Dear Janet, You're Ugly

Underneath The Forest And Stars

Janet's POV

Just as I was about to raise my hand a furious Millie Anderson pulled at my arm. "What the fuck do you think you are doing"?! Her voice boomed so loud a few other students turned to look our way. I hadn't expected to be the center of attention and was silently dreading this moment.

I sighed deeply " we are partners. Surely you can understand" I said grasping the paper tightly. My response did not seem to bode well and the frown deepened on her face.

"That's my boyfriend we are talking about! It's obvious you need to switch with me". She folded her arms and held a hand out for the piece of paper. All eyes were on us now as everyone waited to see what would happen next.

" Aht Aht no switching numbers! Remember you get what you get and don't get upset". The coach's voice boomed so loud drawing the attention away from us. Ultimately it was safe to say Millie was fuming as Erin came to stand beside me.

And if that wasn't awkward enough she pulled him down for a deep kiss. I fidgeted about as I kept my eyes on the ground. With a smug look, she finally walked away and I unleashed a breath I didn't know I was holding.

We soon set off in the deep forest trail behind the school. Each of us was given tools and a flashlight. I held the list of items we needed to find tightly. Neither of us had said a word to each other and the tension in the air became more prevalent each second that went by.

I busied myself by looking at the map. Erin held the flashlight as we walked deeper into the forest. "We should look for some wood. That's the easiest one to find first" I suggested. He grunted in reply and we were soon back to silence.

It was weird because Erin was never the type to keep quiet. In fact, as kids, he'd always had something random to say. But now he hadn't said a word to me nor did he look my way. This was what we had become and maybe it was for the better.

We split up to each grab a variety of sticks. I was so immersed in the task at hand I didn't see the large thorn that stuck out on one of the sticks. I immediately hissed loudly as I watched blood ooze from my thumb.

"Are you alright"? Erin asked as he immediately came to my aid. He grabbed the emergency kit from our tools and proceeded to clean the cut. I hissed as he cleaned and then wrapped my finger.

I mumbled a thank you as he began to pack the supplies away. " Even when im pissed at you, you always make me worry" he grunted. I didn't say anything as he got up and then held a hand out for me to help me up.

I ungracefully pulled myself up using his help. I frowned deeply before saying "I never asked you to worry about me" I said defensively. I wasn't a child that needed looking after. He didn't seem to like my response as he ticked his jaw.

A mixture of hurt and anger panned across his face. The flashlight gave him a ghost light appearance as we stood in the deep forest. Noises of the festival could still be heard and I wanted nothing more than to leave and just go home.

He looked far out as he balled his hands into fists. "Amy misses you... I miss you" he whispered that if I hadn't been listening I wouldn't have heard a word. But what was I to say to that? That I missed them too?

Even if I did I would never admit it. I sighed deeply folding my arms "Honestly Erin I don't know what to say to that" I said candidly with a shrug of my shoulders. I knew those weren't the words he was looking for but it was all I could say.

He looked at me so intensely I felt myself squirm under his gaze. He walked slowly towards me as if stalking me like prey. I grew anxious as I took steps back but was instantly stopped as my back hit a tree.

He towered over me his almond eyes looking deeply into mine. I felt my heart throb with excitement. I kept my gaze looking behind him as he stared down at me. His breath smelt of chocolate with a hint of mint. We were that close that if he leaned in anymore our lips would be locked.

He pushed a lock of my loose hair behind my ear. His large hand cupped my cheek as he scanned over my face with eyes full of a hidden emotion I couldn't decipher. "Whether you asked me to worry about you or not I'm always going to care for you" he mumbled.

I was caged between his long arms as they laid on each side of my head. "Erin...mov-" my complaints were silenced as he pushed his soft pink lips against my chapped ones. I stood their eyes wide hands by my side unsure of what to do. He gently tugged at my lips that I suddenly felt insecure.

"Follow my lead" he mumbled his lips still attached to mine. I tried to follow his rhythm and although a part of me felt like such an inexperienced fool.

I felt myself enjoying it and I didn't feel ashamed. He pulled me away from the tree deeper into his embrace.

We stood like that. Kissing underneath the forest and stars.