The Vacation Program (ReWrite)

Chapter 10: Day 31; Liquor

I scrolled on my phone, looking at all of the pictures people at my school were taking and just wondering, if maybe they wondered what I was doing. I sat in the food court alone for a while, before getting bored and calling an uber home. As much as my alone time was needed, I missed having someone around all the time, even if I had only been a few hours. The ride home was long and it started to rain, and the sound of the rain against the hood of the car annoyed me. The rain was hard, and I had to bolt into the house when I got home. I was breathing heavily and drenched in water as I stood in the doorway, taking my shoes off.

"Welcome back, how was it?"

"I did some shopping, it was nice to be alone but I'm glad to be here with you again."

"I'm glad you're back, it was quiet here but this time I knew no one was there."

"Whatcha do while I was out?"

"Usual, worked out. Did you eat?"

He looked at me and waited for a reply, and I held my hands behind me. My face was hot, and I smiled at him.

"Yeah, I had some stuff from the food court..."

My phone dinged and I quickly opened it to a text from Jackson.

Friday, 7? I'll get a dog sitter, so we can do whatever you want.

I giggled and replied, and looked up to a look from Jayce. His eyebrows were furrowed together, and he pursed his lips causing my face to go blank.

"Someone, important?"

I laughed, "No, no... Just Anna."

He rolled his eyes, "You hate Anna, who is it?"

I bit my inside of my cheek and packed my phone in my pocket, "Just someone I met."

"Oh, awesome. You've made a friend?"

I smiled, "Something like that," I looked at the floor and wiggled my toes.

"Oh," He looked down at the kitchen counter.

"I know this probably isn't good for me, not right now," I pulled out my phone, "I'm gonna cancel. It was stupid, I need to stay focused."

"You're completely incapable of holding a relationship with someone you met today."

I narrowed my brows, "Okay, I might be unstable but I could hold a relationship. Especially with a guy like Jackson-"

"So his name is Jackson?" He laughed, "Autumn please, we have responsibilities."

I licked my teeth and popped my hip, "So what? You're allowed to kiss me and not even give me an explanation? But, I'm not allowed to get to know someone?"

His muscles tensed and his entire body twitched at my words, "I realized I was inappropriate. So we're moving on, ignoring it."

"So, why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you kiss me? Why?"

He walked over to me, standing over me as I leaned against the wall with my arms crossed, "Don't make me answer that."

"Why?"

He placed his arms on the outside of me, and I tried to remain my focus on his face, "Stop."

"Why?"

His chest jumped up and down, and his eyes focused on mine. I stood my ground, refusing to melt to his actions as I'd done many times before, and he noticed I wasn't weak. He dropped his head, removing his arms from the wall and heading towards his room. I rolled my eyes, frustrated and angry that once again everything was up in the air with nothing discussed. I knew what I was doing, I wanted him to kiss me again. I wanted him to fight for me, but he didn't. He couldn't. I was creating a mess. But I couldn't lie to myself, I was attracted to Jayce in many ways. I was flustered as I started to think about him and how he kissed me. Confused and frustrated, I stormed off to my bedroom. I plopped onto my bed, screaming into a pillow. I tried to fall asleep and quickly the sky turned black. I grunted, rolling out of my bed to change my clothing. I took off my clothing, now wearing only a big sweatshirt, underwear, and blue comfy shorts. I threw my hair up, and walked to Jayce's room. I was terrified to knock, but I did and I heard him slug his way to the door. He opened it for me and walked away, and I walked in slowly. His room was neat, and monotone but reeked of liquor. 

"Drink much?" I laughed jokingly.

He took a drink from his cup and stared at the T.V., "No."

I stood, quiet, and sat next to him on the bed, "Look, I'm sorry that I stressed you out. However..."

"I'm not an alcoholic Autumn, you have nothing to worry about."

"Oh well, still. I don't want you drinking because of me."

"I'm not," He laughed.

I smiled at him, "Yes you are," And grabbed his drink from him.

"I'm really not and I'll prove it," He stood up and grabbed another glass, pouring whiskey in it, "Here. Join me."

I narrowed my brows, "Is this a test?"

"No."

"I'm only 18."

"You're an adult, take the damn drink. I know it's not your first."

I laughed and we switched glasses, "Thanks, I guess."

I sat awkwardly on his bed as he lounged, switching between songs on the T.V. After a few glasses, we were both an emotional mess, exploiting all of our secrets.

"Autumn, really. Tell me," He laughed, "Was Adam your first or something? Because the way you justify his actions, and speak of him... there's an intense bond there."

I finished my glass and grabbed the bottle, "He wasn't because I haven't yet."

"Oh..."

I put the bottle on the night stand and got out of bed, "I think it's time I went back to my bed."

He blinked slowly and smiled, "Do you have to go?'

I knelt on his bed, in front of him, "I really should."

His hands suddenly gripped my hips, sending shivers up my spine, "But I'd miss you."

I laughed and put my hands on his, "Jayce," I whispered.

"Don't leave," He whispered back.

I lowered my mouth to his ear and whispered, "Then give me a reason not to."