The Big Fight

“You are such a beautiful girl, Brees. But the athleticism is what makes you so irresistible,” he said, stroking my cheek lightly with the back of his hand.

He moved my hair behind my ears and pulled my chin up. This was it! Jeff was going to kiss me! As he leaned in, I did as well. He smelled so good and his breath was soft against my lips. As he ran his hand up my back gently, we were interrupted by yelling.

I looked over by the driveway and it was Mr. Patts and my mom. I pulled away from Jeff instantly and ran over to my mom.

“Drop the gift and leave Missy,” Mr. Patts said.

“I am Jared. Just wanted to hand it directly to Keegan and he came over to say hello. You really have to settle down. I am not here to cause trouble,” she said.

“Dad please. I asked her to stay for a second. Missy loves me like I’m one of her own. This is getting out of hand,” Keegan said.

His face looked so distraught. I know he hated this feud more than anyone because of how much he loved them all.

“I am giving you five minutes Missy and then I’m escorting you off of the premises myself,” Mr. Patts yelled, walking away muttering.

Everyone was looking at my mom and at me. I felt like shrinking down super small to escape their glares. My mom shared a few kind words with Keegan and told him to stop by soon for his gift from her. Then my mom hugged Keegan and I and got into the car and left. At this point, I felt so ashamed. I didn’t even know why they hated each other but I knew I never wanted them in the same room again. I walked off quickly and went behind the barn. I just needed a minute to think, to clear my head. All of those upperclassmen saw my mom get screamed at by this tyrant. I could hear Jeff call my name. He was looking for me. Yet another reason why I really liked him. He was always thinking of me. I had hoped our chance hadn't passed, but maybe it did. I stayed behind the barn for about 5 minutes. I needed a moment to let everyone forget about me and carry on with the party. As I was headed back around to the front I looked down at my clear sandals. There was sand all over them from the fire pit area.

“I really need to start thinking more before I finalize my outfits,” I thought.

Still looking down at the sandy messes that were my feet, when I ran into someone. I was almost knocked over completely, but I was caught by two strong arms around my back and waist.

“Brees?” I heard a familiar voice say. I looked up and saw his face.

“Oh my gosh, Keegan. I’m so sorry,” I stuttered nervously.

He stood me upright, but didn’t let me go right away. His hands loosened their grip, but he was definitely still holding me. We looked at one another for what seemed like forever. It wasn’t awkward, I didn’t look away from shyness, I just looked at him longingly as if he should be able to read my mind by now. He bit his bottom lip and his eyes softened.

“Brees, we were looking for you,” he said, pulling me closer.

I didn’t want him to let go. There was something about the way he was holding me that felt different.