Crash

7: Truth or Dare

The fire was whirling in the cold air as the sun began to sink below the woods in my backyard. Chatter came from every direction of our circle, but the loudest was James. James stood tall, third drink in hand. Leia was talking with April and Harry in a private conversation that I could slightly hear. Leia was explaining her life story as Harry chimed in occasionally. April sat and listened, holding onto Leia's arm. I saw her shiver as a small gust of wind blew against her skin. Sam was yelling back at James in a heated argument about sports while he fed the fire. I sat silently. I started to get a chill on my arms, so I stood up and released from my silence.
"I'm gonna go inside to grab a sweatshirt, anyone want to come with?" I hinted. I knew April was cold.

Leia leaned over and rubbed April's arms, feeling how cold she was.
I wore the same clothes as I wore to school today, so this T-shirt was not doing the job.
April stood up and smiled, "I'll go."

We walked up to the house together and I saw my dad and Christy watching TV through the window. She was leaned against him with a mug full of coffee, and a smile on her face. April and I stepped inside and she started slipping off her shoes.
"Oh, you don't have to take those off," I mentioned.
She paused and looked up at me, "sorry I guess it's what I'm used to."

April slipped her shoes back on and followed me to my bedroom.

"Cas? Is that you?" My dad called from the living room. Ah shit.
With one foot in my bedroom I called back, "be out in a minute!"

April shyly walked in my room and looked around. She had a look of surprise in her face as she noticed how clean it was.
"I love your room," she said outloud.
"Thanks, I had help," I laughed.
Leia was my fashion designer, and my interior decorator. I had no clue how to be creative or stylish, but I learned a few things from her.
April walked up to my desk and ran her fingers along the wood. Stained black. Her eyes trailed along the walls, admiring my posters and "FBI boards."
"Do you... Solve mysteries?" she innocently asked.
I turn from my dresser with two of my best sweatshirts in hand.
"Ha... Somewhat," I said awkwardly.
"Somewhat? C'mon give me more to work with," she pleaded.

"Well, I enjoy reading about the 'mysterious murders' in town. And I can't help but wonder why, how, what. That's all. These boards are just a map out of what's happened."

April's eyes widened, and focused on one of the boards. Red strings pulled from one pin to another, and a missing girl's picture appeared where they ended. I knew that any girl that came into my room would ask, but I'm no detective. Yet.

"Casper this is amazing," April said as her fingers traced the red string. Her hair almost matched the color, and I wanted to run my fingers through it but restrained myself. That would be creepy. I just talked to this girl today, but she was different.
She turned her head to see me watching her admire my work. I held up a soft pink sweatshirt, even though that was the one I wanted to wear.
"Your warmth, m'lady," I joked.

After pulling on the sweatshirts April and I walked out of my room and into the living room.
"Leia why -- oh!" My dad noticed April next to me. The sweatshirt the sizes too big for her.
"Dad... This is April," I introduced.
"Oh wow it's so nice to meet you!" My dad stood up and held out his hand to meet hers.
"You too Mr. Belle," she smiled at him while her dainty hand was in his.
"Please, call me Hue. Or dad. All of Cas' friends call me that," my dad bragged.
"Oh! Okay..." April said shyly, pulling her hand back from his.
"And this is Christy," Dad motioned towards her.
Christy did a shy wave, and smiled at her. "You are so pretty," Christy said.
I wanted to say, yeah she is! But it would be too soon.
"Thank you!" April smiled, looked up at me. "Ready to go back out now?" She said eagerly.

***

The gang was playing truth or dare, a classic with a twist. April and I joined the group at the best part.

"Harry, truth or dare?" Sam asked.
"Oh god, truth."
"Okay, when did you know you were gay?" Sam said. Obviously we felt like we JUST found out, but it wasn't news to Harry.
"I was six, and I loved dressing up and putting on my sister's makeup. How gay can it get?" Harry said proudly.
"Okay, your turn then," Sam sighed, bored of the game.

"April! Truth or dare?" Harry rested his chin in his hand, leaning in his chair towards April.
April's eyes widened, unsure of what to say. After thinking about what to say, she finally said: "Dare."
Harry immediately knew, we all knew, what he was going to say.
"Okay girl, you've got balls... Kiss Casper on the LIPS, for 10 seconds," Harry sassily leaned back in his chair.

My heart pounded and my stomach ached. It's been so long since I've kissed a girl, but now, a girl I've finally spoken to, has to kiss ME. For a dare.
April looked at me and could see how nervous I felt. The entire group was watching as she leaned over and placed her hand on my cheek. She pulled me in and pressed her lips on mine, and I started to press back. There was a shakiness to my kiss, I was nervous. April didn't seem nervous as she continued to kiss me with the others counting down.
4...
3...
2...
1...
The boys jumped out of their chairs and yelled, Leia was in awe, and April looked at me and smiled.

"Casper, truth or dare," She asked me through her smile.
Holy shit.
Holy shit.
"Oh um ah..." I paused, the group was silent. "Truth."
"Okay. How long have you had a crush on me?" She asked, watching every move I make.
"Ages."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Years," James pointed out.
"FOR E VER," Leia added.