Unexpected Abode: Part 1
**Author's Note:**
The weathered abode situated at the end of a sleepy cul-de-sac in Milton Avenue had never known the company of residents. Memories of households were nonexistent for most locals, as the derelict house sat idle. Its mailbox stood forlornly on the street, a memento of its owner's absence. The yard was a jungle of overgrown vegetation, a testament to time's relentless march. Graffiti and decay consumed the once proud edifice.
Seamlessly fitting into the peaceful environs of the neighborhood, this gloomy home seemed out of place. The once grand two-story building was a Rothko of melancholy; gray, sad, and foreboding. Its location brought visions of a violent abrasion in an otherwise harmonious setting. Decayed wrought iron fencing stood stoically, welcoming those who dared enter.
Inheriting the moniker of a creepy, mysterious building, it was a hotspot for urban legends and adolescent dares. The inevitable sights and sounds diluted the neighborhood's spectacular views. For brief moments, this residence became the site of laughter and screams as childhood adventures were forged. But only the gate adjoining this edifice saw the most visitors; the house remained unexplored.
Fears of imminent collapse always quenched the children's curiosity. The eerieness of the structure being eaten by decay was pervasive yet elusive as each generation of kids grew up. This home simply persisted through the decades, proving the folklore wrong.
Convictions are fleeting in adulthood. As children grow, they forget the things that once captivated them growing up. Relationships, places, or events fade as time elapses while treasured memories diminish. Often, we experience this period of forgetfulness unknowingly. Maybe it's the place we played piano as a kid, or the tree we swung on, or the house that always fascinated us.
**
Tonight was one of those nights where the desire to stay awake trumped the need for rest. Even on a school night, my final year of high school, I continued to stare at my beloved Lord of the Rings. Would the world of hobbits and their epic journeys always reside in my heart? It was an adorable, amusing thought.
A new world of magic, romance, and dark forces had assaulted my senses that winter. George R.R. Martin's grand finale had failed to satisfy me. But J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel offered a respite from the disappointment. Companionship, bravery, mentoring, and love. A heroic journey to save his beloved home. The quintessential story. What about the romantic figure Tom Bombadil? Was there room for him in Tolkien's masterwork?
"Aren't you sleeping, son?" My dad asked in his deep voice, peeking into my room, still wearing his dark blue uniform from patrol.
"Yeah, I'll sleep soon," I murmured, rubbing my eyes. A quick glance at the alarm clock revealed 2 am.
"Remember, there's more to life than books, my boy! Why not take a break and try to charm some girls?" he chuckled.
Besides checking in and offering his wisdom to his offspring, my father habitually inquired about my well-being on these late nights. I was an introvert, more content spending hours in isolation than engaging with people. So, it was a tender moment when he would talk to me, no matter the hour.
"I'm not ready for that, dad," I responded, tucking my book beneath my pillow for safekeeping.
"If you were mobile," Dad joked, "you're all grown...but not too grown to have a little fun."
"There are degrees to not being ready." I quipped, sighing.
**
By the time I turned nineteen, the house on Milton Avenue had been forgotten. It remained on the outskirts of my consciousness. The appetite for personal growth supersedes nostalgia, and my childhood homes became memories, then fainter recollections. Few stood out. A rundown home. A deeply seated fear Halloween decorations evoked. This old, crumbling, festering place. But in the slow trace of infinity, the silence, the looming sense of dread, it endured. In silent obsolescence, it kept vigil. Even as my heart matured, its memory hung on, a bittersweet memento moldering in my mind. The house in the cul-de-sac would be the last vestige of my childhood, that childhood with its playground bullies, popsicles, and the dreaded pop quizzes I stumbled through. And I'd only remember this one home.
My father, who had witnessed the milestones of my early years, sat next to me, a shadow of his former self, as he listened to the tale of an age gone by. "There's no harm in musing about the past, son," he said, "just remember, that was only a part of you."
Dad had his perks, but he admitted them with a look as if he were going through a checklist. "Retirement plan for one," he said, peering into the room as if scrutinizing his list. He was a practical man, and his son knew it. Sometimes a little too much. Yet that's what made Dad such a great guy.
"Well," Dad repeated as he prepared to leave. "I'll let you get some rest. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Dad," Logan replied, yawning for the third time in a row.
Morning for this boy was straight out of a horror movie. His mom raised an eyebrow as Logan shuffled downstairs, knowing damn well he'd been up all night getting his nerd on. While mom was pretty and kind in her own right, she could be a bit judgmental at times - especially when it came to her nerdy son. Marrying a football player in high school, working as a cop, and all around a man's man, Dad certainly had a more traditional vision for Logan's life. Hence the masculine name - Logan. But, Logan couldn't be what his parents wanted him to be, even with his father's piercing blue eyes and nerd-chic scruff.
Standing before the microwave and staring at his reflection, Logan realized he wasn't homely or scrawny - just average. Average with a side of dorky. A nerd, if you will. However, he did inherit his father's sharp blue-gray eyes, rendering glasses useless.
Mom couldn't stand seeing him this way; she would've preferred he turned out like his father, a high school football star turned cop. That didn't happen. Zach and Jeremy found out Logan wasn't all that tough during their first encounter and made him pay for his definition of bravery. Dad tried talking some sense into their parents, who were powerful men running the show in town, but they were on their sons' side no matter what. The cops didn't stand a chance either. So, Logan learned to keep his mouth shut and put up with his sufferings. Year after year.
But Mom wasn't the cold-hearted bitch he'd made her out to be in his mind. She was a creative, kind person who unleashed her imagination every time those first snowflakes fell. She'd even clean off her steps to create flawless winter landscapes and fill Logan's head with fairy tales. Despite her job as a secretary, she had her office under control. And every Halloween, she'd fashion a costume that bubbled with imagination, likethat Harry Potter one she made for him. Logan had wished he could tiptoe and pretend to be clumsy, keeping his mom's effort a secret, but his plan went south when Jeremy defiled the costume.
As if it were a magical day, it was the last day of the year before Christmas - aka winter break - and Friday. A chance to evade his high school enemies: Zach and Jeremy, as well as any other idiotic jocks at school. Two blissful weeks of reading books, gaming, and anything else he desired.
In fact, there was a party happening this weekend that Logan was kicked out of - no invitation, no attendance. Whether or not it was because Zach and Jeremy knew him, or if it was because he was just Zach and Jeremy's target, the result was still the same. Logan would be at home. His usual life. [While his mom could sometimes come across as cold or judgmental, he realized she wasn't and had orchestrated lovely memories despite her occasionally-disapproving gaze. His mother was a creator who made angels in the snow, a compassionate soul who taught him the art of survival, and a doting mom who tailored Harry Potter costumes for her son. Christmas vacations never felt more homely or relaxing. But, despite the house feeling entirely void of any guests, he still had his books, his games, and the excitement of the entire Christmas season to occupy his mind. Dad operated as a practical man and made retirement plans, but even on these special days, he would be forever softened in Logan's heart.]
"Toast or pancakes, honey?" Mom inquired, looking at her sleepy child. "You should get more rest."
Logan's feeble attempt to conceal his yawn failed miserably. Big and excessive, his yawn left a mark on his parents' hearts, revealing a strife-filled night. It was December 23rd - the last day before the winter break, a celebration of time at home, free of bullies like Zach and Jeremy. Logan couldn't picture himself at that party or anywhere else except for within a well-loved book or his favorite game.
"So, did you finish that math assignment, Logan?" Robert inquired as we stood by the bus stop near the spooky house with its unkept garden.
"Sure did," I replied. It may have taken me a while, though.
"Could I, uh, take a glance at it?" He asked humbly, as he often sought my help. Perhaps it was because I was considered smart despite not really being that smart, just having nothing better to do.
I hadn't had the most positive interactions with Robert, but he was one of the more decent jocks. He hadn't ever shoved me into a bathroom stall to lock me in or taken my money for cigarettes while I went hungry. There was even a time he shared a project with me willingly, though he probably did it to avoid doing any work. But at least Robert exhibited some remorse afterward and praised my efforts, even when they were far from exceptional.
"Go ahead." I said, passing him my backpack.
"Man, this backpack is heavy!" Observe exclaimed, lifting my thick Lord of the Rings book. "You carry this around?"
I didn't respond, as he just set it back down and rummaged for the right book.
"Cool. I'll borrow it on the bus. You'll have it back before our math class." He assured me, examining the pages of my messy handwriting.
"Sounds good." I said shyly.
The bus came sooner than I expected. Luckily, Zach and Jeremy had their driver's licenses, so they no longer rode the bus. His parent, owned a business that paved roads. Though, there's probably a better term for it.
Despite the absence of my tormentors, somebody still took the bus - Anna. She was my ideal girl. Beauty so perfect she seemed divine. Everyone had adored her for as long as they could remember. Blonde hair, curvy, and a cheerleader! An alluring bomb. I hadn't said a complete sentence to her before, as words escaped me whenever she was near. Her sweet blend of sweet fragrance filled my nostrils as I sat behind her in a seat.
Her lustrous blonde hair once more caught my eye as I sank into my seat two rows back from her.
What made Anna so special, besides her looks, was that I assumed she was a closet nerd. I remember seeing her cosplay pics on Instagram. I reckon Anna and I could talk about geeky things for ages if I only had the courage to speak to her. But she's the kind of girl who fawns over bad boys. Jeremy, in particular. Quarterbacks tend to be popular. I'm just a short guy with no athletic ability. There's nothing attractive about me to girls.
Our bus rides were normally uninteresting without my abuser there. So was the rest of the school day. I may as well count my blessings that Zach and Jeremy didn't cause any trouble. They spent all their time discussing the party plans and Jeremy's flashy new watch. While I don't comprehend the fascination with expensive timepieces, I do know they weren't important in determining your character.
"Logan, your thoughts - do you plan to purchase one of these fancy watches?" Zach called out to me.
Jeremy and Zach marched towards me, closing my locker door on me. Why did they need to appear? It had been a pleasant day with hardly any bullying. Even Robert had given my homework back without delay.
Yet I remained silent. Engaging them would only encourage their torment. I had no reason to discuss fancy watches.
"Of course not." Jeremy smirked, comparing our families' finances.
Though we were not poor, we also didn't have unlimited funds. And we certainly couldn't afford such high-end watches. In fact, our economic condition can also explain why I sometimes seemed disheveled. A combination of mockery and me not paying attention to how I present myself.
"I pull up my phone's clock?" I offered instead.
So, dude, have you glanced at that jumper before? It's like, are you wearing a Walmart thingy? Jeremy yelled it out loud, almost like he was undiplomatically grabbing that item from me. I'd received the sweater from Mom, and Jeremy wasn't a fan. Honestly, I didn't do anything worth acknowledging in his or Zach's eyes.
"Talk to the hand, bro," I mumbled under my breath, striding away.
"Hey, Zach, have you heard about the after-parties happening later today?" Jeremy casually asked Zach, trailing closely behind me like we were buddies.
"Ah, yeah, the whole school's attending," Zach replied, making it out loud enough for anyone to hear.
"Including you, Generic-named Logan?" Jeremy teased, not realizing how much they disrespected me every day. "By the way, have you considered that everyone thinks you're gay? That's my little nickname for ya."
I didn't bother responding. Their motivations were ridiculous. Still, I could not refute their false assumptions.
"Don't forget, you might even run into Anna!" Zach interrupted. That word piqued my ears. Surprisingly, even a sliver of curiosity sparked in me. People knew about my crush, and now there was a small chance I could see her. I regretted not receiving the invitation.
Zach and Jeremy stepped up their steps. "Hey, Jeremy, you think Anna's joining?"
My ears became keenly alerted. I couldn't help but be intrigued. My chances were minuscule, but mixed with partying and alcohol, who knew what could happen? But first, I had to resign myself to not being invited. Everybody around me knew about my feelings for her. Apparently, Zach and Jeremy had their own ideas as well.
"Gosh, that would be so unfortunate that the gay guy can't attend. But, hey, he sure does like to look at girls' underwear." Zach's voice echoed.
I dodged their ridicule momentarily, but the unexpected spotlight rendered me caught off guard. I was forced to square up. Zach tossed it back to Jeremy, "Man, all he needs is to fuck her mouth."
While Jeremy continued hyping it up, Zach pretended to share his perspective, "Yup, I noticed she's like cock-sucking lips personified."
Jeremy chuckled before he added, "Don't forget, you had a go at her earlier, Logan."
I froze for a second, but managed to stretch my comfort zone. Recompose, I told myself. They're gaslighting me a bit. They couldn't have found out about my innocent, poor choice after being startled.
Jeremy and Zach sped up, following behind me. Somehow, they persisted.
"Hey, Zach, we can let good ol' gay boy have that invite if he helps us with another thing," Jeremy suggested.
"A party invite?" I sounded bewildered.
"In a manner of speaking. If you fetch us beer from the grocery store, we'll sneak you in." Zach was pressed for time.
"Yeah, and we'll even assist you if you're planning on hitting on Anna," Jeremy jumped in. "She'll surely need extra alcohol to entertain you."
"Wait, I can't be twenty-one. In fact, I'm younger," I explained, annoyed at their persistent demands. "I'm not old enough even if I were to…"
"Don't worry about her age!" Jeremy insisted, enticing me. "You just need to grab it out of the store." The duo was trying to get me to steal it, and my dad being a cop...
"Fuck it. No!" I responded, suddenly fed up with their tricks.
Zach and Jeremy followed me as we got closer to the parking lot. What were they planning next? I doubted they'd harm me severely since several teachers' cars were parked nearby—I recall seeing Mrs. Louise, our PE teacher's car parked close. She'd be out of school the quickest.
"Here we go," Zach shared. "Quite the cheeky idea, eh, Jeremy?"
"Quite so," he replied, "But Logan, you'll score points with us."
"Let's see..." Zach considered my options. "Maybe we can ask Logan to sneak up to Mrs. Louise and ask her perspective on Anna's readiness." The pair of assholes tried to guide me like a friend, not knowing I had nothing to gain from their invitation.
"No way, bro," I puffed my cheeks, trying to maintain a distance.
"Hey, hang on, Logan," Zach paused and sought a more serious tone. "Believe us. We don't know how to behave, but if you agree, we could get you in on the party. Plus, we'll back you up with Anna!"
"Dude, Anna's totally mine. You have Amanda. The two of us are great at joking around about you but are you cool about this?" Jeremy agreed, ignoring my discomfort.
"Whatever," I sighed, pressing through them to get out. I should've known better; these bullies often snapped back at me.
"Absolutely true! He'll save your butt! For me, I got a scholarship opportunity ahead, hence I can't get caught. Plus, my cousin owns the store, that's why," Jeremy clarified.
"And Zach?"
"Zach is a total dumbass," Jeremy replied easily withoutmissing a beat. I had to suppress a giggle when Zach remained emotionless.
I got a bad feeling about this. The direction this conversation was taking was worrisome. "Isn't your dad wealthy?" I inquired. Jeremy just shrugged.
"We'll assist you with scoring with Anna, and even settle your debts for a week," Zach proposed.
"Or a whole month," Jeremy supplemented.
It sounded ludicrous, also desperate. Perhaps they were serious. There was an itty-bitty part of my brain suggesting this was my chance. Perhaps this was where Logan could demonstrate some machismo. I could show them I wasn't a total geek, and, well, girls like bad boys. Anna would definitely see that. The idea of being both a nerd and a cool dude?
Convincing as this was, my dad was my dad, and he was a cop. It's not as if I'd get into too much trouble. Just a slap on the wrist, generally speaking.
"We'll even drive you there," Jeremy suggested. "What's your take on it, gay- Logan?"
Taking a gamble. If not to bond with these idiots, then at least I'd spend some time with Anna or connect more with her. All we do is for love.
"If you require anything specific, it wouldn't be too much, right?" I began.
"No major demands, just a few forties," Zach said.
"And Everclear," Jeremy interjected.
It seemed like a lot. How on earth would I even acquire that amount? And if I remember correctly, the liquor was situated quite a distance from the cash register in Jeremy's cousin's store. I suppose I didn't much consider the logistics of the operation.
"It's a risk-free crime. They insure themselves.hence," Jeremy assured me, noticing my reservations.
"How do I access this store and then leave it unnoticed?" I asked.
"Just stroll in calmly. The issue is that people usually run, which makes them stand out," Zach advised before celebrating his victory.
"You really think we can rely on this fella!?" Jeremy exclaimed with admiration, instilling a sense of pride in me.
"You Boys fine?" Mrs. Banks enquired sincerely.
"Everything's copacetic, Miss!" Jeremy replied cheerfully, extending a thumbs-up. I guess I gestured, too. Mrs. Banks walked off, having caught a glimpse of us.
"Check out that sassy ass!" Jeremy cried, prodding me with his elbow.
"Agreed," I mumbled grudgingly, feeling wanted and part of the gang.
"You boys are steaming hot!" Jeremy commended. Zach and Jeremy then resumed an animated conversation I struggled to keep up with. School-related topics. sports, women, instructors, attractive women, attractive teachers.
"Who's the clodhopper?" Amanda suddenly piped up, eyeing me with disdain. She had opened the back door, but hesitated to get in when she saw me accompanying them. Amanda knew who I was. We've been peers all through school. She was just playing hard to get.
"He's helping us nab the goods we require," Zach explained.
Amanda heaved a frustrated breath, ordering me to move over so she could sit. I scooted to make room for her, happy to sit between Amanda, who could be hotter than Anna. I'd secured a seat in Zach's car. I was officially a part of their group! So I gladly gave Amanda my seat.
"Don't drool, boob. My designer cashmere is brand new, and I don't want your greasy nerd particles smeared on it, alright?" Amanda said dismissively.
"Got it," I mumbled, desiring not to be rude by being speechless. I took another peek at the form-fitting crop top Amanda donned. It was... captivating. Thus, I looked away before Amanda realized I had stared.
Amanda sniffed contemptuously, shifting her focus away from me. The remainder of the car journey to the shop, I trailed behind as a quiet spectator. I wasn't so eloquent, being both timid and isolated from their society. I did, however, revel in being a part of this adventure.
We neared the store's parking lot and I realized the time had come. This had to happen - right now. My heart pounded desperately inside my chest, my vision blurry with fear. I was more than tense - my hands were even sweating from just thinking about it. Would I have the strength to even carry something with those sweaty palms? I'd drop everything!
"You can do this, buddy." Zach encouraged, turning to face me. "I'll keep the engine on. Just act chill. Go check out some snacks at first, like you're considering buying something, but then leave instead."
"This guy doesn't have any security systems." Jeremy explained. "The only thing that will set off any alarms is if you act suspiciously."
They made it sound easy - both in terms of the physical acts and the morality of it all. Considering the mechanics of stealing a couple of bottles, that part was true. But it was the ethics of it all that shook me to my core.
With an audible sigh, I stepped onto the balmy pavement at Amanda's command, my eyes fixated on the door of the store we'd just parked in front of. This was the place where I'd often strolled in, knowing the owners because Jeremy's cousin was the one behind the counter. Somehow, it was still strange to imagine passing through those friendly doors for illegal purposes.
I crossed the threshold, mindful of my every movement. Heading left, I approached the candy aisle and deliberately handled a bag of chips before putting it back. I made my way towards the soda section and gradually shifted to the liquor, the final destination in my impromptu detour. After feigning interest in the soft drinks for a minute or so, it was time for the main event. Sizing up the collection of liquor bottles, I slid two containers into my coat pocket. With fingers floating in the depths, I practically slid them in to ensure I wouldn't drop the bottles as I exited.
Minutes later, with sighs of relief, I pushed the store's door open and dashed towards the car. It hadn't taken long, but I was in shock. Zach and Jeremy were watching me, feeling proud. They failed to notice Amanda's preoccupation with her phone.
"Well done, homie!" Zach exclaimed, slapping my back with enthusiasm. "Alright, let's head outta here."
"I thought the get-together was tomorrow?" I inquired, desperately looking for a way out of this unexpected adventure.
"Nah, this is the day." Jeremy offered. "But we need to drop off a kid."
"Could we at least leave the baby with her mom? She doesn't even know where you two will be." Amanda asked.
"Nah, our guy's partying," Zach responded without hesitation. "Here's a few extra shirts in the car if you're worried about what you're wearing. If that's your concern."
Zach took a more direct route; no semblance of subtlety in his actions. Zach's callousness could've been alarming if I weren't already shaken by this unlikely permissiveness.
"Let's pick up Anna," Zach announced as we pulled up to her modest brick house. "We'll need some third wheels in our vehicle, I suppose."
My heart crashed into my stomach. Anna? Holy cow! Did this mean I would sit between my crush and her friend? "Oh man, this Friday just got even more interesting," I mumbled.
Gates burst open and there emerged Anna, looking glammed-up. She possessed longer nails and flashier makeup, accompanied by what I could only call a ramped-up attire: a mini skirt, ripped nylons, and an inappropriate top. No amount of explanation could accurately portray my emotional response towards that.
My ears perked up when she asked, "Who's in the back?"
"It's the stealer." Zach joked. I didn't feel very amused by his flippant remark.
"So, uh, who's in the backseat?" She inquired again, much more sincere than she had with Amanda.
"It's our grocery thief." Zach quipped with his own display of lighthearted sarcastony.
My hope of sitting between Anna and Amanda tumbled as Amanda unknowingly named me "our burglar" out loud. It was demeaning and even a bit humiliating, but I resigned to my fate of dropping into the backseat of their car. I utilized the roomy space to my advantage as we set off to our next stop, and with a speed never before seen, Anna climb aboard.
Drawing closer to her, it was unnerving to think she had no clue who I was. Awkwardness seemed unavoidable as she had mistakenly tacked "guy" onto her remark, which had only emphasized my masculinity. Still, I had a chance at talking to her tonight so all was far from lost. My nerves built as I entertained the idea of finally conversing with Anna.
"Like Bilbo Baggins," I blurted out, unthinking. The group fell silent, followed by fitful chuckles from them all, even me; with the understanding that it wasn't a clever remark, but a faux pas.
"It's Logan, right?" Jeremy taunted, leaning into his seat as if to get a better look at my discomfort. He knew Anna was clueless and wanted to enhance the moment.
"Oh, yeah. Of course." Anna responded, studying me as her brilliant blue eyes gave a knowing glint. I started to redden with embarrassment.
"Where's this party?" I asked, desperate for another change in topic. I was already mortified. My stutters didn't help the situation.
"The woods. The little forest near Milton Avenue?" Zach shared, as Anna looked back at me with recognition. My face flushed hot, willing to admit that I'd never been there.
"Hell no, we're not going to a party there?" Anna cried out. This took me off guard. She seemed so prim and proper, but now I was witnessing her use such vulgar language.
Amanda snorted ever so slightly, and Zach turned the conversation back to them. "So did you pack your warm jackets?"
I regrettably owned my day-to-day jacket and clothing as my only bearing against the imminent cold. I hoped we wouldn't have to venture far from home, because I could freeze out there. The girls weren't much better, dressed as they were in rubbery skirts and short tops.
"Oh for Christ's sake, Zach," Amanda growled. "It'll be freezing!"
"Don't worry, sweetie. I'll keep you warm here," Zach said with a smirk.
Anna then started searching her pockets, prompting Zach's annoyance.
"No smoking in my car!" Zach raised his voice. Anna rolled her eyes.
"It's just pot," she whispered back.
'No smoking,' Zach repeated.
Onwards the group went with conversation, and I settled into my seat, relieved to be present, included, even a bit accepted. The drive felt like a pleasant journey, but I became ever mindful of where we were — I could easily hoof it home if it got real cold.
*
The party was no great shakes. It was like the ones back at school, which included loud music, inebriated people, and a bunch of noise. And, as at school, not a single person bothered to talk to me. Not even Zach, Amanda, or Anna. They all clumped together near the fire, and I just remained on a tattered couch, sipping on what tasted like molasses, finding heat in the tipsy feeling and the warmth of the bonfire. It was beginning to dawn on me that maybe I didn't enjoy parties. Or parties in general. Sipping on booze amid an outdoor fire, just slightly cooler, but still indulging in hopes of getting a chance to gab with Anna.
'Write home about,' I thought to myself. My mind followed an image of being in the middle of a crowd, far away, with family waiting eagerly back home, their letters delivered by clumped trees, their garden, then winding through the road. Picture a soldier in the midst of a war forcefully thinking about his loved ones.
Suddenly, a lively voice hovered in front of me. It was Anna. She sat herself beside me, her laughter gorgeous notes. Jeremy had been hitting up on her all night, but here she was near me. Like lighting striking, Anna — now by herself — sat next to me.
"Why are you laughing?" she asked. I had my face twisted by her sudden appearance.
"I was reminded of something funny," I stuttered, searching for a plausible reason for my laughter. Anna didn't follow up, though, instead smiling at me.
"I didn't recognize you earlier," she said softly, as if it were a purr. I was full of humidity. My heart felt as if about to explode.
"I-it was dark," I replied, unable to tell what caused the shivering and speech impediment.
"That's kinda fucked up. The way you're constantly shivering and stuttering." She grinned, her turquoise eyes beaming. The feeling in my chest was overwhelming.
"I'm shivering because I'm not dressed for the cold," I stammered, my focus directed at a random tree beyond the burning log circle.
"Sorry I didn't recognize you." Anna's lips moved, giving smoothness to her words. "You were quite far away."
I could have responded with gratitude, but instead stuttered the word "it" at the unlit darkness. Anna came closer to me and pressed her beautiful, burning lips onto my cheek. This lasted but a second, snatching a breath from me. And when she lifted herself, a sweet smile played at her lips. She thanked me for fetching the supplies, then proceeded back into the mob around the fire.
I lightly touched my cheek where she had kissed me. It burned into my skin like someone had branded me, just like they do with cattle. But even though it felt like my skin was scorching and burning from her moist lips on me, I enjoyed it. I want to attend more parties!
During the evening, I briefly spoke with Robert. I don't remember exactly what we talked about. Maybe football. I made the mistake of admitting that I didn't understand the rules, so Robert offered to teach me. I nodded along and tried to be interested, but it was mainly lost on me. In return, I tried to explain the pleasure of reading fiction, but it wasn't interesting for him. We just disagree on what's fascinating in the world. It helped me that I was drunk, though. But near the end of the conversation, as Robert walked away, I observed Jeremy and Anna returning from the woods. When Anna noticed me staring, she reddened but returned to me. I rose abruptly and for some reason, I suddenly felt dizzy.
"Let's have a drink together," she suggested, her cheeks rosy from the cold and her breath visible in the air. "It's getting freezing out there."
"Sure thing," I replied, slurring my words. Where did that come from? "What did you and Jacob do?"
Anna moved closer, and I could almost smell her roses, matching her red cheeks. Her hand moved to rest on my face for a moment before settling on my chest as she looked at me with desire. The warmth of her palm seeped through my clothes, brought some relief from the chills.
"There's no need to worry about that," Anna said, glancing nervously over her shoulder. "Have you heard of that spooky house?"
"Yes, I'm familiar with it," I slurred.
"We just had a little look around it," Anna said, staring more at my chest than my face. She seemed suspicious talking to me, almost shy.
"Do you like Overwatch?" I asked, becoming braver. My stomach issued a warning, though.
"What's that?" Anna inquired, a bit puzzled.
"Overwatch. Your cosplays on Instagram?" I inquired, sipping from my cup. Man, my stomach was rather uncooperative.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Anna responded, her teasing smile surprisingly sexy. "And you seem to be a fan of my cosplays?" she asked with amusement.
I was about to learn how bad it could get. I turned around and face-planted into the snow, feeling my face numb instantly. I quickly turned back, only to see Jeremy's angry face, witnessing how he raised his fist. I didn’t notice the punch, but the subsequent pain was evident. However, Robert stopped him from throwing another one. At least one person was there to save me, for once.
But as they argued, and as Anna screamed obscenities at me, I simply slipped away into the darkness, yearning to vanish from existence.
End of story.
Read also:
- Slim, Youthful, and Well-Endowed in Part 2
- Removing Obstacles in Chapter 2
- Advancing Professionally
- Who's More Skilled at Taunting?
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