Naked (Wattys 2022)

Part 5

I stared at Calhoun unable to spill my thoughts via my tongue. He was waiting patiently, assuming I needed time to answer.

He sighed and then gripped my hand. Calhoun was a hands on person. I knew this was unconscious when it came to him, as if it were just a reflex action. However, the gentle way in which he handled me was out of the ordinary.

"What made you come to the store?"

"Pb and j." Calhoun turned around and my forehead smacked against his.

Before I could apologize he lifted my chin to meet his widened gaze.

"I'll take you to the best burger place in town and you don't have to worry, I'll pay. Just make sure you're hungry!" Before I could intervene my stomach growled proudly.

I was unsure of how to politely decline Calhouns invitation but because of his playful nature he barely saw my weary face.

"You'll love it." I was glad he didn't know what went on inside my HEAD. He stopped in his tracks as if he realized something.

"Hey, Eli." He called out my name sounding bothered.

"I'm sorry that I'm so forward. You can come with me only if you feel comfortable. Please say when I'm ann-"

"Yes. " He looked up mid ramble as I said the word with a smallish smile.

That was enough for Calhoun to showcase his pearly whites towards me.

"Let me help you." Calhoun said as he held my shoulder. He did so tenderly, making sure there was room for me to take in his presence.

I stared at him.

"Is everything okay?" I pursed my lips before nodding.

As we walked passed different shops I was a bit taken aback. There were things I'd never seen before.

"I don't want you to walk around too much so let's get to the restaurant quickly." Worry etched his bright face as he leaded me to a place called Loco.

The exterior looked fancy. The intricate designs used to catch the customers attention was outstanding.

Bright colors could clearly be seen from a mile away, capturing individuals with ease.

"Hello! Welcome to Locos! Hope you have a Loco time!" The waitress giggled. A bright smile immediately could be seen from my side eye.

"Let me take you to your seating places." She grinned and lead us to a two seated booth. It was enclosed and very private.

Calhoun assisted me onto the burger designed seats and I couldn't help but grin at them. They were child like cartoons but enhanced the place nonetheless.

The waitress came back with some menus and Calhoun shook his head playfully making his larger curls turn into smaller ones.

"I know exactly what we should order! Chilly cheese fries, jumbo. Two Chews burgers and make that jumbos as well, and some Coke. Thanks!" Calhoun turned towards me and my eyes widened. My stomach shrunk. I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to finish the meal he was about to give me.

Guilt filled me up as I tried not to stare at his brown orbs.

"I need to fatten you up! Eli-" He stopped and then I could hear footsteps. A sudden dip could be felt once he sat next to me.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked. Calhoun noticed everything, whether it was seconds later or minutes.

"I don't think I can finish all the things you prepared for me. I'm not much of an eater..." I remembered my old foster parents eating burgers. They'd tell me there wasn't any food to eat and that I'd be better off thin. That I would receive a mountain of hate if I were to be chubby. I was eleven.

"Eli. I promise you, if you do not finish, I will."He raised his pinky and I stared at him in confusion.

"You don't know what's a pinky promise?" Calhoun gasped, taken aback by my lack of knowledge.

"Raise your pinky." I raised mine and he hooked his own, surrounding my finger.

"Now, wrap yours around mine. Remember these are sacred, only share them with close friends and family." Calhoun never asked why I never knew what a pinky promise was, why my eyes grew larger when I saw something unfamiliar to me.

I liked it. Too much.

The burgers arrived making my mouth salivate unconsciously. The smell was intoxicating. Much like Calhouns presence.

"Take a bite." Calhoun turned towards me and the proceeded to take out his cellphone.

"What are you doing?" I asked a bit nervous.

"Memories."

I bit into the burger and the explosion of flavor that devoured my taste buds was something out of this world.

"First burger! February 12th!" he said before filming himself.

"First haircut coming up soon! Also he'd look way better with sh-" He turned off the camera and my brows knitted together.

His cheeks began changing color. Was he beginning to get a fever?

I placed my hand on his forehead which resulted Calhoun to move away from me.

"You feel a little warm, maybe you should get some medication." I stated with a small smile. He looked away and then continued to eat.

I ate some of the fries after asking for permission and regretted it instantaneously.

"My mouth!!" Calhouns laugh caused ripple effects in my chest and I couldn't help but join in.

After countless glasses of water I was finally okay.

"You feeling okay?" Calhoun asked as he took a napkin, wiping the excess water off of my lips.

"Yes." I said as I finished the rest of my burger.

"Can we maybe be friends?" Calhoun asked nervously.

Friends? What was a friend?