Page 62 of Caged in Flames

As the movie progresses, Nix slowly begins to shimmy her way over to me. Taking a chance, I reach for her hand. Her fingers slide between mine and I can’t stop the smile from making its way across my face.

Getting out of the pool is more challenging than getting in it. After ten minutes of us all attempting to paddle back to the side, Sawyer jumps out and leads both pools to the edge.

He walks over to the ladder and pulls himself out of the pool, his clothes soaking wet, before letting us know he’s going to change and will be right back to help us clean up.

Jane starts barking out clean up orders and I take the chance to escort Nix out of the pool area so I can walk her back to her dorm. My cousin gives me a wink as if this was her intention all along.

Yeah. I guess she’s a pretty cool wingman.

I grab Nix’s hand and she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she leans further against me as we walk.

"Hey, Judeeeeeeeeee," she sings as we get to the door. Before, she would sing it with a childlike voice. Now that she's using her real voice, the one she performs with, I want her to sing all her words to me. Forget normal conversation, I'd live in her musical.

"I love that sound, Blue." She blushes but doesn't shy away.

“I have a question, Jude.” Her tone stays light. I’m glad.

I have no idea what happened this morning but fuck, I’m glad I showed up before it could get worse. I’ve never seen her go through that. It hurt to watch. Not when she pushed me, that shit felt like being tackled by toddler. Watching someone you care about overcome with their demons is hard to witness.

“I have an answer,” I tease.

“Why aren’t you playing football this year?” Interesting. Of all the topics she could have gone for, I’m surprised she picks this one.

I’m relieved, too. This night was meant to help clear out all the negativity she was drowning in this morning and I don’t want to backtrack on that progress with heavy topics.

I’ve never cared for the sport, but Sawyer and Charlie love it.

“Honestly?” I shrug. “I didn’t want the extra attention. People already talk about us constantly, and playing football means they’ll have something else to gossip about.”

Even though we’ve gone to a few parties, and Sawyer and Charlie playing on the team again, we haven’t done much around Blisshaven this year.

At least not as much as people are expecting. And even the few social appearances we’ve made, we did in case she was there. Well, that’s been my only motivation. Unless it’s supporting the guys at their games, I couldn’t give a fuck about anything else at this school.

She nods thoughtfully but doesn’t ask any other questions. "Thank you for tonight. I didn't realize how much I needed to be with people. It was good for my soul. Even if some of the company was...questionable." She laughs, letting me know she's teasing.

"I’m glad you enjoyed it. I'd do anything to keep that smile gracing your face. I'll prove it to you. Like I promised, Nix." I mean it. I don’t think there’s anything I wouldn’t do to earn her forgiveness.

Walk over hot coals. Take a beating. Streak through the streets.

I’d meet any demand as long as it means never being the reason for her tears again.

"Don't call me that." Just when I think I've gotten through to her she halts the progress. I can’t even use her self-given nickname now.

One step forward, several steps back. I can’t push her too much though. So, I’ll take what I can for now. "I'm sorry-"

"No, I mean you can call me Nix if you want to. I like Blue more, though." My heart feels as if it’s been set on fire.

My Blue.

I pull her into my arms and her arms go around my waist. Time passes as we hold on to one another. Once I feel my hands tingling with numbness, I release her.

Staring at her, memorizing her face in this moment, I capture it in my mind. I’ve played a part in tearing her down.

Lifting her up is a much better feeling. Pride fills my chest for being the one to settle her, helping her step away from that darkness.

I take my time pressing my lips to her cheek. "Goodnight, Blue."

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