Page 66 of Never Enough

My tone brooking no argument, I say, “You’re not alone. I’m here. I’ll always be here.”

Mom’s bruising fingers fade against the coldness of my skin. The air no longer burns inside my lungs. It’s just me and him now. I’ll use it to breathe air back into his lungs, and he’ll ease the panic in my chest.

“I-I know th-that deep down,” he says. “I-I’ve g-got Vic-Victoria a-and my family.” He takes a deep breath, likely to help calm his stutters. “But I feel a-alone a-all the time, and I have no friends.” I’ll never forget the first time I witnessed him being mercilessly bullied by a gang of kids.

I’m here to listen. “Sometimes, talking to someone you trust can help. Have you opened up to your parents about this?”

He avoids eye contact. “No.”

How do I say that I care about him without sounding like a creep? I can’t, and maybe that’s okay. After all, I climbed a tree and broke inside his house like the little creeper I am.

Placing my hand over his, I intertwine his fingers with mine. I don’t know if he’s okay with more physicalcontact right now, but I want to ground him. “It may be hard to believe, especially at this moment, but life will change. Life isn’t the same as it was when you were little, and it won’t be the same when you’re older. It’s a constant flow.”

“W-what if it only g-gets worse?”

“Then you seek help and hold the fuck on.”

The soft glow of the window casts a soothing aura over us. Our breaths mingle, forging a connection. We are two survivors, united in our separate battles against our inner demons.

I begin to speak, unsure of what words will escape my lips, but all coherent thoughts vanish as Alex leans closer, and then oh-so-gently presses his lips against mine in a tender kiss.

Oh my God. My heart stutters, and I swear to all things holy I could die right here and now. Wrapped in his warm arms, with his gentle lips against mine, soaks up enough tension to.

Our kiss is awkward. His glasses are still on, and I’ve never been kissed before, but when his tongue shyly peeks past my lips and into my mouth, it’s wonderful.

Cautiously, I press my tongue against his, allowing a spark to ignite the moment. A sweet rush of sensation explodes down my arms as I taste the honeyed sweetness of ripened strawberries.

My first kiss is perfect.

After a few seconds, we pull apart. His cheeks are red, and I’m sure mine are too.

For the rest of the night, we sleep on top of the bed covers with our clothes on. I lay my head between the crook of his neck and shoulder while he rests his chin on the top of my head. I never tell him why I was in his closet in the first place.

I leave at daybreak, am placed into foster care, and don’t see him until I transfer to WU nine years later.

Chapter twenty-five

Daphne

Having seen pictures of Alex at a party, despite his assurances of spending time with family, I can’t resist the urge to confront him. Impulsively, I jump into my car and head straight for the frat house, my heart pounding in my chest.

As I pull into the parking lot, the frat house looms over me like a menacing beast. The pulsating music is a constant reminder of the lively atmosphere inside. With trembling hands, I turn off the engine and step out of the car, my heart racing.

I weave through the throng of sweaty bodies and spilled drinks, my eyes darting across the room in search of him.

“Hey, Daphne! What brings you here?” Tyler’s voice interrupts my search. He leans against a doorway with a beer in hand.

“I’m looking for Alex,” I reply, brushing off his smirk. There’s no time for games.

“Damn, are you really obsessed with Whitmore? I thought that was just a joke Celeste spread.” He raises a brow.

A knot forms in my stomach, tightening with each word. I’m trying to hide the pain. “Where is he?”

“Hate to break it to you, darlin’, but he’s with his girlfriend.” His words sting like a slap, forcing a tear to escape. I blink it back, the salty sting burning my eyes.

I’m not surprised. I mean, I saw the pictures of them together on social media.

“Thanks,” I mutter, turning away. I won’t cry. Not here.

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