One Million Branches

Part Six

He ignores me and I feel sick to my stomach.

“What’s going on, Tony?” I ask.

“You know what’s going on.” He mutters under his breath.

“What?” I ask.

“You’re fucking dating Mike!” He yells.

I look at him shocked from his sudden outburst.

“I’m not dating him Tony.” I say quietly.

“Then why were you sleeping in his bunk? Why’d you fucking kiss him? Why the fuck were you so close to him today?” He shouts.

“Holy fuck! Tony he’s my best fucking friend! I kissed him today because he kissed me. And I only think he kissed me because I fucked up last night and kissed him first. He told me to sleep in his bunk with him so I thought why the fuck not. I’m not in a relationship though. I like Mike and all but I know how he fucking is. He cheats or he fucks the girl and leaves her. Besides I really like someone else but he has someone else in his life.” I say.

He sighs and looks down.

“Why are you so bothered by it Tone?” I ask.

“I-I… Fuck it. I like you. A lot. More than a lot.” He says.

My mouth drops and I stare at him.

“What… I thought you were with someone.” I mumble.

“Who the fuck would I be with?” He asks.

“I heard you on the phone yesterday with someone.” I say looking at him.

He looks down and then back at me.

“I was on the phone with my mom.” He says looking at me with a huge smile.

“I-I… I feel really fucking stupid now.” I say quietly.

“No don’t. I thought Mike and you were dating.” He says smiling.

I pull my legs off the side and sit crisscross. Tony pulls his legs up and sits so where he’s facing me.

“Liz can I tell you something?” He asks.

I nod and he takes a deep breath.

“I knew what I was doing when I kissed you. I wanted to kiss you and I did for the longest time. I just got the confidence to do it when I was drunk.” He says quietly.

I stare into his eyes shocked and take a deep breath. He leans forward slowly and my heart starts pounding. He kisses me gently and I feel like the world is in a perfect place. Like nothing can go wrong from this moment on.

He pulls away and I stare into his eyes.

I feel like I can’t talk. He actually wanted to kiss me.

Butterflies fly around my stomach and I feel tears in my eyes.

“Liz?” He asks.

I just stare at him not able to talk.

“Are you okay?” He asks.

I nod, grab his shirt and kiss him again.

He pulls me closer and I run my fingers through his hair.

He pulls away and smiles at me.

I grab his hand and pull him towards the ladder.

“Come on Perry. Let’s get back to the hotel room.” I say smiling.

We walk hand in hand back to our hotel room.

I walk inside, throw my phone on the couch and signal Mike to go outside.

He heads out and I follow right behind him.

“Mike…” I say quietly.

“I already know Liz. I had a feeling. You always go to me when something bad happens with your love life.” He says

“Thank you Mikey.” I say giving him a hug.

“Hey I don’t mind. I like being the rebound.” He says.

I roll my eyes and he shoots me a smile.