Chosen

Chapter 14

My heart was so loud I was sure he could hear it.

Finn moved slowly closer to me.

When our noses almost touched I closed my eyes ready to feel his lips on mine.

Then he abruptly stood up, took a few steps away, and dusted the sand off himself.

I felt my heart sink. I didn't move.

Finn offered me his hand to stand up and after a moment's hesitation, I accepted.

I too dusted the sand from myself and tried not to look at Finn.

I was so confused and... embarrassed. I can't believe I misread the situation so badly. I could feel him looking at me.

Taking a step forward the loose sand under my foot made me stumble. Finn grabbed my hand to steady me. When I tried to pull it free he held onto it. Without a word he wove his fingers through mine and started walking us back towards the bag we had left on the shore.

The tingles from our laced hands help ease the burn of whatever had just happened and I forced myself not to dwell on it.

A while later we found ourselves sitting on the blanket and drinking wine he packed. I had never really cared for wine, but that was before I had this super-rich people's wine. After finishing my second cup I held the bottle up in the sunlight and watched the rays turn purple through the liquid.

"You know, this one bottle of wine might cost as much as my whole house," I giggled and swirled the liquid around more. "Mama would be mad to hear me say that. She has to pretend like we aren't poor. And I guess I do the same when I'm around Raina... But when I'm here, I see these beautiful and delicious things!" I held the bottle up and smiled proudly, "It's just a basic fact! No need to be embarrassed!"

I took a drink out of the bottle and sighed happily.

I glanced over my shoulder to see Finn frowning at me.

"Hey, turn that frown upside down, Mister," I said and pointed at him, giggling again.

"Okay, that's enough wine for you," he said and took the bottle out of my hand but smiled at me. "Didn't think you'd get drunk after two glasses..." he mumbled and put the bottle in the bag again.

"Ugh," I laid down on my back dramatically. "Not fair, you rich people and your rules."

He chuckled slightly but still looked sad.

I quickly barrel rolled over twice so that I was on my stomach right next to him. I felt super dizzy but I lifted myself on my elbows. Now I could read his expressions better. His face was all blurry. I stared at him intently.

"Nice move," Finn winked at me but was serious again.

"Thank you," I said straight-faced. "What's wrong?" I asked and leaned closer, glaring at him.

"Nothing," he said, trying not to laugh at me.

I didn't know why. I was being perfectly serious.

"You can tell me, I'm super good at keeping secrets. Like that one time, Raina kissed Watson who lived up the road when she was twelve. She made me swear to never tell anyone! And I never did!"

I looked him right in the eye so he would know he could trust me.

Finn put his head in his hands and shook with suppressed laughter.

"Wow, that is impressive," he smiled more naturally, holding back more laughs.

"I know," I said matter of fact. "Now tell me what's wrong."