cotton candy stitches

July 18, 2018

My phone rings loudly, catching my attention. It's not Evan because I have a special ringtone for him. It's not Tristan because he too has a special ringtone. Its not anyone I know either. It's the default one.

I cautiously pick up my phone, answer it, and put it on speaker.

"Hey..." It's Zach.

"How do you have my number?" I ask, rolling onto my back. I can hear Zach chuckle from through the phone.

"Your parents gave Kayla your number and naturally I asked to have it. And here we are, princess." I groan at his pet name for me.

"So... Why'd you call?" I question as I sit up and rest my head against my headboard.

His confidence seemingly dissolves.

"Well... I know I shouldn't rush you and I know what you said yesterday, but um... Never mind."

"Tell me," I urge.

He groans loudly but I can feel him smile through the phone. I hear him move around a little as his breaths become slightly shakier.

"U-Uh... Do you want to come watch a movie at mine?" He lets a big sigh out as if that took all his energy to say. I laugh lightly.

"Yeah. I think that'd be good." I smile brightly, my heart beating faster every minute.

"Cool... Cool. Let me come pick you up. Get ready, princess."

➵

Zach holds my hand gingerly, leading me through the front door. He's already got Netflix loaded up on the TV along with popcorn and a liter of Coca Cola.

"Wow, mister fancy. I didn't think you'd-" My words are stopped as Zach's lips crash against mine. I smile into the kiss as I wrap my leg around his.

Zach pulls away, out of breath.

"I wanted to do that so bad ever since you left," he whispers, pressing me against the door. I take in his smell, the way his eyes twinkle when he's looking at me, how messy his hair is, everything.

I giggle lightly before giving him a quick peck on the lips.

My phone beeps, but I ignore it. All I want to be is in this moment with only Zach.

But the beeping continues relentlessly. I groan as Zach goes to get some blankets from the hallway closet.

My heart immediately kicks up its pace when I read the messages Tristan had sent.

I just got sent a picture of you leaving Zach's house what's up with that???

Why aren't you answering?

Don't tell me you're off with him oh god answer me babe

Call me back asap

"What's that?" Zach says while trying to peek at my phone.

"Uh, it's nothing!" I can't look him in the eyes. Even since middle school, he's always been able to tell if I'm lying or not.

"Let's just watch the movie," I tell the floor.

Hesitantly, Zach nods and takes my hand in his. He leads me to the couch.

Zach plops onto the couch, taking most of it up. I groan but smile at him. He smirks at me before taking my hand in his.

"Come on. Sit up," I tell him but Zach just shakes his head.

"Looks like your just gonna have to lay on top of me." He looks up at me, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Suddenly, Zach tugs me forward onto him.

I fall on top of him. Our legs are tangled together while his hands are holding my hips. His eyes stare patiently into mine as if he's waiting for something.

And so I give him his something.

I kiss him softly as he smiles into it. My fingers go through his soft hair as his hands bring me closer to him. Zach pulls me further into his lap as he begins to kiss my neck.

I can't help but moan.

I can hear him breathe heavily from beneath me as his hands get to work to try and pull my top off.

Quickly, I sit up.

Zach looks at me confusedly. He sits up as well, still having a firm grasp on my hips.

"If we're going to do anything more than kissing, I want to completely be with you." Zach nods.

"Whatever you decide to do next is all you, Marla. But I just want to cuddle with you. Just a little bit." I smile at him. In all honestly, Zach is adorable and I could look at him smile at me all day.

"Okay," I whisper.

Zach drapes the blanket over us as I nuzzle further into his chest. He tightens his grip on me as the movie begins to play. My mind wanders to Tristan and how shitty I feel about it. I need to explain to him. I feel so bad. Zach places a soft kiss on my forehead, making my thoughts slips away.

I could be in his arms forever.