. I would not be trying to kiss her in public in case she rejected me and needed to get her somewhere alone.

She finally agrees and I take her hand. It is actually quite chilly and pretty dark, the moon hiding behind thick clouds. When I notice her clattering teeth, I wrap my arm around her and she shyly rests her head against my shoulder. I feel on top of the world, ready to take this to the next level. I'm lost for words and we walk in silence, my heart beating in my throat. I don't ever remember being more nervous.

I lead her around the bleachers and actually find the boys' locker-room unlocked. It smells musty like sweat and old socks but it is still much warmer than outside. The room is only lit by the emergency lights over the door and it glows a little mysteriously. I have no clue what to do and remember Patrick's words.

'Just pull her into your arms and plant a kiss on her lips. As soon as she opens her mouth, you stick your tongue in. It's simple.'

I am just hoping that Melanie will cooperate and allow me in. I obediently tighten my embrace and gaze deep into her eyes like I have seen in the movies. She shivers in my arms and I'm not sure if she is still cold or just as anxious as I am.

I bend forward and gently press my lips on hers. She goes all rigid but after my tongue hits her teeth, opens up wide enough for me to pass. I stay in her mouth for a good three seconds before withdrawing, feeling really awkward. She blushes when our eyes meet.

I try again and this time, it goes much smoother. I am actually enjoying the tender touch of her tongue and indulge in the moment. This is even better than I thought. When my body reacts, I quickly pull away, not wanting her to notice that I got a boner.

"Maybe we should go back," I mumble.

She seems somewhat relieved. "Yeah. We could get in trouble if we are out here for too long."

Hand in hand, we return to the gym, my thump caressing her upper hand. Her eyes are glowing and she has a small smile on her lips, I think she liked our kiss. Just before we go in, I plant a small peck on her forehead.

"Does this mean we are boyfriend and girlfriend now?"

She shrugs. "I guess."

Her confirmation puts me back on top of the world and I possessively keep a hand on her hip when we get back inside. This time, I insist to sit with Patrick, Ronnie is nowhere in sight. Melanie soon engages in an animated conversation with Cara while I quietly fill Patrick in on the events of the night. He pads me on the back, congratulating me on my first kiss.

All is good until Kevin decides to show up.

"Do you want to dance Melanie?" he asks.

Melanie glances at me. "Sure, why not?"

My eyes go wide when she takes off with him, soon jerking to the music on the dance floor in a larger group. I glare at them with a sullen expression, my anger rising as more minutes pass. I don't appreciate at all to be left behind, especially since she didn't even ask for my permission. This was a real disrespectful thing to do and the fact that she is ignoring me and seemingly is having a good time with someone else doesn't sit well with me.

When a slow song starts, I have enough - my girlfriend is not going to dance with another guy. I jump up and dart over to them, grabbing Melanie by her wrist. She must know I'm pissed and without any protest, I drag her along until I get her alone in the corridor.

"What the hell was that?" I hiss. "Are you trying to make a fool out of me?"

She squirms under my furious eyes, not able to hold my gaze. "I was just dancing with my friends."

I pin her against the wall, laying down the ground rules. "From here on forward, the only one you will be around is me unless I say otherwise. Understood?"

There is fear in her eyes when she nods. I press my lips hard against her and take what belongs to me, forcing my tongue into her mouth and holding her struggling body in place until I am done. She won't get another warning, the next time I would show her who was in charge in this relationship.

I didn't know there wouldn't be a next time. She refuses to talk to me for the rest of the night, huddled in a corner with one of her girlfriends, sulking. I mostly ignore her, chatting away with Patrick and Ronnie about baseball.

To my surprise, her father picks her up an hour before the dance is finished and she takes off without saying goodbye which infuriates me. When I get back home, I have a text on my phone saying that she changed her mind and doesn't want to be my girlfriend after all. It's a shock - I am totally at a loss. I seriously can't figure out what I might have done to upset her.

OK guys, Brent's first kiss and first outburst. With fourteen, he is still totally oblivious to what people might think of him when he gets angry, something he will soon learn to cope with.

In the next chapter, we will jump ahead by about 18 months and learn all about this first relationship with Ruth McIntyre (thanks KLNHeartbreaker97 for giving her the last name).

Please let me know how you liked this chapter and whether it was believable since things did change quite a bit since I was young XD . Bear in mind that Brent is very shy and has had very little interaction with the opposite sex and due to his father's strict rules, he is somewhat uptight.

Comments are always appreciated as are votes, so get your thoughts on here and please push the star button in the corner if you liked this chapter.