Love, Camping

Chapter 20 | A fling

Jessica Timbers P.O.V.

I put on a simple black dress. It hugged my figure and reached above my knees. I tied my hair into a ponytail and smoothed the curls framing my face. After applying concealer and lip gloss, I put on my white sneakers and exited the room.

I was in a better mood than I had been this morning. Of course, things are still tense between me and Alex, and I need to sort them out asap. But for now, I just wanted to have a nice campfire night. Something that Derrick had promised me.

Images of him between my legs flashed through my mind, and I moaned internally.

Good Lord! I'm going insane!

I bit the insides of my cheeks to keep from grinning at the memory. Several people gave me weird looks as I passed them along the hallway.

Given how flushed my cheeks are, I probably look like in the need to use the bathroom.

Some of my classmates waved at me as I stepped out of the hotel and gave me directions to the bonfire. I thanked them and made a U-turn around the hotel.

As I jogged along the dirt road, My friends saw me and pulled me into the crowd.

Faint music filled the air, and the large bonfire's golden glow enveloped everyone in its warmth. People were chatting, playing games, relaxing by the fire, and some couples were even dancing.

I excused myself to grab a drink.

I started pouring myself some juice, hoping it was fresh and not packed. I had grown tired of drinking only packaged juice for the past few days. I leaned on the table, sipping my fresh orange juice. I gulped down the rest of the contents and filled another cup. Damn! I was thirsty.

Sighing, I approached the blazing bonfire. I considered sitting near it, but decided against doing so alone.

Derrick, where are you? I wondered.

Or, Alex. I haven't seen either of them.

It was cold, so I was pleased I took a cardigan with me. As I walked, I tugged on its sleeves and breathed the fresh night air.

I spotted a familiar brunette boy slouched against a tree trunk away from the campfire. I hurried to him.

What is he doing sitting all by himself?

He sat facing the other way, the light casted a pale glow across his back.

"Alex," I called.

He didn't answer, as if he hadn't heard me, he stared blankly at the ground.

"Alex! What are you doing here?" I tugged on his shoulder.

He stumbled in his seat, perplexed.

The glass bottle slid from his grasp and rolled to the ground. The liquid spilled and ruined his shoes.

Frowning, I read the contents on the bottle. It was alcohol.

I looked back at him, shocked. Despite the poor lighting, it was hard to miss his bloodshot eyes, red cheeks, and disheveled hair. He was panting and his breath reeked of alcohol.

My eyes grew wide.

"Are you drinking!?" I screeched in surprise.

"Get lost!" He muttered, brushing me off.

He was completely drunk. He narrowed his eyes at me, as if he had finally realized what was happening. His eyes were black with frustration and hatred.

I hurriedly covered his silhouette with my body so that no one else saw him.