Road Tripping

12

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HE LOOKED ME up and down. I scowled the entire time, and the three boys didn't know how to react; although Nate held my arm. I couldn't tell if his action was one of comfort, reassurance or protection. "You've gotten prettier," Troy spoke, brushing the back of his hand across my cheek before I could flinch away. Nate stepped forwards, so his body was half-in front of mine. "Step off," Nate warned Troy.

"I know you two aren't a thing," Troy laughed, almost sadistically. A few of his friends were behind him, and I recognised his best friend, Bryan. Bryan looked surprised to see me; he waved, I smiled sheepishly back. Troy continued on, and with each word he spoke I wanted to punch him more and more. "Sure, the kiss at the game was believable, but one thing you forget." I exhaled deeply. It sounded too loud in the empty air. Sure, music blasted and we had to yell in order to be scarcely heard, but it was still a lingering awkwardness that nothing could fill.

"Those lips were mine for years. You don't think I'd remember how she kissed?" I knew now that Troy was going out of his way to provoke Nate, and I knew for a fact that Nate would retaliate. "And how she kissed you then was nothing compared to when she used to—" Troy's provocative blabbering was cut of by Nate's flying fist connecting with his jaw.

Troy stumbled back, but he smiled. He'd pissed Nate off; exactly what he wanted. "You bloody sadist!" I screamed at Troy, who meanwhile taunted Nate, asking for a fight. I felt at relief when Nate had calmed himself down. He didn't want drama—he got a punch, and he wasn't going to start a fight. But, Troy wasn't going to let that happen. He walked up aggressively, yelling enraging things.

I had to put my body before Troy's when he got too close. He simply pushed forwards and told me to get off him. "I'm here to get you back, Lai. Not hurt you," Troy stopped advancing towards Nate and turned around with me. I didn't try to stop him; it was like he held me in a trance. His hands gripped my wrists gently. Troy's eyes pleaded with me, so sign of rage or hate when he looked at me.

Troy left me with one lingering gaze before lumbering forwards to Nate. Lucas rushed over, examining my wrists and my face. "Are you okay?" He asked, looking directly into my eyes. Physically, I was okay. Mentally? Not so much. The love of my life still loves me. And although I do hate him, there is a cliche part of me that'll never let go of Troy.

"Troy stop," I burst out, stumbling forwards so my body was wedged within the close proximity between Nate and Troy. I faced Nate. "Let's go," I beckoned, wrapping an arm around his torso as he slid one across my shoulder, eyeing Troy carefully. "You can't just walk away from me, Laila!" Troy shouted, and he was right.

But he couldn't know that.

"Watch me," I spit, turning and walking into the party with the person I wish to have as company the most. "Are you okay?" I ask Nate. He is quick—almost too quick—to reply. "Don't worry about me, I'm fine. But are you? Did he hurt you Laila?" Nate's eyes crease with concern as he halts our walking by standing before me, placing his hands on either side of my arms.

"Yes," I exhale. "I just want to be here. With you." Nate falters. "About that..." He starts, pressing his lips together. "What?" I ask, desperate. "Nate, what's wrong?" He laughs, a shy yet firm and ginger chuckle. "Nothing's wrong." I furrow my eyebrows. "We're moving parties," he continues. "There's a different party in the woods."

My eyes light up at the mention of something new and exciting. An adventure. Nate smiles at my reaction, and I only realise he had previously guided me towards the door when he ushered me outside, where Jacks and Lucas were already waiting in the car.