Straight as Guitar Strings

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟲 [𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵] 🔞

WARNING: This chapter contains mature content with explicit language which may not be suitable for very young readers.



LEO tapped me on the shoulder several times, telling me we had arrived at his place. I hadn't even realized the bike had stopped. Did I fall asleep?

"You fell asleep on my shoulder while hugging me," he said as I became aware of my surroundings.

"Who was hugging you? You must have been dreaming," I replied, only to realize I was still clinging to him. Embarrassed, I quickly let go and jumped off the bike. Better to do that before anyone saw us.

I saw him shake his head, laughing quietly as he took off his helmet. I stayed silent, too mortified to speak.

When he looked at me, I averted my gaze, pretending to be interested in our surroundings. I looked up at the light post, the gate, the street, and even pretended to check my phone.

Leo called out for his mom, but she didn't seem to hear him. Their house was large and sprawling, but it looked like it had only one floor. Their dog recognized his voice and started barking, but still, no one came out.

He returned to the bike, trying the horn repeatedly, but it didn't seem to make any difference. He called for his brother, but there was no response. Was this house soundproof?

"Are you sure you live here?" I asked, a hint of sarcasm in my voice.

"Yeah, they're just really deaf. They might be in the kitchen or their rooms," he replied, calling for his mom again.

"What do you do when they don't open the door for you?" I asked, watching him.

"I sleep out here," he said, turning to face me.

"Seriously?"

"Of course not. I usually just bang on the gate until someone hears me, or I climb over it."

"Don't you have a key?"

"My mom's the only one with a key, even my dad doesn't have one. That's why I usually come home early."

Suddenly, the area lit up, a car approaching with its headlights blinding us.

"Who's this idiot with the bright lights?" Leo grumbled as the car stopped in front of his bike.

When the car's lights turned off and the driver got out, Leo recognized him.

"Oh, it's my dad." He walked over, took his father's hand, and pressed it to his forehead in a traditional gesture of respect.

"Son, why are you out here?" his father asked, noticing me. "Is this your friend?"

I stepped forward and also greeted his father with a respectful gesture. Leo introduced me, explaining where we'd been and why we were still outside. His dad, Austin, called out for Leo's mom, Leah, and banged on the gate repeatedly, but there was still no response.

I didn't want to seem pushy, but my legs were starting to ache from standing too long.

"Maybe you could call her, Uncle Austin?" I suggested.