The road stretches endlessly in front of us, winding through trees and sunlight that flickers across the windshield. I keep my eyes forward.
Because looking at Sam right now feels… harder than it should. My parents were so happy for me they decided to take Liam and I to the lake this weekend to celebrate. Unfortunately, Liam invited Ricky… but I got to bring Sam, so I wasn’t too worried.
Sam smiles.
“This was really nice of your parents to invite all of us to the lake. It will be a lot of fun.”
“Yeah,” I say quietly.
But I don’t feel relaxed. Not even close. Sam glances over.
“So… what are the sleeping arrangements?”
My stomach tightens instantly. I feel heat rush to my cheeks.
One of the main issues Sam and I have is that I’m not ready to sleep with him.
He made it clear he is okay with waiting… but he still brings it up. I have never slept with anyone before.
Sam goes completely still beside me. Too still. He looks like he is being very careful not to make any reaction.
“Can I ask you something, Scarlett?”
“…Yes.”
He studies me.
“Are you nervous because it is your first time… or because it’s with me?”
That question hits deeper than I expect. Because I don’t have a clean answer. I exhale slowly.
“Honestly, Sam… it’s both.”
I pause.
“Sex is a big deal to me. I want to make sure I know the person I’m sleeping with inside and out.”
My voice softens.
“I care for you deeply… but I’m just not ready.”
Sam nods immediately. No hesitation.
“I understand, Scarlett. I only want to if you are ready. I wish there was something I could do to show you I’m the guy.”
I glance at him. There’s no pressure in his voice. Just… hope.
“It just takes time, Sam,” I say gently.
“You are great, but I just need time.”
I hesitate, then add
“In case you haven’t noticed… men who are outside of my family have always been jerks to me.”
He frowns slightly.
“You mean Ricky?”
I look out the window again.
“Ricky was just the start.”
My voice tightens.
“He had the whole middle and high school convinced I was trash. All the boys were mean to me because of Ricky.”
Sam exhales slowly.
“Didn’t your brother know? Or try to help you?”
I shake my head.
“Liam was just happy I wasn’t dating.”
A beat passes. Then Sam tries to shift the mood.
“Do you know how this crazy feud between you and Ricky even started?”
That question lands differently. Heavier.
“I don’t know for sure…” I say slowly.
“But I think it was because of something that happened when I was twelve…”
I glance at him.
“Do you want to hear the story?”
FLASHBACK
It was a warm day. The kind that feels endless. Easy.
Before everything got complicated. I see them right away. Ricky and Liam. Laughing near the trees. I hesitate. Then walk up anyway.
“Hi Ricky… can I hang out with you and Liam?”
Ricky turns instantly. Smiling.
“Of course, Scarlett. You can always play with us.”
Warmth spreads through me. The way it always did when he looked at me like that. Liam rolls his eyes.
“Scarlett, go away. We’re older than you and want to be left alone.”
Before I can react—
“Stop it, Liam. Scarlett’s cool,” Ricky says.
I look at him.
Surprised. He didn’t have to defend me. But he did. Liam scoffs.
“Whatever, Ricky. You’re only saying that because you two have a huge crush on one another.”
Everything freezes. My face burns. Ricky looks at me… waiting.
I feel my cheeks blaze and Ricky just smiles. I want to be cool in front of them so I say
“We do not, Liam. Bobby asked me to be his girlfriend yesterday and I said yes. I would never have a crush on Ricky.”
The moment the words leave my mouth I regret them. Ricky’s smile disappears. Completely. Liam shrugs. But I don’t hear him anymore. Because Ricky… Ricky looks hurt. Really hurt. I swear I see tears in his eyes before he turns and walks away.
I don’t go after him. I can’t. With tears in my eyes I walk home. I hated that I lied like that and hurt Ricky.
Because the truth was I had always liked him. From the very beginning.
PRESENT DAY
“So you think Ricky hates you now because of what happened when you were kids?” Sam asks.
“Well no… but I think that was the start of it,” I say quietly.
Sam nods.
Then forces a lighter tone.
“Well, try to forget the past and let’s just have a great weekend.”
I nod.
“Agreed.”
But I don’t believe that. Not really. My eyes feel heavy and I fall asleep the rest of the car ride.
And as I drift off—
I can’t shake the feeling that this weekend is going to change everything.
One Response