Second Chance

Always.

The sun was too bright, and the waves crashed loudly against my bare feet as I blinked rapidly in the early morning light. My head throbbed painfully, and my neck had a harsh cramp in the crook that made me wince in pain.

Where the hell am I?

Sitting up quickly in the burning white sand, I gasp at the sleeping boy next to me. His mouth hung open as he lightly snored and his wavy hair fell sloppily over his forehead. Unwrapping his arm from my waist, I ignored the feeling of emptiness and longing as I got shakily to my feet. Flashes of the night before came back to me as I gaze at the now quiet house above us.

Dear God. Just kill me now.

"Chase," I murmur, crouching down and gently nudge his arm till his eyes blink open, their vibrant green dulled in the early morning haze. "Wake up. We fell asleep."

Groaning, he slowly opens his eyes, rubbing his own neck from the uncomfortable night on the sand. "What time is it?"

"I'm not sure." I wince, patting my pockets for my phone. It was nowhere to be found and my heart leaped in panic at the loss. Like any other teenager in this world, my phone was my life and my dependence on it was total.

"That's okay," he smiles, his eyes bright in the morning sun. "How's your hand?" He asks, gently grasping my palm in his and running his thumb over the lightly bruised knuckles.

"It's okay" I grin, clenching my fist to test the dull throb. It was better than the night before but still painful in itself. "It was worth it."

"I bet" he smiles, and brings my fingers to his lips. "Do you regret last night?" He whispers, gently placing small kiss across the fingers and palm.

"Which part?" I whisper, closing my eyes as desire shoots through my veins and pools in my body.

"Us."

"No." I shake my head, opening my eyes to find his beautiful eyes inches from my own. "I don't regret it."

"Good." He smiles again, lighting up his face and I feel my heart warm. I would do anything to make that boy smile.

I was done questioning everything. Questioning this. I want to be selfish, for once, and make as many memories possible with the little time I had left. It was my last summer and to continue to live within the shadow of fear would be to waste it.

"Let's just take it day by day though." I whisper, glancing down at our interlocked fingers. It was comfortable and warm. It felt natural and a part of me never wanted to let go.

"How's your head?"

"Throbbing." I laugh and wince at the dulled sound. "Actually... Pretty much everything is throbbing right about now."

"Well I thought you were a bad ass," he smiles and playfully kisses my nose as I scoff.

"Where is the arrogant playboy who used those ridiculous pickup lines a few days ago?" I tease back, laughing as I nudge my shoulder against his.

"Don't remind me," he groans, rubbing his one free hand over his eyes. "I've never been so wasted in my life. I'm sorry about that by the way."

"I still reserve the right to use it against you anytime I want" I laugh, standing and pulling him up with me.

"That's not fair," he gasps his eyes narrowing playfully as he pulls me against his chest and wraps his arms tightly around my waist, my head nestled in the crook of his muscled neck. "I barely even remember that night!" He defends, his body shaking in silent laughter.

"I may have to use the magically delicious one at some point. That one was by far the most effective." I giggle, enjoying the warmth of his body against mine.