Page 214 of Collided

I glare at her. Marie knows how to get on my nerves. Besides, I feel like this is just the beginning. There’s an eternity of teasing waiting for me from both Sebastian and Marie. They won’t ever shut up about my first crushandthe first girl I ever wanted.

For fuck’s sake.

Pushing those thoughts away, I ask her, “Why are we getting a dress for her?”

Marie stares at me deadpan. “Are you serious?”

I arch an eyebrow.

She seems annoyed that I don’t know the reason. I mean, Christmas isn’t around the corner. Also, it’s not Hope’s birthday. It’s in November.

Marie sighs. “I’m buying this for the fair. We’re all going.”

I fold my arms over my chest and fix her with a serious look. “I thought you wouldn’t go this year.”

At once, sadness soaks her bright light, and her face tightens in melancholy.

I hate myself for reminding her of that night.

What happened that night is what pushed Sebastian to go to rehab, he put the one person he loved in danger because of his mental issues and addiction. Marie also decided to join therapy and get better. It was an unfortunate event, but it resulted in both of them getting the help they desperately needed.

“I don’t want to. Well… maybe you’re right. I shouldn’t go. It’s stupid.”

I feel like a dick for making her feel sad. It’s never my intention to hurt her in any way. Yes, we bicker like siblings all the time, but I fucking care about her. I never want anything to hurt her, especially after I’ve seen her struggles and listened to her cry. Her sadness brings me pain.

She starts putting back the dresses on the rack when I approach her. I stop her by holding her wrist

“It’s not fucking stupid,” I say softly.

She shakes her head. “You’re always right. After that night I shouldn’t bother with going out this year. It’s still too fresh—”

“And in the past. Let it fucking stay that way. New year means—”

“New memories.” She smiles. “You told me that.”

“Did I?”

“Yes, you did. You were drunk when you found me crying and talking depressing shit. I remember you saying that.”

I sigh. “I don’t think—”

Marie swats my arm. “You did.”

“Sebastian is rubbing off on you.”

She turns pink and a smile etches onto her face. “I mean—”

“Just forget I fucking said that,” I grumble.

A laugh bubbles out of her, and her sunshine energy is back in full force, which makes me happy. I want her to always stay like this. Sadness doesn’t suit her.

I cock my head toward the dresses. “Now let’s find a dress, shall we?”

She grins and starts walking down the aisle. “Of course. We’re buying it foryourgirl after all.”

I follow her.

I’ll kill Sebastian for bailing on me—because he had to work at the cafe—and forcing me to go shopping with Marie. Again.

---