Sipping Cider Through A Straw Lyrics Novels & Stories

I closed the app and finished the last sip of hot chocolate. At the bottom of the cup, the words "self-reliance" had been printed. It was part of the convenience store's anniversary promotion. When I stepped out of the store, the night wind was cool. I wrapped my coat tighter around me, and I heard someone playing an old song by the street. It was a song about self-growth and independence.

As they moved closer, their boots splashed into what they thought was a shallow stream, but the liquid clung thickly to their legs. "What the fuck?!" Cameron cursed, looking down. "The river—it's... sticky?" DJ dipped his fingers in. "It's syrup. Actual syrup." Falcon bent down and scooped up a handful. He sniffed it, then boldly took a sip. "Strawberry. Damn, good strawberry too." With difficulty, they slogged through the syrup-river, the thick sweetness pulling at their legs like quicksand. When they finally reached the bright green grass, they collapsed in exhaustion. But even the ground was intoxicating.

Diego pops the cork and pours the amber liquid, the bubbles dancing in the soft light. “What exactly are we supposed to be celebrating?” Kol asks, swirling the cider in his glass. “Us?” Diego suggests, but Kol’s eyes narrow instantly. “To a fresh start,” Diego tries again, and this time Kol reluctantly clinks his glass against Diego’s. Diego takes a long swallow, wishing it were something stronger to settle the riot in his stomach.

“Are you looking to get merry this holiday season?” “Isn’t that what it’s for?” he asks back. She doesn’t confirm or deny if there is alcohol, but at Benedict’s word she pours four cups of steaming cider and takes his money. We each take a cup, and I wrap my fingers around the Styrofoam, feeling the heat seeping through. The steam smells good, like cinnamon and apple pie, and I inhale deeply before taking a sip. “Sorry, Benedict,” I say. “This is pretty un-merry cider.”

I admitted. “That made you think of that song?” Cassidy raised a suspicious eyebrow. I grinned, dipping her as the song ended. “Yeah. In that first verse. I never kissed a mouth that tastes like yours. Strawberries and somethin’ more. Ooh yeah, I want it all.” I repeated the lyrics. “It was so on point.” I promised not even realizing we stopped dancing. “And I’m not saying it as some line or anything.” Her eyes were locked on mine. She held me captive by her gaze as she looked for any lies in my words.

“How about apple cider instead?” I might be the first person to drink apple cider at a bar. It was so sour that it felt like it was burning my insides. The music was loud, and the colorful lights made everyone look like they were in a weird dream. Sophie shouted over the noise, “Cassia, I’m throwing you a huge party! I’ll invite all our friends and make it even bigger than your wedding!” I relaxed on the couch and sipped on my apple cider. I allowed her to do whatever she wanted.

Ella spotted me at the front and immediately pouted, complaining, “Celine, look at Alpha Leon! He insists on making me eat foie gras. I’m getting fat from him feeding me!” Leon didn’t even look at me. He gently wiped the corner of her mouth. “Be good. Finish this and drink your milk.” The chatter around me fell silent. I met their awkward gazes, still smiling as I guided them to their seats. Once everyone was settled, I took out my phone again and continued arranging my ferry ticket. At some point, Leon appeared behind me. He glanced at my screen, his tone puzzled. “A ferry ticket? Who are you booking that for?”

I should be annoyed, but somehow, the weight of the moment keeps me still. Minutes pass. There’s no forced conversation, no tension of expectations. Just the distant hum of music. I wrap my fingers around the cold can, feeling the condensation against my skin. With a small tug, I pull the tab, and a sharp hiss escapes as the carbonation releases. The soft fizz crackles, filling the air with the scent of citrus. I take a sip, the cool liquid sliding down my throat. Not bad. When he finally speaks, his voice is low. "I don’t do this."

"Since I'm not exactly old enough to buy wine or champagne, and I'm not even sure if you like those things, I figured I would just bring your favorite soda to drink. I hope that's okay." "It's more than okay. It's perfect and this is all so sweet. I love it." I give him a kiss on the cheek. Ryder gives me a big smile, and grabs one of the chocolate covered strawberries. He holds it up to my mouth and I open just enough for him to put the strawberry in my mouth, taking a small bite. Juice squirts down my chin and I start laughing. Ryder laughs and grabs a napkin, wiping the juice off for me. "Thank you." I tell him through the laughter after I finish chewing.

My fingers fumbled with my phone, scrolling through my playlist until I landed on the kind of songs that would make any sane person cry harder. “Perfect.” I mumbled under my breathe when I finally found one and it was a perfect one. I turned the volume up until it shook even the picture frames on the wall. The first notes hit as I unscrewed the wine bottle. There was no need for glass so I drank straight from the bottle to my lips. It was bitter and warm from sitting in the fridge for God knows how long but I didn’t stop.