Never Been Kissed

- FOURTEEN -

                                                              -• FOURTEEN •-

 

“U-um... did I say that out loud?” I asked, feeling my cheeks redden considerably.

I felt like slapping myself so hard for that slip up. Surely Beck would laugh his butt off at me now. What seventeen year old has never been kissed? I mean really? Kindergartners make out before they know what they’re doing!

Beck nodded gravely. “It’s cool if it’s never happened Amber. You shouldn’t rush yourself into something you don’t want. I totally understand.”

But did he really? I just didn’t want him looking at me as if I was some kind of social pariah, thanks to my non-osculation status.

“That’s not weird to you?” I asked with a furrowed brow. “That... I’ve never been kissed, I mean. You don’t think it’s pitiful?”

“Why would I think that?” he frowned. “Do I look like that kind of person?”

“To be honest, no,” I shrugged. “But I’ve been keeping that secret for far too long to even consider how someone might react to it. I’ve got a generalization in my head, and it won’t go away any time soon.”

Beck looked down at his own flip flops. He looked deep in thought, so I didn’t ask him what was bugging him.

“Amber?” Beck called hesitantly.

I looked over at him, only to find that he was only inches away from me, and he had this sort of lazy but determined look to his gray eyes.

“Y-yes?” I stumbled.

“Do you want me to kiss you?”

I froze. “W-why would you ask me that. We’re friends! Right?!”

“Yeah... but I don’t want you to feel like you’re missing out on anything.” He admitted, two pink spots coloring his cheeks.

“No thanks,” I shot him down. “Not because you’re gross or anything; but I’m one of those girls who will only kiss a guy that I’m completely sure that I like.” Not that I don’t like you, because I really do. My heart burns because of you.

He scoffed. “Way to wound my pride. Am I not attractive?” he puckered his lips at me and I felt my cheeks flame. Oh this boy. Why did he make me feel this way. He laughed. “Don’t worry about it Amber, I’m not offended. But you’re gonna find a guy you like and are willing to kiss by the end of this summer. Mark my words.”

I offered a forced laugh. “Ha, ha, sure Beck. Sure.”

#

I raced home on my bike, so hard that my feet felt like they were on fire. It was nearing six, and my mom would be heading home by now. Hopefully Opal whined and cried at her tea party enough to stall mom for a few moments. That would buy me some time.

I got down South Lakeshore road, knowing that I needed to push it if I wanted to get home and not be caught. My house was only two more houses away. I pushed harder on the pedals rounding the curb hard and pulling into the driveway. I exhaled, happy that I got in before mom.

I heard the distinct growl of a car speeding down the road and hopped off my bike, skating across the driveway and racing behind the house. The kitchen door was opened by a key underneath the mat and I quickly fumbled as I tried to unlock the door.

Crap, crap, crap.

Finally, the key went in right, and I all but killed myself trying to get into the house.