Page 42 of Five Summers

“Xander. Don’t ask about that because I told you I’m not giving you another one.”

“Good to know. Disappointed but that’s not what I’m asking.”

“What then?” I ask, taking another sip.

I know I should pace myself, but I don’t care. I’m young and haven’t experienced a drinking binge before. And there’s a hot guy sitting next to me, someone I’ve daydreamed about for years. It’s time to embrace life, right?

“You said you've never done it before.”

“That’s right I haven’t.”

“Well, I think you’re full of shit,” he says, flicking the stub of his cigarette forward.

“Oh, really.” I burst into laughter.

“Come on, Princess, spill it,” he says, grabbing the bottle from my hand. “No more fucking lies.”

“I’m not lying, I swear,” I say, raising my palm. “Scout’s honor.” My words blend together, slurring as they leave my lips, and I can hear the distortion in my voice.

“First of all, that’s not the signal for scouts’ honor. And I’m calling bullshit on your answer.”

“I’m serious. Please, look at me. You think anyone wants a fat chick?”

“You’re not fat, Poppy. Just ‘cause those bitches say it doesn’t mean it’s true.”

“Yeah, I am. Everyone else can see it. Why can’t you?” I ask, feeling like the insecure little girl I wish I wasn’t. Damn it, Xander is right. Maybe I should cut back on the alcohol because my head is spinning.

I lean back on the boulder and gaze up at the darkened sky. The tiny stars twinkle above me. When was the last time I truly admired the stars? It’s been years.

Xander’s voice snaps me back to reality. “Come on,” he says as he takes hold of my hand and helps me sit up. I see that he’s already put on his backpack and the bottle is nowhere in sight.

“Let’s get you home.”

As Xander helps me down off the boulder, my footing suddenly gives way. I almost lose my balance and stumbleforward, but just in the nick of time, a set of strong arms quickly wraps around me, stopping me from tumbling off the ledge.

“Fuck! Are you okay? You nearly fell,” he says, his hands gripping my waist tightly, keeping me close.

Feeling his arms around me sends a shiver down my spine. I can’t help but steal a glance at him. “Thank you,” I say, unable to take my eyes off his beautiful face. I can’t help but admire his striking features. “You know, your face is like really pretty, right?” I blurt out, realizing I may be rambling but unable to hold back my words. “Actually, you’re hotter than hot.” My brows furrow because I’m not sure if that’s an actual sentence. But I can’t stop my mouth from speaking. “Damn, you're like the hottest person I think I've ever seen.”

With his arm still around me, he guides me back in the direction we came from.

“And I was being dishonest earlier. Your... well, your dick is quite impressive. But honestly, I haven't had the chance to compare it to anyone else’s. So it might not be that impressive at all.”

“Yeah and let’s keep it that way, Princess. You don’t need to be like those other girls who fuck around. You don’t need to be checking out other guy’s dicks. Unless it’s mine,” he says, flashing that arrogant smirk - the one that always manages to stir something within me. “Don’t stoop down to the level of those other easy bitches. Because that’s not you.”

“But you talk to those other bitches at school and completely ignore me,” I add, feeling my eyes grow tired. “That’s some messed up shit, Xander. The least you could do is acknowledge me with a simple ‘hi’ when we pass each other in the hallway.”

“I suppose I could give that a shot.”

With every step, fatigue seeps deeper into my body. My footsteps now falter. Doubt starts to creep in.

“I don’t think I can keep walking.” I quickly glance around and realize we’re on the street, right by the 7-Eleven. “Just leave me here on the side of the road and I’ll find my way home soon. I promise.”

“I’m not leaving you on the fucking side of the road.

“Why not? I was sitting on the curb when you finally spoke to me, so it’s not all bad. But seriously, Xander, just let me lie here for a moment. Then I’ll find my way home soon.”

Before I can even process what’s happening, my legs give out beneath me, and I find myself wrapped in Xander’s arms. My head naturally settles into the curve of his neck, finding a comfortable spot.

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