The Sinner

73

The bonfire was an annual event that took place on every last Saturday in August.

I exit Rafe's car and tighten my jacket tighter around my frame. The air was crisp tonight, I was thankful that he immediately meets me on the other side of the car and wraps an arm around me. I huddle into his side for warmth, and I see him smile down at me.

"Cold?" He asks.

I nod, "I would've warn something heavier if I knew."

"You can take my jacket if you need it," He says kindly. "Might cover a bit more than your cropped sweatshirt." He pulls the bottom of it down a little.

I smile, "It might. But it does look cute."

"You don't have to worry about that. You always look cute angel."

"Thanks," I smile up at him again. He pulls me closer to him, and it feels good. His signature cologne engulfs me, just as his hug does. We've never shared PDA like this before, in front of all these people. "I can't stay out too late, okay?"

"We can leave whenever you want."

Maggie had kindly reminded me as I was walking out the door that the bridesmaid dress fitting was early tomorrow morning. I couldn't be late or too hungover, she said. I'd embarrass myself in front of her mother.

But I really couldn't give a fuck what her mother thinks of me.

"You're coming to my dad and Maggie's wedding with me right?" I ask, eyes hopeful.

It was really important to me that he would be coming, not because I needed a date, but because this is important to me and my family. I really like Maggie, and I want to support her in any way that I can. She's the first real mother figure I've ever had. It would mean a lot to me if all the people I cared about most were at this event.

"Yes, I'll be there, I promise," He smiles.

I happily nod. Rose, Sarah, and Wheezie were all invited too, but I'm glad that he's promising he'll go.

"There's Kelce," Rafe says and sends the group of them a nod. Kelce, and a bunch of other boys from our high school were standing in the area where most Kooks were. "Come on."

Everyone goes to the bonfire, but for the most part it stays pretty divided. The Pogues stay on their side, and we stay on ours. If the two sides mix, it usually doesn't turn out too well. But then again, most parties didn't turn out too well.

"There he is!" Kelce shouts. He slaps Rafe up and shoves a cup in his hand. "Why the fuck haven't I seen you around man? Where you been?"

"I've been busy man," Rafe smirks as he's handed a cup. "Why you miss me?"

"You? Never," Kelce and Rafe both laugh. "How could you possibly be too busy for me?"

"You're getting a little clingy man, I dont know if I can stay in this relationship," Rafe teases.

"Yeah, yeah shut up," Kelce rolls his eyes. "Hold up let me guess, busy with this one?" Kelce nods at me and smirks at the pair of us. "Hey Corrine."

"What's up," I greet with a smile. Rafe pulls me into his side again. My eyes dance around the people standing behind Kelce. "No Topper tonight? I'm shocked, he normally doesn't miss an opportunity to drink."

I suddenly remember that Rafe and Topper had gotten into a fight a couple weeks ago. That's awkward.

"I don't know where that fucker is, he's been MIA lately," Kelce says with a shrug. I'm assuming that's why he doesn't hang around them anymore. But usually Rafe and Topper get over their arguments fairly quickly. "Rafe you remember Colin, right?"