Locked in Love

Secrets

Eli and I were sitting at the Drop. We had our feet in the water and we were talking. We talked like we had before things got weird between us. I told him everything and he told me everything.

“Can I tell you something?” He asked.

“Sure.” I smiled.

“Avery Sophie Jordan, I am in love with you.”

I didn’t say anything. Why did he have to do this? Things were just getting good with us. Everything felt so normal until this.

“E, please don’t ruin this.”

“OK, you’re right. So, you want to go swimming?” He asked.

His expression changed completely. His eyes had dropped and his smile was gone.

“Uh, sure.” I said.

We hopped up and raced to the ocean.

“Your curls are flat.” I laughed and ruffled his hair.

He gave me a small smile and began swimming out further. I stayed where I was and looked at him. He looked really good without a shirt on. I mean, I had to admit, Eli was cute, but something attracted me to Colton more than Eli, but I’d never go back to Colton. Things were different. Things would always be different, I don't think Colton and I will ever be the same. I don't think I'll ever speak to him again.

Eli still hadn’t gotten over the things that had just happened. He was still sad or mad or whatever he was. I felt so bad, but he had to get over it. I love him like crazy, but I can’t help how I feel. I can't help that I am attracted to his brother and not him. I would be if I could pick who I wanted to love, but it just doesn't work that way.

I went out to meet Eli. He wrapped his arms around my waist. I looked up at his dark eyes and pulled him down to me. I kissed his cold salty lips. He pulled away.

“What are you doing?” He asked, looking me straight in the eye.

“Just shut up.” I said pulling him back to me. "And kiss me."

Our hands intertwined and we fell back into the ocean water. 

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      We walked back to our houses hand in hand. It was weird, but I really liked it. I liked having that companionship. It wasn't who I wanted, but it was what I wanted. For now, I had to live with it.

When we arrived back, we stopped in the middle of our two houses and stared at each other.

My hand wondered up to his face and outlined his features. I went from his ear to his jaw line to his chin then stopped at his lips. I removed my hand and kissed him. He leaned down closer to me and I pulled away only to whisper into his ear.

“Eli.” I kissed his cheek and scurried inside.

The only good part about being here during the school year is when things like this happen, I don’t have to face them right away. I can just escape and think about it all. The weird thing was, I wanted to see him again. Now. I texted him and told him to sneak out his window tonight at ten. He never replied, but I knew he had got it and he would. I’d meet him there, too.

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      Ten O’ Clock arrived and I was prepared to see him without me in any make-up and in sweats. All I wanted was him right now. I don’t know what changed, but I was glad for it. Just as I walked outside, a burnt orange Prius pulled into Eli’s driveway. It disappeared into a garage. I just shrugged it off and proceeded to Eli’s room. His light was on and I was about to toss a rock at it when I heard yelling.