Second Chance

Twelve: Sleep Over

“Ciara.”

“Just put me down!”

“Or else?”

“I’ll fall!” The walk from Bessie’s bedroom to the kitchen had never seemed so long.

“Oh, that won’t happen.”

At once, Ciara noticed the feel of his hand around her thigh. She held her breath. Just her luck, she decided to wear shorts today. After what seemed like an eternity, the kitchen finally came into view. The minute her feet touched the ground, she took a big and what she hoped was a subtle step away from Taylor.

Okay, it was probably not so subtle.

“Sheesh, do I smell bad or what?”

She quickly turned away, feeling her face turn brighter than a clown’s nose. No, he did not smell bad. He smelled anything but bad.

“Yeah, I’m glad you realized. When was the last time you showered? Pass me the carrots; I’ll cut them.”

Her tone was light and casual, and she took the few carrots from Taylor. A satisfied smirk appeared on her lips, but it was gone the minute Taylor finished his next sentence.

“Just don’t cut your fingers. You’ll ruin the carrots with your blood.”

Ciara swallowed her fury. Her hand visibly shook as she started cutting the vegetable. “I’ll get you back for this.”

“Sure, just don’t make me wait too long.”

Ciara flung a piece of carrot at his profile. It struck his cheek, and he scowled. He wiped the side of his face with the back of his hand.

“Violence is never good.”

“I’m not violent,” Ciara said with a straight face.

“I beg to differ.”

“I’m not!” She threw another piece of diced carrot at him. It completely missed him.

“Poor child, you’re delusional.”

“I’m perfectly sane!”

“Ciara.” She stiffened. His tone, for once, was serious. “Have you decided yet? If your answer is no, I promise you I’ll stay away from you.”

She had to stop cutting. Her hand was shaking that badly. She took a deep breath to calm herself. It wasn’t really effective, but it worked.

The idea of being with anyone else other than Jared sent goose bumps across her arm. She had no idea how this was happening in less than two weeks. The crush on Jared in High School seemed much bigger than she’d thought.

“I’m sorry. I can’t.”

“This tastes like crap.” Ciara glowered at Bessie. She was chewing furiously. Her eyes were glued to the food in her plate. “Really,” Bessie said with her mouth full of roasted chicken and carrots.

“It sure shows,” Ciara deadpanned. Her eyes followed the way she downed the food. “And please entertain me with the tale of you consuming crap. I’ve always wondered how it tastes like.”

“It was pretty awful. If I were you, I wouldn’t want to listen. Plus, since I’m such a good friend, I’ll excuse you from the awful experience.”

Ciara sighed, spooning some macaroni into her mouth.

“Where’s Taylor?”

Ciara choked. “H-He said he decided to sleep early.”

“Ciara.”

She flushed. There was a clang as Bessie placed her fork on her plate. The living room was exceptionally silent, and Ciara didn’t like it one bit. She stood up. “I’m f-full.”

Bessie’s hand was on her shoulder, and Ciara flinched. “Back. Now.”

Ciara flopped onto her chair, defeated. Her hand reached up and tangled itself into her messy blond hair.

“I did it. I told him.”

Bessie smiled faintly though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m glad for you, honestly.”

“You don’t have to smile.”

Her smile fell. “Sorry.”

Ciara shook her head. “I know it won’t be the same anymore so it’s fine.”

“Ciara -”

“I did what felt right, and I don’t regret it.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. She actually did it. She hated hurting people. She really did. Right now, not only did she hurt Taylor, but Bessie probably had to suffer a few awkward days with Taylor because of her.

“I’m sorry, Bessie.”

Bessie looked confused. “Why are you apologizing to me?”

Bessie smacked her playfully on her shoulder. “Don’t be sorry. We’ll be fine. We always make up, whatever the reason for the awkward situation is. It’s you I’m worried about.”

“It won’t ever be the same again, will it?”

“Just give him a few weeks or months to get over it. I’m sure it’ll be…fine.”

Ciara stared blankly at her friend. Even Bessie didn’t sound too sure when saying it, and that almost sent the tears in her eyes pouring down her cheek. Bessie looked at her with horror. Ciara glanced away, hoping the tears would disappear. Her phone vibrated, blaring loudly. She already knew who it was.

Ciara reached over and flipped open her phone. She was right. She could feel her heart racing.

Hey, wanna go swimming tomorrow? The weather’s gonna be nice :)

The idea certainly sounded appealing even though the season might not be the best. Oh, screw this, she thought. It’s Jared. Plus, I love swimming.

Yup, sure.

She turned to Bessie. “I hope you’re right.”