Page 81 of Faking Forever 1
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PAISLEY
If it weren’t for the sunlight streaking through the tent, I would’ve kept my eyes closed and my body stuffed under the covers. Combatted with the empty space beside me and the relatively loud conversation happening outside the tent, it wasn’t likely that anything would let me sleep in. After last night, though, I could have lied here for hours. I didn’t feel the pain as intensely, but surely it was there. I didn’t even wanna take onelook at the ugly purple lumps I’d accumulated either. My clear, tan skin was ruined, and now I’msureI look like a rag doll.
“I saw you guys sleeping last night. I’m just curious if you twoare a real thing now?”
Rich’s voice is prominent suddenly, going on about something with a bellyful of laughter. I raise my head from the flattened pillow, barely peeling my eyelids open.
“Pop, would you spare me? It’s complicated, alright?”
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Josh’s voice makes a cameo, seemingly annoyed with Rich’s choice of words. Glancing out of the black netted window, I manage to see them standing directly beside the tent.
“How complicated could it be? Either the two of yous aretogether—or—you’re just not. You’re not a small-town kidanymore, Josh. The town talks about the both of us now, andI don’t wanna be the last to find out anything.”
“It’s so complicated that I don’t wanna talk about it right now,okay?”
A few more words were exchanged, some of which I didn’t care to hear. It probably wasn’t my business to begin with. It wasn’t interesting enough to take my attention away from the lingering dirt in my hair and the slight stinging sensation that every little cut and bruise had given me. I’d been through much worse—a car accident once and a bad bike accident another time—, but for some reason, this was going to be the one thing to make me die of embarrassment and guilt.
Iknowthat I looked ridiculous, and now he’s just praying this trip ends. I know I am, at least.
Grasping at whatever pride I had remaining, I zip the tent open, taking a step out. The chill of the forest sent my skin to goosebumps central. It smelled good, though, like fresh air. Plus, it was so peaceful that you forgot anything bad was happening. I wish I hadn’t spent my entire first-night playing water slide with a dirt hill. I’ve spent more time being clumsy than I have having fun.
My first mission was to take a shower in what was our makeshift version of one. It was decent for a three-day trip but unsuitable for anyone who cares about privacy. It looked to me that Josh and Rich were the only ones present, and 193
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I wasn’t about to waste time questioning it. So, I grabbed my shower basket that was sitting on a mat outside our tent, shuffling quickly to the shower tent that hid behind some large board that Rich brought from the store to hold up our portable shower head. It was a decent wall if you were being quick—and I had every intention to be.
Dropping my basket, I take my shower shoes out of it, tugging my clothes off at the same time. Feeling the breeze hit my bare skin as each clothing item is removed, I turn the shower bag on, feeling that it’s still somewhat warm.
I guess I got lucky for once.
The water rushes through my hair, sending any little dirt clumps rushing to the ground. I was already beginning to feel clean again with that alone. The water was like a warm massage on all my bumps and bruises. I wish my brain didn’t go there, but I wish the water were his large, veiny hands instead. My body feelsestranged from his touch whenever he’s not around. Then my mind wonders where it shouldn’t be—whether it be appropriate or not—and I cannot fight it.
By the time I felt clean enough to walk back to my tent, it was no figure everyone had left. Today was the day we planned to see the big waterfall, which they probably already had left for. I can’t blame them, as I’m equally as excited. But I don’t think walking alone in the woods is a very genius idea for me anymore, even if I had Hansel and Gretel to guide me.
I place my basket outside the tent, returning it to its resting place before unzipping it, and walk into empty silence. Using it to pat myself dry, I open my bag to retrieve my bra, panties, and bathing suit. I put the bra and panties on in a rush, trying to beat the chill, when suddenly my ears catch the sound of 194
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the vinyl moving, sending my head into a whiplash.
“Paisley!”
Josh nearly falls straight back, covering his eyes as he tries to escape the tent.
“Josh—it’s fine!”
I’d rather it be you over anybody else.
“I didn’t know you were in here—”
“It’s okay. It’s nothing you haven’t seen. Relax. I just thought you were somebody else.”
