Abducted

23 days: The Bonfire

The flames crackled, illuminating a circle around the back deck. The moon reflected off of the pool, creating a beautiful, watery image on top of the clear, pool cover. The cold air from the wind clashed with the heat radiating from the fire. I hugged myself, taking a deep breath. "It's so pretty out here," I said, shivering. Jay fake yawned, placing an arm around my shoulder. "It really is," he agreed. Demi and Ciggy were joking amongst themselves, getting cozy on the swinging bench. "Ciggy. Tell her how you got arrested the first time," Jay suggested. "Oh this is a good one," Ciggy said sitting up. "What did you do?" Demi asked, already intrigued. "So," Ciggy began, " I shoplifted some eggs for my mom when I was like twelve and the store owner caught me as I was leaving. He was this short, sweaty, bald guy. Pretty sure he was racist too." I leaned forward, chuckling. "How do you know he was racist?" I asked. "He was racist. He was only ever yelling at his brown employees and following the brown customers," he explained, flicking the ash off his cigarette. "Anyways, he grabbed my wrist as I was leaving and tried to take the eggs. He was trying to pull me into his office, so I went willingly," Ciggy continued. I took a long drag from one of the blunts, before passing it to Jay. The smoke disappeared as it floated up into the air like a phantom. "Then, what?" Demi asked, wide eyed. "We get into his office and he starts lecturing me how I'm making 'my people look bad' and how we should get mad when 'people like him' assume things. And I'm already like, 'okay this guy is an asshole.' So, while he's on the phone with the police, I notice his wallet and keys sitting on the desk. Like he was asking me to take them, so I did and I climbed out of his office window and then tested the unlock button to see where his car was. He drove this piece of shit Toyota, but I stole it. Grand theft auto was my very first charge at twelve years old," Ciggy concluded. I shook my head in disbelief. "No way you stole a car at twelve. The eggs I believe, but a car?" I said, fully doubting his story. Ciggy shook his head, "it's all true. I was a minor, so those records are sealed, but Jay bro back me up." I looked at Jay waiting for him to speak. "It's all true dude. I went to court with him, since he was using our family lawyer. Got him a deal for only one year served in juvenile detention and then probation for another two years. We could probably get those records for you if you really don't believe us," Jaysean explained. I shook my head. "Okay, you've convinced me," I said laughing.

"So, you've been a little badass all your life," Demi said leaning closer towards Ciggy. "You like that about me, don't you?" The two kept getting closer and closer until their lips finally met. Ciggy's hand rested under Demi's chin. Her hands gripped tightly on his waist. Jay and I watched our best friends tongue each other down, feeling equally as uncomfortable as we were happy for them. "Alright, get a room," I finally said. They separated, giving each other a look before nodding. "That cool with you, bro?" Ciggy asked. Jaysean nodded, "Yeah. Take Gretchen's room." Ciggy gave him an up nod, grabbing Demi's hand. "You'll be okay?" she asked. I nodded, giving her a smirk. "Yeah. I know you'll be good, but text me if you need me." She smiled back at me as she allowed Ciggy to guide her back inside.

Jaysean and I hung back, still sitting by the fire. It was silent for a little while. We just enjoyed each other's company. I felt safe sharing some warmth with him. It was comfortable enough to sleep and dream about being here forever. Then, like a train, Minji's visit from earlier made a stop in my mind. I realized that it was the most information I had gotten about Jay. I knew almost nothing about him and yet I was always thinking about him.

"I have a question," I said softly, finally breaking the peaceful silence. Jay's eyes met mine. "Shoot," he replied. "Why don't you talk about yourself?" I asked. He paused for a moment before answering. "What do you mean?" I sat up, turning to face him, hugging my knees against my chest. He did the same, matching my sitting position. "I mean, you're always listening to me talk about me and if it's not that we're kissing. I don't know anything about you. You just appeared one day and now you're always there. Don't you think I deserve a peak around the curtain?" I explained, questioning if this was the right thing to say. He stared at me for a minute. I assumed he was trying to figure out what to say. "Well, I was born on April first. I have one older sister. My dad owns a large company and I couldn't tell you what it's for even if I wanted to. My mom was his secretary, but they fell in love and now share the company. I never had a pet. Uh...Ciggy taught me how to drive when I was like twelve, so now I drive without a license. I lived here before, but moved away for a while. And..." His voice trailed off as if he stopped himself before revealing too much. I waited for him to continue, but he didn't speak. "And?" I urged, hoping for an answer. "And I really like you," he said, planing his feet back on the ground and leaning in to kiss me. As if it were a reflex, I turned my face, causing him to plant a kiss on my cheek. "That's not what you were going to say," I whispered, setting my feet back on the ground. I turned my body towards the fire, hunching over to rest my elbows on my knees. "Yes it was," he said nodding. "Really. I like you a lot." The fire began to die down making it a little harder to see the surrounding area. I pulled out my phone, checking the time. 9:56. "It's late. I wanted to call my parents. I should go," I said standing up. "Are you sure? You don't have to go yet," he said, placing his hand gently around my wrist. I pulled my hand away, giving him a weak smile. "Make sure Demi gets home okay. I'll see you," I said kissing his cheek before turning to walk back inside. Jay stood next to the fire, hands resting on his head in frustration. He groaned, disappointed in himself.

I walked back inside his house, placing my cup on the kitchen counter. Nina quickly grabbed it, placing it in the sink. "Goodnight, Nina," I said politely. "Goodnight, pretty girl," she said back. I smiled before turning towards the stairs. I walked up the stairs, walking past Gretchen's room. The unholy sounds coming from the other side of the door were almost deafening. "She'll be late tomorrow. Well, later than usual," I said to myself.

I walked back into Jay's room, sighing loudly. I began climbing through his window into mine, as quietly as possible. My body shook as I pulled myself into my room, head first, somersaulting on to the floor. I looked over seeing my sister comfortably laying in my bed, dead asleep. I smiled, quietly taking myself makeup off and changing my clothes. The door creaked as I slipped out to go brush my teeth. Beth was just getting out of the bathroom as I reached for the door handle. "Oh, hey," she said awkwardly. She ran her fingers through her pixie cut, yawning. "Just getting home?" she added. I nodded, "Yeah. Apparently Anica and I are having a little sleep over." I said pointing at my room with my thumb. It got quiet for a second as we stood there looking around. "You should come too. I don't think we've ever shared a bed," I suggested with a shrug. My sister smiled, nodding quickly. "Yeah, sounds great. Beats Josh's snoring any night," she whispered. She walked past me, entering my room. I walked into the bathroom, brushing my teeth, reflecting on my day. I grew more and more exited to just be in my bed.

I walked into my room to see my sisters sleeping on opposite sides of my bed. I took my place in the middle, nestling into my pillow. Anica snored lightly, eyes partly opened. Beth hugged my stuffed panda, her foot twitching every so often. I laid there feeling myself sink deeper and deeper in to relaxation. My mind finally drifting off to sleep.