AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Eleven
The napI desperately needed was a forgotten thought. Instead, Jay and I spent the afternoon exploring each other’s bodies. Getting to know each other intimately.
Multiple times.
On the bed.
In the chair.
Bent over the desk.
And finally, in the shower while we washed each other from head to toe. The room smelled of sex when we left, our bodies still humming, but our sins had been washed away.
For now.
Sins of the past and present.
My exhaustion started to set in as we arrived at the lantern release, twenty minutes late, as everyone was gathering on the football field. The sun was just starting to kiss the horizon, fields of orange, yellow, and red illuminated above the forest of trees that ran along the western edge of campus.
The dean is waiting for us, a forced smile on his face as we approach, two microphones in hand. He immediately hands me one, and I take it without hesitation, setting my lantern on the ground at my feet.
“The ceremony starts in five minutes. I’ll be introducing you, Andrea, and then the lanterns will be released one by one as you speak.”
Nodding my head in understanding, my eyes follow his line of sight to the growing crowd in front of us. There are at least fifty people here already and more still walking into the stadium. Most are faces I recognize from town or old classmates. Mia and Spencer are standing off to the side, waving us over.
When I lift my hand to return their gesture, forgetting Jay’s fingers are laced with mine, it looks more like I’m punching the air in celebration. Mia’s smile brightens while Spencer remains stoic, his face unreadable from this distance.
“You should go and stand with them,” I urge Jay, attempting to pull my hand from his. He’s not giving up without a fight though. The same way he refused to let go on the walk over here when we passed my old boss from Riley’s Pub.
“We’ll see them later. I’d rather be here for you in case you need me.”
“What makes you think I need you?” I retort, unable to hide my smile at his gesture.
“If you would rather do this alone …” he starts, taking a step toward where our friends are still watching us with interest.
I pull him back as I hear the dean begin his introduction, and Jay wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me in front of him. Resting my head against his broad chest, I close my eyes until I hear my name.
Sliding the button up on the microphone, I stare at the little green light signaling that it’s on.
I can do this.
After sucking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, I bring the microphone to my lips and close my eyes again. If I can’t see them, I won’t know if they’re looking at me.
“Sam was more than just my best friend. She was like a sister to me. My other half. The yin to my yang. Where she was outgoing and spunky, I was quiet and reserved. She dressed to stand out while I used my clothes as a way to blend into the crowd. Her hair … gosh, she loved to get creative. A different color every month, sometimes more often than that. Her favorite colors were pink and teal. In her mind, they were bright enough to stand out against her boring brown strands. They brought color to her pale skin. And let’s not forget her signature red lipstick. I’m pretty sure I never saw her without it.”
Pausing, I take another deep breath and open my eyes. Jay tightens his hold, reassuring me without saying a word that I can do this. His presence alone has calmed me.
“Sam and I met at Riley’s. She made a hell of a first impression. She was bold and a tad bit crazy, but she was damn good at what she did. She loved her job and found a way to have fun in a stressful environment. She didn’t take shit from anyone but could dish it out. After the first night I worked with her I knew we would always be friends. There was something about her that spoke to a part of me that was missing. She brought out parts of my personality I didn’t realize existed.”
Stopping to watch a few of the lanterns release, I snuggle deeper into Jay’s arms before continuing.
“For two years we were practically inseparable. I have more memories that I can count. From funny stories to boring nights spent studying together. Day trips shopping for her next outrageous outfit. Countless parties I barely remember. And we still hold the beer pong team championship.”
I feel the rumble in Jay’s chest as Spencer’s burst of laugher echoes across the open field. I knew he’d get a kick out of that comment. After all, we stole the title from him and Jay.
“The last time I talked to Sam was the day I left for spring break. I had invited her to come with me, but she didn’t want to spend the money on a lavish trip. She was saving for a new car, one that didn’t break down every other day. She was close to her goal, and we had planned on going car shopping when I got back. That didn’t happen. Someone stole that dream from her. Stole all her dreams from her.
“The same person ripped out a piece of my heart that day. I lost my best friend. Summer lost her only daughter. Sam was only one person, but she touched each and every one here. We all still feel her loss, even five years later because when she was killed this town lost its innocence. A town I had always seen as safe. A place that prided itself on the community that lived here. And one of their own destroyed everything Great Falls stood for.”
