Page 8 of Five Summers

I can hear the defensiveness in her tone as if her words are covered in a frosty layer. I wish she would drop the facade and be genuine like she was when she sang. Unfortunately, my attempts to assert myself only prompt her to put up her guard again, protecting herself from those around her. “I didn’t realize you were a Radiohead fan,” I comment.

She sighs, clearly seeing through my act. “And how would you know? It’s not like you’ve ever made an effort to talk to me. Except for today in the bathroom, and that was just to mess with me.”

Smart girl. She clearly knew I was fucking with her. Noted. I can’t put Poppy in the same box as those other chicks. I need to be smarter if I want to push her boundaries even more.

Ignoring the whole restroom thing, I jut my chin out, pointing towards her phone.

“What else do you have on that?” I ask, my eyes fixed on the phone she holds in her hands.

“You mean music?”

“Yeah! Show me what songs you listen to, Creep?” I respond with another sly smile, playfully making a joke about the song.

Her eyes narrow and I notice her jaw twitch. It's clear that the nickname I used pissed her off. In an attempt to prevent her from telling me to fuck off, I quickly clarify. But as I reflect on my behavior, I can’t help but question myself. Insulting peoplehas never bothered me before. I love fucking with them. I have no clue why, but I don't want Poppy Reeves to keep her distance from me. I want her to be as vulnerable as she was just moments ago.

“I only mentioned “Creep” you know because of the song you were singing…that’s all,” I quickly add.

“Okay,” she says, still eyeing me with caution. “What are you doing out here anyway?”

It suddenly dawns on me that she never responded to my previous question. If she’s going to play this game, I want her to answer my question first.

“I’ll answer your question if you answer mine first.’

I take a step back and begin walking down the street, expecting that she will either call me back or join me like other girls usually do to get my attention. However, as a few seconds pass, I realize that she isn’t doing either - no calling out my name or coming after me. So, I come to a halt and turn around.

I can't help but smile when I see her walking to her gate. Unlike other girls who constantly seek my attention and allow me to have my way, she stands apart. There’s something different about her. My usual charms don’t seem to have any effect on her. It’s a new and unfamiliar experience for me.

“Hey!” I call out, my voice echoing through the serene street.

With her hand resting on the gate, she pauses and glances in my direction.

“Wanna go for a walk?”

“Where?”

“Down to the 7-Eleven?”

She takes a quick glance back at her house, and I'm completely focused on watching her as the seconds tick by. Judging by the amount of time she’s taking, I expect her to decline, but to my surprise, she starts making her way towards me.

As I walk down the street, she stays a few strides behind instead of catching up.

We fall into silence as we move down the street; the air filled with an eerie calmness.

Somewhere along the quiet street, I hear the rumble of a car engine come to life. I glance back at Poppy and see her nervously pulling on her shirt, a clear sign she's nervous. I wonder if she’s expecting me to say something hurtful, like Jade and the other bitches always do.

As a car zooms past us on the street, the sound of its engine roars in my ears. I lift my head, feeling a rush of wind against my face, and track its movement with my eyes. The vibrant red color of the car races around the corner two blocks away, leaving behind a faint scent of burning rubber.

The sound of Poppy’s voice brings me back to the present.

“So, what are you doing down at the 7-Eleven?”

I come to a halt and wait for her to catch up. She deliberately avoids making eye contact and directs her gaze anywhere but at me.

“I’m getting something to eat, Princess.”

My words capture her attention as she lifts her head to look up at me. “Why did you call me that?”

“Call you what?” I ask, fully aware of what she’s referring to. Once again, I’m fucking with her, and I love it.

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