Playing With Fire

Chapter Ten

            Ashley opens her mouth to speak but Chase beats her to it, “How did I not see that?” 

            “Why, are you wishing you got this instead?” I smirk, sending a knowing wink in a gloating Ashley’s direction.

            “No,” He confirms, grinning, “But I do want to try it.

            I tilt my bowl forward for him to get better access with his spoon. As he does so, his sleeve rolls up slightly and my eyes trail to a brutal purpled bruise around his wrist. I don’t get much time to analyze it before he pulls back and goes for a taste. 

            “Chase, what happened to your wrist?” I ask abruptly as he continues swallow the ice cream with his eyes closed. 

            He stops chewing momentarily and looks down at what I was previously trying to figure out. He shrugs and gulps the last of cake batter ice cream down. 

            “I didn’t see it before,” He states, “But it’s probably from lacrosse practice.”

            “Ouch,” Ashley pitches in, her eyes delved onto the bruise appearing to be laced with pain. 

            “Wow, so if they can’t get the ball, they hit you?” I ask, furrowing my brows.

            He nods, “Pretty much. It’s a contact sport so whatever comes, goes.” 

            “You’re entire wrist is swollen though, Chase.” Ashley interrupts, grabbing his arm in the process. 

            My eyes dart to his hand, and sure enough, there is more swelling all around the bottom of his wrist as well. 

            “Someone must have grabbed it while I was running,” Chase concludes, shoving another spoon of his ice cream down his mouth.

            “How do you not notice these things?” Ashley takes the words out of my mouth, “You need to be more careful!” 

            Chase shoots her a smug look, “Yes mother.” 

            “Parent-zoned.” Ashley chuckles, raising her hands above her head in a joking manner. 

            Just as I am about to comment, my phone rings. Instantly, I jump, my heart nearly dashing out of my chest in the process.

            All I can think about is mom, but I’m awfully relieved when I see that the ID clearly states Dad. 

            A hand flies to my chest and I shoot Ashley and Chase a look before picking up the phone and pressing it to my ear. 

            “Hello?” I answer, nudging the ice cream away from my body. 

            “Hey sweetie,” Dad answers, “I’m waiting outside the parlor right now.” 

            I scramble up, “Now?” 

            I hear him laugh quietly, “Yeah, sorry. We have new neighbors at home and I want you to meet them.”   

            I send Ashley and Chase an apologetic look as he speaks and they both return it with a shrug. 

            “Oh—“ I jerk the phone from my ear and grab my ice cream away from Chase’s mouth, “I’ll be right out.” 

            “Okay great, see you.”