cotton candy stitches

July 7, 2018

I hold hands with Tristan as he walks me down the boardwalk. As much as I want to forget it, I can't get rid of that image of Zach crying and furious at the beach. Tristan has been the best throughout it though. I told him all of it. He's been so understanding and it makes me so happy to have him there. The only thing I'm scared of is hurting him.

Unfortunately, Evan went on vacation with his cousins and won't be back until the end of July. I guess not having your best friend by your side really affects you because I've been so off since he left. Like I feel so lost without him.

Evan is my go-to advice person. He's been super busy up in Pennsylvania though so he hasn't had much time to talk. It sucks but at least I have Tristan by my side.

Even with Tristan, my mind flutters back to Zach. I hate that it does. Tristan is the best for me. Why am I so hung up on a boy that hurt me?

"What're you thinking about?" Tristan asks me as he softly kisses my head. I smile before caressing his cheek and giving him a quick kiss. Tristan, however, leans down and slowly draws another kiss out of me. I don't mind though.

"Nothing," I answer as he gently pulls me into him. Tristan kisses my forehead softly before leading me towards the ocean. The sunset shines nicely against his skin, causing it to glow. He looks over at me before sliding his hands onto my hips.

"Come here, you." Tristan pulls me into him while I laugh. He playfully kisses all over my neck and face, all while holding me tightly against him. My hands find the back of his neck as I laugh loudly with him still placing small kisses everywhere. He finally lets go of me and looks into my eyes. He laughs quietly as his cheeks turns rosy.

"God... I just..." Tristan's voice trails off. He thumbs the sides of my hips. I curiously look at him.

"You what?" I question, sneaking in a small kiss. He looks at me, a big smile on his face.

He doesn't say anything, but leads me towards the shoreline. The waves splash loudly. There are very few people on the beach, but there are couples happily walking along the water.

"Take your shoes off." I kick my flip-flops off of my feet as does Tristan.

He leads me into the water, his face glowing a soft pink. All of a sudden, he splashes me. I scream loudly, splashing him as hard as I can. He gives me a mischievous look before throwing his shirt off. His toned stomach causes me to blush. I do the same, causing a duplicate reaction from Tristan. His cheeks flush even harder as he slightly smirks at me.

Both of us laugh loudly as we continue to splash each other. I swear, I could never get sick of this. Out of breath, Tristan pulls me into him. His hands soothingly rub against my back.

"You're so beautiful," he whispers. My face flushes as he gently holds my cheek and pulls me towards him.

"You've made me so happy, Marla. You've kept me company in the worst time of my life. You seriously are amazing. Will you... be my girlfriend?" My eyes widen as Tristan nervously shifts in the water.

"I mean you don't have to but-" I silence him with the most passionate kiss I can muster up. I feel him flinch under me, but he soon kisses me back with even more passion than I did. His hands travel down towards my butt and I let them stay there. When I bite his lip, he squeezes just a bit. I can't help but moan against his lips which causes him to practically growl back.

We part, out of breath. His cheeks are bright red but I'm sure I'm even more red.

He smiles all goofy-like. "So is that a yes?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. I chuckle lightly.

"Of course."

Even though I say this, something just tugs at my heart. It doesn't feel right.