Country Mile

CATCH THE WOODS ON FIRE

The dirt path glowed like embers as the bonfire came into full view. It roared in the middle of a field, nestled in the woods. It was the perfect secluded spot. Logan had been right: the entire Freshman class showed to dance the night away.

Delilah slipped out from beneath Logan's arm and turned around to link up with Genna. She signaled to Davis Jones, who was appropriately called D.J., to temporarily cut the music.

"Sorry to interrupt y'all, but I just wanted to say thank you for coming to Summer's End!" She gave a nod as everyone broke out in a cheer. "AND!" she added, calling out over the noise, "I want all y'all to meet my sister Genna, she'll be joining us in school next week. Let's make her feel at home, and of course, LET'S PARTY! WOO!"

Genna's cheeks were bright pink as everyone's eyes lingered on her and Delilah, however Delilah didn't notice as she only had eyes for Logan.

Genna gave the blonde's hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you. For you know, bringing me along, embarrassing the shit out of me, and making me feel awkward as fuck."

Delilah merely smiled. "A simple 'thanks' would have been just fine. You say it with sarcasm, but I can hear the sincerity too. You're glad you're here; you're glad to be meeting everyone. So, you're welcome."

Genna stared back at her, realizing she was right. There really was some genuine gratitude in there. She was actually glad. Her smile grew as she pulled Delilah into a hug.

"Alright bitch," Genna said as she pulled away, "go enjoy your party."

"Alright bitch, go meet your future boo."

"I think I may already have," Genna said dreamily.

Delilah followed Genna's gaze and her eyes landed upon Archer.

Her smile faltered a bit as she grew a bit serious. "Just be careful," Delilah warned. "His ex is bat shit crazy."

Genna's eyes snapped to Delilah. "What?"

Delilah waved her hand dismissively, "Let's not worry about that tonight, go enjoy yourself. I'll fill you in on that drama later. When you're ready to leave, text me and we'll meet back here. Don't leave the field, okay?"

"Yes, mummy dearest."

The girls blew each other kisses and parted ways. Delilah slipped back into the arms of Logan, a look of pure contentment on her face.

Genna walked over to where the drinks were being served. She grabbed herself a red solo cup and opened a can of beer to fill it.

Her eyes swept around, noticing how some people watched her, some danced, and some stood around talking. It seemed to be a pretty close group. There was roughly 80 kids there, an extremely small class in comparison to the 200+ students Genna was used to. The smaller size made them all the more intimidating to her. Everyone knew one another, which meant everyone knew everyone's business. That in itself was something Genna was weary of. Her personal business was her own, and she wasn't sure how much she would have to share in order to be accepted. It was nerve-racking enough making the transition from middle school to high school, but it made her even more nervous to be in a setting where transparency was impossible to get around.

Archer sipped at his beer while half heartedly listening to his buddies drone on about the upcoming sports tryouts. The majority of his attention was on a particular little brunette whose lips were currently pulled into the cutest pout he'd ever seen. He wondered what thoughts were brewing to cause such a sullen expression during a party.

A punch to his shoulder followed by, "Dude. Are you even listenin'?" brought Archer's attention back to the ones standing before him.

"Yeah, yeah," he sputtered, "sounds great guys." His vision tunneled back to the girl. "I'll.. I'll catch up with y'all later." He patted one of the boys on the shoulder as his feet lead him to where his eyes were drawn. The boys' watched their friend leave, shaking their heads at his puppy dog antics.

Genna continued scanning the crowd, stopping when she caught a glimpse of Delilah dancing with Logan. She grimaced as she watched their bodies inching incredibly close to an action that could no longer be considered dancing.

"They're certainly enjoyin' themselves, huh?"

Genna looked up to see Archer smiling at the pair.

"I sure hope so. If they aren't, I don't think I could handle what it would look like when they are."

Archer broke out into a hearty laugh, "I suppose I'd just have to cover those beautiful eyes of yours. Save you from witnessin' such a vulgar display."

Genna smirked and reached up to wind some of her hair tightly around her finger. "I suppose so," she said softly; blushing at his compliment.

"Let's walk around the field, get to know one another better," Archer suggested.

Genna smiled up at him and he felt his chest constrict. "Alright."

The two walked around the edge of the field in circles. They stopped to chat with fellow classmates here and there, but they were mostly absorbed in each other's words. Learning everything they could about one another. Their likes, dislikes, hobbies, past successes, failures. They both shared more of themselves than they ever anticipated. There was no denying the spark that flickered when they first locked eyes, and the flame that spark led to was engulfing them minute by minute.

3am was rolling around, so they made their way back to the entrance where they spotted Delilah and Logan making out.

"Man, they're really into each other." Archer's tone made it evident he was a bit surprised.

"Well, I mean, yeah. They've been friends for forever. Of course they're really into each other. Plus, Delilah is a knockout. Who isn't into her?"

"Me," Archer stated simply.

Genna gasped, but also laughed despite herself. "HEY!" She lightly smacked him with the back of her hand. "That is my sister, you jerk!"

"What?! I'm not tryin' to be mean. Lilah's a very pretty girl, but, she's just not the sister I'm into."

Genna's smile faltered at his confession. "Really?"

He stepped closer to her; his hand coming up to lightly run his knuckles down her cheek. "Really."

His heart felt like it was pounding louder than the music. Her eyes remained looking forward, directly at his chest, as if she could hear it. She slightly leaned into his hand, and with a breathtaking smile, looked up at him.

He subconsciously licked his lips while fighting the urge to bite her's. Never had he been moved so deeply by a mere glance.

Her cheeks burned scarlet.

"Genevieve Henderson, may I kiss you?" Archer's tone was so husky with restrained emotion, it nearly knocked the wind out of her.

"Yes," she whispered.

He slowly dipped his head, as she lifted her chin up to meet him. Their eyes never left one another's gaze; they were so close, their lips felt the warm breath of anticipation.

Just as they made the softest of contact, a jarring siren blared out and blue flashing lights now barricaded the entrance to the field. They jerked apart, wide eyed and unsure of what to do seeing how that entrance was also the only exit. Their getaway car was behind the thick line of blue uniforms.

"We're fucked," Delilah's voice rang out suddenly from behind them.

"Hell no," Genna said as she stepped away from Archer and faced Delilah and Logan. "I am not getting caught at my very first party here."

Archer grabbed her hand and pulled her body back to his. "Well then," he spoke with an edge of determination while a devilish smirk turned his lips, "let's run for it."

They all looked at each other for a brief moment before collectively taking off into the woods; other kids following suit. Police flashlights lit up the woods like laser tag and orders to stop were shouted futilely.

Archer stole a glance down at Genna as they ran: her smile was wide and wild. She looked up at him, and it was in that moment he realized all of what that initial spark was capable of. It had them right on the edge, and now, it was going to catch the woods on fire.