Secrets Look Different in the Light

Chapter 13

Avery's POV
 
"Dylan!" I call after him but can't help but laugh as he dances around the car. His infectious mood has warped all of us into it. He walks to my side, opening the doors for both Jackie and me, before making his way inside. 

I head straight over to the bar to make myself a little drink, Jayden following right behind.

"Here, let me," he says, taking the glass from my hands. I lean against the counter, watching him. He mixes something in the glass- Redbull and vodka, not my favorite, but I don't stop him. It's something.

Across the room, Dylan grabs Jackie's hands, obnoxiously forcing her to dance with him. Their laughter fills the space, and for a second, I let myself forget about the dinner, about the weight still sitting on my chest. 

Gasping for air, Jackie pulls Dylan to a halt. "Alright, alright, alright. I think that's enough jitterbug." 

"Are you staying the night Jackie?" I ask. 

"Yeah, it's late. Probably easier." 

"What are we doing? The night is young and the parents have left. There's no reason we shouldn't go do something." Dylan says, somehow still not out of energy.

"Are you forgetting the fact that we have school tomorrow? Plus you have a nasty hangover coming for you, which is enough reason to call it a night." Jackie reminds him. 

Jayden places a straw in my drink, handing it off to me. "Thanks baby."," I tell him and give him a kiss on the cheek. His skin is warm. It's nice. Safe. But not thrilling.

"Gross. If there's gonna be PDA, I'm going to bed now." Jackie says.

"I second that." Dylan responds. 

I roll my eyes, trying to smile. 

"Well then you kids probably wanna get to sleep." Jayden says, then starts to pull me into him. Dylan and Jackie break out into groans and screams, then quickly take off up the stairs. I can't help but laugh, though part of me feels like I'm playing a role.

"How'd you go tonight with your parents?" He asks. 

I shrug. "It was okay. You definitely helped." I say, poking him in the chest. 

""I mean, I know I don't really get the whole thing with your parents, but I hope you don't think I'm just brushing it off or anything." He says.

I frown, softening. "Of course not. I would never think that." He kisses me again, more delicately than the last. It's sweet. I try to settle in it.

Jackie's POV

Dylan and I take off up the stairs, not wanting to stick around for the show Jayden is sure to put on with Avery. Dylan's ahead of me and I watch as he turns the corner into his room.
"Goodnight!" I yell to him. This day has mentally worn me out and I'm ecstatic to get to sleep it off in that pillow-soft bed in the guest room. 

As I pass his room, his arm shoots out- grabbing me and pulling me inside. The door closes quickly behind me, and before I can even blink he's got me pinned up against it. He just hovers there, doesn't inch towards my mouth or anything. He just stares at me like he's trying to memorize every part of my face.

"What do you want Dylan?" I quietly muster out. 

He stares a little longer before answering. 

"Nothing." The way it rolls off his tongue, so carefree. Like I was the one who put myself here and not him.

"Then why did you pull me in here?" I ask, a little more confidently. 

"Why are you still standing here?" The left corner of his mouth flicks up, in the most attractive smirk.