Signed With a Kiss

by Jessica Sorensen

  Relief trickles through me. “Yeah, definitely.”

  He smiles, but appears a bit unsure. “Do you… think we can try to be friends?”

  I almost say no, partly because of the whole neck kissing thing and partly because this is West and… Well, it’s really hard picturing us as friends. But then I think about how I basically just lost my two best friends and how I really don’t have anyone else. Not that I usually care about that.

  Maybe the day has taken a toll on me. Or maybe I’m just tired. Whatever the reason, I find myself nodding.

  “Yeah, okay. I guess we could try to be friends.”

  He smiles, but a hint of nervousness resides in his eyes. “Okay, cool.” He moves to sit back in his seat. “I’ll text you tomorrow when I’m ready to go work on your car. Hopefully, we can get it fixed in one day so you’ll have it for school on Monday.”

  “Thanks.” I force a smile, shut the door, and head into my house.

  When I step inside, I slump back against the door, the painful emotions of today trying to surface. But I suck them back and bury them, refusing to let them take control of me.

  Once I’m in control again, I push away from the door. Chatter floats from the kitchen. My brothers and sisters are probably in there, eating dinner together. Deep down, a part of me longs to go in there, longs to be the girl who could sit down and eat a meal with her family. But that girl died the day her parents died and the idea of pretending she still exists—that they’re still alive…

  As my chest constricts, I spin around and slip back out the front door. Then I go out to the garage to grab my backpack filled with spray paint. I used to be an artist, used to love to stain canvases with my soul, but I haven’t done so since my parents died. But I have found another alternative to express myself. One that I could get in trouble for if I got caught, but that’s kind of the appeal of it.

  Once I get my supplies, I leave the garage and hike down the sidewalk, heading toward the main part of town. Since I live in a subdivision that’s located a few miles out of town, it takes me awhile to get to the area where most of the stores and shops are. By the time I arrive there, I’m hot and getting sweaty, but I don’t give a shit.

  I don’t really give a shit about much of anything right now and that’s been sort of my goal for the last several months. But I allowed myself one exception to that with Blaise and Masie.

  My chest aches as I think about their betrayal, and as tears burn in my eyes, I veer down the nearest alley. I suck the tears back, though, and continue walking until I near the end of the alley. Then I drop my bag to the ground, take out a can of spray paint, and glance around to make sure no one is watching.

  Once I’m satisfied I’m alone, I lift the can to the wall, which is the side of a bank, and paint the bricks with my pain:

  Today, I learned the definition of betrayal. It’s like a prick of a thorn against my heart. The problem is, I’m pretty sure my heart was already woven with thorns, so really, did the betrayal matter?

  I’m not sure.

  Maybe one day I’ll find out. Maybe I won’t, though.

  Not everything has an answer.

  --Signed With a Kiss

  I’ve been graffetting buildings since the day my parents died. It’s the only way I can express my art any more. I always sign it the same way, but everything I spray onto the walls is different and are in random places across town. It’s really started to annoy the townspeople and the police are offering a reward for anyone who can bring in the person behind it. That should scare me enough to stop, but I can’t seem to make myself care.

  In fact, I even stand in the alley for an extra ten minutes just to see if someone spots me. But no one does and I walk away, feeling just as empty as I always do and with my heart tangled up in thorns.

  Always with thorns.

  Well, always may not be the correct word. There was a brief moment today when I wasn’t so focused on the thorns tangled inside me. When West kissed my neck.

  My fingers float to my neck as I remember what it felt like to have his lips touch my skin, but then I quickly lower my arm to my side.

  What am I doing? Daydreaming about West?

  I hastily shove thoughts of West aside and focus on the thorns in my heart again. Because while they’re painful, they’re sometimes easier to deal with.

  But my thoughts become distracted by something else as I pass by a parking lot in the back of the local grocery store.

  Standing near an old, rusty truck surrounded by a rough looking crowd of people is my older sister, Annabella. She was actually in the car with my parents when the accident happened and has been really messed up since then, both mentally and physically. She used to be a dancer, but her leg is now so jacked up she walks with a limp. And she’s been beyond bitchy, not that I have room to talk.

  Still, as I see her take a bottle of what looks like Vodka from a guy standing beside her, I realize that maybe my sister is worse off than anyone realizes.

  I watch her for a moment, debating whether to go over there, but eventually she walks away with the guy, heading in the opposite direction of me. I think about chasing her down and lecture her about drinking, but really, what right do I have to that? I’ve been arrest more times than I can count on one hand and I’ve got paint splattered all over my boots, remnants of what I was just doing.

  So I walk off, trying my best to ignore the guilt.

  To ignore everything.

  West

  It’s bugging the hell out of me as I drive away from Alexis’ house. That sad, hurt look in her eyes… I can’t stand it. While I know I won’t be able to take her pain away, there is one thing I can do. Will it get me into trouble? Yep, probably. And if my dad finds out, he’ll beat my ass. But I’m used to that sort of crap, the anger my dad directs toward me. Deep down, I’m convinced he hates me. Maybe he does. Who the hell knows and honestly, I don’t care anymore.

  Just like I don’t care about my friendship with Blaine anymore. Ever since he became the star quarterback of our high school team, he’s turned into a cocky asshole. We used to be best friends, but lately I’ve been distancing myself from him. And this will give me even more of a reason too.

  I drive straight from Alexis’ to Blaine’s house. His truck is in the driveway so I know he’s there. I send him a text before I hop out.

  Me: Meet me outside.

  As I’m hiking up the driveway, the front door to the house opens up and Blaine walks out. I keep my cool pretty well until Masie steps out behind him.

  Mascara is smeared all over her face and her eyes are swollen. Clearly, she’s been crying, but I don’t care. Masie is a stuck up snob and a terrible friend to Alexis. She’s always trying to change her and is constantly pointing out her flaws. And now she’s hooked up with Blaine. Not that I’m surprised. They’re both perfect for each other. Plus, Masie always gets what she wants no matter who gets hurt. Trust me, I know firsthand about the damage Masie can do just to get what she wants.

  “You’re seriously with her right now?” I say to Blaine as I start up the porch.

  Blaine’s forehead creases as he glances from Masie to me. “Yeah… Why do you sound so upset about it?”

  I roll my tongue in my mouth, biting back my irritation. “Do you even care that you hurt Lex today?”

  “Why do you care about this so much?” Blaine asks with an arch of his brow.

  “Because Lex and I are friends.”

  “Since when?”

  I inch toward him, the boards creaking under my boots. “She’s just as much my friend as she is yours. Honestly, after this, she’s probably not your friend anymore.”

  His expression falters. “Look, I don’t know what she told you, but I didn’t lead her on or anything. I’ve always made it clear I just want to be friends with her.” He rubs his hand across his head, letting out a loud exhale. “Things just got so messed up.”

  “Ya think?” I say with a raise of my brows.

  He sighs. �
��Look, can you just talk to her for us. I mean, I know she’s not a big fan of you, but it seems like you’re the only one she’ll talk to.”

  I shake my head. “If you want to talk to her, convince her yourself.”

  Masie steps forward and laces her fingers with Blaine’s. “West, please just tell her to talk to us. We know we messed up, but it’s not our faults that we like each other and she likes Blaine.”

  “You should’ve told her,” I tell Masie. “You’re her best friend. She shouldn’t have found out the way that she did.”

  “I know,” Masie agrees. “But all I can do is apologize. I can’t even do that, though, if she won’t talk to me.”

  “Why do you need to apologize?” Blaine says to Masie. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  I shake my head in annoyance. “She stabbed Alexis in the back.”

  “It’s not Masie’s fault Alexis likes me.” A trace of a smile tugs at his lips. “And honestly, can you blame her? I’m pretty damn hot.” he tries to joke.

  My hands ball into fists. “Are you being serious right now?”

  Blaine holds up his hands in front of him. “Dude, chill. I’m just trying to lighten the mood. Although, I still don’t think me or Masie did anything wrong. I know Lex’s feelings are hurt, but it’s not like I was dating her.”

  Hearing him call her Lex is what makes me snap.

  I ball my hand into a fist and take a swing, my knuckles colliding with his jaw.

  He trips back, landing on his ass on the porch and clutching his face. “What the hell is wrong with you man?” he shouts at me.

  “Jesus, West,” Masie screeches, tears falling from her eyes.

  I step toward Blaine. “You’re an asshole. That’s what my problem is.”

  Blaine’s lips part to say who the hell knows what, but the door behind him opens and out steps his dad, who’s dressed for work in his police uniform.

  Yeah, did I forget to mention Blaine’s dad is a cop.

  “What’s going on?” he asks as he glances at the three of us.

  “West just sucker punched me,” Blaine gripes, getting to his feet.

  Blaine’s dad looks at me and then back at his son. “You want me to take him in?”

  Blaine looks at me, his eyes cold. “Yeah, I do.”

  I shake my head, but I’m not surprised. Back in the day, I would’ve been. But like I said, Blaine’s changed a lot over the last year or so.

  Blaine’s dad gives a nod then turns to me. “Come on, West. If you cooperate, I won’t handcuff you.”

  “I don’t give a crap about the handcuffs.” No, what I give a crap about is later when my dad hears about this.

  Luckily, right now, he’s on a business trip, so I have a few days to try to come up with an excuse that won’t get my ass beat. Not that I believe there’s one that exists.

  As I walk away from the porch beside Blaine’s dad, I cast one final glance at Blaine.

  We’re done, he mouths.

  I give him a thumbs up. I totally agree.

  My dad is a well-respected lawyer in this town who has a lot of connections and that’s probably why Blaine’s dad decides not to take me into the station. Instead he drives me home, but truthfully, I’d rather have gone to the station.

  “So what were you and my son fighting about?” Blaine’s dad asks me as he steers into the neighborhood where my house is located.

  Most of the houses on the street are at least two-stories and have three car garages. My house is one of the biggest and nicest, but it’s all a show. Everything about my life is.

  “A girl,” I mutter, trying my best not to breathe through my nose and breathe in the stench of the backseat of his patrol car.

  “Isn’t it always?” He nods understandingly as he turns into the driveway of my house. “My advice, though, is for both of you to move on from the girl you’re fighting over. Your friendship is important to Blaine and I wouldn’t want to see that ruined because of some girl.”

  Some girl? Alexis is definitely not some girl. Just like mine and Blaine’s friendship is no longer important.

  Just like I know he more than likely is saying this so that he can stay on my dad’s good side and keep on receiving those big, fat donations my dad gives the police department every year.

  But I nod anyway. “Yeah, okay.”

  He smiles then climbs out of the car and opens the door for me.

  I climb out, massaging the hand I hit Blaine with.

  “I’m going to let you take this from here,” Blaine’s dad says, glancing at the front door as my mother steps out, a look of disappointment on her face. He waves at her then moves to get into the car. “You should put some ice on that hand. It’ll keep it from swelling.”

  I nod and stand there as he backs out onto the road and drives away. Even when he’s long gone, I don’t budge.

  Maybe if I just stand here, I’ll disappear.

  “Get inside. Now,” my mom says, crushing my hopes of sudden invisibility.

  Sighing, I start toward the house. When I reach her, she shoves me inside, shaking her head.

  “So what did you do this time?” she asks, slamming the door behind us.

  I shrug. “I punched Blaine. But in my defense, he deserved it.”

  She glares at me. “Is he going to press charges?”

  I shake my head. “I don’t think so.”

  “Well, good.” She smoothes her hands over her hair and then across the front of her dress. “I have some guest coming over tonight. You can stay in your room. Delilah will bring you dinner.”

  Delilah is our maid and used to be my nanny until I got older. She’s more of a mother to me, though, than my own mother.

  I turn for the wide stairway, confused because she’s letting me off so easily.

  “West, this isn’t over yet,” she calls out. “I’ve got other things to do right now, but later, I’m going to talk to you about this. And you will be punished.”

  I smash my lips together, wanting to scream, but all I do is nod and silently walk up the stairs, knowing there’s no use arguing about it.

  But while my punishment is probably going to be brutal, I don’t regret punching Blaine.

  Not at all.

  Partially because I care about Alexis and partially because at this point I’ve become numb to my parent’s punishments.

  About the Author

  Jessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

  Also by Jessica Sorensen

  Honeyton Alexis:

  Signed With a Kiss

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Honeyton Zhara:

  Discovering Benton

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Honeyton Annabella:

  The Illusion of Annabella

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Simply Chaos Series:

  The Simplicity in Chaos

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Rebels & Misfits:

  Confessions of a Kleptomaniac

  Rules of a Rebel & a Shy Girl

  (untitled) coming soon)

  Enchanted Chaos Series:

  Enchanted Chaos

  Shimmering Chaos

  Untitled (coming soon)

  The Breathing Undead Series

  Breathing Lies

  Shadowed Whisperers (coming 2019)

  My Cursed Superhero Life:

  Grim

  Cursed

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Capturing Magic:

  Chasing Wishes

  Chasing Magic

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Chasing the Harlyton Sisters Series:

  Chasing Hadley

  Falling for Hadley

  Holding onto Hadley

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Standalones:

  The Forgotten Girl

  Tangled Realms:
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  Forever Violet

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Curse of the Vampire Queen:

  Tempting Raven

  Enchanting Raven

  Alluring Raven

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Unraveling You Series:

  Unraveling You

  Raveling You

  Awakening You

  Inspiring You

  Fated by Darkness

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Unexpected Series:

  The Unexpected Way of Falling

  The Unpredictable Way of Falling

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Shadow Cove Series:

  What Lies in the Darkness

  What Lies in the Dark

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Mystic Willow Bay Series:

  The Secret Life of a Witch

  Broken Magic

  Stolen Kisses

  One Wild, Crazy, Zombie Night

  Magical Whispers & the Undead

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Standalones:

  The Forgotten Girl

  The Illusion of Annabella

  Confessions of a Kleptomaniac

  Rules of a Rebel and a Shy Girl

  The Heartbreaker Society:

  The Opposite of Ordinary

  Untitled (coming soon)

  Broken City Series:

  Nameless

  Forsaken

  Oblivion

  Forbidden (coming soon)

  Guardian Academy Series:

  Entranced

  Entangled

  Enchanted

  Entice (coming soon)

  Sunnyvale Series:

  The Year I Became Isabella Anders

  The Year of Falling in Love

  The Year of Second Chances

  The Coincidence Series:

  The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

  The Redemption of Callie and Kayden

  The Destiny of Violet and Luke