Page 7 of Creed

I’m so excited to taste it that I nearly rip the thing from his hands before sinking my teeth into the sugary snack. The cracker crumbles, the half-melted chocolate hits my tongue right before the marshmallow follows suit and I think I’ve died and gone to sugar heaven.

“Ohmygosh Asher!” I shout gleefully with a mouth full of s’more. “This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my whole life!” I repeat my thought from just moments ago.

His face softens as he smiles down at me. “I’m glad you like it.” He chuckles. “Let me know if you want another one.”

I nod rapidly. Um, duh, of course I want another one!

I finish my s’more and wipe my mouth with my sleeve the best I can. I’m about to ask Ash for another but before I can, a girl comes out of nowhere and throws herself into his lap and wraps her hands around his neck. I recognize her. Dani, he calls her, I think. I’ve never met her, but I remember seeing Ash talking to her one night at the end of the driveway. More like, she was yelling at him while he was trying to whisper to her. She seemed angry. They must not be fighting anymore because she certainly doesn’t look mad with the way she’s clinging to my big brother.

I notice Asher doesn’t look angry either. In fact, he looks like…super happy. He beams at her with a goofy grin. “Dani, you made it,” he gives her a peck on the lips. Oddly, my cheeks don’t flush at that particular public show of affection.

So, it’s not an affection thing.

It’s a Creed thing.

Ugh.

“Ash,” I almost feel bad for interrupting, but I don’t. I point at the roasting stick leaning against the log on the other side of where Ash and Dani sat. “Can I try? I’d like another.”

He just smiles and hands me the stick and a marshmallow from the bag. “Not too close to the flame, Bug, or it’ll catch fire.”

I nod as I poke the marshmallow through the end of the roaster and hold it above the flames of the fire. I’m so focused on the marshmallow, I hardly register Dani’s giggles, or Asher’s low, murmured whispers in her ear. Just as I yank the toasted marshmallow off the roaster, ready to forget all about the other fix-in’s and just pop the whole lump of fluffy goodness in my mouth, Asher stands, Dani’s hand clasped in his.

I jerk my head to the couple as my brother wraps his arm around Dani’s waist and kisses her on the neck. I can’t help but embarrass him by making an overdramatic gagging noise. They both chuckle as Asher reaches out, ruffling my already-messy hair.

Smiling, I turn back to the fire and focus on biting into my messy snack, loving the taste and ignoring the way it’s stringing across my face and sticking to my cheeks. I become so hypnotized by the flame and the sound of the crickets chirping and whippoorwills crooning that I barely register Asher trying to say something to me. Not really paying attention I just nod at whatever he says and skewer another marshmallow because I could eat a whole bag of these things.

It's dark out so I can’t tell if the marshmallow is done yet but I’m too impatient. Pulling it from the fire I blow on it once before yanking it off the stick and pop it in my mouth.

It’s too hot and I panic a little as some of it oozes out the side of my lips and gets stuck in my hair. I’m a mess and I try calling for my brother with a mouth full of sticky marshmallow.

He doesn’t answer.

I manage to swallow the bit that’s left in my mouth as I whirl around to get his attention.

I stop in my tracks, more hair sticking to my dirty face.

I quickly realize that I’m the only one still sitting here. Everyone must have got up and I’m out here in the woods by myself.

I spin in a circle, looking for any trace of my brother, but I can’t see anything past the low glow of the fire.

He’s gone.

Chapter 3

Collins

(AGE 9)

Asher left. Dani’s gone too.

I look around frantically, calling for my brother but it’s so dark I can’t find him anywhere. I’ve wandered far enough away from the fire that I can feel the cool air of the night seeping through my jacket. I shiver and cling to my elbows as I look for my brother.

“Asher!” I call out, getting scared from being in the dark alone.

He doesn’t answer.

“Ash!” I try to yell, but my voice doesn’t allow the sound to carry.

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