The Firefly

37°

When that harrowing session, which had been defined as lunch, ended each of us got up and headed in different directions.

The boy at my side clung to my arm and I had the impression that, if only we didn't have to play that silly part of lovesick guys, he would have gone back to our room alone.

As soon as the door closed behind us Jake broke away from my arm as if it had been glowing. -What did he want from you?- He asked tensely.

-Jake, l...I'm sorry I left you alone with your parents.- I decided to whisper, I owed him an apology.

By abandoning him, however briefly, I had broken my promise to stay by his side, even though I knew about that much conflicted relationship between the three of them.

I had shaken the trust he had chosen to place in me.

-I don't give a shit about my parents now!- It came out like a howl from his scarred lips.

Immersed in the newly created silence, I brushed softly against my new ring. -Sorry...- I barely heard him. His white pupils were now turned toward me. -It's nothing.- No matter how hard I tried, no matter how hard I struggled, I couldn't keep my eyes from looking away.

-Now we'd better get dressed.- I suggested, offering him my arm to lead him to the bed on which our suitcases were laid.

I handed him his clothes and he headed on his own to the bathroom without a word.

Trying not to think about anything at all I began to undress and slipping off my pajama shirt I remained shirtless, only at that moment did I remember the dress that had been given to me by Mr. and Mrs. Hale.

I undressed, slipping it on immediately, and ran to the large mirror in the corner of the room. I had to admit that it didn't look bad on me at all.

I spun around a couple of times admiring it and regretting not having worn similar ones during the summer. I also took two pictures of myself that I sent to Leda after thanking her for the gift.

She had always liked the dresses even though she didn't wear them as often after getting together with Vince.

After watching myself for a little more, I decided it was time to sadly get dressed, but as soon as I slipped off my dress, the bathroom door opened and Jake came out dressed and combed.

I squealed instinctively covering myself with my hands as best I could, the boy took a startled step back.

-Turn around I'm naked!- I shouted and a frown appeared on his lips despite the fact that his cheeks were dyed bright red.

-But I can't see you anyway!- he tried to retort. -I don't care!- The boy sighed, shaking his head and trying to hide an amused smile.

He turned around crossing his arms.

-Is that better?- He asked and I peeked over my shoulder. -Yes, thank you very much.- I said awkwardly as I pounced on my suitcase pulling out what I needed. 

-What have you been doing all this time instead of getting dressed?- The boy asked me, waiting for my permission to turn around.

-I've been trying on the dress your parents gave me.- I said slipping into my jeans quickly, nearly falling flat on my face.

-What are you doing?- Jake asked, hearing me cursing in a low voice. -I tripped over my jeans.- I said simply and he couldn't help but laugh at my clumsiness.

I put all my effort into not getting lost in his oh-so-hypnotic laughter.

Quickly I fastened a white bra and slipped on the first shirt that came my way.