The fears we share

Chapter fifteen | Kisses

"Hey." A voice says behind my locker.

I shut it and reveal a familiar face. Sadly not Ben's, I smile at my annoying cousin. He and I haven't spoke for a long time. I've chose to pretend he doesn't exist because he's such an ass hat.

"What do you want Mark?" I ask annoyed.

"Be my company to a small party." He says.

I roll my eyes, "Why?" I ask, "Can't you go with one of your sluts?"

He groans, "No, just once and then you can go back to... this." He says.

"What do I get?" I ask. 

"I'll buy you anything." He says.

I think about his offer, anything.... like walkie talkies?

"Deal." I say shaking his hand.

He smiles big before beginning to walk away, "I'll be there at six." He says.

I nod and head out to my car, it's the end of the day. I haven't seen Ben all day which means he didn't come today. Hoping he would this morning, it really disappointed me.  

"Hey." I say to my aunt.

"Hey." She says smiling.

I walk up stairs to get ready for the party. Changing into a black skirt and leaving my crop top on. It's casual, I didn't even want to go, it's for the walkie talkies I wanted to get for me and Ben. Walking down stairs my stupid cousin is talking to my aunt.

"Okay, let's get this over with." I say rolling my eyes.

He claps his hands and opens the door for me. I walk past him and get in his car, this shouldn't go to bad.

"So, where's your boyfriend?" Mark asks.

"What?" I blush, "I don't have one."

"I thought you and that Bob guy were together." He says shrugging.

I shake my head, "No and his name is Ben." I correct.

He stays silent for the rest of the drive until we get to the house. It was actually a small party, not many people were around.

"Why'd you ask me?" I ask confused.

"I have friends." He says, "They don't believe you're my cousin."

"Why would you tell people?" I ask getting annoyed.

"People called you hot, I had to take the credit." He says smirking stupidly.

"That's not how it works." I roll my eyes as we make our way to the backyard.

"Let's sit." He says.

I sit down awkwardly watching all of the people talk and drink.A few guys sit next to Mark and one next to me.

"So... is it true?" The guy asks.

"This is Max." Mark introduces.

I nod and force a smile, he's one of the arrogant boys that make their way around school. 

"Emily." I lie shaking his hand.

"So?" He asks.

"What?" I ask looking back at Mark.

"You're his cousin?" He asks scoffing.

"Why?" I ask.

"You're hot." He smirks getting closer.

"Okay." I say getting irritated, "Yes, now go." 

He leans in close to my face making me uncomfortable, "Stop." I say.

"I don't want to." He whispers. 

He's removed from my vision and I stand to watch Ben punch this guy repeatedly.

"Ben!" I yell.

Everyone is watching and Mark looks at me, "What's with your boyfriend?"

I shove Mark before running down the road. Why was he even there? I continue to walk until I hear footsteps behind me.

"Ben." I groan turning.

"I'm sorry." He mumbles with his cut lips.

"Ben... why'd you do that?" I ask.

"He was trying to kiss you." He says.

I continue to walk until stopping at a bench. He sits next to me and takes glances every few minutes.

"Who's your boyfriend?" Ben asks suddenly.

"What?" I ask leaning forward.

I get a good look of his cut lip and red knuckles. 

"You know the guy you came here with." He shrugs.

He's jealous. I laugh internally in shock. I would never be with Mark.

"He's not my boyfriend." I sigh.

"Then who?" He asks.

"My cousin, okay?" I ask, "Why are you talking to me now?"

"I needed time." He says.

"For what?" I ask.

He shrugs and rubs his knuckles, "You, your... unavailability." 

I smile at him, "Me not dating?" I ask.

"I mean... if that's how you feel." He shrugs.

I take his hand and look into his eyes. How have I not already kissed him? He's so good and pure. 

"I don't think that is how I feel anymore." I admit.

He looks into my eyes with curiosity. I smile before placing my lips onto his, he grips my waist and pulls me in.

"Ow." He pulls away leaving me feeling lost. I forgot about the cut on his lip.

I giggle before pulling him back to me. Kissing him a few more times before standing.

"Let's get you cleaned up." I say holding out my hand.

He takes it with a smile and we begin to walk. I didn't care how long it would take to get back home, as long as I was walking with him. Something was blocking me from knowing I had such strong feelings for him. How perfectly he fit into my life, I didn't see how obvious it was.