The Swap

Sticks And Stones

~ ~ ~

I sighed as I woke up, my mind was becoming more alert and unlike most mornings, I wasn't cold. Jaxon's body, which was pressed against mine, kept me warm despite the fact that I hadn't turned on the heater the night before.

I kept still for a moment, letting myself enjoy being wrapped in Jaxon's arms before I slowly pulled away. I sat at the edge of my bed and looked back at him.

He was still sleeping soundly, his flawless features looked peaceful and maybe even a little bit happy. With a smile, I stood and walked over to my bathroom.

By the time I was finished brushing my teeth and my hair, relieving myself, and washing my face, the clock on my nightstand read 9:17 am. When I re-entered my room, I saw Jaxon sitting up in my bed, scrolling through his phone. He looked up and grinned when he saw me.

"Do you have plans tonight?" He asked me.

I did tell myself that I was going to tell Mel about me and Jaxon today, but that could always wait until tomorrow.

I shook my head. "No, not really. Why?"

I sat next to him. "Because there's going to be a party at Cameron's house and I want you to go with me."

I took a moment to think over the idea. I did enjoy the occasional party, and I loved spending time with the guys. I decided I would have this night of fun before telling my sister everything tomorrow.

I nodded. "Sounds like fun."

~ ~ ~

Jaxon and I walked into Cameron's house at 8:50pm and there were already other teens filling the house. There was music playing as people laughed and socialized in the living room and there was a game of beer pong in the kitchen. Around the kitchen island was a group of guys doing shots and I shook my head in amusement when I saw that  it was Cameron, Alex, and Ian.

Cameron's face lit up when he saw us. "Jaxon, Melanie! Come do this shot with us!"

We walked over as he was pouring two more shots. He held them out to us but I shook my head. "Sorry Cam, I don't drink." I nudged Jaxon. "You go ahead, I'll be designated driver."

He looked at me questioningly. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yeah, alcohol isn't my thing. Tried it, hated it. You have fun with the guys though, alright? I'm going to see if I can find Rhea."

I'd texted Madison and Rhea earlier to invite them to this party and they both were eager to come tonight. Madison was hesitant at first, but I knew she was really excited to be included. This was going to be her first party experience.

"Okay, be careful." He told me, pecking me on the lips.

I smiled warmly. "You're the one who's going to be drinking, you be careful."

I stepped away and waved to the other guys before going out into the living room. There were even more people now than when we'd arrived and I scanned the crowd for my friends.

I didn't find Madison or Rhea, but I did find a couple of freshman attempting to grind to a fast song. I shook my head in an attempt to quell the secondhand embarrassment that I was feeling from these girls. They kept sneaking glances at a few seniors that I knew from some of my classes, and I knew they were trying extremely hard for attention.

Little did they know they were just making fools of themselves.

I quickly walked up the them and placed my hands on their shoulders. Both girls looked at me in surprise and question.