Page 10 of Only When We Fall

“What did you think to the others today?” he asks, referring to our earlier meet.

“Everyone seemed lovely. And I don’t think we’ll be short of library dates.”

He laughs. “There were a lot of book worms there, right?”

I nod, “I guess that makes sense seeing as we’re doing English Lit.” I release a long sigh. “I never imagined I’d be here,” I add.

“At this party sitting a beanbag with a guy you’re banned from dating? Or university?”

I grin, “The latter.”

“I really think we should challenge the rules with Zara,” he adds.

I take a long pull on my beer. “We both know she’s right.”

“And you’re still healing your broken heart.”

I nod. I haven’t gone into details, but I’ve shared small snippets. Like how I spent the summer with my gran to get away from a boy.

A girl drops down on a spare beanbag and holds up an empty bottle. “Spin the bottle?”

I freeze up. Memories come back, assaulting my brain and I stutter to get a full breath. I feel Landon rub my knee gently, “Are you okay?”

I make eye contact, and as if he sees every bad memory of Bella and her cackling laugh, he stands, taking my beer and placing it on the table, then pulling me up. “It’s fine, we can leave,” he whispers, rubbing his hand gently on the small of my back as he leads me from the room and out into the garden.

I lean against the wall and take a deep breath, releasing it slowly. “I’m sorry,” I mutter, almost embarrassed.

“Hey, it’s fine. I hate that shit anyway. It’s what kids play.”

“Those kinds of games never go well for me,” I whisper.

“Landon, hey,” A girl approaches and Landon grins. I think I recognise her from our course and so I force a polite smile.

“Kerry, right?” he asks, and she nods, pleased he’s remembered. “And you remember Emmie?” he adds, nodding my way.

She smiles. It’s friendly, not bitchy, and I relax. “Yeah, how are you both? Wasn’t today great?”

“Everyone seems nice,” says Landon in agreement.

“I was about to grab a drink; can I get you one?” Her eyes linger on Landon, and I read the signs before he does.

“Go with her,” I say, and they both turn to me. “I just need a minute. I’ll come and find you.”

Landon frowns. “Are you sure?”

“Please, go. I’m fine.”

Kerry hooks her arm in his and he leads her inside.

Kai

The bottle spins. The circle’s shrunk now with just eight of us left, slouched on cushions and beanbags, a haze of smoke floating between us and the low thrum of the music. This version’s not exactly PG.

“Whoever it lands on,” the girl across from me says, twirling a strand of pink-dyed hair, “you’ve got two choices. Kiss or dare. But either way, it’s gotta be dirty.”

Laughter ripples through the group. No one objects.

The bottle slows. And points to me.Of course it does.

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