The Way It Could've Been

Chapter 14, Julian...

We all slept over at the lake house. Yes, there were rooms, but we were all scared to sleep alone so we bunched up in the living room. Everyone was scared, except for Mark, Jonah, and Adam. But we all know they were. They just want to seem like tough men. We put covers on the ground to make it less discomforting.

Adam and Melissa were lying down together, whispering to each other—probably sex talk. I know Melissa likes him, but they're acting like they're dating. I think they secretly are.

Jonah was lying beside Adam, and Angie was lying beside Melissa. Mark was lying next to me.

I was scrolling through my phone, facing Mark's back. The sleep was devouring me slowly as my eyes grew heavier. But all that tiredness dripped away when Mark turned towards me. He looked down at me and I looked up into his eyes. I only made out the faint outlines of his face.

"Thanks for inviting me..." He whispered. I smiled slightly.

"You're welcome... Did my friends give you a hard time? They know all about you...Bullying me in middle school." I speak. Breaking eye contact to look down at his shirt for a moment before looking back into his eyes.

"Was that why it was a little awkward?" I saw him tilt his head. I chuckle a little and nod.

"Well, I still loved hanging out with you today." He whispered.

"Me too..." I smiled.

"Well, goodnight..." He whispers.

"G'night..." I whisper.

...

    I couldn't sleep. I stared at Mark's silhouette as he breathed slowly. How long has it been? Two hours. It's 4 A.M. right now. I sigh quietly and sit up. I look around at the other dark figures nearby. Melissa with Adam. Angie sleeping next to Melissa. Jonah sleeping next to Adam. I slowly get up and try not to step on anyone. I make it passed the sleeping bodies with no disruption, thankfully.

    I begin to walk to the front door. Opening it as gently as I can, making the lightest noise possible. I slip through the tiny gap I made in the door and quickly but gently close the door behind me. I was suddenly struck with the cold, windy breeze. The type that soothes you with the sounds it causes. The leaves rustling together softly.

    I thought back to the conversation I had with Mark on those steps in front of me. I shivered slightly. This is too cold for me. I'm wearing a T-shirt and shorts. Plus I'm barefoot. I turn and walk back inside. The same routine I used to get out, and I laid back down next to Mark. I covered myself with the blanket we shared and sighed.

    I scooted closer to Mark until I felt his warmth on my back. He made a little noise as he shifted. Wrapping his arms around my waist he pulled me closer to his body. I blushed slightly as I felt his warm breath hitting the back of my neck. I smiled slightly, getting comfortable. I was finally tired, so I fell asleep in his arms.

Mark...

    I wasn't asleep...

Julian...

    The next morning, my eyes slowly fluttered open as I saw Melissa, Angie, and Jonah already awake. Melissa grinned at me and winked. I was confused until I heard a low groan from behind me, and I suddenly realized the muscular man cuddling me. I smiled a bit at Melissa as she chuckled silently and shook her head.

    I never wanted this moment to end. I let my eyes close again and I stretched, yawning. I felt Mark shift from behind me and moments later, he yawned too. He took his arms away from me as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. I sat up too. He turned to me, and I could see a faint smirk. I rolled my eyes and smiled gently, standing up, and walking into the kitchen. Leftover pizza box on the counter. Empty cups of soda. My eyes still adjusting to the light.