Bonfire Blues

Chapter 2

Annie's parents drove us to the bonfire from her house. We arrived early, like usual, to help set up.

Mrs. Johnson and Annie's mom, Mrs. Bennet, go way back. They like to spend afternoons gossiping about the latest who's who and, more importantly, who's with who. I often gather most of my intelligence about what's really going on when I listen in on their conversations. I once overheard that the whole point of this annual bonfire was to let little kids in the neighborhood get a chance to meet each other, which makes some sense, since Annie and I met here. But at the same time, it's not exactly ideal to only get to see a friend once a year if you're like most of the kids who come to the bonfire and don't go to the same school as everyone else. Annie and I just got lucky, I suppose.

There were a few people who I hung out with at the annual event who I never saw otherwise. For instance, Ryan Lewis was a guy that Annie and I met while we were in 2nd grade. We used to play games together, like spies or ninjas, but now it's more like casual small-talk and playful banter as a facade of close friendship.

Once the sun was beginning to set and the fire got going, it didn't take long for people to start showing up. I chatted with a few older folks to be polite, then made my way over to where the high school kids had congregated.

"Ava!" Annie was suddenly at my side with a blonde haired, blue eyed, glasses clad boy in tow, "I want you to meet Kyle!"

"Kyle..." I repeated the name, staring uncomfortably at this newcomer, "Hi..."

"Hey," Kyle gave me a polite smile and a little wave.

There was a sudden lull in the conversation, as neither of us knew what to say next. I tugged nervously at the hem of my dress, feeling awfully out of place in this situation. I shot Annie a stern look for putting me into this position. She didn't seem to notice, or care.

"I'll just leave you two alone," Annie smirked. As she began to walk away, she raised a suggestive eyebrow at me, and winked. 

Kyle stared at Annie as she walked away, then turned back to me.

"So..." He began, "I hear you like video games?"

"Yeah," I replied lamely, staring at the ground, "Yeah, I do."

I began looking around us at the other teens who were standing in circles with their friends, laughing and carrying on. I pleaded with the heavens that someone would come save me from the torment of this awkwardness. And, just as Kyle was wrapping up a story about his Overwatch "ultimate game", there suddenly came a voice from directly behind me.

"Don't tell me that Annie Bennet finally convinced the Ava Springson into wearing a dress in public!"

I nearly jumped out of my skin as I turned to see who was talking. I should have guessed from the sarcasm dripping from that statement that the speaker could be none other than-

"Ryan Lewis," I rolled my eyes begrudgingly, "Why am I not surprised?"

"Not surprised?" He raised an eyebrow, "You practically jumped a foot in the air."

I could feel my face heating up, and I immediately reverted back to staring at the ground and fidgeting with my skirt.

"Who was the guy you were talking to?" Ryan asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

I then realized that Kyle had already left us, and was over by Annie chatting her up.

"Who? Kyle?" I turned back to Ryan.

"Kyle." Ryan said the name slowly, extending every letter as he stroked his chin and narrowed his eyes, "So that is the name of my arch enemy."

"Your greatest nemesis." I replied with a sigh, beginning our annual banter, "It's a pity. He has already won the battle."

"My lady!" Ryan took a step back in fake shock, "What is the meaning of such poisonous words? Shall you not at least allow this brave young knight to fight for thine love?"

"I cannot." I folded my arms and turned away, "The wedding arrangements have already been made. We are to be wed in the morning."

"Oh, my heart!" He cried clutching his chest and falling to his knees, "How can it be that my love speaks such treacherous lies! I cannot bear it any longer."

"I'm sorry." I stiffened, "There's nothing more I can do for you now. My family would never allow me to marry a poor man such as yourself."

"So! The truth finally comes out!" Ryan shot to his feet and turned me to face him, "You don't really love Kyle! Admit it!"

"I can't!"

"You must!"

"I won't!"

"It's true!"

I turned my head to stifle a laugh.

"It's just too painful to admit." I sobbed, resuming character, "I am to be married at sunrise, and there is nothing you nor I can do about it."

"Then I shall fight Kyle to the death for your hand!" Ryan said righteously, glancing quickly around to locate Kyle.

"No, you mustn't!" I cried, "I couldn't bear to lose you!"

Ryan grabbed me by the waist and pulled me close.

"I couldn't live without you," He whispered, staring into my eyes.

I hesitated for a moment. Ryan is always such a better actor than I am when we play these games. But before I could say anything in reply, he released me from his arms and was racing over to where Kyle and Annie were standing.

"R-Ryan!" I called after him, "Where are you going!? You're not serious! RYAN!!"

He turned around with a wide grin on his face, and gave me a quick wink before reaching Kyle. It was then that I realized my heart had been racing. What's gotten into me?