A Touch Of Cinnamon

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-One


This seemed like deja vu, Clothes all over my room as I tried to figure out what to wear. Rae was on Facetime as I had my meltdown. "Rae, I'm not going!" I gave up throwing the shirt in my hand as I raised my hands in defeat.

"Stop being dramatic, it's only a party." I groaned and threw myself on my bed. Just the thought of finding something to wear and wanting it to look good makes me so anxious. It seems that everything I put on looks... wrong.

"I'm not kidding Rae, this is so frustrating." I rant as I chewed the inside of my cheek.

"Why don't you wear your beige sweats or the jeans I like and maybe a plain white crop top- Oh! Or the black dress we got last time and some sneakers? I'm going in some ripped jeans, a red crop-top and a black jean jacket." I did like the dress but even though it's not like I've never gone in public with a dress it makes me a bit anxious.

"Yolo, Kennedy. Just do it, screw everyone." She yelled from her vanity as she did her makeup. It seems she sensed I was nervous.

"Fine Imma get ready, I'll call you later if not I'll meet you at the party." She waved me off after giving me a thumbs up and I ended the call. I began putting the mess I made which took a few minutes. When I finished getting ready, I quickly began to do my hair which didn't really need much other than brushing it and putting products to add more volume. I looked at myself in the mirror, I've been mostly wearing jeans or leggings to school so the black leather shorts that were a bit too short and came above my belly button felt a bit much but I knew people would most likely dress loudly as well. I put on some basic plain white sneakers and a white cropped t-shirt to bring the outfit down to a more casual look. I already let Vance know that I was going and he said he was already close by. I put my phone on the charger which only got a few more percent before Vance texted me he was here. I groaned and stuffed my phone in my back pocket, I jogged down the stairs, opening the door to reveal Vance standing there in black jeans and a plain white T-shirt. We both stood there staring at each other before laughing.

"Well I guess great minds do think alike." He joked.

I rolled my eyes with a smile. "I was not expecting this at all." He led me outside to his motorcycle before handing me a helmet "What is that?" I question standing there with the helmet in hand.

"My ride."

"Yeah- no that's a death trap."

"It isn't so just get on." He extended his hand out for me but I didn't take it. He gave me a flat look but still extended his hand for me. I closed my eyes and lightly prayed. God, I'm too young so please don't let me die on that thing. When I was finished I took his hands and cautiously got on. I straddled the seat from behind him. He turned back to look at me. "Is your helmet on correctly?"

"It is."

"Don't be scared, regardless we're ten minutes away so it won't be long. Just hold on and lean on me, you can look over my shoulder." I nodded since my nerves took over and did exactly what he said.

He revved the engine before taking off. My arms instinctively tightened around his waist as he took off. He started off slow which was startling but not too bad. He gradually gained more speed and the sound of the engine and wind blowing became louder. My adrenaline began pumping when we started going, It was exhilarating yet terrifying at the same time. The sun had already set so the street lights lit up the road. Vance zipped through cars which did give me a mini heart attack. When we finally pulled up to the house I could already tell my hair was a mess. My legs felt like jello as Vance helped me steady myself as I got off and my hair felt flat. I shook my head and ruffled my hair to fluff it up. I passed the helmet to Vance and thanked him.

"See it wasn't so bad."

"It wasn't but it was still terrifying." I laughed. I quickly texted Raelynn that I was at the party before heading inside with Vance. I really didn't miss parties but they were thrilling. Bodies grinding and dancing up along each other, flickering of colored lights and the blasting music.

"I'm going to go get some drinks, you go enjoy yourself." With that he left and I set off to find Raelynn which wasn't hard because she was screaming the lyrics to the song while on the table.

"Hey Rae!" I yelled over the loud music. She looked down and grinned, pulling me on the table.

"Hey, you look great." She complimented as she twirled me.

"Thanks!" I looked below me and saw the crowd of people dancing and a few staring.

"Loosen up and dance!" I rolled my eyes off and did as I was told. Laughing as Rae and I moved our hips to the beat. We would occasionally act out the lyrics and make weird gestures with our hands.

"I left for literally two minutes!" I look down, laughing at Rae shaking her ass. Vance looked completely confused and shocked as he laughed. I popped a squat and took my drink from his hand after I thanked him. He shook his head and raised his solo cup for encouragement. I gulped down the bittersweet taste, it was fruity but I could tell someone spiked it. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse that wiped the smile from my face. Roman walked through the crowd with James not far behind. He didn't seem to notice me until unfortunately he looked my way and caught my gaze. Rae shook my shoulders to get my attention but I just continued to watch him until a familiar girl hooked herself on his arm.

Yeah, I hate parties...

I shook my head and put on a smile as I continued to dance. After sometime my feet began to hurt so I got off the table and continued to hype Raelynn up as she dirty danced with James. I slowly started to notice that Vance wandered off somewhere. Suddenly a commotion stirred from the kitchen, people began yelling and chanting. Rae and I shared a glance before checking it out. We pushed through the crowd of people, the sight was horrible. I verbally gasped as I caught sight of Roman and Vance at it on the floor, blood was also on their clothes. Roman easily went over Vance and kept punching him while Vance blocked him.

"Guys stop!" I yelled as I ran to get a hold of Roman. I gripped his hands from behind.

"Must you result to violence-" Vance smiled before spitting some blood on the floor. "Or were you that jealous?"

"At least I'm not a replacement!" Roman spat back as I held him back.

"Stop provoking each other!" I grunt as I fell to the ground with Roman as I used my strength to pull him away. "What is wrong with you guys?!"

"He started it!" They both growled in unison.

"I don't care who started it!" Rae cleared the crowd away from the kitchen which they slowly dispersed.

"Then pick."

I whipped my head around to Vance. "What?"

"Pick one of us. It's either him or me." My heart raced as I stared at him in the eye, every now and then sneaking a glance to Roman.

"I-" The words wouldn't come out of my mouth as I wasn't able to give him an answer.

"Then I see how it is." Vance scoffed and picked himself up off the ground. I scrambled to my feet to catch him.

"Vance, wait!" I tried to reach him through the crowd of people but he didn't look back. Finally I caught him as he got to his bike. "Please listen."

"What."

"Can't I just have more time?"

"I've given you time! This isn't some sort of fairy tale Kennedy, I'm not going to wait for you forever if you might choose him." His eyes were glossed and I could tell he was hurt.

"I know that! I know it's not some story book pictation, you taught me that but it's not an easy decision." I reasoned, holding his hand.

"Oh yeah, choosing between the guy who hit you and the delinquent."

I winced at his words. "Don't be like that." My voice was now low as I rested my head on his chest.

"Fine...I won't, let's go." He turned to his bike but I didn't budge.

I chewed my lower lip before saying "Can we wait a moment, I want to check on Roman and say bye to Rae." My eyes were glued to the ground afraid to look him in the eye.

"Just go, I'll be here." He wasn't looking at me but I knew he was angry.

Turning on my heels, I ran inside quickly trying to find them. I got upstairs and slowed my steps. Roman was on the bed while Rae cleaned his wounds and James made fun of him. Rae was the first to notice me, she moved away and gave me a nod. She pulled James out of the room leaving me and Roman alone.

"You're so stupid." He chuckled at my words as he looked down

"I know." I picked up the alcohol pads that Rae was using and gently pressed it against the cut on his cheek.

"You shouldn't be starting fights."

"I know."

"Then why do it?!" I set the cloth down and stared at him, expectedly.

"Do you expect me to just sit there like an idiot while another guy talks about you to me?"

"You look like an idiot regardless! It doesn't mean you can go around hitting people, you hurt him you know."

"I can do much worse, bunny and you know that."

I stilled at his words before glaring. "You wouldn't dare Ro, stop acting like that. You'd said you would give me space."

"I know what I said but you better tell your boy toy outside that he shouldn't provoke me."

I was so angry at him but I just let out a sigh "You both provoke each other. I'll be going now."

"Wait!" He grabbed my hand as I was about to walk out.

"I have to go, I'll see you at school." With that I didn't dare look back at him, it wouldn't be any good. I walked out the house and up to Vance who was waiting for me.

"Back so soon?" He teased but I could tell he was being snarky.

"I couldn't keep you waiting, it'd be rude." I tut in a matter of fact tone.

He laughed and handed me the helmet. I got on behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist so I wouldn't fall. The air was now chilly and the streets were empty and dark except for the occasional light poles. The bikes engine began to falter as we came to a stop, I got a good look at a house I recognized.

"This isn't my house?"

"I figured your parents wouldn't approve of you coming home smelling like alcohol. You can shower here and sleep." I gnawed the inside of my cheek before complying.

Couldn't he have told me earlier instead of just doing it.
I sent my mother a quick text telling her I was sleeping over at a friends house and walked in behind Vance. "Here's a towel and some clothes, they might not fit you but it's better than nothing."

"Thanks." I headed up to his room since I remember where it was and got inside the bathroom. I glanced at the mirror and silently laughed.What is this life, none of the book I read prepared me for this.

Thanks for reading, the next chapter will be a continuation. Be sure to vote and comment, it's always appreciated and fun to read. Stay safe<3