Skin

Part VII - Serena & Andrew

*One week later*

It was official. I was the worst person in the world and it was only the second week of summer. Let's just recall all the events leading up to the major journey I was about to embark:

1. I had my first kiss (drunk)

2. I kissed a stranger

3. I stayed in contact with that stranger even though I knew only bad things would sprout from our relationship

4. I was leading on a really nice guy (unintentionally)

5. I've been drunk 4 out of 7 of the past nights.

I had one more week before my job would begin at the hospital, so a week ago when I decided to go against Lex's advice of keeping my distance from Andrew Thompson, I reasoned that I could afford to have one wild week. Out of my two closest friends, I was the last to have my first kiss and I had never had a boyfriend or been on a date. Little did I know that would all change drastically over the next week.

It all started after Kristen made me drive to Starbucks to visit Lex at work for advice.

"Use your head S. Every girl knows just how good looking Andrew is, but they also know how much of a player he is. He's so cliche. He uses girls to get what he wants *ahem* sex, and then he stops talking to them. Is that something you want to go through?"

I thought about her words over and over again, but something told me that she was wrong. And even if she was right, so what if I wanted to experience a night with Andrew? Even when I first hung out with Ethan, it was Andrew that I was thinking about the whole time. What made me feel so bad was that I could see the way Ethan stared at me. It was obvious that he wanted to be more than friends, but honestly I couldn't focus on him until I could get Andrew out of my head.

So I texted him. And we've talked nonstop for the past week getting to know each other and arranging plans for the week before I'd need to be back home in order to commute to the hospital. There might have even been a few pictures sent back and forth if you know what I mean..

I knew that what I was experiencing was pure lust. Ever since I kissed him, I've craved more. It's crazy considering that he was my first kiss and I wanted to escalate things so quickly. In attempt to push everything Andrew out of my mind, Ethan and I began to hang out more. Strictly as friends, but I could see how hard it was for him. It's not fair to him. I'm sure he thinks I like him the way he likes me, but I just can't.

Through all my attempts, nothing worked.

Finally, I confessed to Lex and Kristen.

"You've been what!?!?" I could tell Lex was upset that I didn't listen to her advice, but I could also see the excitement in Kristen's eyes now that I was finally testing new waters, dangerous waters.

"I know, I know, I should've listened to you and I did! But I couldn't get him off my mind. Our kiss was amazing and when I was with him I just felt so free!"

Lex's eyes were burning holes into my skull, "Do I really have to go over all the negative things about him again? You know what the hell with it let's do it. Okay first off, he's scummy. Second, he's boned hundreds of girls. Third, he'll probably break your heart. Fourth, he's two years older than you. Fifth, do you really want to experience your firsts with a guy like him??"

"Well, she already threw her first kiss away might as well get the rest done with the same person."

"Kristen!" I glared at her and tried to suppress my laughter. Lex remained angry and I could tell she wouldn't be lightening up any time soon.