Page 44 of Five Summers

“You've got a hangover? How did you get your hands on alcohol?”

I just ignore her question and walk away, but she keeps following me ranting and raving.

“Don’t even think about staying home from school now.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“I have no idea what has come over you in these past few weeks.”

I make a beeline for my bedroom, attempting to close the door to block out her yelling. But she stops me by placing her hand firmly against it. Usually, I wait for her to vent her pent-up frustration before I go for a shower. But I don’t want to hear anyof how I’m such a disappointment to her. I turn away, leaving her near the open door still ranting. Lifting my shirt, I head to the bathroom to take a shower.

Standing under the warm water does nothing to drown out her hurtful words. The steam fills the bathroom, offering a temporary escape from the harsh reality outside my bedroom door. I vigorously scrub away the burden of her disappointment, hoping to wash it all away.

As I stand there, head pounding, warm water soothing my body, I couldn't care less if I miss the morning lessons today. I'll get there when I feel like it.

When I finally drag myself out of my room, I make sure to avoid looking at my mom as I walk by her near the couch. Her negative words hang heavy in the air, but I won’t let them get to me. I grab my stuff and head to the front door, ready to face whatever comes my way.

Chapter fifteen

Xander

Sitting beside Ace in the schoolyard, I can’t help but notice Poppy Reeves emerging from her car.

It’s clear that she’s nursing a serious hangover, clutching a water bottle and shielding her eyes with oversized sunglasses. And, as always, she’s sporting yet another short skirt that fucking distracts me.

I watch as Poppy settles down across the quad, casually lounging on the grass, leaning against the brick wall. She crosses her legs and makes herself comfy as if she's gonna take a nap.

Without wasting a moment, I grab my phone out of my pocket and quickly send a message.

Xander: Hey Princess, glad you could make it

I look up and notice her reaching into her pocket. After glancing at her phone, she places it face down on the grass next to her. It's really getting on my nerves that she's ignoring me, so I send another text.

Xander: Did you see the drawing I left on your left tit when we were making out last night?

Immediately after pressing send, I glance up, completely zoned out of anything Ace is saying beside me.

I watch as she reaches for her phone, and then quickly drops it in her lap before she peers down the front of her shirt.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get an opportunity to see her tits last night. After I helped her settle on the couch, I took a picture of her while she was sleeping. Then I left.

I burst into laughter as I reach for my phone to send her another text, but Ace interrupts me with a question.

“Who the fuck are you texting?” Ace asks. “I know it’s not Savannah or Jade since they’re right here. So who are you trying to hook up with now?”

“No one,” I say, tucking my phone back into my pocket.

“If you’re feeling horny, just go for Jade. She’ll take care of that.”

“Nah, I’m not interested,” I reply, dismissing the idea. “She’s so fucking annoying, and never shuts up.” My phone suddenly pings in my pocket, and I resist the temptation to reach for it, exercising immense self-control.

“Well, there’s one way to solve that problem. Stuff your dick in her mouth, then she’ll shut up. That always works for me.” He stands up and looks down at me. “Well, if you’re not gonna do it I might.”

“Go for it,” I respond.

I'm watching as Ace leans in and whispers a few words in Jade’s ear before planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. Then he casually walks away. That fucker just stole my move. Asshole. Well, except for the kiss. I never do that. In a matter of seconds, Jade is already chasing after him, falling for that simple move every single fucking time.

With Ace gone and his attention now solely focused on other things, I finally give in and reach for my phone to read the text from Poppy.

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