Dissipate

She pushed Trent off. “It’s not what it looks like, Aiden. We’re not together.” The words were slurred and her actions weren’t fluid. A few people had stopped what they were doing to pay attention to the embarrassing scene unfolding.

Aiden shrugged. “Stacy, you can see who you want to see. It doesn’t matter.”

With Aiden’s hand applying a small bit of pressure, I walked forward again. Stacy drunkenly spat, “She’s gutter trash, Aiden.”

My step faltered, but I kept moving. Humiliation brimmed at the surface and I refused to give her the satisfaction. Aiden paused, causing me to jolt to a stop. Take the high road, Kenzie.

The last thing I wanted was a scene. “Don’t, Aiden. Let’s go.”

Trent was wasted as he muttered, “I’d bang the gutter trash.”

Stacy slapped Trent who fell over, obviously more incoherent than he’d been at the other party.

Aiden’s eyes were livid. Quickly, I put my hands on his stomach. “Please, don’t. Let’s go. I want to see my surprise.”

The party had grown silent. All eyes were on us. I pleaded again, “Please. They’re drunk.”

Without a word, Aiden grabbed my hand and briskly pulled me. I had to jog to keep up as people watched us. At the door, he stopped and spoke to Bradley. It was too low for me to hear. The party resumed again as I felt the vibe returning. I was glad that it hadn’t ended like last time with Aiden throwing a punch.

Leaving the party, cups were strewn across the yard as we made it to the car. A few people meandered about clearly having a good time and in their own little world. The place reeked of alcohol. Whoever had to clean this up had a huge job ahead of them tomorrow.

r /> After seeing how alcohol affected people, I personally chose not to drink much. I’d tried Aiden’s beer once, but the taste was horrific. Apparently, it was an acquired taste. Sometimes, having a numb mind sounded appealing, but I couldn’t afford to slip about my past. I’d sound crazy if I spewed teachings about The Light, The Society, Watchers, and Charges. At times, it felt like that part of my life was a dream—a very bad one.

Aiden still hadn’t spoken a word when we made it to his vehicle. I’m sure he needed time to cool off. As we drove off, I watched the firm line of his jaw working. The steering wheel was griped tight. Reaching my hand out, I touched his blue superman tights. Aiden was muscular and I hoped we were alone tonight wherever we were going for the surprise.

My body craved his. Intimately, we hadn’t progressed much further. Aiden would touch me with his fingers in new ways. And I would give him hand jobs watching him come. My touch affected him. That was a heady feeling.

More miles passed and Aiden relaxed. His right hand came down on mine. “I’m sorry, Kenzie. Trent and Stacy should have been put in their place. I will not accept people treating you like that . . . ever.”

Sprinkles dotted the windshield. “They were drunk. Stacy was upset and Trent is repulsive. But you know, I would never cheat on you.”

For a second, Aiden turned my way and arched an eyebrow. “Yes, I know you wouldn’t cheat. I don’t want Trent near you.”

We needed a subject change. Aiden began to get worked up.

“Where are we going?”

Brooklyn knew what the plans were, but had been all secretive. Even under a girl code I learned about, she still refused to spill. I tried to cajole either sibling into giving a hint, but so far, I’d come up empty handed.

Giving me that carefree smile I loved, Aiden replied, “You’ll see. We’re driving about an hour and a half and we’ll be there.”

“We’re going somewhere away from Fayetteville! I’m so excited.” The elation in my voice couldn’t be hidden.

Since I’d arrived, Fayetteville was the only place I’d seen. I was ready to see something else.

Aiden squeezed my hand. “We are. I know you haven’t seen much of the area. It’s going to be me and you for the weekend.”

That sounded heavenly. I’d used all my free time to get ahead on homework so I wouldn’t have to do any this week.

“Wait. Weekend? I don’t have a bag.” There was no way I could afford to buy new clothes for the weekend. I was saving everything I had to buy a laptop after Thanksgiving. Brooklyn and Aiden needed theirs even though they offered. Writing papers and preparing presentations would be easier to do at the apartment and keep my late night walks home from the library to a minimum. Another reason why Aiden wanted me to have a cell phone. That one made sense, but so far, campus had been safe.

The slow stroke of Aiden’s thumb had goose bumps forming. “Brooklyn packed you a bag.”

Warm tingles spread through me. Turning on the music low, we talked about all that had happened this past week. Excited nerves bubbled in my stomach. Tonight was going to be special. I knew it.

IT NEARED ELEVEN when we arrived at a place that read The Tree Houses of Eureka Springs. Not stopping to change, we were still in our costumes. I was ready to not be Lois anymore. With the car in park, Aiden got out and grabbed two duffel bags which I assumed had our clothes. Grabbing my hand, we walked down the gravel drive toward the front desk.

A receptionist greeted us. “How may I help you?”