by Raathi Chota
“He’s only a player if you let him play you,” I stated, then pushed the doors open.
“Lana, how long are you gonna keep doing this?” he asked.
“As long as my mood lasts.” I threw my arms up in exasperation. “For now, I’m done.”
I walked down the stairs and saw Carter in his truck smoking a cigarette. Ethan leaned against the truck with a cigarette between his lips.
“So, what? We’re done?” Benny asked as I froze. Carter and Ethan heard, and they turned to me. I slowly spun around to see Benny sulk.
“I’m giving you space,” I stated. “So you’ll know how it really feels to miss someone that you care about.”
With that, I turned around and walked toward the truck. Ethan opened the door for me, and I got in without hesitation. He got in as Carter threw out his cigarette and started the truck. We drove, and I glanced at the side view mirror to see Benny in the same position.
***
I thought we’d go to Ethan’s house, but instead, we arrived at his cottage. I got out of the truck still confused as to why we were here. Naturally, we parked on the side of the cottage, but I looked opposite at the sign.
“Why are we here?” I asked. Nobody answered me as I spun around to face the cottage. My shoulders dropped as I saw Blake get off his motorcycle.
“What are you doing here?” we asked in unison.
“We can’t hang out if you two don’t sort out your problems,” Ethan stated as he folded his arms.
“Where’s Aid—”
“BOO!” the familiar voice of Aidan Rowley exclaimed beside me as he jumped up from the back of the truck. I let out a high-pitched scream because I thought someone would attack me.
“Dude, you were in the back of my truck?” Carter asked as Aidan jumped out of the truck.
“Well, duh. I wouldn’t miss the chance of seeing this place again,” Aidan stated as he pointed at the cottage.
“Come on. My dad wants me to check this place agai—wait! What happened to the lock?” Ethan demanded as he saw the chains on the ground. “Shit, he’s gonna be pissed. Come on.” He gestured to Carter and Aidan. They walked into the cottage, and I bit the inside of my cheek in the hope that they wouldn’t find the utility hole.
“You’re doing it again,” Blake pointed out as I turned. “Biting the inside of your cheek.”
I stared at him with a questioning look on my face, to which he sighed and stepped forward. He looked up at me and bit his bottom lip.
“Look, I’m sorry about yesterday. I was drunk, and I didn’t mean what I said to you. Also, I’m sorry for acting like a jerk and for Kelly even being at my house,” he said. “I’m also sorry for coming to your house and yelling at you like that. I shouldn’t have done that right after you’ve experienced something so upsetting.”
“When will it be the last time you say sorry?” I whispered.
“I don’t know,” he mumbled.
“What do you mean you don’t know?” I bit the inside of my cheek.
“I-I can’t explain, but I’m saying sorry in advance,” he mumbled as I frowned.
“You’re gonna hurt me again, and you’re doing nothing to prevent it from happening? What is it?” I swallowed the lump in my throat because I didn’t want to cry.
“I can’t tell you, baby girl. But just know that I’m really sorry, and I really care about you,” he whispered as a tear rolled down my cheek.
“Blake, plea—” He cut me off as he pulled me in for a hug. A hug or being comforted by someone sort of triggered the feelings to come out. I fought back the tears because I didn’t want to be weak. I didn’t want to cry again. The front door of the cottage creaked open, and Carter, Ethan, and Aidan awkwardly walked out. Ethan and Carter looked at us, but Aidan was oblivious to what had happened. I sniffled, then slowly pulled away. I quickly wiped my tears as they stood in front of Carter’s truck.
“These cookies that I found in one of the drawers of the kitchen are so good,” Aidan said as he held up the bag.
“Dude, what if it’s expired?” Carter asked, and I noticed that he had a box of condoms.
“What if the condoms that you left here expired?” Aidan spat out crumbs.
“Condoms don’t expire,” Ethan said as he squinted his eyes at the two. He turned to Blake and me with a panicked look. “Right?”
“Just go, you three! We’ll meet you at the house,” Blake said as I lowered my head. Two minutes later, they drove down the road toward Ethan’s house while Blake and I were alone. Great. If we got into another fight, he’d leave me. “What’s wrong?” he asked after a while.
“Nothing,” I mumbled. I didn’t know how or why, but my arms wrapped around him again, and I leaned my head on his chest.
“Don’t lie. The whole day you never smile or laugh, and that’s saying something because both of those things look beautiful on you.” He placed his palms on my cheeks. “Who do I need to hurt?”
“No one. It’s fine, but thanks.”
“You know, I built you up well in these six months.”
“What?”
“Before the bet, you were a nobody. You let people walk over you. Remember our conversation in there? And then we fell asleep?” He tilted his head toward the cottage.
“Y-yeah, how could I forget?” I chuckled.
“In these six months, we’ve done stupid, ridiculous things. I might’ve not done the whole bucket list with you, but we took chances. We took risks, and I managed to bring out the side of Lana Willson that nobody had ever seen,” Blake said as he stroked my cheek. “Now you’re standing up for yourself, not letting anyone walk over you or stop you from doing what you want.”
“Levi might’ve shown me everything, but you, Blake Gunner, you taught me how to feel, how to control it, but you brought out the bad side of me, which I hated,” I admitted, which was true, because even though Levi taught me how to smoke, Blake made me crave it. He made me addicted to things and brought out a complete opposite to the Lana Willson that everyone knew.
“Well, you try to see the good in people. I look for the bad to see if they’re strong enough to defeat it,” he said, then let go of me. Blake held my hand as we walked to his motorcycle. We got on, and he started the engine. As we drove to Ethan’s house, I thought about what he apologized for in advance.
We arrived at Ethan’s house and found the rest of them in the cinema room. Aidan demanded that we have a movie night, so we each decided on our favorite movie. I wanted Tiffany to come so that there’d be another girl, but Aidan said she had a family function. I sensed Carter told the guys about Benny and me because they tried to cheer me up. It made me think of the bet when everything didn’t go to hell.
***
When I fluttered my eyes, I saw the screen in front of me. I placed my hand in front of my face and rubbed my eyes. Then I put my hand down, but the surface was smooth and warm. I raised my head to see that I was on Carter and his arm was wrapped around me while the other hung loosely. He was asleep, and I looked around to see Ethan curled into a ball on the sofa. I slowly got up, and Carter moved under me. I towered over him as he opened his eyes and ran a hand through his hair.
“Morning,” he said in a raspy tone. I smiled, then looked around to see Blake awake, on the sofa next to us. Aidan was in front on the ground asleep with an empty box of pizza beside him.
“Morning,” I said to Blake, who smiled and waved. Carter stood up and stretched. He looked at Aidan, then flung a pillow at him. Aidan stirred and waved us off as he turned to lay on his stomach. I looked at the time and saw that it was almost twelve. I couldn’t even remember how we fell asleep, because after we watched Carter’s choice of movie, we talked.
“Aidan, wake up,” Blake said as he continued to throw pillows at him. One hit Aidan’s butt, and he farted.
“Really?” I whined.
“That woke me up,” Ethan said in his morning voice, which was thick and groggy.
“Oh no, I did it agai
n,” Aidan said as he looked at the empty pizza box. “I ate in my sleep.”
I laughed as he placed a hand on his stomach with a cautious look. Ethan told us to stay for brunch, and it was superb. Aidan and I ate pancakes with Nutella. Afterward, we hung out in the basement. Aidan and Ethan played a video game while Carter, Blake, and I played pool. I’d never played it before, and I versed Blake, so Carter helped me out, but I still lost. Wow. Carter then took me home since Melissa texted me about a sleepover tonight.
I got home, and Dad was there. He asked where I was and I said to Ethan’s, which resulted in no further explanation. I showered and decided on a black pleated skirt and black floral top. Levi wanted to FaceTime, and I gladly accepted. I sat at the desk with my laptop open while music played.
“Yeah, every day when we’d walk home from elementary school, the old guy from down the street with one eye came out and yelled at us. It was shit scary, man.” Levi shivered.
“All the kids in the neighborhood were afraid of him.” I laughed at the memory.
“Yeah…hey why did you call the other night?” he asked. I knew that topic was bound to come up.
“Err…my finger must’ve slipped. Sorry for waking you,” I mumbled.
“Your finger slipped at three in the morning, and I heard your loud breathing. What’s wrong, princess?” he asked with a concerned look.
“Nothing. I’m all right.”
“I can see right through you. Now tell me what’s wrong.”
“Benny and I had a little argument, okay? No biggie.”
“No biggie? What the hell did he do?” Levi demanded.
“Nothing. Like I said, we just had an argument,” I said, then took out my phone.
“So I guess you haven’t talked it out?”
“Yeah,” I mumbled, then went into Instagram since Miranda sent me a private message.
Miranda: Dis bitch tho.
I raised a brow to see that she sent a picture too that someone posted. I tapped it and saw Britney’s page and her recent post. It was of her and Benny at the diner yesterday, and the caption said: Besties.
Lana: The hell? She spoke to him once this year!
I shook my head and put my phone down, then saw Levi sitting in his car. He lit a cigarette, so I took a screenshot. We did it all the time to each other.
“Hey, what song is playing?” Levi asked as he exhaled the tobacco.
“Err…”Robbers” by The 1975.” I looked at my Spotify.
“Oh,” he said, then wiggled his brows as the song played. I covered my face with my hands in embarrassment because the whole album played in his car when I let him take my virginity. I removed my hands to see Levi sing along to the lyrics. I laughed as he belted out the words, and my cheeks reddened. Suddenly, the door flew open, and Blake entered, singing along. My eyes widened as he walked over to me. Levi stared wide-eyed as he leaned into the phone. Blake stood behind me and wrapped his arms around my neck. We swayed and went with the beat of the music. The song ended, and we laughed. I stood up and walked to my overnight bag. Blake sat down on my chair and greeted Levi.
“What are you doing here?”
“Heard you’re going to a sleepover. Melissa asked me to take you since you don’t have a ride,” Blake replied.
“Where’s my daddy?” I blurted out.
“Right here, princess!” Levi exclaimed, then laughed with Blake. My cheeks reddened, and I mentally slapped myself.
“You guys suck.” I pouted as I put on a sweater.
“You swallow,” they said in unison.
“You spit,” I stated with a smile.
“You choke.” Levi smirked as I stood beside the desk.
“You blow,” I said.
“You gurgle,” Blake snorted.
“Not for free,” I said, and they laughed. Levi spoke about Jaden and his parties while I bent to sit down. I told Blake to shift up, but he shook his head and instead pulled me onto his lap. I tried to get up, but he locked his arms around my waist. “How are your parents?” I asked since Blake took out his phone.
“They’re good. My mom can’t wait to come back to Illinois again,” Levi responded as he ran a hand through his hair. Blake waved his phone in front of my face, and I saw the picture of Benny and Britney. I rolled my eyes and pushed his phone away. “I gotta go meet a friend soon, so I’ll check you guys later.”
I nodded, then looked down to see Blake’s left hand stroking my thigh while the other went under my skirt. I bit the inside of my cheek as I gripped his wrist.
“Don’t you want to make him jealous?” he whispered in my ear as his hand went in between my thighs. I got goosebumps as his hands touched my skin. My eyes suddenly dropped, and I leaned my head back on his shoulder as he caressed my thighs.
“Err…guys, I’m still here.” Levi’s voice snapped me to my senses, and I pushed Blake off the chair.
“Love you, see you. Bye,” I said, then shut the laptop. I turned to Blake with a glare, but he smirked.
“You know…your dad just left when I arrived.” He bit his lip. “You can make Benny so jealous; he’ll be on his knees begging for your forgiveness, baby girl.”
I eyed Blake up and down, then walked toward to him. I rested my palm against his chest and looked up at him while the corner of my mouth twitched up.
“Really?” I asked as he wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Yeah.” He smirked, and I felt his hand go down toward my skirt. When he was about to go under, I raised my hand to slap him. With his quick reflexes, he took my hand and pulled me forward so that our chests were against each other. “Even I saw that coming, baby girl.”
I huffed and pushed myself from him. I put on a black cardigan and combat boots, then grabbed my phone and bag. We walked out of the house, and I hopped onto Blake’s motorcycle so that he could take me to Melissa’s house.
***
Blake
I walked down the hallway on a Monday morning even though I didn’t want to be here. I was pissed, which meant I’d be pissed the whole day. Momma came back from Greece yesterday, and she wasn’t happy with the place, so we had to eliminate any whiff of drugs, sex, or alcohol. I turned the corner to see Carter and Lana by her locker. Friday was fun with her; it’s been a long time since the five of us spent time together. She had to fall asleep on Carter’s shoulder. Ethan said he should take her to his room, and we’d sleep in the cinema room, but he insisted that he didn’t want to wake her. For crying out loud, she’s a heavy sleeper. Carter could’ve left her on the sofa, but instead, he positioned her on him. I approached them and took in Lana’s appearance. She wore a big black crewneck that looked familiar, blue ripped jeans, and ankle boots with her glasses. She looked beautiful in anything, and I was glad that one day she’d dress like a cutie, then a badass.
“Hi, Blake.” She smiled, then hugged me. I returned the gesture and wrapped my arms around her. I loved it when we hugged.
“Hey, man,” Carter greeted, and I forced a smile then shoved my hands in my pockets.
“Did you guys do the Physics homework?” Lana asked as she went through her book.
“Nope,” I said.
“Yep,” Carter replied. She gave me a look, then turned to Carter. I leaned against the locker and blocked them out as they spoke about the answers. The bell soon rang, and we strolled to class. We took our seats with Carter next to me and Lana opposite by the window. The teacher annoyed me. His ways and how he’s so carefree.
“All right, class, take out your homework!” Mr. Gorton announced as he came into the classroom. I leaned back in my seat and sighed.
“I have your pop quizzes from last week, and most of you did well,” he said. “Oh, and Liam. It’s 2017. Quit writing 2016!”
“Sorry, Mr. Gorton, still have to get used to it.” Liam shrugged as he took the paper.
“You are the stupidest person I have ever met,” Austin stated as he stared at Liam.
“Hey, you got a little bullshit on y
our lips,” Liam said as he pointed at Austin’s mouth. Everyone laughed as the two glared at each other, and I shook my head in amusement. I turned my head to look at Lana, but the teacher cut off the view.
“Where’s your homework, Blake?”
“Didn’t do it.”
“Is this going to become a regular thing? If so, I’m going to call your mother again.”
“Again? Why the fuck did you call her the first time?”
“She called me because she wanted to know about your grades. But I think I’ll call her again because you just swore at a teacher.”
“You’re not even a proper teacher. You let people fight and cuss in class. I’ll rather be in Mrs. Singleton’s classes instead of being taught by an inexperienced teacher,” I hissed and watched as Mr. Gorton’s eye twitched. I smirked because I knew I’d pushed a button. Like the first day, he placed a hand on either side of my desk and crouched down so that we locked eyes.
“I don’t remember asking for your opinion, but since we’re sharing how we feel…I think you should get out of my class and come back when you’ve dropped the attitude, Gunner.”
As soon as those words came out, I shot up from my seat and walked out of the class. I walked down the empty hallways and decided what to do for the rest of the period. I saw movement at the periphery of my vision. I looked over my shoulder to see Parker with a girl. I squinted my eyes as I slowly approached them. She frowned and furiously shook her head. I watched as Parker pulled her arm and turned his head. I followed his gaze and saw the janitor’s closet. My jaw clenched because the little fucker still hadn’t learned his lesson. The thought of him doing it to Lana once broke me. I wish we met earlier in life and I’d be the one who saved her. As he opened the door, I walked over and pulled back on his collar. When Parker spun around, the girl ran off, and I took the chance to shove him in the closet. He landed on a shelf. I huffed as I pulled off my leather jacket and nicely hung it on a hook.
“B-Blake, come on. You know we’re cool, right?”
