Inviting the Virgin: Dealing With the Aftermath (Old Version)

Thirteen :7 Letters:

"You didn't have to do that you know," I cooed gently as I plopped a couple more ice cubes into the zip lock bag. The classic peas would have been more suitable but most of Nancy's freezer was frozen pizzas and alcohol.

"It was long overdue," Zack spoke through gritted teeth. He swiped the bag from my hand, resting his over the knuckles of his other. A hiss escaped his lips when it made contact.

"Oh." I raised an eyebrow, "No stoic manly man bullshit?" I snickered at his expense.

Zack was silent to my teasing; most likely ignoring my very presence. Both of us stood in Nancy's kitchen with an awkward hue around us. There were so many unspoken words that needed to be said but both of us were too proud or too ashamed to start up the conversation.

"Thank you." My voice was a whisper compared to the chaos that had erupted moments ago.

We'd taken a break from our so called game. Everyone had to rip Zack and Carter apart from each other. Well except Jordan who was ready to pin Carter down at a moment's notice. Now Carter was outside Nancy's front door pacing back and forth trying to control his temper. Adam and Nancy were also out there probably plotting their next move.

Time was almost up and we were still tied. The last 20 minutes of tonight would dictate our futures. There were copious items on the line; our relationships, scholarships and our secrets getting out. If the pressure wasn't on before, it was now.

"Don't mention it." Zack's voice was as low as mine. Heck the hum of the refrigerator was louder than the two of us talking.

I watched as Zack leaned against the cabinet, lifting and checking his knuckles for bruises. Occasionally he'd bend each finger individually, checking for full function. "Does it hurt?" I inquired.

The glorious and staple smirk started to sprout, "have you ever punched someone in the face?"

Responding with a laugh, I replied, "Well no but I've been on the receiving end recently." My index finger pointed towards the bruise around my eye socket. It took every ounce of self-control not to break my fist on their faces.

"I see that," he replied vaguely.

Any hopes that this would turn into a normal conversation was starting to slip. This weekend was a big pile of crap and none of us were capable of continuing our lives like none of this ever happened.

"Well that and other things." My hand moved to my hair as I twirled the strands around my finger. I still hadn't gotten used to the length. The most annoying thing was that it was just short enough not to fit into a ponytail.

The more I fixated on my hair the angrier I got. I forced my hands across my chest, keeping them tucked under my armpits to keep me from fiddling.

"It looks good short." If I hadn't seen Zack's lips move I wouldn't have believed he'd spoken. Made eye contact when I looked at him, heck no but maybe there still was some hope left.