Anthony gets pushed into multiple metaphorical corners

Bonnie, Mack, and Allison were all over at Anthony's house for a physics study session. At least, that was what they were calling it to justify lounging around and chatting. Anthony certainly was not getting much studying done. Bonnie was dressed in a tight, black and white striped shirt that showed off her upper half impeccably. It took all his strength not to stare at Bonnie like a complete pervert.

"So Anthony," Allie said with a giggle. "Tell us about your garden!"

Anthony began to stammer.

"Garden? What garden?"

"Mack told me you're helping some old lady plant a garden. He said it blossomed overnight!"

Anthony shot Mack an angry look. Mack just shrugged.

"Erm, yes. It was kind of freaky. One day, there was nothing, the next a whole bunch of red flowers."

Bonnie looked incredulous. Whereas Anthony was a computer geek, she was a bio nerd. She had a keen scientific mind and was always a skeptic.

"It's been less than a week! I don't think that's possible, especially this early in the season. You're messing with us, right?"

Anthony shook his head.

"I'm telling you the truth! One day there was nothing. The next, boom! flowers."

A cold, no-nonsense voice suddenly spoke up.

"That raises a question. Why are you here and not helping Mrs. Odenfell?"

Anthony's mother Patricia stood in the doorway, glaring at Anthony. She was a tall, slim woman with sharp features and icy blue eyes. She was dressed in a prim charcoal pantsuit fitting of her position as a corporate shark.

Anthony began to stutter, trying desperately to come up with an excuse. His obvious fear might have been embarrassing if it hadn't been shared by every one of his friends.

"L-L-Lynn said she didn't need any help, mom."

"I somehow doubt Mrs. Odenfell said that. I want you to be there tomorrow at four thirty on the dot to offer assistance where needed. You made a promise."

No, you made a promise, Anthony thought.

"Yes, mom."

With that, Patricia Maxwell disappeared up the stairs, leaving the group of teenagers in an awkward gloom. For almost a minute, they all sat in silence. Finally, Mack broke the tension.

"Are you really going back there? After, well, you know?"

Anthony gave his friend a hard look.

"After what?" Bonnie asked, suddenly looking concerned.

"Nothing!" Anthony said quickly. "I'm getting something to drink? Does anyone want water? I'm getting water?"

Before Anthony could find out what anyone else wanted, he rushed to the kitchen. He desperately needed a breather. He hated how his mother humiliated him in front of his friends. Even worse, he would now have to go back to Lynn Odenfell's house when he clearly was not wanted.

Suddenly, Anthony became aware that he wasn't the only one in the kitchen. He turned around and saw Bonnie.

"Hey," Bonnie said.

"Hey."

Suddenly, Bonnie pulled Anthony in for a tight hug. She smelled of vanilla and mint. Anthony could feel the warm softness of her body. He could feel desire pumping through his veins.

"I'm sorry," Bonnie said, pulling away after several seconds. "Your mom can be a real jerk sometimes."

"Yeah, she really can," Anthony answered. "Thanks for the hug. I really needed it."

Bonnie smiled brightly, "of course!"

God, she was beautiful. When she smiled, it felt like a ray of sunshine was filling the room.

"So about this magical garden of yours. I have to say, I'm curious. Skeptical, but curious."

Anthony chuckled.

"I swear it's true! I've never seen anything like it. They're really pretty flowers too. They look almost exotic or tropical or something."

"Well I do need a desk plant," Bonnie said with a wry smile. "Hint, hint, nudge, nudge."

"Of course!" Anthony said, running his mouth before he processed what he was saying. "Why don't I get you one tomorrow? You know, to prove my case. You get to do science and have a desk plant."

"What more could a girl ask for!"

They both laughed hard, just like they had when they were little kids. Anthony knew he was blushing, but he didn't care. He was here with the girl he loved, joking around and having fun.

"Well I'm going to let you finish 'getting water'. Just come back when you're ready. We all understand."

"Thanks," Anthony said. "Bonnie, you really are the best!"

Bonnie smiled and returned back to the living room. Anthony didn't realize it, but she was blushing just as hard as he was.

He poured himself a glass of water - he couldn't come back empty handed, even if his friends knew why he really came to the kitchen. That would just be weird. That's when it struck him.

"Fuck, now I have to get her one of those damn flowers."

Anthony panicked for a moment. What if the flower did the same thing to Bonnie that it did to Lynn? The thought excited Anthony, but also terrified him. What would Bonnie say if she got doused in poison pollen from a flower he gave her? Especially if she found out he already knew what it was capable of.

Calm down, Anthony. Just clip the flower and shake it out real nice. Then it'll be fine!

Feeling reassured, Anthony returned to his friends. He was feeling better. A lot better. If he could pull this flower off right, it could be a great start. And if a little residual pollen got on Bonnie...it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, right?