CHAPTER 40: SO... FRIENDS AGAIN?

«Are you planning to be on my ass even when I’m just trying to make peace with my best friend...?» I mutter, obviously at Brianne.

After watching Elaine storm out of school in tears without even looking at me, I told myself I’d give her space until she cooled down... yeah, that lasted about a minute.

They say you have to strike while the iron’s hot, right? And Elaine is definitely hot.

I trailed her quietly—I was worried she might head straight home, which would make talking to her impossible, but luckily she stopped at Central Park.

Now she’s slumped on a bench, vodka bottle in one hand and a joint in the other—not exactly what you expect at eight in the morning.

She must be completely wrecked.

«The deal was that I wouldn’t kill you if I was sure you’d never hurt a human again. Following you around twenty-four seven is the only way I can be sure. Having me breathing down your neck can’t be worse than being dead,» she shoots back.

I let out a sigh.

«Just keep your distance, okay? This is between me and her—it wouldn’t be cool if you listened in.»

«Why? Scared I might see your softer side? There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.»

«I’m not embarrassed—it’s called privacy. So stay put.»

She smirks, nods, and leans her back against a tree.

I walk lightly up behind the bench where Elaine is sitting.

The reek of weed and booze hits me even from far away, no wonder everyone passing by swerves to avoid her.

Let’s just hope no cops wander by, or it’ll turn into a real mess.

I step right behind her—she doesn’t even notice me coming, probably thanks to how wasted she is.

Finally, I sit down next to her.

Brianne doesn’t take her eyes off me for a second, but at least she has the decency to keep her distance.

Up until now I’d only seen Elaine’s back, but now that I’m beside her... my chest tightens.

Her breathing is ragged, she’s sobbing, tears streaking down her face, her eyes swollen and lost.

Damn... the stench is unbearable.

And with my senses sharper than any human’s, it hits me even harder.

But for her, I’ll endure it.

After a long silence, she slowly turns her gaze toward me.

She stares without saying a word—probably waiting for me to start.

«I heard you broke up with Tyler. Actually, everyone heard after the scene you pulled at school. Saying something like ’I’m sorry, you two were such a cute couple’ would be bullshit—I’ve always hated that guy, and you know it. But one thing I do mean is that I can’t stand seeing you like this because of some asshole. So, if there’s anything I can do... well, that’s what friends are for, right?»

«Oh... now you call me your friend...?» Elaine slurs.

«I never stopped considering you one—even after you decided to cut me off completely just to chase after that guy.»

She shakes her head with a resigned look. «Ren... you still don’t get why I ended things with you? Seriously...? You’re even dumber than I thought. But I don’t blame you—you’re a guy. And guys are all idiots! Maybe it was fate that you thought I was a lesbian until not long ago. Maybe I should really become one—a girl would probably make me happier than any man ever has, and she wouldn’t break my heart!»

«I’d remind you that most of the women I hook up with are married, some even with kids my age. It’s not about being with a man or a woman—it’s about being with someone who actually has their head on straight. Anyway... I’m not as dumb as you think. And I’m sorry—sorry for calling you a slut. You know I didn’t mean it. It just slipped out in a moment of anger...»

She lifts the vodka bottle to her lips, but I snatch it from her hand and toss it to the ground.

The alcohol spills out onto the grass. I do the same with the joint, except instead of throwing it, I put it between my lips.

That sweet smell of weed had already made me crave a hit.

«Ugh... yeah, you just proved you’re an idiot. Sure, hearing ’slut’ from my best friend wasn’t great, but that’s not what set me off. What pissed me off was your lack of respect. Even when I was in a relationship, you kept pushing, wanting to sleep with me, and then you’d get mad if I said no. Since we fought, you and Brianne seem... pretty close. I’d never sleep with you if I knew you were dating her, and I’d never get mad if you said, "When we were both single it was fine to fool around, but now that I’m with someone, it’s better to stop". That’s why I’m pissed at you—I was hoping you’d figure it out yourself...» she mutters, calmer than before.

«I just didn’t think you saw it as something serious, that’s all. Anyway... I don’t know what idea you’ve gotten, but Brianne and I aren’t dating.»

Elaine shoots me a sharp glare.

«Ren... don’t take me for an idiot, please. It’s obvious you two are together—you’re glued to each other every single minute, even now. Is she spying on us because she thinks something might happen between us? Guess she doesn’t trust you much. Maybe you should think about that...»

Oh... so she noticed we’ve been following her...?

That’s gotta be Brianne’s fault.

«It’s true we’re always together, but... let’s just say it’s a long story. Complicated. Anyway, we’re not a couple.»

«Y-You really mean that...?» Elaine murmurs, her eyes locked on mine.

I nod firmly.

«Yeah, and if you don’t believe me, I’ll prove it.»

She blushes instantly.

«A-And how exactly...?»

«Since you noticed Brianne spying on us...»

My hand rests on her tear-streaked cheek, and... I kiss her.

Our damp lips press together, my tongue sliding into her mouth, hers pushing back.

I feel it swirling against my throat—like she’s been waiting for this moment, eager and desperate.

Mine, though, moves slowly, gently—just the way Mrs. Lunsford taught me.

The kiss steals her breath, makes her whole body tremble. I can feel it through my hand on her cheek.

And she notices too—her hand is resting discreetly over my erection, hidden enough since we’re still in public.

I won’t deny it—something stirs inside me the instant she lets me touch her face.

I was already hard the moment she leaned into my hand.

If it weren’t broad daylight, I’d be fucking her right here on this bench.

The fact that Brianne is watching from behind a tree a few meters away doesn’t embarrass me at all.

If anything, it makes it even hotter.

Actually, I’ve just had the most brilliant idea—probably the best my brain has ever come up with!

I just need some time to prepare everything, set the stage properly, and... shit, just thinking about it almost makes me cum in my pants.

After what feels like endless minutes of kissing, I pull my lips away from hers.

«So, Elaine... friends again?»

She smiles at me and nods.

It’s like Tyler has already been erased from her mind, no trace of him left.

«Friends again.»