Page 5

AUTUMN

FLASHBACK: SOPHOMORE YEAR HIGH SCHOOL

M y parents went to sleep a couple hours ago.

I’ve also changed outfits several times until I finally decided on some leggings and a red cropped shirt with my Victoria's Secret zip up. I’ve been friends with Heath for a little over a month now and he drives me home occasionally.

We even have lunch together sometimes. I think we have a nice little friendship going on here, but I really like him, like a lot.

I don’t think I want to be just his friend anymore. I apply my red apple lip gloss again for the tenth time making sure my lips are glossed.

My phone vibrates on my vanity, and I look down seeing his message.

Heath:

I’m here, Freckles

I love when he calls me that nickname. Then again, he’s also never really used my actual name before.

I spray perfume on myself and get up. I peek into the hallway seeing it’s empty before sneaking out of my room and creeping down the stairs.

My house doesn’t creak much and lucky for me my parents sleep heavily.

They never really worry about me doing anything like this because I’m a “good kid,” so I don’t have to worry about them being onto me sneaking out.

I use the side sliding door to sneak out because the camera has a blindspot.

I run through the neighbor's yard and down the road. I’ve never ran so fast down my street before.

I feel like I’m running from a killer. I spot the old truck parked only a couple houses down and finally slow my pace as he opens the door for me.

“You know you can take your time.” I take a moment to catch my breath.

“I’ve never snuck out before.” I say as I get inside.

“I’ve corrupted the good girl, haven’t I.

” He smirks at me only causing me to blush.

“I’ll make it worth it.” he reaches across me and closes my door.

Lord, he makes my heart flutter. I silently watch as he smoothly turns the truck around then goes back up the road away from my house.

At night, this town looks like the perfect little, small town to live in, but Grimstone is far from that.

It’s full of sneaky people, rich underground families, and secrets. If you love a good small-town scandal covered by money and blood, then you should live here.

Like five years ago the mayor was sleeping with young girls and giving the families money if they got pregnant to keep it a secret.

If they didn’t, he sent them to reform school.

Mayor Keen is no longer mayor of Grimstone.

He also never investigated the mysterious death of two teens on the railroad track, but I suppose that was a cover up.

Heath drives us to a large magnolia tree that sits on a hill in a little field of flowers. The place looks over Divinci’s Graveyard. “I’ve never been here before.” I say, to myself.

“I found it the other day, and figured you’d love it.” He thinks about me. My heart speeds up almost breaking from my chest knowing this. He opens my door once again like he always does so I can get out. Heath reaches back and grabs a flashlight before getting out of the truck himself.

“Come on, get out.” I slide out of the truck, closing the door and follow him to the top of the hill.

Little flowers are littered everywhere, making it feel magical.

I’ve never had a place before other than my room.

Heath takes off his jacket and lays it on the ground.

I sit on it without arguing knowing he’s going to suggest it.

“What are we supposed to do out here?”

“Talk, look at the stars, other stuff.” he answers, sitting down himself. He sits the flashlight in front of us, and I can now see the road a bit. It makes me feel less uneasy about being in the dark, at almost midnight.

I listen to the crickets' chirp as a light wind blows over us. This is peaceful. I like it here.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” He asks, randomly.

“No. Do you have a girlfriend?” Please say no.

“No.” Thank God or else I’d feel really dumb. Do I tell him I like him? Do I make a move, or does he make a move?

“I like you.” I blurt out. I guess that’s solved. Maya is going to say I have no smoothness about me but then again, she’s still pestering me to tell her who the secret guy I’m texting is. I should tell her after I find out if he likes me.

“Okay.” he replies, causing my heart to sink. I look away as tears start to burn my eyes. Oh god I should have shut the fuck up. Now he thinks I’m some lovesick girl. His hand grazes my jawline pulling my face to him. I let him turn my face and now I’m nose to nose with the most gorgeous boy ever.

“Then you’re mine now.” He says before kissing me. It’s soft and gentle conveying a feeling of tension and passion. If this is what a first kiss is supposed to be like I never want it to stop.