Maxine

Chapter 9

I almost forgot how we got stuck in this awkward situation in the first place. Standing chest to chest, locked in a closet with a clock counting down the seconds. I could barely see his face, if it wasn’t for our chests pressing up against each other, I would have thought I was alone. I secretly knew that this was driving Angie insane. She has been crushing on Jason from pre-school and now having to stand outside, knowing that we were dared to make out until the timer runs out.

My heart was drumming loudly against my ribcage and it almost felt as if it was going to pop through my chest. What made me play this stupid game in the first place? I was bad at turning down a dare. Now, I am stuck in a closet with my best friend and the same boy I was in love with since forever. If I let him kiss me, I’ll either lose him as my best friend or gain him as my boyfriend. Either way, things were going to be awkward.

He could tell that I was nervous. I didn’t say a word since we got locked in here by his teammates from the soccer team. “We don’t have to do this,” Jason suggested. “We can just tell them that we did kiss, I can see it makes you uncomfortable.” He noted.

I could do that but deep down I wanted to kiss him. It has been my wish for a very long time and now, that wish was going to turn into a reality. “I don’t back out from a dare; you should know that by now.” He chuckled. I know I was acting bold but I was shitless scared. I don’t know the first thing about kissing a boy. He would be my first.

“And look where it got you.” He closed the final piece of the distance separating our faces.  He brushed the side of my face with a soft touch of his fingers as he curled a piece of my hair behind my ear. I watched him lean forward, my heart rate picking up when our lips touched. My eyes fluttered close at their own record as his lips pressed up against mine. Soft, plump lips moving against mine and for a second, I didn’t want it to end. I don’t want to imagine him kissing other girls or where he has learned to kiss but it felt amazing.

I touched my lips and for a moment, I could still feel the shape of his lips pressed up against mine and the tingles running over them. It might have happened sixteen years ago but I can still remember every single detail of that day.

I cringed at the sharp, early morning sun peering through the window when I peeled my eyes open. I frowned when I heard the faint sound of a shower running. I rolled over feeling utterly confused, groaning at my quick movements. I took in my surroundings and almost started to freak out. I pushed the blankets down when I can’t remember what happened last night. I found myself dressed in an oversize t-shirt, I pulled it up and sighed in relief when I found myself still wearing my underwear. “Where the hell is my dress?” I muttered, gazing around the room when two perky ears across the bed caught my attention.

I smiled and patted the bed softly. They made a whiny sound followed by a bark before jumping onto the bed and crawled over to me. He nuzzled my palm and bumped his head against my hand begging for me to pet him. “Hey, boy.” I greeted, skimming my hand over his head and scratched him softly behind his ears. He rolled over onto his back, gesturing for me to rub his tummy. At least I wasn’t abducted, they usually don’t keep friendly pets. Or worst, end up back in Mark’s bed.

I slid my legs off the side of the bed and stood up. My surroundings started to spin and I took a moment to gain my balance before crossing the room. I placed one foot before the other and slowly made my way out of the room but a door suddenly opened, startled me and I stood frozen in place.

My jaw went slack when Jason came strolling out of the bathroom wearing only a towel that was wrapped securely around his hips. He froze when his gaze connected with mine. He was definitely not the boy I used to know. Broad shoulders, well-defined six-pack and big bulging arms. High-prominent cheekbones and a strong jawline. His eyes were the only reflection of who he was. Scars were scattered all over his chest. It was no secret that they were caused by bullets. I felt suddenly sick to my stomach.

“I-uh. Was just on my way out.” I mumbled, taking a step back not noticing the bags behind me on the floor. My foot caught on one of the straps and before I could gain consciousness, my body went limp and I fell over the bag. My back hit the floor on impact and every living cell in my body, cringe including my ribcage. I wish I could disappear and maybe if I open my eyes, this would all have been just a dream.

I peeled my eyes open and found him hovering over me. His lips were moving but I couldn’t hear a sound. “What?” I asked, trying to lift my head.

He reached out to cup the back of my head in his hand. “Ow,” I mumbled, slapping his hand away. “I’m fine,” I muttered, pushing him away from me as I sat upright.

“Could you put on a shirt? You are distracting me.” The words were out before I could take them back. His chuckle made my ears perk up and a flush crept across my cheeks.

“Hangover? Or the hit to your head?” He asked, standing up when he noticed that I wasn’t going to accept his hand to pull me up.

“Both,” I mumbled, watching him walk over to his wardrobe where he pulled out a shirt. I looked away when he pulled out briefs and slid them on. I wasn’t being immature. I wasn’t a virgin or sixteen anymore. I had a husband for six years. I was just remembering my good manners and gave him his privacy even though I was dying to know if his ass was well-defined like the rest of him.

I grabbed onto the edge of the bed to pull myself up, I winced at the continuous loud knocking against my skull. “Please tell me that we didn’t do anything last night except for sleeping.” I pleaded, holding onto the side of my face and massaged my pulsing temples.

“I’m no gentleman but I don’t have s*x with a woman who is passed out while intoxicated.” I looked at him, surprised by his remark. “Passed out? How much did I have to drink?” I questioned, standing back up and surveyed the room for my dress. I chose to ignore the part where he doesn’t call himself a gentleman.

“Quite a couple. You and the boys took over since Ryan and Rachel left the wedding.” I just shook my head at myself, wishing that I knew what the heck was happening to me. Maybe I was hitting the bottom a lot quicker than I hoped.  

“And my parents couldn’t take me home or you couldn’t have dropped me off?” I queried.

“You chose to stay behind when they told you that they are leaving. They left me in charge of taking care of you.” I shut my eyes. “Of course, they did.” My mom couldn’t have another child after me. If she did, it would have been a huge risk for either her or the baby. Jason was like a son to them. Whenever Aunt Amy came over to visit my parents, she brought Jason along and we would spend hours together. I think that’s why we grew so close. A strong bond formed between us and neither of us could walk away without ripping out each other’s hearts.

“I’m going to be sick,” I muttered, holding my hand against my stomach and the other over my mouth. I didn’t even hear him reach for something, I found him kneeling in front of me with a bucket between his hands. He helped me up from the bed, making sure I kept my head angled over the bucket as he escorted me to the bathroom.

He sat by my side, running comforting circles over my back without saying a word. I guess it’s safe to say that I now know what happened to my dress that I was wearing last night.

 .