Forever and Always His

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

                I woke up the morning after Christmas day, still wearing the red dress I had on from last night. The silver picture frame that held the photo of Everett and I years ago was placed on his nightstand, the glare of the sunlight reflecting off the glass.

Rolling over to my side, I tried not to disturb the arm that was holding me from the waist. I faced Everett, who was breathing lightly, his chest heaving up and down slowly. His lips were slightly parted, a piece of his hair falling into his eyes. I smiled slightly, placing my hand on his left cheek- the one that wasn’t pressed against the pillow. Brushing my thumb against his cheekbone, I pushed the strand of hair away from his eyes, causing him to flinch just a little bit.  

                I bit on my lower lip, leaning in just close enough so that our lips were just a mere centimeter away from each others. I took in a deep breath, brushing my lips against his gently. The feeling only lasted for a second before I pulled away. My cheeks were flushed red, even though Everett would’ve never known that I just stole a kiss. I bit back a smile, a sudden fluttering feeling exploding in my stomach. My heart was pounding against my chest quicker than it should as I rolled back over. Closing my eyes to go back to sleep, I couldn’t help but think that I was right where I belonged.

*

                I never did parties- parties just weren’t my thing.

                I was currently in a very awkward situation, where I was sitting on the end of a leather white sofa. I wasn’t by myself, though- a couple was shamelessly having a sloppy make out session beside me. On the right of me, the floor, laid a girl who passed out forty minutes ago, a puddle of puke beside her.

                Tapping on my red party cup that was full of soda, I waited impatiently for Max to come back from the bathroom. I’ve been waiting for half an hour now, and I was trying to convince myself that he hadn’t ditched me at this stupid, New Years Eve party that he practically dragged me to. Waiting another five minutes, I finally got fed up when the couple making out beside me decided to make unappreciated noises. “Fucking hell.” I murmured under my breath, pushing myself past through a crowded group of sweaty dancers. When I finally escaped the mess, I stumbled out, gasping for a breath of air.

                Wiping the bit of sweat that formed against my forehead, I smoothed out the bottom of my skirt. I scanned my eyes around the room, spotting Maria by the kitchen with Jared. The two of them were leaning closely towards each other, Maria letting out a burst of giggles at something Jared whispered into her ear.

                I hated to be the third wheel when I was around them, but I was desperate to find Max. I weaved through the packed groups of people, nearly tripping over a couple that was going at it on the floor. I cringed, scrunching my nose in disgust, finally reaching the kitchen. Jared spotted me first, waving over at me. “Hey, Riley.” He grinned, his arm around Maria’s waist.

                I gave the two of them a small smile, not wanting to interrupt whatever moment they had before I came over. “Hey guys,” I paused, “have any of you seen Max? He kind of ditched me thirty minutes ago.”

                Maria frowned, tilted her head to look around the room. “Really? That’s so unlike Max, though.” She muttered to herself before turning back to me. “But, I just saw him five minutes ago when I left the bathroom.”

                I sighed with relief, giving her a nod. “Thanks.” I smiled. “I’ll catch up with the two of you later.”

                I left the kitchen, walking towards the long hallway, where the bedrooms and the bathrooms were. With each bedroom door I passed, I couldn’t help but be mentally scarred from the unpleasant sounds that were coming from the other sides of the doors. “Where are you, Max?” I hissed under my breath, suddenly getting irritated by his sudden leaving.