One Kiss (Editing)

Chapter 9

A couple days later I got out of the hospital. My scars healed surprisingly well and I only had a few scabs left.

Caleb wanted to celebrate my homecoming with a party. A famous Prentice pool party.

At these parties, there's usually a lot of drama, crying, water, and making-out. And bikinis and abs, of course.

This one would be no exception. Caleb's brothers were inviting their senior friends, and Caleb was inviting our junior friends.

And he also insisted I wear a bikini.

"You know those make me uncomfortable," I say awkwardly. This is not exactly a casual conversation.

"You need to get out of your comfort zone if you want a boyfriend before you graduate," he says exasperatedly.

"Seriously? You think my lack of revealing clothing is the reason I don't have a boyfriend?" I ask disbelievingly. Is he for real?

"What else could it be?" Like he doesn't know.

"No guy asks me out because they're all afraid of you. You hate every guy who looks at me. Remember last year when that guy bumped into me at the fair? You punched him in the damn face!" I almost laugh remembering that, but then I remember this is an argument.

He sneers, which isn't a normal thing for him. It makes his handsome face look mean.

Stop it! I scold myself. Stupid.

"I don't know what you're talking about. That guy practically made out with you," he snaps.

I give him an annoyed look and turn away. He grabs my upper arm and turns me around. When did he get so strong?

"Hey! I'm sorry. I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just think that if you had a boyfriend, you'd stop dwelling on all the bad stuff so much."

Can he read minds? How did he know I've been focused on all the negativity that's happened lately? Like the secret of who kissed me a million years ago in the Frasiers' basement. All the arguments between us lately. Gwen's persistent bullying. And of course, my accident. His eyes seem to soften as my shoulders slump. I fall back onto the bed.

He takes a seat next to me. "I'm sorry Callie. You just always look so grumpy these days, and you're always looking at the scars, and looking at me like you're scared of me or something. Do you think I'm mad at you?" He asks me sadly.

"I mean... You keep getting worked up about the smallest things, and you won't even tell me why." I say with a sigh. "How can I not feel like you're mad at me?"

He doesn't say anything for awhile, just sits there with a thoughtful look on his face. Just when I think I'm going to get a real answer, he stands up. "Just take my advice," he says finally. "I'll see you tomorrow." Great talk.

I decided that what Caleb says is right, though it makes me nervous to even think about trying to get into a relationship. He's the only guy I've ever been close with.

I don't want to prove him right, though. I'm just as proud as him, which makes competition between us almost bloody. But we're best friends, and nothing can change that. Right?

---

Michaela comes over the next day to get ready for the party with me.

"Wow. You look hot," she says when I walk back into my room. I had just gotten changed into my new bikini.

"You think?" I ask nervously. The swimsuit is purple with pink embellishments . Just my style.

"Definitely! The guys will be drooling!" Michaela can always reassure me.