He sighed. “Can you blame me for wanting to get out of there?”
I giggled as he pulled out onto the main road. We drove through a fast food place and he got himself a soda along with two large french fries. I shook my head at him when he offered me one. He set it in my lap anyway.
“I know you didn’t eat dinner. The fries are there for when you stop being stubborn.”
I snickered. “Gee. Thanks. My hero.”
He held his french fries between his legs so he could eat and drive. And when he pulled into the parking lot of the abandoned park, I smiled. Brightly. I looked over at the bench where Clint found me that night. Found me wallowing in my own self pity before I came to understand why he was the way he was. I plucked a french fry from its container and nibbled on it. One, and then another. I picked up Clint’s large soda and took a sip, feeling him grinning at me.
“What?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Nothing. You just look beautiful tonight.”
I blushed at his words. “So much has changed, you know.”
He nodded slowly. “Yeah. I know.”
“Who would’ve predicted the change in our lives after you found me on that park bench over there?”
“Oh, is that the bench? I couldn't remember.”
I shoved him playfully and he laughed.
“Come on. Quit being a dick.”
He winked at me. “Maybe I do remember.”
I snickered. “A complete accident changing our lives. I’d never experienced anything like it, up until that point.”
“Back when you were still nerdy Rae Cleaver.”
“Yeah, and back when I thought you were still a jerk.”
He smirked. “Hey, you were the stuck-up know-it-all. I’m not the only guilty one in this party.”
I shrugged. “Not my fault I know everything.”
He laughed, and the effortlessness of my own laughter took me by surprise. Clint leaned toward me, his salted lips pressing against mine. And I loved it. I cupped his cheek, keeping him there as our lips lingered, our tongues softly exploring. I wanted it to stay this way forever. This carefree. This exciting. This easy.
I didn’t want things to ever change.
His forehead fell against mine and I panted softly. Catching my breath, my eyes opened. And I found him staring at me. He gripped my chin softly, causing me to gasp. His gaze kept hold of mine as he tilted my head up further, exposing my face to him. Exposing my breaking façade as he stared straight into my soul.
I still didn’t know how he did that.
“Rae.”
His voice was steady. Even. My breath hitched in my throat. I’d miss that. I’d miss hearing him say my name like that. Surely, I wouldn't hear
it as much once I went off to college. I wouldn't feel his touch enough or kiss him enough or sleep next to him enough. It killed me, not getting a place with him. It killed me, him not coming to college with me. I didn’t want to leave him behind in this town. In this small slice of hell we somehow made our home in. He deserved so much better. So much more than this life.
And it angered me that he wouldn't reach for it.
“Yeah?” I asked breathlessly.
His eyes danced between mine as his tongue darted out to lick his lips.
“Something’s bothering you. What is it?”