The Good Intentions

Chapter 2 - Bethany

Bethany

I don't want to be here. It's sweaty, it's gross, it smells, it smells... Wait what is that smell?

My nose twists in disgust as I try to breathe in clean air. As I try to suck in another breath, a guy puffs his smoke right in my face. I cough, waving my hands in front of my face.

"I don't want to be here," I say aloud.

"Where do you want to be? On your couch alone, watching sappy movies all night?" Cam asks. He's the one that dragged me off my couch just to come here, so he knows that's exactly what I want.

"Yes. That sounds much more pleasant than this."

"Quit your whining, B, and have a good time." He takes my hand and pulls me through the crowded apartment.

"I would have more fun if I could actually breathe." We stop in the kitchen which is less crowded. "Seriously, how do people enjoy parties like this?"

"They drink alcohol," he says, pouring brown liquid into a red solo cup. He takes a sip and then holds it out to me.

"It looks disgusting." Out of curiosity, I take the cup and sniff it. My face contorts again and I hand it back to him. "No thanks. I'd like to have my judgment and stomach intact tonight."

Cam has been my best friend since we were babies. We were neighbors. We grew up together. He knows me well enough to understand that I don't drink and I don't like parties. So, he doesn't push me.

He takes a sip of his drink and fills up the cup again. "You know I wouldn't just take you to some random party. I wouldn't do that to you."

"Then why are we here?"

"Teddy Wilson."

"What?" My words catch in my throat. My eyes fly around the room. "He's here?" I ask, focusing all my attention on Cam who's grinning at me now.

He nods. "He's here. It's New Year's. I'm sure he's going to be looking for the perfect woman to kiss."

"I'm sure he has a girl for that already," I say, fluffing my hand in the air.

"Think again." Cam looks behind me.

I turn, following his gaze. My heart slams against my chest over and over until it becomes painful.

"Oh my gosh," I wheeze. "He's here. Alone."

I have been in love with Teddy Wilson since I started at Bayside University as a freshman. Two years later, I still have the same feelings. And still have not yet spoken a single word to him.

"Now's your chance," Cam says, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I turn towards him. "What? No. I-I can't"

"Come on, Bethany, you have been in love with him forever. I think it's time to stop living in your imagination and make things a reality."

I look back over my shoulder at Teddy quickly. He's so hot. His short blond hair looks so soft I just want to run my fingers through it. Those plump lips just waiting to be kissed. Beautiful green eyes that I can get lost in forever. Perfection. Literal perfection.

He's a serious man. Broad shoulders. Nice toned chest just waiting to rip free from his shirt. I'm sure he even has abs hidden under the fabric. Not only does he have the looks, but he has the brains too. A straight-A student and he's even taking some graduate-level courses and he's only a junior.

I draw in a sharp breath and release my lower lip from my teeth when I realize I'm biting it.

"Just go for it," Cam presses.

"No. I can't. I mean how tacky is it to kiss him on New Year's?"

"I don't think it's tacky at all. I think it's... hot. And if you don't kiss him, I might have to take my chance with him."

"Don't you dare," I snap and he laughs.

"It's just a little kiss."

"It's not just a kiss. It'd be my first kiss ever. I don't think I want to waste in on something of a tradition."

"Just go talk to him then," he says. "He's wide open."

I look back over at Teddy and he's still alone. Is this really my moment? The one I've been waiting for, dreaming of, for the past two years?

"And if the clock happens to run down when you two are together, what's the harm in a little kiss? It'd be a great story to tell your future kids."

I laugh and run my fingers through my blonde hair, twisting it around my finger, and holding it off of my neck. I'm hot and sweaty and just gross. I'm pretty sure I smell like whatever the people in here are smoking.

This is less than the romantic moment I pictured for my first kiss. But I think Teddy is the right person if it's to happen tonight.

Cam is right, I can't keep living in a fantasy.

I'm going for it.

"I'll be right back."

Cam's grey eyes grow wide with shock as if that was the last thing he expected me to say.

Without giving him a second look, I walk out of the kitchen and through the crowd. I'm doing this.

People scramble around me, finding their significant other. Is it really about to happen? I thought I had more time. I quicken my pace.

The crowd starts the countdown.

He's still alone.

"Teddy!" I call out. He doesn't hear me. My feet move faster until I'm only a few steps away from him. "Teddy," I say again.

He turns to look at me and I open my mouth to speak again but someone grabs my shoulder. They spin me around, grab my arms. His lips slam into mine and the entire room erupts in a blaze of cheers and music

He pulls away. My mouth hangs open with shock and rage. My fists ball up at my sides. He did not just kiss me. My first kiss, taken just like that. Who does this guy think he is?

"Happy New Ye—"

My leg barrels back and I swing it forward, kicking him right in the crotch. His face turns white and he curses, grabbing his groin and he lets out a howl.

People around us stare in utter shock as he falls to his knees.

I don't feel guilty. Not at all. While he grabs his manhood, I look up. No Teddy.

"We should go," Cam says behind me, grabbing my arms, and pulling me away from angry prying eyes.

Are they mad at me? Why are they all mad at me? The guy kissed me without consent. He got what was coming to him. But his groans of pain still echo in my ears as Cam drags me out of the party.

I've only ever seen people do that in movies. I always thought guys exaggerated when it came to getting nailed right in the balls. I guess I was wrong. Oh no, what if he has to go to the hospital?

"That was insane!" Cam exclaims as soon as we walk to the parking lot.

"Which part? The part where a stranger stole my first kiss or the part where I kicked him in the balls?"

"All of it!"

"I think I need to wash my mouth out with soap," I cringe, getting into the front seat of my car.

"How does it feel?" Cam gushes, closing the passenger side door.

I start the car and ask, "How does what feel?"

"You're finally a woman now. You had your first kiss?" He's joking around, but I can't muster up a laugh.

"Honestly, really freaking pissed." I freeze for a moment before I put the car in reverse and stare at my face through the rearview mirror. I stare at my eyes, glossed over and hazy from the smoke. My skin, flushed. And my lips, defiled.

I wish I kicked him harder.