Page 18 of We Thought We Were Invincible
I didn't even like her in that moment, but something drew me to her. That mouth. So sweet. It wasn't the first time my lips acted independently of my mind. In fact, that was how I usually operated. But not with her. Not with my best friend's sister, the girl my brother loved. He'd never told me he loved her, but the way they were together was obvious.
Groaning, I closed my eyes, trying to forget my impulsiveness.
Before I could fall asleep, my bedroom door crashed open and my father's imposing figure filled the space.
“Dad.” I sighed, sitting up to face him.
“I got a call from the school today,” his voice boomed. “Skipping on your first day. I shouldn't have been surprised. When will you stop being such a disappointment, James?”
“I guess when you stop expecting things from me.” I clicked on the light beside my bed, his face coming into view.
“Impertinence,” he growled, lunging for the bed.
I didn't fight it. That'd only make it worse. It was one of the more important lessons I'd learned as a kid. The other was that my face was safe and covering it only exposed my ribs.
Dad grabbed my arm with his vice-like grip. I didn't make a sound, and the pain radiated out from where his fingers dug into my skin. His fist collided with the right side of my chest. When he released me, I realized I was lucky that was all I'd gotten. He never did damage that could be noticed. A smart one - my dad.
“Shape up, Son.” He loomed over me for a moment longer before turning and leaving with as much power as he'd come.
“Don't call me son,” I murmured when his back was out of sight.
Routine took over from there. I got up, wincing as a bruise formed where I'd been hit. Shutting the door, I went to my desk and pulled out a few aspirins. In the bathroom, I popped them in my mouth and cupped my hands under the water, slurping it the best I could.
Lifting my arm, I touched the new bruise while examining it in the mirror.
“Ass,” I muttered to myself, shutting off the light and crawling back into bed. I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow.
8
Callie
“Callie, girl.” Jay's voice came over the phone.
“Hey there,” I said. It was good to hear his voice.
“How'd your first week of senior year go?”
Well, I skipped school, pissed off my aunt, failed at life, oh - and kissed your brother.
I didn't say that of course. I went with a simple “fine” and question deflection. “You're the one who just started college. I want to hear all about it.”
“I have to admit, it's been pretty great. Good classes, cool roommate, well, I won't bore you with the details. But you should have seen the parties here last night.”
I couldn't help laughing at the thought of Jay at a frat party.
“Yeah, yeah,” Jay said. “Maybe I can become a partier. I do miss you though.”
It was Sunday afternoon and one week since he'd left. One long week. I hadn't skipped anymore classes and spent my free time working at the diner. The storm had come in pretty strong so the ocean was un-swimmable for a few days. You never swim after lots of rain. At least, not unless you want to get sick.
One thing I had not done, was hang out with Colby and Jamie.
“I miss you too.”.
“I've been trying to call you all week. You already forget about me?”
I swear if I looked in the mirror, my cheeks would be lobster-like.
“Just busy.”
