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“It’s my fault you were taken. Slade and I were arguing and when we came back out, you were gone. I thought I saw you being led out, so I followed as best I could. I wasn’t fast enough though when I saw him try to put you in a car. Before I could get to you, someone arrived, saving you. I was so relieved, I let you leave with him. I was half way home when I realized I should’ve checked on you. I decided to drive to your house to check you made it there. I’d known your address by heart for years from all your letters,” he stopped, tears building in his eyes, and I held my breath for what was to come, the anxiety beating a rapid percussion in my chest.
“I never made it there because when I got halfway there, the road was closed. I left my car, and ran to the scene, praying it wasn’t you. I… I saw them loading you into the ambulance, and I was relieved you were okay. I stood there for a while, just watching. I heard a car starting behind me, but I stayed where I was, assuming someone was just leaving. Everything that happened next felt like something in slow motion… I watched the car drive by me, I watched your eyes go wide and your attempt to yell at him, I watched as Duncan kept walking backward unaware, and I watched as the car struck him. All I did waswatch. If I’d done something,anything, then maybe Duncan would still be alive. Don’t you get it, Lennox? It wasmyfault.I killed Duncan.”
Pen Pal Letter
THANE TO NOX
My Noxy girl,
I’m sorry that happened to you. I had to take some calming breaths when I read that to not demand you tell me her name so I could tell her just what I thought about her opinion. But I know that wouldn’t do anything for you, so instead, I’m trying to be supportive. What do you need? An alibi? Prank ideas? A random package of shit to be delivered to her door? Or one of those glitter bombs? Or a candy penis? Please tell me we can do one of these. It must be done.
No? I’m very saddened by this.
I appreciate you thinking I’m brave, but really I’m scared out of my mind. The only thing that makes me feel excited about it is knowing I’m going to do something I love. I hope my mom would’ve been proud of me. Even when she was sick, she always told me to pursue my dreams, that she would get to live vicariously through me as long as I was happy and doing what I loved. When I was twelve that meant baseball and school.
Bringing home a good grade was the only way I knew how to make her smile back then. She had a bond with my brother I didn’t have, but I worked hard not to be a nuisance, to be the easy child. In the end, it didn’t matter. She still died, and I didn’t get to say goodbye. I never did play baseball after that.
Imagining you driving and hitting a bush makes me chuckle. I’m sorry your friend is refusing to teach you now. Is there anyone else you can ask? My car is an automatic, so I’m no help.
I’m excited you chose dare first…
I dare you to sing in the talent show.
I know… it’s probably mean of me, but I figured maybe I can be the push you need, to remind you that youarebrave and strong. If anything, it will stick it to the mean girl since you won’t let me prank her with a glitter bomb.
If you choose to skip the dare, then you have to wear a Ronald McDonald costume to school for the entire day. And I’ll need picture proof that this occurred.
Better get to practicing those vocals, songbird.
I’ll take a dare in return.
What do you call a pig that knows karate?
Pork Chop.
You’re welcome.
Not a comedian Blaze
My head poundedfrom lack of sleep, and my eyes were barely staying open. I’d gotten to bed around 5 am after the last bomb Zane dropped on me. I’d only been awake an hour, enough time to shower and get dressed before I had to meet Simon and Slade. Crapola, that was a mouthful! Chuckling at my ill-mannered innuendo, I walked in and spotted the guys in a booth in a circular corner.
Slade stood when he noticed me and waited for me to travel the distance to him. When I was close, he pulled me into a hug, breathing in my hair. I was so tired, I didn’t fight it and just accepted the comfort. After everything Zane had told me, I found myself not hating my bossnemy as much anyway, the Blaze I’d known rising to the surface.
“Peach, you look like hell, but I’m happy to see you.”
Snuggling in close, I ignored his comment and found myself almost falling asleep against his chest despite still standing up. I nestled against him and hummed in contentment. I felt his chest rumble against my cheek, but I didn’t hear what he said. His hands were resting on my lower back, and his thumb had found its way under my shirt, rubbing against my bare skin.
“Hmm?”
He pulled back, a look of concern on his face now, the worry lines appearing between his brows. Lifting up, I could only reach his chin, so I hopped once, attempting to get the spot to smooth it out. Unfortunately, I was still too short and only managed to boop his nose.
“What are you doing, Peach?” He asked, smiling down at me adoringly.
“Trying to smooth out your wrinkles.”
He looked at me, a smile in his eyes. “Should I ask why?”
Before I could reply, his arms banded around me, and he lifted me up, bringing us face to face. Blinking, I lost my breath as I stared at him.
