cotton candy stitches

July 1, 2018

I've barely been able to function for the past week. Nothing has felt right. Everything has been turned upside down, and I just focus on anything. All I want to feel is Zach's touch again.

But I've been in worse. I tug the blanket off of me and throw on the nearest shirt. It's one of Evan's since he had slept over the other night.

I notice Zach's t-shirt he had lent me that night on top of my dresser. I look away quickly before I can start going into full breakdown mode.

I pull on some loose cotton shorts as I grab my keys.

I reluctantly leave my phone on my bed. I think I just need some time to just think.

➵

Driving towards the beach, I notice that there are fewer people here than usual. I mean it makes sense; it's a pretty chilly day for the summer.

I wander the beach, listening to the waves crash against the sand. My thoughts start to take over.

I climb up the stairs leading up to the pier. I drag myself to the end of it, feeling the soft air press against my body. I sit down and dangle my legs over the side. I close my eyes, letting every emotion sink out of me.

Suddenly, someone taps my shoulder. "Anyone sitting there?" I tense up before realizing it's not Zach.

I turn around to see this mysterious stranger. His blonde hair flops lazily over his eyes which are a sparkling blue. I give him a sloppy smile. He returns it which twists my stomach into a knot.

I shouldn't feel this way. I just... Zach. He stays on my mind and I can't help it. I let him sit next to me though.

The guy sits down, taking his open button down off which reveals his white tank top. He upturns his gaze towards me.

"What's a pretty girl like you sitting here all alone?" he asks. He smiles at me softly, genuinely.

I blush unconsciously, forcing my gaze towards him. I take a deep breath and force Zach out of my head. I don't need him. He doesn't need me. I smile back at the guy.

"Who wants to know?" I ask, leaning in closer to him.

He noticeably gets a little nervous, his smile turning slightly crooked. I can't help but let a little giggle out. He lays his hand on mine as his breath fans against my face. My heart skips a beat.

"Tristan Middleton." His minty breath fans across my lips, making my stomach twist. He stares at me, his blue eyes trying to figure me out. But they seem hurt.

I laugh out of nervousness and pull away from him.

"Marla Jones," I say before extending out my hand. Tristan gladly shakes it in a goofy cartoon way.

"Anyway, you gonna answer my question?" he asks, winking playfully at me. I roll my eyes, a smile on my lips.

"Just wanted some time to think," I answer, letting my eyes drop to the ocean below. That's where Zach had pushed me and then... That night happened. Butterflies flutter back into my stomach, just from remembering how his lips felt on mine. How amazing it all was.

My focus returns back on Tristan as he starts to pick himself up.

"Oh! Did you want to be alone? I can leave if you-" I pull him back down by his tank top. I shake my head, staring into his soft blue eyes. I involuntarily let my hand find its way against his cheek. He kneels back down, his hand snaking into my hair.

My breaths come out shorter, as he places his forehead against mine.

"Stay," I murmur before I find his soft lips against mine. It doesn't feel as magical as Zach's, but I need to get him out of my mind.

Tristan pulls away, a goofy smile on his lips. He sure does smile a lot.

"Okay."