wild summer | #wattys2021

chapter nine

James' pov

I spent the last few days hanging out with Hazel. Surprisingly I really enjoyed her company. We found we could talk about anything and everything. We joked, and we laughed. I felt an invisible attraction was there between us from the moment we laid eyes on each other. She's very lively. She has bright eyes, creative mind, and so full of life.

I found my mom's old painting supplies the other day. It has been untouched for too long so I lend them to Hazel since she loves to paint, and now she's painting the beach view from the balcony.

Seeing the serene look on her face while she paints, I think the beach must be a favorite place of her.

"The calm and fresh air gives me the feeling of homeliness," she said. "And that is what art feels like to me too. It feels like home."

I looked at Hazel's hand moved like an artist. Her eyes observing small details, all the colors and the shapes.

"Looking at a painting or an art makes me happy too. It reminds me of my mom," I told her.

I was trying to focus on her painting but at the same time how was I supposed to look away from Hazel's beauty. Her long brown hair was in a ponytail down her back. Her shapely body clad in a yellow striped shirt. Then my gaze settled on the leather necklace dangling on her chest.

The audible gulp I made caused Hazel to look at me. I didn't bother to move my eyes from her as I asked, "Have you ever painted yourself?"

She shifted a little. "No, I haven't. Why?"

"Well, why not? You can be your own muse."

She laughed at me. "Really, James? Nope, I don't feel comfortable doing that. Besides, who in the world look at a blank canvas and said 'oh I want to paint myself today'. That's like, weird, okay."

"Actually that's not true," I paused. "When you have a pretty face, you definitely want to paint or draw a picture of yourself. You should feel comfortable with yourself, your face and your body. Embrace them. The human body is art too, you know." Oh wow, I sound like Maisie.

Hazel smirked. "Oh James, is this a ploy to see me naked?"

I quirked an eyebrow, my eyes slowly travelling her body. "Oh no, no I don't mean it like that Hazel. I'm just trying to say that you should have the courage to become your own muse. Because, yeah you're pretty, and you're an artist. There's something about your aura that would look unique in a painting."

Hazel gave me a considering look. Then she let the brush on her hand dropped on the floor as she stood up from the stool and slowly walked towards me.

She captured my face in her hands and leaned in, our lips were almost touching.

"You can be my muse, James. I can draw you, paint you," Hazel whispered while her lips occasionally brushing mine.

I leaned my face closer until I could kiss her. She made a particular sound and it caught my attention. Her lips were warm. Warm and soft, just like Maisie's--

Before she could deepen the kiss, I quickly pulled away.

"Sorry," I murmured. "This is wrong. I can't kiss you."

"Why not?" she asked.

I could see the faint blush of Hazel's cheeks and I desperately wanted to hold her face and kiss her lips again.

"Let me be real with you, James. I have liked you since I first saw you at the diner. And I have a feeling you that you like me. Don't deny it, we both like each other. Forget about anything else and just... just kiss me please," she said.

She pressed kisses along my neck. I subconsciously ran my fingers through her hair, letting it down from the ponytail. The feeling of her kisses gives me a shivering sensation. I groaned and pulled away again.

"I'm sorry, Hazel. We can't do this. I have to tell you something," I sighed, eyes fluttering shut.

"You can tell me anything James," she said while placing a soft peck on my left cheek.

I was scared to open my eyes as I said, "I have a girlfriend."

I wanted to kiss her again. I wanted to run my fingers through her brown hair. I wanted to hear the sounds she make when I kiss her between her breasts. I wanted so much but I could not have it. Maybe I wanted to do that to Maisie but I'm just frustrated that she's not here with me. But Hazel is here with me, and she likes me.

My eyes opened slowly and instantly looked into Hazel's eyes, searching for the hatred to come.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier," I continued. "I never found a right time. We were having a great time, hanging out together just the two of us, and I don't want to interrupt that."

"Of course," she let out. "Of course you have a girlfriend. I'm not mad James, but I really wish you tell me sooner. We've spent the last few days together, even when I'm working on my night shifts, you were there at the diner. You were leading me on. We had so much time, James. You had so much time to tell me the truth, but you didn't."

"I know Hazel and I'm sorry. This is why I found it hard to tell you. I want us to stay like this. We can still be friends, I still want to hangout with you here at my place, or go to the beach with you. I want you around Hazel. I need you with me."

Hazel shook her head. "No, I don't think it's me that you want, James. You're just missing your girlfriend but I don't know why in hell she's not here with you and that's why you want me around so you won't feel so lonely."

I honestly didn't know how to react. She might be right, I do miss Maisie, but I'm not using Hazel just because Maisie isn't here. Hazel was such a good company. I like being with her and I like having her around. She understands me, most of the time. I can be comfortable with her. I don't have to constantly start a conversation with her or entertain her with a stupid joke and she's fine with it. We can just keep each other's company without doing anything and it will still be enough.

"I know it's my fault," I said. "I shouldn't have led you on. You can leave if you want. I'll put the easel away and clean up the stuffs later."

Hazel finally left and I was all alone again. I checked my phone and saw a few missed calls from Maisie. I wanted to call her back, but I'm not really in the mood to talk right now so I didn't, instead I checked my social media only to see Maisie's friend, Evie, has posted a photo of her and Maisie with some other people. I didn't recognized the other two people but I do know the guy standing beside Maisie.

Edmund.

Are they having another party? But the setting in the photo looks like in a studio. Maisie's shooting location perhaps. But what was Edmund doing there? I'm not surprised about Evie, I know how she is, but Edmund is different. I've heard from Maisie's friends that Edmund has a thing for Maisie, my girlfriend.

I read the caption on Evie's picture. Thank you Edmund for surprising us with lunch!

Oh, of course he did that. He probably knew I wasn't there so he took his chance to win over Maisie. I'm her boyfriend, I should be the one who visiting her on the set, I should be the one who brings a surprise lunch for her.

If I am really her boyfriend, then why aren't I over there and be with her? I have let you down, Maisie. Again, I have let you down.

I laid on the couch thinking how perfect Maisie and Edmund look together. Rich boy and pretty girl.

I tried to ignore the pain and uneasiness in my chest. Will I ever be enough for you, Maisie?

-

i plan on making this a short story with maybe ten chapters, but obviously there will be more than just ten chapters. so i hope everyone is still enjoying the story!

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