Chapter 11
The first thing I noticed when I walked up the driveway was that my mother's car was no longer at the house. I brushed it off, figuring she was at the store or with friends. I didn't think twice about it. I probably should've.
"There you are!" my father growled as I continued up the drive. I glanced up, seeing him stand from the porch chair he had rested in, tossing the beer bottle into my mother's garden. I scowled as he marched down the steps, grabbing my arm and hauling me towards the truck. "We have an appointment. You don't look that great—not that you ever do, but it'll have to work."
My books fell out of my hand. Oh no. No. Not again. This wasn't going to happen. Not again. Not ever again. Not if I could help it. I screamed, catching him by surprise and pulled, trying to get away from him. He clamped a hand over my mouth. "Shut up." He growled, his dark blue eyes flashing in anger, glancing around to see if anyone had heard me. I was done putting up with this. I would not just going to turn back into some scared little girl who always obeyed 'Daddy'. So I did was only I could do. I grabbed his arm when he wasn't paying attention and bit him. Josh flashed through my mind, and I was tempted to smile, but I had to get away.
It was a childish thing to do, I know, but it would get me in less trouble than if I had done something else. "You f****** b****!" He screamed louder than necessary, his eyes blazing.
My heart caught in my throat as his face twisted in anger. I backed away from him instinctively, turning, running, deciding it was best not to stick around. He yelled after me, but I didn't want to understand the words. I sprinted down the round, glancing back once in a while to find him getting in his truck. Suddenly, my foot caught a pothole in the road, sending me flying to the ground and scraping my arms as I skidded across the road. I yelped, wincing at the sting. I glanced up as headlights enfolded me.
Oh no.
I knew that car. Only one boy had that kind of truck, and it was not good news for me. I looked back to see my father backing out of the driveway.
The other truck slowed to a stop in front of me. "Hmm… look what we've got here!" He said, snickering as he leered at me. His headlights enfolded his form as he approached. Boys laughed in the background. I hadn't realized how late it was; it was darkening, almost around dusk.
Oh no.
I tried getting up, tried running away, but he pushed me on my back with his foot. I grunted, glaring up at him, but I was too scared to say anything. I always was. "Oh, don't leave. We're just getting started." Jake stood over me now, and I brought my feet up and knocked him as hard as I could. He groaned, bending over in pain. I didn't waste a second; I darted into the woods by the road, hearing behind me, "Get that b****!"
J, I thought as I bounded through the woods, clearing obstacles in my way. You gotta help me. I whined.
I didn't get the answer; a scream escaped my lips as my ankle caught on a dead tree, hurling me to the ground. I ground my teeth together as I tried standing, my ankle giving out immediately, sending me stomach down back into the foliage. Rustling sounded behind me as I made another effort to stand, but suddenly a weight plastered me down. "Oh, I'm f****** you now for sure." He growled as he somehow turned me around so I was on my back.
"Jake?" a male voice called. "Dude, where the h*** are you?"
Oh, ew.
Jake glanced over his shoulder as he held my struggling form. "Over here! C'mon, hurry up! I don't want to do this alone." He turned back to me with a glint in his eyes. "It's much more fun with friends." He said so only I could hear. I shudder of disgust through me. As he went to rip my shirt, I was able to sit up slightly and throw a fist to his nose.
Caught off-guard he fell backwards, holding his already-bruised nose, blood leaking through his fingers fast. I stared at him as I attempted to crawl backwards as my ankle throbbed, tears I hadn't noticed slipped down my face. He couldn't do this. Not now. He couldn't ruin today. Not today. Please, not today. I shut my eyes tightly, continuing backwards slowly.
"You f****** b****!" he hissed and then smiled slyly. "But your dear Joshy isn't here to save you now. You're. All. Mine." He snarled.
Tears were beginning to blur my vision, so I closed my eyes again. I focused on the foliage between my fingers and the mud underneath. I focused on the pain shooting up my leg as I crawled. I focused on the thought of earlier today; the best day of my life ruined.
A crack of a branch made my eyes snap open. Jake stood, blood dripping down his nose and two of his friends soon came up behind him. "We doing this or what?" one of the asked. I knew him, but I didn't bother to recall him name.
I kept crawling backwards, faster now. I wished I could get up and flee, but I knew I would give out anyways. Just as the gang made their move towards me, I backed into something.
Calm washed through me as the corner of my mouth picked up. Heat radiated from it, and I could hear breathing as his fur brushed against my skin. A deep snarl stopped the boys in their tracks. I watched as their faces turned from eager to scared and confused. "What was that?" Jake asked, his eyes the widest. He knew very well what it was, as he had already been warned once.
I'm getting' tired a this kid. J growled, sliding around me and coming into the light admitted by the sunset.
"Oh s***! I'm out!" Both of the guys flanking Jake ran, soon out of sight.
You have no idea how much I want ta kill this guy. He growled at Jake, the fur on his back standing.
Jake stood in shock as they stared at each other. No, don't. He might be horrible, but no one deserves that. Please don't, J, please. I pleaded with him, almost taking it back as soon as I said it.
Can I bit him? Take off an arm maybe? He has got ta be taught a lesson. This is the second time I've caught 'em. He stepped around me, pulling his lips up to show even more of his teeth.
J-just get him out of here. I whispered, closing my eyes momentarily. J pounced, catching Jake's arm in his jaws as he held it up to protect himself. The force knocked them both to the ground. J whipped his head from side to side, ignoring Jake's screams. He eventually pushed him off, but I knew J let him. He stood and ran as fast as he could, holding his torn up arm.
J lifted his muzzle and howled after him, his breath visible as it blew through the air. That should do it, hopefully. He said as he turned to come to my side.
I lay down, placing my hand over my eyes to stop the tears and to shield myself from the truth of what just happened. Are you alright? Did he do anything? He growled, stepping towards me.
No. I answered simply, studying the inside of my eyelids. My ankle hurts. I whined, tired of keeping a wall up around me and my emotions all the time. I don't want to go home. Not yet. Not tonight. Really not ever.
Go ta sleep. He replied, lying down next to me, placing a paw and his head on my stomach, the rest of his body spooning mine. The cold didn't hit me until his body heat did, and I shivered. I'm here. No one's goin' ta hurt you.
Finally, the realization of the incident hit me, and also the exhaustion. I focused on our breathing, making our breaths in unison, and soon sleep overtook me.
A low, deep growl rumbled in his throat, and the spot on my stomach where he had laid suddenly went cold. His paw stayed where it was, though. My breathing spike but I kept my eyes closed. I knew I wouldn't be able to see anything anyways. I couldn't hear, but I knew he heard something. Is something out there? I whimpered, my eyes fluttering open. The only thing I could see was his radiant blue eyes staring off into the distant.
Maybe. I think so. He growled again, louder, the sound bouncing off trees. I froze as a different kind of cold settling over me.
A yelp answered him and he sighed irritably, plopping his head back on my stomach. Nevermind. It's just a… a member of my pack. He rolled his eyes, sighing again. Another, smaller wolf leapt on him, jolting him slightly, but he ignored it. Obviously a female, the lighter, golden wolf took hold of his ear, pulling. He growled, snapping his jaws at her, showing his teeth. She whimpered, her tail wagging back and forth slightly. Somehow, I knew they were exchanging a silent conversation. The other wolf glanced at me, her milky brown eyes swimming before dashing off into the woods.
I returned my gaze to J, who sighed, his ears flicking. What was that about?
My mother wants me home. He said scornfully, his eyes narrowing. Stupid, right? I'm alpha, and yet I still get ordered around by my mother. But I told her I needed ta take ya home first.
That was your mother? I asked, scoffing.
His laugh filled my head and he closed his eyes, shaking his head. No! No. Can ya get up? He asked, standing.
I frowned, sitting up. I think I might. I probably should've iced it. It's gonna be so swollen. I'm gonna need to wrap it when I get home. I flinched automatically at that thought, sighing.
C'mon, I'll help ya up. He said, coming to stand next to me. I nodded, wrapping my arm around his neck and hoisting myself up. I hissed as a sharp pain shot through my leg and I leaned heavily on J until I stood up fully. I ground my teeth together, trying to take a step forward. I stumbled, falling on J again. I groaned, standing again, forcing myself to walk and bite through the pain. Neither of us said anything, and even if he had, I probably couldn't have answered him. I was too busy grounding my teeth together and trying to keep limping forward.
He stopped at the edge of the woods, looking forwards at my house. I visibly relaxed when I realized the lights were off. I can't go out of the woods in my wolf form. Unless ya really need me. Are you alright? He said, glancing up at me.
I sighed, closing my eyes. Yes. You can go now. Thank you, by the way. For saving me from him. I shuddered, waving at him as the corner of his mouth picked up and he disappeared into the shadows. When I was sure he was gone, I trudged forward, trying not to wince every time my foot hit the ground. I swallowed a groan as I limped up the stairs, opening the back door.
Glass shattered right next to my ear. I gasped sharply, ducking as the lights flicked on. "Where is she?!" My father yelled, stumbling forward to lean on the kitchen table, clutching a beer bottle in his hands. His eyes were clouded, narrowed and glaring at me.
"Where is she?" he growled again, flinging the bottle at me. I ducked, the drink breaking open on the closed door behind me, spraying me with the alcohol. What was he talking about? Glass shards fell on me, slicing my skin as they made their way to the floor. I flinched, shifting my weight to my good foot.
"Where the h*** is she?!" He yelled louder, taking my mother's vase from the table and throwing it at me. I jumped sideways, hissing as sharp pain flew up my leg.
His hands balled into fists at his side. "Where. Is. She?" He snarled, grounding his teeth together. He tried stepping around the table, but he tripped, grabbing the table for support. I finally raised an eyebrow, shrinking back from him. For the first time, I saw tears well in my father's eyes. He collapsed to the floor, sobbing. "She left." He cried. "She left me!" I stared at him in shock of both the fact that he was crying, and the fact that my mother had left us.
She left him.
She left me with him.
I flexed my fists, tears swelling in my eyes as well. How could she? How could she leave me with him? It was one thing not being able to leave and get us out of this rat hole, but to leave and not take me with her? She was worse than I thought. It was then I saw the papers on the table; divorce papers. She was breaking up with him. For good this time. She was really doing it, and she didn't even bother about her daughters?
I hated her.
I hated him.
I hated this family.
A few tears escaped, but I fled up to my room slowly as to not irritate my foot, closing the door. I placed my back up against it, sliding down and bringing my knees to my chest. Tears stung my eyes, and I wasn't sure if it was because of the fact my mother was gone, or my sprained ankle. I crawled over to my closet, digging into the back to pull out a first aid kit. I groaned as I sat back, taking off my shoes and pulling up my jeans. "Oh goodness…" I muttered. It was swollen to the size of an apple around the ankle. I sighed, wincing as I began to wrap it. My eyes were already drooping as I finished, and before I knew it, sleep was enfolding me in its arms.
I was awoken by the buzzing of a cell phone. I jumped up, scared that it would wake my father, but a cry escaped my lips as I stood on my ankle. I glanced around for it, collapsing back on the floor. It rung again, making my head snap towards the sound it was right next to me. I furrowed my eyebrows at it; hadn't he taken it away from me…?
I shook my head, reaching out and answering it. "H-hello?" I said softly.
"Hey, Danny!" His voice called, making a smile spread across my face. "So, um, I know it's early and all, but, uh, have ya asked your father if you could come?"
The smile disappeared. I sighed. "No. I, uh, I can't. I think he's passed out on the floor right now, and he ain't gonna be in a good mood if I wake him up, and he'll be really mad if he wakes up and I'm not here. But I can still go with you later today." I said, brightening.
"Alright. Besides, we got the dance tomorrow, too. You are comin', right?" he asked. "Because if ya don't, Coffeeblue and Iya will never ever let ya live it down."
"Hmm…" I said, smirking. "I don't know… considering no one's asked me yet…" I hinted, laying down on my back and biting my lip.
"Well, lucky, lucky me!" he joked.
"But I do already have the dress…" I let the sentence drag on, hanging it in the air.
There was a pause, and I could tell he was smirking. "Well, then, I guess since ya have no one else to go with," he said, "and ya already have the dress… I guess I can take ya."
"Hmm…" I pretended to think about it. "Nah. No thanks." I turned over onto my stomach, ignoring the small amount of pain.
I laughed, hearing his sarcastic intake of breath. "What?! Do I have ta beg then?"
"Oh, please." I said, resting my head on my hand.
"Oh, Danny, will you please, please, please, oh pplleeaaassee go ta the dance with me?"
I scrunched up my nose although I knew he couldn't see me. "Well, I guess since you begged… I might. I'll have to think about it."
He groaned. "Alright. I guess I'll just have ta take it, or I might just have ta make up your mind for ya tonight."
A shudder went through my and my mouth flickered into a frown. I was about to answer when a groan reached my ears. I flinched, sighing irritably. "I have to go make breakfast. Pick me up around five at the end of my street?" I offered, grinding my teeth together as I stood. I was not looking forward to walking there, but if he just pulled up to my house, it would cause problems.
"Okeydokey! See ya later, Danny." He replied, his voice lowering slightly.
The corner of my mouth picked up. "Bye," I breathed, ending the call before we had the chance to go off on another conversation. I bent down to study my ankle, sighing in relief as I determined the swelling had gone down slightly. Still, it hurt to walk on it. I threw my phone on the bed, wondering why he had suddenly given it back. Slowly, I made my way down the stairs, finding my father sitting at the table with his head buried in his arms. I raised my eyebrow at him, but I brushed it off, making my way over to the stove. I usually made eggs and sausage on Sunday, but considering the mood he was in, I made sausage biscuits for all… three… of us. My jaw tightened as I flipped the fourth sausage patty, staring hard at it.
How could she leave us? Surely, you would think she'd have taken Destiny with her at least. But, no, she just got up and left.
When they were finished, I placed two biscuits and a glass of orange juice in front of him, choosing not to disturb him. I took an ice bag out of the freezer and took my biscuit, placing Destiny's on the table across from my father and heading back upstairs. I sat on my bed, sighing in relief. My father hadn't said one word. The only reason I thought he was still alive was the steady moving of his back telling me he was breathing. I glanced at my phone as I brought my foot up on the bed, setting the ice bag on it.
"Daddy?" I heard Destiny ask, her voice cracking. "Where's Mom? What—what's wrong?" She sounded innocent, like a little kid wondering why her mother left.
I had to strain to hear him answer. He sighed. "She left last night, baby, and I don't think she's coming back."
A sob broke out and I flinched, frowning. How come when she waltzes in, he comforts her, but when I walk in, he throws things at my head and blames me for everything. Silent tears slid down my cheeks and I brought my pillow up near me and lay down on it, closing my eyes.
The house was silent when I woke up again, and I remembered the beer that my father had poured on me last night was still in my hair. I sighed, wiping my eyes of the remnants of my tears and got up to take a shower. I checked my phone, something I normally wouldn't do at all. Now I finally have someone to talk to; someone to call or text whenever I wanted to. But that certain someone was busy, and hadn't texted me. Which was fine by me.
I stuck my head out of the room, glancing around for my family. Neither of them was there, and I sighed, making my way across the room. My father had to be at the bar, or searching for my mother somewhere. He might have been a horrible person, but he really loved my mother. I don't know why he hated me so much. Destiny was probably off at the mall, looking for some guy to get in bed with her.
I gasped as I glanced in the bathroom mirror. For the first time in years, my face was clear. There were no ugly black and purple bruises spotting my skin. My hair was greased with dried beer and a small cut lined my jaw near my ear. I closed the door, took off my clothes and stepped in the shower. I stayed in the shower for a long time, letting the water run over me, burning my skin with warmth.
My phone rang as soon as I stepped out of the shower. I threw a towel on quickly, dashing towards it. "Helllllllo?" I answered, dragging the word out as I plugged in the hair dryer I had stolen from the trash after Destiny threw it away when she had gotten a new one.
I grabbed a hair brush, tugging it through the knots. "Danny?" her voice cut through me like a knife.
The brush almost fell out of my hands. I gasped. My voice was suddenly gone again. "Mm hm?" I hummed, biting the inside of my cheek.
"Wow. I, uh, I didn't, um, expect you to answer. Wow." She said again, astounded. "I just, uh, wanted to call and tell you that I, uh, left, and, um, I'm not coming back any time soon. Not while your father's still there. He's getting worse and worse, and I don't know what to do about it. I knew Destiny would be fine, but I was worried about you, honey. Are you alright? Has he…um…done anything?" she asked.
I stayed silent, awkwardly shifting my weight from foot to foot.
She sighed. "I knew it. I'm sorry, sweetie. I never meant for it to get this far. Everything will be fine soon. I promise. I, uh… I love you. I got to go to work. Bye. Call me… if you, uh, ever want to talk." The phone slid to the floor, and I only heard the last part from a distance.
Did I really just hear that? Did she really say that? For the first time in years, she finally started caring now. I ground my teeth together, quickly getting over the shock. She leaves and suddenly she has the right to be a motherly figure in my life? No. It doesn't work like that. You don't leave your kid with their abusive father and tell them that you cared now, but you weren't going to take them away from him. I cried out in anger, turning and flinging my brush across the room. How dare she? How dare she?
Glancing at the clock, my anger evaporated immediately as I gasped. It was almost five o'clock. I pulled out a white turtleneck to hide my scares on my neck and dug through my closet for a pair of black skinny jeans that had long been forgotten. I pulled on some black fur boots and braided my hair to the side. I brushed on some mascara, grabbed my bag, and in a rush, I forgot my jacket.
And the fact that my ankle was searing in pain.
I finally noticed when I came down the steps to the house. I hissed, bending down to rub the pain away. Luckily, it had gone down though. I stood up, choosing to ignore it, shaking my foot to think about something else before I started down the driveway. I limped as fast as I could down the street, glancing around wearily, looking for anything out of the ordinary. My eyes connected with the ground as soon as I saw a dark navy blue Ford pick-up truck waiting at the corner. I blushed, smiling when he got out as soon as I was near.
He bowed, smirking, taking my hand in his gently, and placing a soft kiss on it. "My lady," he joked, his eyes quickly glancing up at me.
I giggled, but wiped my face clean of emotion. I bit my lip to keep from smiling as I curtsied, pretending I wore a dress. "How nice to meet you."
He stood, still holding my hand, pulling me to him and wrapping his arm around my waist. "You look…" he trailed off, letting words fill my head.
Horrible. Terrible. Disgusting. Ugly. I frowned, glancing down as he pulled me tighter to him.
"Wonderful." He muttered. My thoughts went blank as I tilted my head up to welcome his kiss.
I pulled away, turning from him towards the car. "Where are you taking me, Joshua?" I asked, batting my eye lashes.
A dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. He stepped forward, but I stepped back, shaking my head and smirking at him. He groaned, turning sharply and getting in the driver's side door. "I'm not telling you!"
I laughed, following him. I was glad I had picked something casual, as he wore a black sweatshirt with an old school baseball sweatshirt on with his last name and number, 12, on the back. He also had on blue jeans and black tennis shoes. I buckled myself in, leaning on the spot in the middle. "But Jooossshhh…" I begged, peeking up at him through my lashes.
"Nooo…" he said, smirking down at me. He pulled off the side of the road, driving onto my street and passing my house. I flinched, suddenly remembering last night and the new information. I frowned, pulling my sleeves down past my wrist and wrapping my arms around me.
"Hey," he said, reaching over to rub my arm in attempt to comfort me. "Somethin' wrong?"
I sighed, contemplating with myself. "My, um… last night, when I got home…" I frowned. "I found out my mom left us." I said before I could change my mind. My bottom lip quivered and tears formed in my eyes.
He sucked in a small breath. "What? Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Danny." He said, turning down a road that went through the woods.
I shrugged. "It's alright. She wasn't much help anyways. It's hit my father hard, that's all." I slide over towards him, wrapping my fingers around his. "So where are you taking me?"
He shot me a playful glare. "Oh, no, you're not getting' off that easily."
I pouted but laid my head on his shoulder, staring out the front window. The truck bounced over the ruff dirt road, maneuvering them easily. Suddenly he stopped, turning his head to place a kiss on my cheek. "This is where we get out and walk." He said, turning so his body was facing me. I did the same, leaning up as though I was going to kiss him, but at the last second, I pulled away, leaping out of the car.
"Hey!' he protested, frowning. "That wasn't very nice." He stuck out his lower lip, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
I swung my hips side to side, smirking as I caught his attention. "That's what you get for not telling me where we're going on our first date."
"It's a surprise," he sighed, exasperated as he turned to get out of the other side. "And you should really stop that, because I really don't know how long I can control myself with you over there." He said as he rounded the car's hood.
I skipped to him, taking his hand in mine. "What if I'm over here?" I asked, leaning on him while I gazed up.
He turned, taking my waist in his arms. "Then I can't." he replied, leaning down to kiss my lips. He gripped my waist, pushing me towards the hood. I gasped as he lifted me up and set me down on the car, leaning forward to deepen the kiss.
It amazed me how, just a week ago, I was just that girl in the back of the classroom that no one noticed. I had been the girl who hadn't uttered a word since the beginning of high school. I was the nerdy girl who got all A's with the trashy sister. I was the girl who had never been to a party or had a boyfriend.
Now, now I had an amazing boyfriend who I could talk to at any moment of the day. It had all changed because of him—I had changed because of him. But in a good way; a very, very good way. I wrapped my arms around his neck, smiling as I curled my fingers in his hair. A growl wracked his body as his tongue explored my mouth. I pulled away slightly, smiling while still touching our lips. He smiled at the fact that he had left me breathless. "So you can take a little nip, huh?" I asked, my eyes fluttering open to meet his. They grew darker in an instant.
All of a sudden, he pulled away, smirking. "I know I can. Can you?" he asked, helping me down.
I pursed my lips, pretending to think as we started hand in hand down the pathway. "I think so, yes." I smirked, melting into him.
His eyes glinted. "Good." He snapped his teeth together. "Because I can bite."
"Ouch," I replied, "I can't believe I got involved with a bad boy." I joked.
He held his chin up in pride. "I can't believe I got involved with a goody-two shoe." I laughed, pushing him slightly.
"Jerk." I responded, sticking my tongue out at him.
He smirked, shrugging. "We're heeerrreee." He sang, expanding his arm in a gesture towards an open clearing with a blanket spread in the middle in front of a small pond. Ice spotted the top of the water, and it suddenly hit me that it was cold. I shivered, smiling at the scene in front of me. My first date was a picnic.
"Amazing," I murmured as Josh stepped away from me, tugging off his sweatshirt.
He handed me it, rolling his shoulders to position his t-shirt correctly. I raised an eyebrow, but took it, shrugging it on. I inhaled his scent as I pulled it down over my body, the fact that it was at least twice my size never leaving me. "You looked cold." He said, smiling at me in his jacket.
I blushed. "What about you? Aren't you cold?" I asked.
He shook his head, his eyes gleaming. "Nah. I'm too hot ta be cold." He winked, leading me towards the blanket.
I rolled my eyes and sat down, running my hand over my braid. "Good, because I didn't want to give it back."
He sat next to me, stretching his legs out in front of him and turning towards me and chuckling. "Well, I won't argue. I have ta admit, I like seeing you in my sweatshirt."
I blushed, brushing my bangs form my face and glancing around us. "So you made lunch?" I asked, clearing my throat.
Josh smirked, leaning forward and taking a basket in his hands. "Yes. Yes I did. All by myself, if I might add." He said, pulling out dishes one by one.
"Aww!" I joked, "I'm so proud of you!" I snickered as he shot me a glare.
He stuck his tongue out at me, making me laugh at his reaction. "Hey, I'm proud of myself, so whatever. I made pasta salad, PB and Js, and cookies."
I raised an eyebrow. "Cookies? You made cookies?" He smiled and nodded, making me burst out in laughter.
He frowned. "Hey! What's wrong with that?"
"I-I hope yo-you ma-make good sandwiches!" I said in between laughter.
His frown stayed and his eyes narrowed, glinting with humored. "Hanna helped me make them, so yes."
I raised an eyebrow. "I guess we'll just have to check that theory." I said as his face twisted in nervousness as I grabbed one of the sandwiches. He squirmed uncomfortably as he gazed at me. I couldn't help but laugh at him, smiling as I shook my head and bit into it. I couldn't remember a time when someone had made me food instead of the other way around. His eyes widened as he awaited my response. I laughed again, but it turned into a whimper as I moved my ankle wrong.
His eyebrows furrowed together as he frowned, forgetting about the sandwiches. "Are you alright?" he asked as I leaned forward to rub my ankle.
I nodded. "Yea. I just sprained my ankle, that's all." I said, frowning.
"Here," he said, digging in the basket and placing an ice pack on my ankle. "Soo?" he asked, gesturing towards the sandwich in my hand.
I scrunched up my nose, trying to hold in my laugh. "Oh, they're just awful." I joked.
His eyes narrowed and his face turned serious as he stared at me. "Its. Peanut. Butter. And. Jelly. You liar!" he joked, his face breaking out in a sudden smile.
My eyes narrowed as I bit my lip. "Are you accusing me of something?"
"Are you accusin' me of somethin'?" He mocked, rolling his eyes.
"Hey!" I protested. "I do not sound like that!"
"Mhm…" he said, raising an eyebrow.
I took the bagged sandwich and threw it at him, hitting him straight in the nose. "Just eat your sandwich." I commanded, sending him a pointed look.
He saluted me. "Yes ma'am!" he said loudly and opened the bag, taking a bit of the sandwich. "Mhm!" he said. "These are amazin'. I'll have to thank Hanna for them." He said, winking at me.
I rolled my eyes, but continued to eat my sandwich. "Now, let's try these cookies," I said, reaching towards them.
He frowned, his eyes full of worry. "Uhh, can't we wait until dessert?" he suggested, pulling the tuber ware away from me.
I smirked. "Um, no." I said, pulling it back.
"But it's not healthy to eat dessert. Cookies are bad for you." he said, pulling them back towards him again.
I scrunched up my nose, huffing. "Whatever. One cookie isn't going to kill me." I said, lashing out and taking one. I stood, squealing as he got up to chase me. I screamed, laughing as I dodged him, taking a bit of the cookie, but spitting it out again. "Goodness gracious!" I said as he stopped to glare at me.
"What?" he chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest. He took a step forward, but I shot him a look, stepping back closer to the pond.
"Did you, like, forget the sugar or something?" I asked, twisting my nose in disgust.
His expression dropped. "Um…nooo." He said, but his tone made me not believe him.
I laughed, flinging the cookie over my shoulder. Faintly, I heard a splash as it landed in the lake. "Next time you bake cookies, let your Mom to help you."
His mouth parted slightly. "Did you just throw my cookie in the lake?" he said, raising an eyebrow.
I bit my lip. "Nooo," I said in the same tone.
He took another step forward, scooping me up in his arms. I screamed, kicking as I laughed. "I think you need to go get it back. I worked very hard on that cookie." He smirked, an idea glinting in his eyes.
My eyes widened as I gaped at him. "What do you mean—Ah!" I screamed as I flew through the air. Freezing cold engulfed me as the sounds of the evening stopped. Bubbles floated around me as I sunk to the bottom—five feet under. As soon as I realized I could touch the bottom, I smirked to myself. I rolled over, pushing against the sandy bottom, flailing my hands around as I broke through the top.
"Josh!" I screamed. "I can't swim!" I yelled, realizing I saw only a couple feet from the edge.
His eyes widened in horror as he crouched. "Calm down, Danny. Calm down. Just pull yourself over here and I'll help ya up."
I chuckled to myself quietly. I splashed towards him, pushing myself forward with my feet. "Josh!" I pretended to sob.
"Danny, it's alr—" I smirked as I took hold of his hand.
"Gotcha," I said, catching him off guard and off balance as I pulled. I laughed as he splashed in next to me. He emerged a second later, shaking his head and spreading water everywhere. "Oh, not this again!" I laughed, shielding myself with my hands.
"I can't believe you did that!" He joked, running his fingers through his hair.
I splashed him. "I think you can."
He shook his head again, wiping the water from his face. "Now that I think about it, yes, yes I can. Whatever happened to that quiet, shy girl I once knew, hm?" he asked, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me towards him. I screamed as he pulled me under.
His wet hair reflected light as bubbles floated around him as he laughed. I glared at him, but he pulled me closer to him, laying his lips on mine. I smiled, burying my fingers in his hair. Soon, we broke through the top of the freezing water, the cold nipping at my skin. He kissed me again before shaking his head to dry his hair. "C'mon, let's get out of here. It's freezin'." He said, taking hold of my waist and helping me out of the lake.
My teeth chattered as I shivered, and I vaguely noticed he was perfectly fine. "I—It's ca-cold." I stated, wrapping my arms around myself.
He smirked. "Shouldn'ta thrown my cookie inta the lake." He laughed as I glared at him. "I'll go get us some towels from the truck. If ya go gather some twigs and leaves, I can make us a fire." He winked as he began towards the truck.
I smiled, taking my hair out of its braid and shaking the water out of it. I glanced up, realizing that the sky was darkening more by the second. I wrung the water out of my shirt as I rummaged around for the kindling and wood. By the time he came back, I had collected a big pile near the blanket. He tossed me the two towels as he smiled, chuckling at my shivering figure. I glared at him as he crouched next to the pile, rearranging it. "If I get sick, it's your fault." I said, sticking my tongue out at him as I wrapped the towel around my shoulders.
He shook his head, chuckling again. "You threw my cookie inta the lake. It was only fair that you go retrieve it. Which ya didn't. You're lucky I'm not making ya go on another rescue mission for it."
"I think it was for the better. The fish might actually enjoy it." I shot back, grinning.
He glanced up at me, gapping. "Wow. That was harsh. Well, if we find out that the lake is suddenly full of dead fish, we know why." He took out his stick lighter, clicking it so that a tiny flame flickered out. He touched the dead leaves with it, immediately catching them on fire. "There. That should do it." He leaned back on his feet, standing to come and sit next to me. He pulled me into his lap, engulfing me in his arms. His sudden warmth ran over me and I snuggled into him, sighing in content and closing my eyes.
Suddenly something occurred to me. "What if I'm not allowed to go to the dance tomorrow?" I whispered, not daring to look up at him.
He sighed, kissing my hair. "Then I'll just have to come and steal ya away. Or you could just come home with us. I'm sure Coffeeblue and Iya are gonna want ta help ya get ready anyways."
I smiled. "That doesn't sound very fun." I muttered.
He laughed. "Well, those two ain't gonna take no for an answer."
I gulped, shivering, but not from the cold. "My father's probably wondering where I am…" I said, but pressed myself deeper into him. I didn't want to go home. I didn't want to make dinner for him and force myself to realize that my mother wasn't there. I didn't want him to take all his anger out on me and then go comfort Destiny. I didn't want to, but I knew I had to.
He sighed. "Probably. I should get ya home then."
I shivered. Home. Not exactly what I pictured when I thought of that place.