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However, I feel as if shackles have been undone and I can now pursue to write whatever I may wish. This story may not be worth much, but it’s worth everything to me. That can be enough. I hear laughter drifting through my door, and I ease out of my chair, following the sound into the living room, where I find Hunter and Seth sitting on the couch, focused on Mario Kart while Alex stuffs another slice of pizza in his mouth.
I lean against my doorframe, crossing my arms while a smile takes hold of my lips. I can’t take my eyes off them—my family, the people who support and love me most.
“Fuck, Hunter!” Seth shouts while stabbing his thumbs against the buttons on the controller. “Stop throwing bananas!”
“Go, Hunter!” Rachel cheers, punching her fists into the air.
“Whose side are you on?” Seth shouts angrily.
Alex laughs and he glances over his shoulder, smiling at me. I nod to him and he gives me a wink. No matter what problems I face, I know I will be able to get through them, with this family by my side.
Chapter 25
SETH
Purpleisnotmycolor, but, unfortunately, I don’t get to decide on the graduating robes. That’s entirely up to Aurora University. I shift the cap on my head before fidgeting with the golden tassel dangling in front of my face. I look ridiculous. My fifty-dollar suit peaks out behind the robes, making me feel even more awkward. I’m rarely caught in anything besides workout clothes. The suit feels unusually tight and form fitting, tempting me to change into some old sweat pants and a track shirt. Mom would kill me. Part of me doesn’t quite care if she does.
I sigh while staring at myself in the mirror, my hands braced on the sink countertop. Well, I guess this is the best I can look. My hair is at least washed. Mom will be happy about that. Though, I’m counting down the seconds when this will all finally be over. I’m still shocked I’m graduating. It’s not like I went to class all that often. All I did was run these last four years. To or from something, I’m still trying to decide. Perhaps a bit of both, considering. In another month I will be putting all my efforts into getting into that camp. Hopefully with Alex by my side.
An image of Alex’s face flashes through me, and I don’t know why, but my face flushes and my heart skips a beat. My skin tingles, my mouth growing wet as I recall the way his lips felt against mine—soft and firm and too good to be true. A shiver ripples down my spine, my body remembering how his hands felt as they pulled me closer to him, how his tongue slipped inside to dance with mine, how his moans and gasps made me want for more.
My fingers slide against my lips and I watch in the mirror as my cheeks beam red, as my eyes dilate with desire. I shouldn’t be thinking of this. I told myself never again. I would laugh at that if I didn’t feel so worried now. Things with Alex have been great since that night we shared with Rachel. I keep telling myself, so long as I kiss and touch Alex with Rachel, everything will be fine, but with every glance Alex gives me, every slight touch on my hand or shoulder, I feel like I won’t be able to keep that promise to myself any longer. It’s both exhilarating and terrifying.
The door opens and I snap my hand away from my mouth, my gaze lowering to the floor while I try to make my way out. “Sorry,” I murmur, “I was just leaving.”
A soft chuckle halts my step and my heart completely stops beating when I recognize that voice. “You can stay. I only wanted to have a look at my hair in this silly cap.”
My gaze lifts and meets Alex’s blue gaze. He’s smiling at me and there’s a hint of mischief in the way he’s looking at me. Although, in his defense, he always looks mischievous. “Oh,” I breathe, instantly grimacing for sounding like an idiot. I need to leave now. The door is shut and we’re alone in this cramped place. So many things could happen, and then what? I keep asking myself that, but my body remains completely still.
Alex steps past me, his hand brushing against mine, sending warm tingles through me. He leans towards the mirror, and I watch him fidget with his cap similarly to me just moments before. He swipes the tassel away from his face, reminding me of a frustrated kitten with a ball of yarn.
“I look ridiculous,” Alex says matter-of-factly while straightening and giving me an irritated look. “Purple really isn’t my color. Especially with my red hair.”
He looks beautiful. I can’t take my gaze off him and I feel so stupid standing there, staring at him with my mouth gaping open. “Y-you look fine,” I say shakily, my voice higher pitched than usual.
Alex scoffs and shakes his head. “I will be happy when this is all over with.”
A lock of hair slides over his brow and without thinking, I reach for it, tucking it back under his cap. My hand stills between us, our gazes locking. Why did I do that? I shouldn’t be touching him. That was utterly stupid. I step back, my hand snapping away from him, but before I can return it to my side, he grabs my wrist gently, his thumb stroking the sensitive skin near my palm.
“S-sorry,” I blurt out, my face flushing an even deeper red. “I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s fine,” Alex says softly, closing the distance between us. He’s still holding my hand. I should push him away, but I don’t. There’s a part of me that’s enjoying this more than I should. His chest is nearly touching mine. His tall form hovers over me, his head leaning toward me. I can almost feel his nose touching mine. We’re too close and the door is closed. Who knows what will happen? And I’m terrified to admit I really want him to kiss me now. It’s been so long since we last kissed. And it had been an amazing kiss—an amazing night with Rachel, where we could finally release all our inhibitions. I keep thinking about it, night and day.
“Seth,” Alex whispers, moving closer to me, his nose brushing against mine.
My eyes close and I breathe him in. I can feel his warmth all around me. He’s still holding my hand, his thumb is stroking small circles around my skin. “Yes,” I whisper, waiting for his lips to meet mine.
“Seth, Alex?” Lucas calls, a loud knock banging against the door.
Alex instantly drops my hand. We lurch away from each other, just in time for Lucas to open the door. He gives us a strange look and places his hands on his hips. I wonder if he saw anything. I really hope he didn’t. If Lucas and Hunter find out about me and Alex, everything would get weird. Things only recently went back to normal after Lucas confessed about his story and made amends with his family and Rachel. I don’t want to start a whole other drama to get into. Especially now when we are graduating and have training to think about.
“Yes, what is it?” Alex asks, his voice shaking while he fidgets with his robe.
“Well, are the both of you done making yourselves look pretty?” Lucas asks with a chuckle. “Everyone is ready to go. We’re waiting on you two. Hunter has the car parked outside.”
“Yep, we’re ready,” I say, nearly bumping into Alex as he tries to step around me toward the doorway Lucas is currently blocking.
“Just need to grab my wallet,” Alex adds while brushing past Lucas and disappearing around the corner.
