Always (Next Generation The Skulls 1)

“I wanted to give you something so that every time you saw it, you’d remember me.”

“I’m not going to forget you. We talk all the time.” She rested her damp head on his shoulder.

“Please, take it.” He held out a box that she saw had been hand-created with a card. Taking it, she opened the lid as she knew he wanted her to do this. She saw a silver chain, and there in the center was the insignia of Chaos Bleeds. “I know you’re part of The Skulls, but you’re always going to be my girl.”

She stared at the necklace. It was delicate, and as she lifted it over her head to rest on her chest, she looked at it. He was right. It did remind her of him. “It’s really pretty.”

“Do you think you could wear that for me all the time?”

“Yeah. My dad will pitch a fit, but I love it.” The Skulls was the only club she was ever going to be part of, and she knew there was going to come a time when she’d have to make a choice. The Skulls were her family. Simon took the box and then her hand.

“We’re only here for a couple of days.”

She rested her chin on his shoulder.

“It’s hard leaving,” he said.

They were nearly twelve years old now, and she knew that he loved her without a doubt. Whenever he did come to visit, he’d always get moody because he’d have to leave her again.

“We’ll write all the time like always. I love reading what you’re doing, and I do think it’s great that you kick ass with bullies.” She stared down at their hands and snuggled against him. “You’re going to be my big bear.”

He turned and stroked a curl behind her ear. This time, he lingered, caressing her cheek.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Nothing. I just like being with you.”

She laughed. “I’d drive you crazy in school. Daisy’s always having to remind me to keep my head down and focus. I’m always looking out the window, thinking of other things. School is so boring. Now they’re talking about what you want to be when you grow up. I don’t know. Older, I guess.”

“I’m going to take my dad’s place. Chaos Bleeds is going to need a hero someday.” Simon pushed his chest out. “That’s going to be me. Total badass.”

She couldn’t stop laughing. Pulling out of his hold, she stared at him, popping the gum she’d been chewing. “You’re not a badass.”

He stood up, and she took a step back. “I am.”

Tabitha shook her head. He was finally smiling again, and she liked that. She hated it when he was sad.

“What are you two doing?” her father, Tiny, asked.

“Nothing,” Tabitha said. “But The Skulls rule, Chaos Bleeds … drool.” She winked at Simon, letting him know she was doing this on purpose.

“That’s my girl!” Eva, her mother, called out.

While Simon looked toward where their parents were, Tabitha took a step toward him and placed a hand on his chest. She didn’t know if he felt that spark or whatever it was when she touched him, but she felt it all the time. It was like a constant hum between them. Moving toward his ear, she whispered the words. “Tag, you’re it.”

Reluctantly, she pulled away and began running away from Simon. He gave her a couple of seconds, and she ran around the swings, watching as several of The Skulls were now facing off with the Chaos Bleeds. Simon wasn’t interested in anyone else though. He was on the other side of the swings, and she smiled at him. “You’re not going to chase anyone else?”

“No one else I want to chase.” This just made her smile at him. She couldn’t help it. Simon made her feel even more alive. As she rushed one way, Simon followed, and she quickly changed direction, running across the park and heading toward the small garden that Angel liked to maintain while she was there. She didn’t get far as Simon grabbed her and spun her around. They both collapsed on the ground, and she was laughing as he landed beside her.

“Tag.”

“You caught me.”

Simon stared into her eyes, and it almost made her forget to breathe. “I’ll always catch you, Tabby. You’ll never have to fall again, and if you ever do, I’ll be there with you.”

Silence fell between them, and she was breathing hard as she stared at him. Simon always offered her the world, and her mother had told her to be careful. There was only so much that she could do. She was a Skull, and Simon a Chaos Bleeds, but she loved him. She didn’t care what her parents said. She knew she was in love with Simon, and no matter what, she belonged to him.

“Food!” The spell was broken. Simon stood and held his hand out. She took it, knowing she always would, no matter what.