Page 25 of Keep Me Safe

“We should hang out sometime,” she says. I let out a small laugh at the abruptness of her statement.

“You know, I think I’ll take you up on that. Do you want my number so we can plan something?”

“Of course, girl!”

I smile to myself. I’ve never had many friends other than Jared, and it would be nice to have a friend who isn’t a boy.

Before I head out, I check in with Darla.

“How did I do?”

“You were wonderful, dear. Oh, speaking of, here’s your portion of the profits from the class,” she says, handing me cash. It’s more than I expected, and I almost feel bad taking it.

“I really had fun doing this. Thank you for letting me be the one to do it.”

“Of course, honey.”

I don’t think that class could have gone any better. I was so nervous at first, but it was perfect. I love showing people something that they’ve never seen or done before. When the concept clicks, the look in their eyes is the best feeling.

Turning down Noah’s road, I smile. Today was amazing. I finally feel like I’m succeeding with something. Putting my car in park, I climb out, and Jared greets me at the door, a popsicle in his hand.

“I want one,” I whine.

“There’s more in the freezer.”

Giving him my best puppy dog eyes, I stick out my bottom lip. He folds immediately.

“I can never say no to you,” he tells me with a smile.

While he’s doing that, I run upstairs to drop off my stuff and grab the book I’m currently reading. I plan on relaxing for the rest of the day. Jogging back down the stairs, I’m met with a stunned Jared holding a blue popsicle—my favorite flavor.

“Thank you!” I say, pushing past him and heading for theslider. I’m going to plant my happy ass in the hammock and read for as long as I can. It’s a beautiful day. There are no clouds in sight, and the sun heats my skin. It’s about seventy degrees, the perfect temperature to lay out in. The sound of the birds chirping comforts me as I swing lazily.

Opening my book, I pick up where I left off. The enemies are right about to become lovers. Those classic, wonderful words,who did this to you?She’s about to tell him when I’m interrupted by a voice.

“I’m bored,” Jared groans, standing in front of the hammock.

I look at him over my book, “Find something to do then.”

“I want to do something with you.”

Closing my book, I sigh. “Fine. What do you want to do?”

“Maybe we can go get gas station hot dogs and then come back and have a fire?”

“I don’t know if I’m in the mood to socialize with anyone else.”

“No, just you and me. We can roast marshmallows?”

I ponder it for a moment. I’d rather read, but I do need to eat something, and he’s asking so nicely.

“Let’s do it.”

I hop into his car, and we head to the local gas station. Hands already full of other snacks, we grab our hot dogs and get in line.

“Hey, Jared, I see that you brought the whore out of the house.”

Turning toward the voice, I recognize the man as one of Jake’s friends. His eyes move over my body, and I feel dirty. I want to throw up. Or punch him. Either option works.

---