Page 33 of A Foster Fling
Was he just as fucked up from that night as I was?
But the one that winded me was whether he remembered the kiss.
Did that kiss make every other one he’s ever had seem dull in comparison, like it had done to me?
Did that kiss weigh on him every time he was with someone else?
I might not remember much about him from when he stayed with us then, but that kiss was everything for me after the fact. It’s haunted me in so many ways. Itchangedme.
Seeing him in my house again hurt. His presence reminded me of Gabe and how quickly they became friends. How I was still left out of Gabe’s life, unless it had to do with skating; and even then, it was rare when a new foster kid was around. I get that’s what older brothers do, but when you feel like you’ve been replaced by a stranger, it stings more than a broken heart.
The pier comes into view and I slow down, my breath finally catching up to me after a few minutes of me staring off into the sunrise.
I haven’t been for a run in a long time. I used to do it to burn off the hangovers I had so my mom wouldn’t get mad at me. I would leave before she got up for work and come home after she left. I don’t know why I stopped. I think it’s because I met Derek and found a new way to releasethe darkness that shrouds me constantly. Running was another way of coping, but nothing compared to Lord Calvert and sativa. That relationship always soothes me like nothing else.
Walking to the end of the pier, I watch the waves crash against the beams while the wind washes over my sweaty body. I don’t want to go back home, but Derek is taking Mags to her tournament, and I have nothing else to do. I wanted to go but decided it’d be best for me to stay here. I didn’t want to bring her down or distract Derek. I’m sure he’s tired of listening to my shit anyways.
Even I’m tired of my own self.
With a heavy sigh and a heavy heart, I take one last look at the rising sun before heading home.
I guess all I can do is continue washing my pain away with a bottle until it drowns.
Chapter Seven
Cole
Four Years Ago
“Can I come?” I ask Gabe as he and the foster kid grab their skateboards from the porch and ready themselves to leave for the park. I’ve been practicing a lot and think I’m good enough to go.
“Stay here, we’ll be back,” Gabe says.
“Why can’t I go?” He’s taught me everything he knows, but still won’t let me go with him.
“Because I fucking said, now go back in. We’ll back in an hour.”
I look between him and the foster kid, feeling defeated but keeping my emotions on the inside. “Fine.”
Turning, I walk inside and shut the door behind me.
I don’t get why he doesn’t want to hang out with me. He always hangs out with the foster kids, but he always makes me feel like I’m in the way.
Just as I’m about to head up the stairs, the front door opens. I hesitate, hoping it’s Gabe and that he changed his mind. Instead, it’s the foster kid. He smirks as he strides past me, his body brushing against mine.
A sudden warmth swims through my veins. I’ve never felt anything like it before. I’m stuck in place, trying to figure out what this feeling is and why I’m feeling it.
Rustling sounds come from where he is, and before long, he returns, covered in a hoodie that he wasn’t wearing moments ago. As he walks by me again to leave, he winks. “See ya.”
I swallow hard, confused, as his body brushes mine again and the feeling intensifies. It’s in the pit of my stomach; it’s not butterflies, it’s something else. Something different. Somethingmore.
What is happening to me?
* * *
I startle awake, my body coated in a thin layer of sweat.Fuck.Where did that dream come from? Did that really happen or was it all bullshit?It was so vivid.
“You look all grown up,” a voice says from the doorway. I look over and see Liam standing there, looking down at my dick.Fuuuuuuck.I have a hard-on.