Page 12 of Five Summers

“Hey, check out Poppy Reeves over there,” I mention casually, raising the joint to my lips to see what Ace says about her.

Jade and Ace both turn their heads to look over at her.

“Yeah, what about her?” Ace asks, looking back at me.

Taking a momentary pause, I draw back on the joint and blow out a puff of smoke before speaking. “Have you ever wondered why she always sits alone like that over there?”

“Because she doesn’t have any friends, that’s why,” Jade says. “And on top of that, she’s a fat cow. Who would ever want to fuck someone like her?”

I knew Jade picked on Poppy because she felt insecure. However, due to my mood, I can't resist messing with her.

“I'd fuck her,” I say, knowing Jade's reaction would be priceless.

Ace, who's caught on to what I'm doing, chimes in and says, “Yep, I'd hit that in a heartbeat.”

“Seriously,” Jade says, and I can see the shocked, pissed-off look on her face. “You'd fuck her.”

“Yep,” Ace says, putting out the joint on the seat next to him.

Jade lets out an annoyed sigh and goes over to her group of bitches. Ace laughs and then shifts his attention to me.

“Damn, that was easier than usual to piss her off this time.”

As soon as the bell rings for the last lessons of the day. I swiftly snatch my bag and guitar. Casting a quick glance towardsPoppy, I see she’s already gone. Ace and I go our separate ways to our classes.

The rest of the day drags on slowly. When the bell finally rings, I’m eager to share with Ace, the song I wrote during the last period. Instead of paying attention to the teacher, I found myself immersed in the words I wrote late last night in my room, while my father, as usual, was passed out on the couch.

That’s the amazing thing about Ace - his touch on my lyrics always brings out the brilliance in the song. I have full trust in it. It’s our reliable method. I take care of the lyrics and jot down some melody notes, while Ace adds those unique elements that take the sound to another level. It’s fantastic. Both of us have a strong musical sensibility and we’re developing our distinct sound.

As I wait for Ace next to his car, I casually scroll through my phone.

Before long, Ace shows up with Jade accompanying him. In an effort to suppress my irritation, I take a deep breath and try to keep my composure. All I had hoped for this afternoon was to focus on our music. Unfortunately, with Jade around, Ace always has different ideas in store. It’s a recurring pattern whenever he brings her along - an untamed and spontaneous adventure.

He grabs his keys from his pocket and unlocks the car. Opening the driver’s door, he takes a moment to adjust the seat, pushing it forward creating space for Jade to comfortably sit in the back. In the meantime, I stay put, locked in a tense gaze with him over the roof of the car.

“What?” He smirks. “I thought we could have a little fun. Let’s enjoy ourselves first, and then we can practice. It won’t hurt.” He jumps into the car.

I toss my guitar onto the back seat, narrowly missing Jade, and hop in the car.

Ace starts the engine, and as we leave the school grounds, I light up a joint.

Ace zooms down the street like a maniac. I’m just about to take another hit from my joint when I feel fingers run through my hair.

“Can I have some?” Jade asks.

“No. And move your fucking fingers before I break them.”

Passing the joint to Ace, the smoke drifts between us. He takes a swift hit and passes it back.

“Jade, I'm not telling you again. Get your fucking fingers out of my hair,” I snap, annoyed.

“Okay,” she sighs, slumping into the worn-out seat.

I take another hit; the smoke swirling around me in a hazy cloud.

“Why won't you let me have any?” Jade's whiny voice pierces through my patience.

“Because I don’t fucking want to, that’s why.”

---