A Twist In Time

Chapter 11

Sunday came again. Leighton invited me to Erin’s thirtieth birthday down the beach. He personally went to the house to pick me up. When I went out of the house, he was leaning in his motorcycle, just like last Sunday.    

“Is the beach far from here?” I asked him.  

  “No, it’s just near. Let’s go.”    

We sped through the busy streets toward the beach. When we arrived there, Erin was grilling barbecues. There were four people that helped her prepare the simple gathering. Maybe they were Leighton’s relatives.    

“Happy birthday, sis!” Leighton greeted Erin as he came to her and gave her a warm hug. Erin hugged back while Leighton gave his gift to her.    

“Thanks.” she smiled at her brother. She turned to me then.

“Come here, Carmel.”    

I was a bit shy but I hugged her. “Happy birthday.” I said with a smile.    

“Thanks.” she responded.    

“Carmel, these are my cousins. Robert, Emma, Jane and Steve.” Leighton introduced.

They all smiled at me.

“Nice to meet you.” Robert said.    

“Me too.” I said.    

“Come on, join us.” Jane grabbed my wrists and dragged me to the table.  

  Even if it was a small gathering, everyone was happy. Leighton’s cousins were kind people. They were hospitable and like Erin and him, they are easy to be with.    

It was Leighton’s time to do the consequence that he chose when we played a game similar to truth and dare-with a bit changes on the rules. Steve couldn’t think of something while.  

Robert and Emma were secretly planning for a thing that he would do. Erin, Jane and I, were laughing at the picture of Leighton doing a shameful thing.    

After three minutes of thinking, Steve finally spoke up. “Since Leighton and Carmel make a good pair, Leighton will kiss Carmel’s cheek.”    

Everybody howled except Leighton and me.    

We looked at each other. Leighton couldn’t believe this while I stared at him in shock. I have a boyfriend and I wondered what Sean would think if he saw us now. I’m sure he would be so furious.    

“I have a boyfriend.” I said, redirecting the consequence to another direction.

“He might get mad.” I added. And one more thing, I never imagined Leighton to be my boyfriend.    

“Yeah, and she’s not my type.” Leighton seconded.    

“Come on, Carmel. This is just a game for crying out loud!” beamed Emma.    

I hesitated and smiled at them. They were chanting for Leighton to do it while the both of us were hesitant. Erin smiled, telling me it was okay for her.    

I took a deep breath. I don’t want to offend them. I would do this for the sake of the game.     Leighton stood up and sat beside me and slowly, he leaned forward and kissed my cheek.    

That kiss did nothing to me, and I hope Sean wasn’t around.

I went back to the house at exactly seven in the evening. I jumped out of Leighton’s motorcycle and thanked him again for the day. We didn’t talk about the kiss, because it may embarrass the both of us. I walked ahead and felt his stare at me but the unexpected person was Sean, who stormed out of the gate and ran to Leighton. He was furious and as I stared at them, Sean suddenly punched Leighton’s face.