Side Show: Lust & Chrome duet

by Gigi Birtie

  “What are you watching, Tala?” It looks interesting and like something that I won't mind watching with her.

  “Okay don't judge me, but I'm about to watch the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. I just started the first one.”

  Tala puts her face in her pillow to hide her embarrassment and I break out into a deep laugh.

  “Tala,” I rasp out through my fit; “you are so funny.” She now peeks her eyes at me. “I promise I won't judge, if you won't judge me when I join you to watch.” I couldn't help but beam a smile from ear to ear at her.

  Her head lifts giving me the same radiant smile.

  “Oh, fuck yeah, I didn't know you liked the books or seen the series!”

  “Well at the end of the day I am a girl and I do like many girl things, contrary to my actions.” I mimicked.

  “I wasn't saying that. Most girly girls don't even like this story,” she says with understanding.

  “Oh well, my bad then. In any case I'm down for a movie night. I'm still tired from that swim.”

  Tala lifts an eyebrow at me as I turn to the kitchen to grab some snacks.

  “What's that look for?”

  “Are you sure swimming is all you did today?” Her smile and blushing cheeks tell me she heard me fucking myself.

  “Well I did get it on with my vibrator if that's what you're implying?” Laughing at my admission I stop to see if that is indeed what she meant.

  “No, I saw Asher coming out of your room a hour ago. I thought you two finally cracked and did the deed.”

  A hour ago, he must not have napped as long as I did.

  “Where is Asher now?” I ask Tala.

  “He actually packed up his stuff and headed to the airport. He said he had some things he needed to take care of back home.” Her face was in a full pout. “He didn't tell you?” She asked.

  “No.” My face fell, I could feel the disappointment. “He just came in and snuggled, he was big spoon and I was little spoon. I swear Tala it was the best nap I ever had.” Smiling I recalled how comfortable I felt.

  “I like the idea of you two together, it makes more sense.” Tala states.

  I grab a bag of chips, some sour cream and everything but the bagel seed to mix in to make a dip. Then I go to the fridge grab a root beer and make my way to the couch to sit with Tala.

  I plop right next to her causing her to shift and laugh.

  “Now what do you mean Asher and I make more sense?”

  “Like I said before you just have way more in common and he's genuinely a good guy. Plus, you two look good together, he compliments your style Sloane.” She grins at me like I should know all this. “What happened with you two down at the beach by the way. He said he was going to wait for you to swim back but you two were gone for so long I decided to get a nap in.” She inquired.

  “I got stuck in a rip current and couldn't get out, he swam out and saved me.” I blushed.

  Tala sits up staring at me with her mouth open.

  “Holy shit Sloane that's so scary. You know those can kill people.” She is practically yelling at me.

  “Yeah, but it didn't this time. Asher swam me to shore and I went to my room and well you heard me.” Laughing as I recall being too loud trying to entice Asher.

  “Well fuck I'm glad he was insistent on waiting for you. I couldn't imagine what life would be like without you, Sloane.” Tears welled up in her big brown eyes.

  I scoot over grabbing her hands in mine.

  “Hey, I'm okay Tala. Nothing too bad happened and in the end I survived.”

  “I know but you've been having some seriously bad luck these past few months, and I'm getting worried that one day someone won't be around to save you, Sloane. Maybe it's time to get away from all this drama and come with me to USC.” She suggests.

  I look her in the eyes and I see the pain causing my stomach to turn and flip. The last thing I want is one of my best friends to be hurt or to be scared to go to college by herself.

  “Tala I really do understand your concerns, but I'm also sensing that you might be a bit apprehensive to go to college on your own.” Squeezing her hand for reassurance I continue on, “I promise to be more careful and not to put myself in more situations that could risk my life, but let's talk about you going to school down here.”

  She lets out a deep sigh.

  “Sloane, I'm scared to go at this new chapter in life without you or Mona. I always thought we would be going to college together. I also don't know if Rylan will be transferring down to join me.” She puts her head in her hands and begins to cry, which makes my heart hurt for her.

  “Hey.. Tala look at me,” she lifts her head from her hands and tears stream down her cheeks. “I know it sucks that in just a few months we all won't be together, but you've always dreamed of going to school down here and you're one of the most beautiful and kindhearted people I've ever known. People are going see that and all the new friends you make, will make your college experience a positive one.” I smile at her knowing my words are true. She'll be more than okay, no matter where she goes in life.

  Wiping some tears from her cheeks, Tala smiles at me and takes a deep shuttering breathe.

  “You're right I'm just being a baby who doesn't want change.”

  Laughing, I draw her into a hug.

  “No one likes change.” I softly laugh with her; “but if you feel you can't do it you have time to come to Cal with all of us.”

  “Thanks Sloane I think I just need some more time to just get use to the idea of you and Mona not being around.” She leans in and kisses my cheek. “Now let’s get this kinky movie marathon started.”

  “Yeah let’s get our kinky fuckery on.” I laugh as I quoted part of the movie.

  We camped out on the couch watching all three fifty shades of grey movies while we chatted and laughed about how the movies were different from the books, and I couldn't help but enjoy the slower pace in life of just relaxing. It made me feel that I needed more of this in my life. Good friends, fatty foods, movies good and bad. I also realized that it's time to charge my phone and face the music that's waiting for me back home. We’ll be heading back home in two days and the sooner I deal with that mess the sooner I can go back to my plans of finishing out this year and move forward in life.

  Tala and I both fell asleep on the couch that night. I didn't want to be alone and neither did she. It was nice to have this as we rarely did it anymore. I promised her before we passed out that I wouldn't ever lose touch with her. I would visit as often as I can, and we will always visit during the holidays. Adults keep telling us that once we all go our separate ways that it's only a matter of time before we drift away from one another, but we both vow we wouldn't let that happen, not this time. I knew we wouldn't. We were lifers through thick and thin. Through every moment in life, I'll always want to share with Tala and Mona.

  Until we all went our separate ways, we still have winter break to enjoy plus the last half of the school year, and a good part of the summer, that's plenty of time to spend with each other.

  Chapter 24

  I didn't charge my phone or turn it back on the rest of the time we were there, I was too chicken, that and I was having such a good time skate boarding, shopping and lounging by the pool. I stayed out of the ocean fearing I would get caught up in a rip again with no one to pull me back to shore.

  We were all packed up and halfway home when I decided it was time to charge my phone in the car.

  Once my phone came to life I was surprised to only see 7 missed calls from Reese and only one text from Dane. I listened to Reese's message first

  “Hey Sloane, I talked to Mona and she told me where you are. I want you to know I handled the Dane situation. I'm sorry that he hurt you the way he did I never thought he would, it sucks knowing I trusted him too. You're very important to me and family always comes first. Call me when you get home I'll come and stay at the house for winter break. We'll hang out and shit.

  Alright Cya!”r />
  My mind was all over the place wondering what Reese did to handle the Dane situation. Did he beat him up, did he rip his heart out for me and shove it back in his chest like Dane did to me. Or did he just say to him to stay as far away from me as possible. Something I'll have to find out later when I get home.

  Going to my text from Dane, I take a deep breath and open it. There were only two words he could say,

  I'm sorry

  That's all. No explanation, no excuses nothing but I'm sorry. It almost felt worse. Very open ended leaving me to wonder what I should do. Though really I knew exactly how I should take care of this. Forgive and move on. It just wasn't our time. We are too young to be anything long term anyway I should have never have thought he was going to be my forever though he felt like it at times and in how he took care of me.

  I took a deep breath and sighed. Funny how one action can change the course of your life.

  I text Reese, so he knows I'm almost home.

  I'm only a couple of hours from the house are you still coming home?

  Immediately he replied.

  I'll be here when you get home.

  Honestly, I was surprised at his speedy reply, but I didn't want to question it too much. I just looked forward to spending time with Reese and hopefully my dad, he's supposed to be home as well. I'll have to ask Reese what the holiday plans were.

  “Is everything alright Sloane?” Mona asks.

  “Yeah I was just texting with Reese is all. He said he's at home waiting for me when I get there.” I smile.

  “That's nice, he should be there. I always hated that you stay in that house by yourself.” Mona states.

  I just nod my head in agreement, as she's right, I didn't like staying there by myself either probably why I was always at Mona's or on occasion Tala’s house, but usually she was at Rylan's, so I didn't stay with her too often.

  “So, Tala are you excited to see Rylan when we get home?” With the change of subject, I turn to Tala to see her excitement. “I'll take that grin as a yes.” I smile as I place a hand on hers.

  I hope he has good news for her about the college he'll be attending once we graduate. I can only hope he's been accepted to USC, so Tala won't be alone. Knowing how much he loves her and how hard he's been working in school I have no doubt that he will be going there.

  It wasn't long before we were pulling into Mona's driveway. I saw my car parked off to the side next to Talas. As we get out, the cool air was a huge contrast compared to the Southern California winters. I threw on my sweat shirt and started unloading and reloading my car. None of us stick around to hang out. Everyone needed to get back to our families and do those obligations of showing face. I gave everyone a hug and kiss goodbye.

  “Alright gang, I had a blast and I'll text you all later.”

  I turn and hop in my car and fire her up. Oh, how I missed the sound of my car. That purring rumble relaxes me every time.

  I end up taking the long way to my house, just so I could drive my own car for a bit. It never gets old being behind the wheel.

  Once I home and unpacked, I go to find Reese. I knew he would be in the living room probably watching sports or a movie, and sure enough he was watching a movie.

  “Why are you watching a chick flick.” I laugh out.

  Reese's head snaps in my direction while giving me a dirty look, it doesn't reach his eyes, so I know he's not serious.

  “Har, har, Sloane but True Romance is hardly a chick flick.” He looks at me a beat longer, “but knowing you it could very well be one.” He starts laughing as he thinks he just busted my chops, but he didn't. I make a stupid face at him, before I finish walking to him and wrap my arms around him for a big hug.

  I haven't seen Reese since everything happened with Dane.

  “Where's your new girlfriend, Lux?” I ask. I'm not sure if they're dating or not but as a little sister it's my right of passage to be somewhat annoying.

  “She's not my girlfriend, Sloane.” Reese says as he makes the same face I just made back at me. “We’re strictly friends with benefits right now.”

  “Eeewwww, I didn't need to know that part.” I didn't care that he told me, we’ve told each other much worse so I laugh as soon as I say it. “So, what have you been up too this last week?” Before he can respond I add, “besides banging Lux.”

  Reese's face freezes and smiles, I squashed his go to snarky come back.

  “Well I went up to Tahoe with Lux”

  I cut him off before he can finish.

  “You've got to be kidding me Reese, you still went with Dane and Moxie after what he did to me?” If looks could kill my brother would be dead right now.

  “Calm yourself woman. Dane and Moxie did not come with us. Lux isn't ok with what happened to you, so her and Moxie are on the outs and Lux’s family has a cabin up there too, so we went with a few other people from school.”

  I couldn't believe that was the reason why. Something wasn't sitting right. I don't even know Lux so why would that bother her. Before I could ask Reese was already explaining it

  “Look she likes me, and she knows I do all that I can to protect you so if you're important to me that means you're important to her.” He made it sound simple, but those are actions of someone who is in love and will do anything for their partner not someone who's just hooking up.

  “Are you sure you two aren't more serious than just the hook up phase?” I stared at him with my expression wary.

  “When did you get to be so smart, Sloane?”

  I roll my eyes. “I've always been smart you're just slow on noticing.” Laughing at my own joke I roll to the comfortable side of the couch before Reese has the chance to smack the back of my head or pull my hair for smarting off.

  We loved each other but we were definitely your typical brother sister who at times would make the other cry or try to take the other one down in a head lock. To be fair I've been the only one who's cried but I know one day I'll have my chance and it will be one for the books, a story that will be brought up during holidays as we laugh at Reese's humiliation. Hey, a sister can dream don't judge me.

  “So how was Tahoe then? Was there any fresh pow? I didn't watch any tv and kept my phone off all week.”

  “Yeah the snowboarding was killer! Clear views of the lake as you shred down the mountain was as always just unreal, though one day the snow was coming down so it made for making fresh tracks so that was rad too.” His face was lit up like a Christmas tree from reminiscing “I wish we could have stayed up there all break.”

  “Why didn't you at least stay longer. You know dad wouldn't have even noticed and you know I don't care what you do.” I say being sincere. We always felt bad if we were off doing something else if the other wasn't there to enjoy it too.

  “I know but I had to be here for you. Now that you're safe from Taze, I feel bad about the whole Dane situation. You know I moved out of our dorm room. I’ll be living here next semester.” My jaw drops, I know this is the last place Reese wants to live.

  “Are you serious? Why didn't you just transfer rooms?”

  “I could have but I'm not up for the hassle and besides I want the privacy of having my own space. Sharing what essentially is a studio with another dude is not a good time.” Reese confesses.

  “Yeah that doesn't sound too appealing, and I'm sure it also has nothing to do with the fact you have a girlfriend now that you can't have in your room after a certain hour or have spend the night and if I'm right she probably lives in the girl's dorms and the same rules apply.” I start laughing since Reese's face is just gawking at me with his mouth wide open.

  “Seriously I hate that you see through my bullshit sometimes. Can't I just once throw out something that sounds caring, before you rip it apart with your bullshit meter. Damn Sloane,” frowning at me while wearing a big shit eating grin Reese continues; “listen you better keep that calling it as you see it malarkey to yourself if Lux is around. I like her, and I just know if you start to s
mart off she'll freak out and then I'll have to try to smooth things over.”

  “No worries Reese, I'll be good when Lux is around. Though I'm hoping she isn't that big of an idiot as the last one you had around here. Fuck what was her name…” I try to recall her name, she only lasted a week as she high tailed it out of here when I asked Reese if his gonorrhea ever cleared up. I was obviously joking but she refused to believe me. I laugh remembering that time “oohhh that's right her name was… Whoa Ricki” We both erupt with laughter Reese knows the reference I was making though I got the name wrong.

  “It's Vicky and no that girls name was Violet you jerk face, you leave both those girls alone.”

  Laughing even harder I snort.

  “Come on the girl thought I was being serious of you having a STD when I was just joking around.”

  “What can I say not all girls I kept around were bright Sloane, sometimes it just about that sweet ass.”

  Pig.

  “Well let’s hop Lux is funny and smart besides being just a pretty face and body.”

  Reese looks at me for a long minute.

  “She is.” He just left it at that with all seriousness.

  “So, are you going to ask me what happened with Dane?”

  There it is my chance to hear how it all played out while I was gone. Was I that curious to know or did I want to just leave it where it was at?

  “Do I really want to know?” Asking at barely a whisper.

  “You might want to know some of it, Sloane.” He's looking at me for a response before he says anything.

  Shaking my head, no I decided I didn't care that much to find out after all. Dane and I are done there was never any real love there except for what he did to save me from Taze.

  “The only thing I want to know Reese is if he really took care of Taze? Is he really gone? I'm not sure if I can trust him after catching him with his ex." My questions really started to settle in, what if he was lying this whole time. What if Taze is still around.