cotton candy stitches

june 17, 2018

I nervously wander the beach in search of the one guy I know I should be avoiding. I just can't get him out of my head. Everything about Zach has been spinning around in my mind, and I can't get him out.

The way his lips brushed against mine. The way his eyes flickered to my lips and back to me. The way he was so soft about everything he did. Just everything.

It's been two hours of me searching and I haven't found him at all. This is bullshit.

When I don't want to see him, he appears, but when I want to, he suddenly doesn't exist. It just doesn't make any sense!

Defeated, I begin my journey back to the carnival. And in case you're wondering, yes I looked there, and yes, I did ride too many rides but that's besides the point.

Out of the blue, I hear Zach's laugh nearby. I immediately turn around and scan the beach.

My eyes widen. It's such a fucking cliché.

He has his arms wrapped around a girl, a far prettier girl, as she gives him a peck on the lips. Zach catches me staring and his eyes widen. He mouths 'fuck.'

Before he can get to me, I've already gotten tears falling down my cheeks. I sprint away as fast as I can on sand without getting it in the tourists' faces. This time, Zach manages to catch my wrist. He turns me around hard but not too hard that it hurts.

He seems so panicked. His breaths are short and rapid. And to think he was a star athlete. "She... That was nothing at all! I was just upset. She took advantage of me. I like-" I stop him as I clamp my hand over his mouth.

"I don't give a shit who you like, Zach. I gave you a chance. After those years of you bullying me, I thought you were sincere! You know I came here to apologize for the other night! I genuinely thought this could work out. But I guess not!" Zach grabs me by the hips and pulls me against him. He softly wipes my tears away. I spit in his face.

Zach laughs before wiping it off.

I struggle against him, but quickly give up. He's too strong.

Before I know it, his lips are on mine. It isn't like the other night though; it's rougher but at the same time he holds me tightly like he's never going to let go. I instantly melt as I tangle my hands into his soft brown hair.

He starts to lay kisses along my neck. Unconsciously, I moan into his hair. He slightly stiffens against me; I can't help but let a small laugh out.

Zach pulls away from me, his eyes glittering. "You're so sexy when you're mad," he whispers softly. I kinda forgot why I was mad.

I roll my eyes. I wrap my arms around his neck as he tightens his grip on my hips. I stare at him, deep into his beautiful brown eyes.

"Meet me at the carnival entrance at 5 pm tomorrow night," I murmur. Zach softly strokes my head, letting my words sink in.

He smiles softly. "Alright." He quietly walks me to my car.

"Hey." I turn my attention back on Zach as I hold the door open.

"Yeah?"

He moves in before giving me a long and gentle kiss. I tangle my arms around his neck before he pulls away, out of breath.

I smile at him. He holds my hand tightly. "I really do like you, Marla."

"Maybe I do too."