The Silence Between Names

Chapter Four: Sweet Jack

December of 2019:

The ambers from the fire decorated the dark sky, burning into smaller pieces, before crumbling and falling onto the dark grass. Annie and I made our way through the burs and tall grass, fighting to find the piece of flatland. Once we reached the field, the grass was decorated in different cars, parked in a large circle surrounding the bonfire. My shoe laces caught the small blades of grass and I had to jerk to rip them free. Music blared through the trees from the speakers and I was met with the loud sounds of yelling and singing when we finally reached the group. It was the largest bonfire of the year, and took place on the same day, December 19th. This was the day we were all free from finals and could celebrate winter break together. There were students from all grades there, and nobody cared because they were just happy to be done. 

Annie brushed past me and headed over to the blue coolers, reaching her hand in and pulling out a can. As she opened it, the can sputtered into her face and she pushed out her lip in disgust. I laughed at her, and headed over her side. Annie and I had been friends since the seventh grade, and had been attached at the hip ever since. Most nights I found myself sleeping at her house since my parents weren't around. She was good company.

I tugged at my jean shorts, as I nervously tried to see if there was anyone I recognized. Typically, Annie and I were friends with everyone, but I almost felt overwhelmed at how large the group was. I was caught off guard as a shoulder shoved against my backside, and my arms flailed, trying to hold myself up. A hand caught my arm, and I was lifted back to where I was. When I looked up, I was met with a pair of dark eyes, and a friendly smile. I felt the anxiety wash away, and I straightened up. 

"I need to watch where I'm going." The boy laughed, rubbing the back of his head nervously.

I laughed back, and assured him it was alright. After Annie saw the two of us talking, she slipped away to go talk with a different group, leaving us alone together. 

"I don't think I've ever seen you around.." He cut me off "Jack. Jack Wright."

Jack held out his hand, and gripped mine in a handshake. We smiled, and talked for a while. He told me he was a sophomore, the grade above me, and that he never went to many parties because he was always occupied with baseball. He had been playing baseball since he was young, and was trying to get recruited into a college team when he was a senior. I felt as though I could listen to him talk for hours. He was a charming boy, with dirty blonde hair that barely rested above his forehead, and dark eyes. He was tall and slim, and had dimples that were one of the first things someone would notice about him. He had two younger sisters, and lived with his mother. His father left when they were young, and he took care of his entire family.

"I can't imagine." I said.

Jack smiled and shook his head. "I love my family, it's hard to imagine leaving them to go to college. Do you have any siblings?"

I laughed "No, it's just me."

We talked for a while after that, and drank, and talked, and drank some more. By the time I checked my watch, it was almost three o'clock in the morning. 

We had walked over to a more quiet spot, and I sat down on a rock. Jack pressed his back against the tree across from me, pressing his foot up. I tipsily tried to stand, but he caught me as I started to fall over. My chest pressing against his, I realized how close our faces were.

"I should probably go." I whispered, fighting to catch my breath. 

His dark eyes stared into mine. and his hands moved down to my waist. He pulled me in closer, and I gasp exhaled from my mouth. My nose was touching his, and I wrapped my hands around the nape of his neck, my fingers touching his hair that run down his head. I felt his eyelashes on my forehead, and I quietly leaned in closer to him. It felt like we were so sure of ourselves, yet so hesitant that it was what the other one wanted.

Was this a good idea? Fuck it.

Before I knew it, his lips pressed against mine, and our breaths began to move at the same rhythm. I tangled my hands through his messy hair, and his hands moved up the back of my shirt to the small of my back. His freezing cold fingers sent goosebumps up and down my body, but his warm chest kept me close. I could smell his sweet scent mixed with his sweat as my nose traced his neck. After a moment, we pulled away from each other, fighting to keep it from progressing any further. 

"I'll walk you home." Jack said, taking his hand in mine.