Chapter 4
Day 5
I hid the di from my parents. It lived in my dresser, which would throw them off the trail for a little while.
My heart was still racing from Denner’s questions. My phone chimed.
I whipped it out with gusto.
Denner: Did I make u uncomfortable earlier?
Yes, he had, but it was the kind of uncomfortable that scratched an itch. There was a word for it, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
Me: Yeah, but it scratched an itch
Denner: What itch
Me: I don’t remember the word 4 it
Denner: Vulnerability
Me: Right. That’s the word
Denner: Since I asked about ur sexuality, I think I should tell u…..
i’m gay
Me: ! Deleted
Me: Thank u 4 telling me
Denner: plz tell me when u figure out ur own
Denner: i’ll buy u a pin
Me: That’s sweet of u, but no
Denner: G’night
Me: Sweet dreams 😘Deleted
Me: Good night
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 6
I smelled trouble the minute I set foot in school. Denner was standing next to my locker.
I felt my face heat.
No, it’s perfectly normal for him to be standing right there. His locker’s right above mine, I admonished myself.
“Hey, good morning,” Denner smiled. I tried not to melt like an ice cream in the sun.
“Hey yourself,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant.
“Sorry about last night…” Denner suddenly developed an interest in his beat-up Nikes.
Without thinking, I reached for his hand. “You’re fine. Look at me.”
His gaze returned to my face. Then down to….
….his hand held in mine.
He blushed. Not just pink cheeks, but a full, honest-to-good red blush. I started to slide my fingers away from his hand…
…but he gripped my hand and laced our fingers together.
His blush deepened, and it would’ve been more adorable if I hadn’t also been blushing.
An awkward smile traced his lips. I wanted to kiss those lips until he didn’t feel awkward.
I would’ve, too, if not for what happened next.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Denner still sat next to me at lunch, though we were awkward with a side of teen hormones.
I still felt the ghost of Denner’s hand in mine. I couldn’t believe he’d pulled away.
“Sorry,” he’d said. “I’ve known you for less than a week. I can’t….” He’d looked at our hands together. “…yet.” He’d whispered the last part.
I wanted to scream in frustration. I’ve only known you for six days, and I’m so into you. I have no qualms. Why do you?
I stayed silent, though. I suspected Denner would come around. He’d talk to me when he was ready.
Right?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was done pretending I wasn’t into Denner. At least, to myself.
“I’m sorry,” Denner whispered. I’d never seen him look fragile.
“You’re fine,” I said. I must not have sounded very convincing, because he turned to face me.
Tears filled his eyes.
No, of all things, I cannot accept this gorgeous boy crying because of me.
I folded him into my arms. He shivered and shook.
I held him as he cried.
