Chapter 5: The Kiss

I sat there, replaying the scene. This was probably the most we’d talked in all four years of high school.

And she’d started every conversation. My mind started to wander—could she actually like me a little?

Then I snapped back to reality. She was just being friendly. I was getting carried away over a bit of small talk.

Melissa, already tipsy, staggered over and dragged me to Sarah’s table.

It was just the two of them left, doing a drinking contest.

I joined in, and the three of us drank and played games together.

Until my head started spinning.

My mom called.

It was too noisy, so I stumbled into the next private room to answer.

She just told me to drink less and come home early.

After hanging up, I stretched—

And accidentally brushed someone’s face. I jumped in surprise.

My phone’s light revealed Rachel’s face, prettier than any movie star.

Her eyes were closed, long lashes casting delicate shadows in the dim light, pale skin, perfect features, and those rosy lips…

My heart pounded. I stared at her for a long time.

The more I stared, the more I couldn’t hold back.

“Rachel, I like you. I’ve liked you for so, so long.”

My voice cracked. I could barely hear myself over the thump of bass through the wall.

“Rachel, will you be my girlfriend?”

“If you don’t answer, I’ll take it as a yes.”

“Since you’re my girlfriend now, it’s not too much if I kiss you, right?”

So I kissed her, just a quick peck.

She stirred, as if waking. Her head lolled, eyes fluttering, but didn’t push me away. I bolted, heart in my throat, guilt already gnawing at me. She mumbled something, but at that moment, an alarm went off outside. I didn’t catch a word.

I bolted, and through Melissa, got Sarah to help Rachel out of the room.

The whole place was in chaos.

A waiter came over and explained that someone had accidentally pressed the emergency button, apologized, and calmed everyone down. Things finally settled.

After all that, no one felt like partying anymore, so everyone headed home.

Sarah helped Melissa get Rachel into a car, and Melissa and I went our separate ways.

I sat in the Uber, head pounding and heart racing, the image of Rachel’s face burned behind my eyes. I pressed my forehead to the cool glass window, trying to steady my breathing as the city lights blurred past.