“So where does this leave us?” He asked.
“Friends?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Friends with your ex? I don’t know if that should sting.” He said. We laughed. That’s something no one wants to hear after a relationship is over. “Friends.” Zach said.
As I walked toward Liam, I saw Zach wrap his arm around Sophie’s waist. She leaned into him with a smile. That is how they should be. People would probably think it’s weird that they were hanging out at my house…but we went through something. Something that brought us together and I don’t care what people will think about it. It’s what we do that matters. And hopefully their little fight is over.
“Hey.” I said.
“Prom queen…you look like your having the time of your life.” Liam said looking me over. My cheeks hurt from all the smiling.
“I guess Tiffany did me a favor.” I said.
“It was kind of weird how she kept smiling at you when you drank the bottle.” He said eying her.
“Yeah, but she knows what she’s doing. She just wants me to have fun.” I looked over at Tiffany who is chatting to the newly formed circle everyone made. They’re all deep in conversation. “I think they’re planning something.” I turned back to Liam and leaned against the counter. “Thank you for coming. You do seem to pop out of nowhere all the time but it’s nice. You seem like a nice guy, Liam and I’m glad I met you.”
He smiled. “I know I seemed like a douche at the party, it came off wrong. I just wanted to talk to you.” He said.
“It’s fine.” I said. Everything is fine, right?
“I’m glad you’re okay.” He said. “When my dad got the call, I freaked out. It’s weird…how can something like that happen? One minute you’re here and the next something’s happening.” He shook his head. “Does it feel different…now that he’s gone?”
I didn’t think about it until now. It does.
“Yeah, it does. Knowing that he can’t hurt anyone else is the best news.” I grabbed onto the counter and stared at the granite. “I can’t stop thinking about what happened though. I knew them.”
“Emily…you understand that wasn’t your fault, right? You were just trying to protect yourself and your friends.” He said. I nodded.
“But I killed them. The only things I have ever killed were bugs. Its different…it’s terrifying.” Liam pulled me into a hug. This guy is massive. I feel like a big stuffed bear is holding me. Just like Bryan.
“They were sick people. Look at what they did to you and your family. You did the right thing.” Liam said pulling away from me. “Do you have an Xbox?” I nodded. “Good…and that doesn’t surprise me. Just let loose and forget about what happened today.” He set his shot glass in the sink. “What do you have? Barbie? Just Dance?” He said smiling. He’s a joker.
“You wish.” I said.
“Okay. So let’s go play some Xbox and have fun.” He said.
“Sounds perfect.” I said. He helped me walk over to everyone. “Alex…can I steal you for a second?” Alex turned around and walked over to me. “I have Rock Band upstairs if you guys want to play.” I called out over my shoulder.
“Sweet!” The guys hooted together.
“And Call of Duty, Gears of War, whatever you think of, I got. It’s up in my room. Bryan can bring you up there.” I said. Tiffany nudged Sophie and brought everyone with her.
Alex slid his arms around my waist gently. “I think Tiffany planned all of this out when she was tied up.” Alex said.
“Knowing her, it could be possible.” I said smiling.
Alex leaned in and kissed me softly. We stayed locked in each others arms for a while until I was feeling a little tired. The alcohol is wearing off and the pain is making its way back.
“Can you do me a favor?” I don’t want to ask but I’m getting tired.
“Depends…what do I get out of it?” I was about to answer when Alex smiled and shook his head. “I’m kidding. What is it?”
“Can you help me upstairs? The pain is coming back.” I said.
“I’m here to help. Anything you need, just ask.” He lifted me off my feet and held me in his arms. “Your room?”
“Yeah.” I said. As he walked up the stairs, I took this time to play. “Alex…when you asked what you’d get out of it…from helping me…what would you want?” I asked.
“I have a feeling this is going in a complete different direction.” He said.
“Maybe.” I traced a finger down his jaw. “Whatever you want…I’d be generous to give.” He stopped mid-step and raised an eyebrow.
“You’re pretty fun when you’re drunk.” He said.
“I’m not drunk.”
“You are. Just a little though.” He said walking again.
I wanted to say something else but Alex walked into my room and it would have been awkward. The guys paused the game and looked me over.
“Do you want to play?” Bryan asked.
Alex put me down on the floor. “No… I’m just going to lay down for a bit. Keep playing though.” I said walking over to the bed to lie down. Once I got comfortable, Sophie and Tiffany came up to my sides. I grabbed my phone and texted Christy. I said I’d call but I’m tired. The boys turned back to the TV and continued to play. The music being played soothed my mind.
“Are you tired?” Sophie asked.
“A little bit.” I said.
Tiffany took something out of her back pocket and handed it to me. The photos. I slipped those into my nightstand and gave her a silent thank you.
“So what’s the deal with you and Alex?” Sophie asked. “You guys together?” She started wiggling her brows and I laughed.
“Yeah.” I said. We are together. We’re a couple.
“How many times are you going to break my brother’s heart?” She laughed. “You guys just weren’t made for each other then. I’ll tell him to hit the road.” Sophie said grabbing a pillow. “So…lets just catch up on lost times.” Sophie said as my phone chimed. Just for the sake of it, I checked. Some friends from school want to come by and check on me. They heard the news…great.
“What?” Sophie asked.
“Alyssa and the other cheerleaders want to come by.” I said.
“Is that bad?” Tiffany and Sophie asked.
“I don’t…I don’t want people to see me like this.” I said.
The room went silent as the guys looked at me.
“Emily…there’s nothing wrong with you.” Bryan said.
I stared at my comforter. “I know…” I put my phone back on the nightstand. “You don’t understand.” I got comfortable in bed and stared at the ceiling. “I don’t hear guitar keys clicking away.” I said. “I’m fine… I’m not going to hide in here forever. I just don’t want people to see me like this…you guys were there so you’re excluded.”
They started playing again and left me in my own thoughts as the girls caught up. The guys were playing Rock Band for hours and everyone kept complaining that Zach was cheating. Liam was up against him now. It’s funny how at the pizzeria Liam said they weren’t friends…and now, they seemed like they knew each other and did this regularly.
The boys were whining and grunting when the song was coming to an end. “What the fuck, Zach! You keep cheating.” Liam said. Zach took the guitar from him.
“I’m not. You guys just suck. Anyone else want to play again?” Zach asked. Nobody got up. I sat up on the bed, resting on the headboard.
“I will.” I said. Everyone turned to look at me with surprise. I extended my hand toward the guitar. “What?”
“Are you sure?” Zach asked. I nodded. He looked around the room and I couldn’t help but smile when Alex laughed softly. “I don’t play with girls.”
“Because you’re afraid I’ll kick your ass?” I asked.
“Haha. No…I have strict rules if anyone wants to play with me.” Zach said.
“And what’s that?” I asked getting comfortable. He’s bullshitting me.
“Uh…I only play with people who have kissed girls. Listen, no disrespect but we don’t play with girls because–”
“Emily is definitely qualified then.” I whipped my head to Tiffany. There she goes again silencing a room.
“Tiffany! You’re not supposed to talk about that.” I snapped. I looked at Zach. “Hand me the guitar.” He raised an eyebrow then walked over and handed to me. “Soph, can you put my hair in a bun?” She leaned over and fixed my hair. When she moved back I felt everyone looking at me. “Stop staring at me and let’s play.” I tested out my hand on the keys. It doesn’t bother my arm so I guess I’m good for now. I went through the list of songs and chose anything that will get their eyes off me. Zach went back to his spot next to TV.
“I’ll take it easy on you.” He said. I’ve heard that before. I almost hit myself in the face with my palm. I did not just think that. That got me thinking about our first time. Yeah, definitely not awkward right now.
“You can if you want, but I won’t.” I said. The song started and I forgot about the last five seconds. I blew everyone’s mind away. I hit all the notes and got a new record high. Everyone hooted when they saw that Zach lost. “Now that’s how you play Rock Band!” I said.
“How did you win? Even on expert!” Zach turned to me. “That’s so embarrassing. And you’re…you’re…a fucking girl!” I took off the guitar and handed it back to Zach.
I leaned against the headboard with a proud smile. “That was amazing. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone I whipped your ass.” I started laughing as Zach remained speechless.
Then I felt the pain coming back. Great. I closed my eyes and dropped my head. I need to sleep. Everyone saw it but sat on my bed with a smile, waiting for answers on the unspoken topic.
“Who was she?” Bryan asked.
“Em never told me who. I think she was an upperclassman though.” Tiffany said. I closed my eyes and let my body snuggle with the cozy comforter. They want to know who I kissed. Like I’d tell them.
“She’d like to remain nameless.” I said with a smile creeping onto my lips. That was a girl to remember. We’re still friends too.
“When was this?” Zach asked.
“A party before I started high school. It was a dare. I did it.” I let out a little laugh. “She was fun.” I didn’t hear anything else about her. I didn’t hear anything period. I felt myself drift into a deep sleep.
***
I woke up and got out of bed. Everyone was sleeping. Tiffany and Sophie were on my bed and Zach, Bryan and Liam were on the floor. It’s funny how their pillows and blankets made a path to the bathroom. I didn’t see Alex though.
They stayed. Mom must have noticed we were drinking and told them to stay. She always wants to be safe.
I walked to my dresser and got out clean bra and panties. I saw pajama shorts on top of the dresser so I grabbed them and went to the bathroom. I can’t take a shower yet, doctor’s orders.
I slowly took off the pants and slid the clean panties on. When it passed the wound on my thigh, it stung but I managed to finish then I slipped on the shorts.
I forgot a shirt. I walked to my closet and looked for a shirt that was easy to put on.
“You’re up early.” That voice did things to be even before I saw him. I turned around and found Alex leaning against the closet door.
“What time is it?” I asked.
“Eight.” He said.
“Can you help me with this?” I asked holding up the shirt. He nodded. “Close the door.” He left a crack open then walked over to me. He lifted the shirt off slowly. I turned my back to back him. “The bra, too.”
Under different circumstances I would have enjoyed this a little more but I can’t complain. Alex is still touching me. His warm fingers lingered on my skin as he unclasped my bra. Then his fingers traced my tattoo slowly. My muscles tensed as he touched it but I tried to relax. He won’t hurt me.
I slid my bra on when Alex’s fingers stopped moving. He hooked it up and I turned to face him. “Thank you.” He rested his hands on my hips and kissed me. It wasn’t like all the other kisses we shared but it’s the thought that counts. He pressed into me a bit more and the touch of his hands on my bare skin was overwhelming. The fact that I can’t put both of my arms around his neck pisses me off.
He brought his hand up to my ticklish spot and I giggled.
“Are you trying to tease me?” I said moving his hand away.
“No.” His eyes are telling me a different story. “Maybe I don’t want you forgetting you have me here.” I brought him back to lips. I know what this is about.
“Is this about the girl?” I asked.
He felt him smile then he pulled away. “I’m not jealous. That was before you met me…it’s pretty hot though.” I bit my bottom lip just for him. His eyes hardened as he brought his lips back to mine. “They really want to know who she was.” Of course.
“When can I take a shower? And when do I need to change these bandages?” I asked because Alex wants to know to. He thinks kissing me will make me spill.
“You can shower later and I can take the bandages off for you now if you want?” He said. “Bathroom?”
“Yeah.” I said with a nod. I tripped on something on the floor as I walked to the door causing my right shoulder to crash the door and slam shut. “Motherfucker!” That really hurt. God!
Alex grabbed me and let his eyes check me for any damage.
“It looks okay.” He said, his eyes only lingering on me for two seconds. I caught his eye. “What?”
“Nothing.” I said.
He’s not looking at me. I mean he was but he wasn’t looking at me. I’m only in a bra, standing in front of him and he just looked at my shoulder. I’m feeling a little self- conscious right now. I have more scars.
I opened the door and studied my shoulder as I walked out. “Its red but it’ll go away.” I whispered. I looked up and saw everyone sitting up on the bed yawning. I had a shirt that I pulled out in frustration in my hand and I quickly brought it to my chest. “What are you guys doing up?” I asked walking to the mirror to check out the bandages on my body. The shorts are short enough to see my leg.
“We want to know about that party.” Sophie said. I turned toward them. “If she was an upperclassman, she’s not in Wilks anymore. She won’t know you said anything.” I sighed.
“You guys aren’t going to leave me alone about this are you?” They shook their heads. “Fine. Let me get these off and I’ll tell you.”
Alex and I walked into the bathroom where he grabbed a pair of scissors from the cabinet and cut the white bandages off. There are stitches and littler bandages on the cuts so I couldn’t really see them but I know they’re there. I’m marked. Again. I wrapped a towel around me because I’m not in the mood to put my shirt on until I see myself to see the damage. We walked out of the bathroom and I went back to the mirror. I moved the towel over my chest again and examined the cuts. My shoulder looks bluish and my thigh is really hot. I turned sideways and moved my left arm to check out the other cut on my side. It’s red. I wrapped the towel around me and walked to my bed. I’m a mess.
“Taylor.” I said as sat down. Everyone looked at me.
“Taylor Grey?” Bryan asked. I nodded. “I knew there was something weird between the two of you.”
“You make it sound like I slept with her.” I said.
“Is that how you got invited to all those parties? You were always with her and I never knew why.” Zach said.
“Yeah. This was before high school started so I didn’t know anyone. When she dared me, I did it. Then school started and she took me under her wing. She said it didn’t mean anything but she liked that I wasn’t scared to do it. I guess I have her to thank for meeting all of you. We all met at parties.” I said as someone knocked on the door. “Come in.”
Scarlett walked in.
“Good. You’re awake. Mom wants to know if you guys are going to stay longer. She
wants to talk…about dad.” She said. I nodded and she closed the door. I knew this was coming. I brought my hand to my nose. No blood. I smiled. Maybe since I got the truth out in the open I can talk about him now. Liam is the only person in this room who doesn’t know about David. I turned to him.
“Ask me what my dad did when I was younger.” I said.
He furrowed his brow. “Uh… what did your dad do when you were younger?” He asked. I waited for a headache to come, for the blood to rush out of my nose. Nothing happened. I sighed and smiled.
“He tried to kill me.” I said. Liam’s eyes widened. “Yeah, you thought my life was fucked up now. My past is so much worse.” I looked down at the bed. “And luckily for all of you…you won’t have to hear about it. And I’m actually not okay with sharing it…so…let’s try to move past that.”
“We should all get going then.” Bryan said standing up.
“How are you getting home?” I asked.
“I can bring them.” Liam said. “I don’t mind.”
I’m sure Tiffany doesn’t. She whipped her head to me and gave me a look. Okay…weirdo who I love. She smiled and my brows furrowed. Uh…
Everyone got up and hugged me goodbye.
I told them they can come by whenever they wanted and I meant it. I wasn’t in the mood to see other people but they’re okay. If they want to come by they can.
Sophie asked for my number and I hated how she didn’t have it. I didn’t have hers either. Why did we have to have that falling out? We were best friends.
Sometimes life just wants to be cruel with me.
Alex stayed with me when they left. He said he’ll leave when my family comes up. I actually didn’t mind. We’re getting personal time.
“Did you have a good night?” He asked me.
“Yeah.” I turned my head to him. “Was it weird…having Zach here?” I asked looking for something. Is he the jealous type?
He looked at me for a while. “A little but you seemed happy to have everyone around so I got use to it. And I’m not the kind of guy that makes his girlfriend choose, him or the ex.” He licked his lips. “You guys are cool with each other…right?” I nodded. Now we are. “Do I have anything to worry about?” He asked. Then he cracked a smile.
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