None of the characters here belong to me. They're the work of Stephenie Meyer.
This is my first published story, so please review.
There was a party at my cousin's stupid boyfriend's house. And I was there. I never liked him and he's not good enough for my cousin. And they were getting married! I'm panicking! How much worst could it get? His friends... I don't like them either... Emily is my best friend and my little cousin. She's just two years younger than me, but she'll always be ten years old for me. And she was getting married! To a sneaky guy I hate!
So I was at that stupid party... Stupid because it was their engagement party, and because they decided to celebrate the ending of Summer. Who celebrates the ending of great things? It's like celebrating in a funeral! And I was tired of being there, of being fake and happy with everybody! I was awake since 6 am that morning, and I had been with clients the whole day, and... Sorry I didn't introduce myself. My name is Leah, and I'm 25. I work as a consultant for engineering projects, and we were currently working with a "pain in the ass" company, and I spend the whole day at their offices, in Seattle, 130 miles from where I live. This has been a long day... And my feet hurt...
It was almost 2 am and I just said to Emily I couldn't be there anymore, and that I was leaving.
- Emily, I have to go. I'm really tired and I don't want to be here anymore. Enjoy the rest of your party, please!
- No, Leah! Wait! We still have to cut the cake and you didn't make your speech...
- Do you really want me to make a speech? About your relationship with that... that thing? – I said pointing at the now fiancée, with a discussing look on my face. She looked at me with those sweet big brown eyes, says she understood.
- Ok, no speech! But you have to stay for the cake! Promise me!
- Fine... – And off she went to him.
I stayed for her. She was too happy, and she deserved it. I didn't want to be the one ruining her night. But I couldn't stay for long... I had to go... As I left the room and turned the corner in the corridor, I bumped into someone. Not only did I fell on my bottom, spraining my ankle, but the guy split his drinks on me!
- Perfect...
- Oh, I'm very sorry... I didn't see you! – He helped me getting up and apologised like 30 more times.
- It's ok. I'm fine... Now I have an excuse to leave this place... – And I actually smiled – Emily will have to spend the rest of the night without me...
He smiled back; and as I looked him in the eyes, I saw pity... or sadness. I think we just stayed staring at each other, or at least me, for a few moments, until the breaks contact and asks:
- Do you need any help getting home?
- No I'm fine... – I said roughly. I was mad at myself for letting me feel stupid about him, and who bumps into someone and gets hurt? Usually you just see papers flying... And I started walking away, or at least tried, because a few steps after I had to stop from the pain. I leaned on the wall of the corridor, and he, who had stayed still, watching my triumphant walk, came for me.
- C'mon... I'll drive you home. Lean on me. – It sounded more like an order than a request, that I blindly followed. He put my arm around his shoulders and carried me out of the house.
When arriving to the parking lot, he pointed at an orange truck and said:
- We'll go on my truck...
- No, wait! What about my car? I can drive home. You don't... – he interrupted my weak way of making me feel strong.
- Don't worry. You can ask your friend Emily to come pick it up tomorrow. – And he helped me getting in the car. As I expected, the truck did a loud noise as he turned the key in the ignition – By the way I'm Jake. Nice to meet you. – He smiled again, as he have his hand, expecting a handshake.
- I'm Leah. Emily's cousin.
- Oh...
- Oh? What is that supposed to mean?
- Nothing, nothing... – He rushed saying – It's just... I was expecting someone different. You know...
- No I don't. – I said, unconsciously crossing my arms on my chest. He smiled at my reaction.
- Sam... You're different from what he said. – I couldn't believe what I was hearing. That idiot was taking stuff on my back! I was so ready to punch him that moment... – He said you don't like him, and that you'd do anything so he and Emily don't get married. – My jaw just dropped.
- He's almost right. I don't like him, and I would do anything for Emily, but not destroy her happiness. And I don't care what he says about me! – I said trying to convince myself more than him – But for my defence, he's not much better! – and we just stayed in silence in the car. – Just turn left on the next crossing and then right. I live on the first building. – He nodded.
He pulled over his and got out of his loud truck. I quickly tried to get out before he got to the other side of the truck. He had done enough for me, and I was embarrassed enough already.
- So your better... – and he made that sad look again... puppy eyes... – Do you need me to anything else for you?
- No, I'm fine... I just... need... to... find my key... – He laughed. I looked at him with killer eyes, and he stopped. – Here they are! – And as I opened the door, I realise he was following me inside... – I'm fine. I don't need anything more. Thanks for the ride... – And I did the best smile I could.
- Hum... Ok... I'll leave you to rest. Goodbye... It was nice to meet you. He kisses me on the cheek and starts walking towards the truck. I just stood at the door, looking at him.
He suddenly stops, turns around and smiles. Wait. Why is my heart beating faster? He comes back running, gently puts his hand on my face and kisses me on the lips. His hand was warm, and his kiss was soft and tender.
- I'm sorry... I... I didn't... I'm sorry – And he left. I just couldn't move. Who is this guy? Why.. why did he kissed me and left? I don't need this...
A thunder stoke and woke me up from that numb state. I looked at the sky and saw some dark clouds. Summer was definitely gone... I should get inside. It took me forever to get to the second floor by stairs. Yes, I live in a old building with no elevator. I should've asked him to help, at least to climb up the stairs. Idiot... me... him! Stop thinking about him!
I closed the door behind me, threw my purse to the couch, took my coat and my shoes at the same time and left them on the floor. Brushed my teeth and took my dress out. I just let myself fall naked on the bed. I was too tired to get a pair of shorts and a baggy t-shirt on. But I couldn't fall asleep... there was too much going on... Emily was getting married... to Sam... and Sam's friend, Jake... and his kiss...