Falling Behind (Falling Series)

by Dee Avila

  Candice grabbed my hand squeezing it. “Awesome game tonight, Ty. I’d hug you but…”

  I squeezed her hand back and something caught my eye. Her lip looked fat. To be honest, her whole face looked as if it was bruised and someone had tried to cover it up. I immediately glanced over to Reese. That Asshat hits Candice and Reese helps her cover it? I was pissed, instantly. Reese must’ve understood my pinched eyes and drawn-together-too-tight lips as a sign that I was livid. She shook her head and mouthed, “Later, please.”

  I shook my head and plastered on a fake smile, before looking back to Candice. “I get it, I’m all sweaty. Thanks, I hope Coach Billy caught some of my game.”

  Reese turned, looking back at the football field, before looking at me. As she stepped up to me, my eyes went huge. I figured she would stay away because of the Douchebag.

  With my pads still on, she did the best she could to wrap her arms around me. “Just wanted to say you did a great job, tonight. Congratulations on the win.”

  When I kissed the top of her hair-sprayed head, I choked. I blew raspberries to get the hair-spray tang off my lips. She pulled away, laughing.

  “Do you have to use so much hair-spray? It pollutes the environment and my lungs!”

  Swatting at my arm, Reese jogged away, “You know you love it.”

  “I know and thanks.”

  “For the hairspray?” Reese asked.

  “Yes… I mean no! I…”

  Reese just laughed, again, and took off, shaking her head and leaving me still trying to find my words.

  I took a quick shower, put on my clothes for the dance and ran back to the field. I didn’t want to miss seeing Reese escort Josh to his seat. I jogged up the bleachers, sitting next to Mom, just as they started announcing the Queen Candidates, being driven around the track by convertibles from one of the local car dealerships.

  “Great game tonight, Son.”

  “Thanks Mom.” She did whatever she could to be at every game for me. She has been since I was eight and started in the Pop Warner League. Mom has a full job being both my parents and she’s amazing. Mom cupped her hand on my knee as we watched the cars go around.

  After the girls were helped out of the cars and lead to their chairs, they announced the nominees for Homecoming King. Josh was last. Waiting to see Reese in her short black dress was well worth it. With her hair up and the extra makeup Candice likely put on her, she looked unbelievably beautiful. Look at how tight that dress is, and short. I tried to focus on anything else, I looked over to Candice and she looked amazing, but the marks still concerned me. When my gaze came full circle and landed back on Reese, Josh was staring me down. I didn’t even know who they called as the winners for Homecoming Court. It wasn’t Josh—we were having a silent pissing match, Josh glaring at me and mouthing something. Lucky for him, I can’t read lips.

  The rest of the game went by quickly, but I was still fuming over Josh and his antics. I decided my attending the dance probably wasn’t the best idea. The varsity won, so there would be a huge bonfire tonight for everyone who wasn’t going to the dance and some of the recent graduates who came back for the game I headed straight out to The Orchard. No need to hang around.

  Pulling the Camry onto the dirt lane between the orchard and the railroad tracks, I noticed there were already a ton of cars lined up. A lot of people skipped the dance and were here, instead. . You need to find you a girl, Titus! A girl who isn’t Reese.

  Water bottle in hand, I headed over to the crowd of people and the fire. Music blasted out of the speakers in someone’s truck. At least this group liked rock. Brie, a senior from last year that I may have hooked up with once, sashayed her hips coming toward me. She looked good, short black hair with purple chunks in it. Her eyes an eerie yellow-gold but looked downright hot rimmed in black eyeliner. Her short black skirt was paired with a purple tank and black jacket. The whole outfit was topped off with these killer knee-high boots. The girl was and has always had been a rocker chick. I could get lost in her, tonight. She was the perfect distraction.

  “Ty, Baby, whatcha been up to?” She practically purred.

  I flashed a smile and let my gaze rest on her flat stomach, peaking out before glancing over her chest and finally resting on her sweet lips. “Not much. You?”

  She tipped her head, lifting her eyebrows. “Water?”

  “You know I don’t drink. I’m the DD.”

  She slapped her forehead. “That’s right. Well, would you mind driving me home, later? I came with Ashlyn and her man. We all know they’ll leave early.”

  “Yeah, I can give you a ride home. Is that all you came over here for?”

  She slid her hand around my neck and smashed her lips to mine. I pulled back chuckling. Brie will be perfect for tonight. “Is that all you came over for?” She countered.

  She shook her head, “No hot stuff, we were good together. Even if it was only once. We just never got the chance, again. Now look… here we are, both single and both willing. Right?”

  A smile spread across my face and she answered it with one of her own. I nodded. “Right.”

  Sliding her hand down my arm she laced her fingers with mine before leading me over, closer to the bonfire. The acrid smell of smoke filled the air. I glanced around the loose circle that formed around the bonfire. Some of the cheerleaders were here. I thought it was mandatory for them to attend the Homecoming Dance. Quite a few of my football team were here, also. It seemed like most of the crowd was made up of last year’s graduates. I swear, practically the whole graduating class was gathered around the fire.

  Brie smiled up at me and curled her finger around mine, her eyes pleading, “Come with me,” as she stepped backward, pulling me away from the fire and crowd.

  “Brie, where we going?” I lifted my eyebrow at her. I had a pretty good idea where we were headed.

  “Oh, you know. Just to get reacquainted.” She winked and spun around to walk beside me. Just as we entered into the peach orchard, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I stopped, pulling it out, expecting a curfew reminder message from my mom.

  Instead, when I glanced down, I saw Reese’s name my stomach twisted in anticipation. Why? I was getting ready to get her off my mind!

  Reese: U at The Orchard?

  Me: Ya. Why?

  Reese: Sorry to bother you. Can you let me know if C shows up?

  Me: Ya Why?

  Reese: She left the dance with Alex about 15 mins ago and he didn’t look happy.

  Me: K. I’ll go see if I can find her.

  I wondered if Reese was coming out here. I knew I shouldn’t care, but I did. I looked over at Brie and began regretting what hadn’t even happened, yet. There was no way I could go through with hooking up with her. Not when C needs you. Yeah, that was why.

  “Hey, I gotta go find Candice. Her dad is looking for her.” I jiggled my phone in my hand to let her know that’s who had texted.

  Brie reached up and brushed a kiss on my cheek. “Maybe next time. See ya around, Ty.” She trotted off swaying her tiny hips side to side.

  I slide my thumb across my phone to unlock it and pulled up Reese’s text thread.

  Me: Are you coming out here?

  I wound my way through the crowd of drinkers, trying to avoid all the sloshing beer and swinging bottles of fuzzy navel. Why is it that when you run into a group of cheerleaders out drinking, they are always holding a fuzzy navel? These girls just couldn’t, no make that wouldn’t, drink beer. I chuckled; they were too good for beer, but they were partying in an orchard.

  I scanned the crowd, again. Girls were starting to dance with the music blaring from Jonathon’s lifted Ford. I had to admit the guy had a nice stereo system. It pounded and there was no rattling or static. It was a clean system. Candice and Alex came from behind Jonathan’s truck, she looked to be happy. A smile lit up her face more than the fire did. She led him toward a group of cheerleaders dancing and started gyrating against him.

  I watched him yank
his hand away from her and got in her face. I could imagine that he was telling her to stop dancing like that in front of everyone. I moved closer so I could hear and interrupt, if needed.

  “Candice, listen to me. I don’t want to dance.” The crease across his forehead showed me his anger was building. I’d watched guys like him all my life. I knew the signs. He lifted a beer to his mouth and chugged it tossing the can behind him.

  She ignored him and continued to dance, grinding up against him. A battle started within me. Do I go stop my friend from making things worse or trust her and believe she knows what she’s doing? I knew exactly what Candice was up to. She was making every other guy want her more than they already did.

  I flicked my gaze around the crowd and every single guy who had ever voiced a crush on her, and some that I didn’t expect, were watching her sexy moves.

  “Enough.” Alex yelled and wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her back behind the truck.

  I stepped closer listening. “Let go of me Alex, you’re hurting me. I was just dancing. I’m a cheerleader, it’s what we do.” I could hear the hurt in her voice.

  “Just knock it off. You have every guy staring at you. You know that pisses me off. I would think after last time you wouldn’t be so stupid to do it, again.”

  I heard a thump and then footsteps, as if he was walking away. I scrambled to move away from the truck and backed into someone. Jonathon was trying to get into his truck to fix the radio. “Your stereo sounds sweet. What do you have in here?” I asked him so Alex wouldn’t think anything about me being right there. Jonathan rambled on about his amp and special wiring. I nodded and clapped him on the shoulder. “Cool.”

  When I turned back around Candice was saddled back up against his side, stiff and with a look of pure terror in her eyes.

  I had no clue what to do.

  Chapter Six

  Reese

  “Josh Gibson” The announcer called his name. I linked my arm in his sweaty one and escorted him to the green platform where the King candidates were lining up. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. I didn’t know why I was nervous. It wasn’t me running for Queen. I smoothed down the side of my short black dress as we stepped up next to Alex and Candice.

  Smiling over at my friend, I noticed how well she’d covered up the bruises. Her deep purple gown fit her curves, perfectly. All the right areas accented with crystal beading. Alex had bought her a corsage. The purple orchid sat delicately on her tiny wrist. Perfect size to cover the bruises.

  I searched the crowd. Mom and Dad sat with Candice’s mom. Next to them were Titus and his mom. He was staring at me. I couldn’t decipher the look on his face. There was no smile. No gleam in his eyes, he looked pissed. I was sure it had to do with our earlier conversation. I didn’t like fighting with him.

  I felt Josh’s arm squeeze around my hand. Looking up at him, he was glaring at Titus. This was getting out of hand.

  The announcer’s deep voice brought my attention back to what was going on. “Ladies and Gentlemen, your Homecoming King and Queen.”

  I missed the announcement. Josh was still standing next to me so I knew it wasn’t him. I searched the area in front of us and saw Monroe and Gen receiving their crowns. The crowd erupted. Like no one saw that one coming. I followed Josh over to congratulate the couple.

  We won the game. It wasn’t even close, like the J.V. game. It was a blow out, forty-nine to seven. Still, it was exciting. After giving our Varsity Team a well-deserved cheer and singing the alma mater, I ran to the locker room to freshen up before the dance.

  Waiting outside of the gym for Josh, I thought about texting Titus. I knew I shouldn’t. It would be my luck that Josh would show up right as I was doing it.

  I hadn’t felt butterflies or the desire to kiss him since before the incident at his house. I had withdrawn and I knew he was figuring it out. I wasn’t even looking forward to tonight, until he walked out of the locker room.

  His bright green eyes scanned my body, sending shivers through out it for the first time in a long time. I did the same. Took him in from head to toe, his green button down shirt fit him perfectly, un-tucked and rolled to the elbows. His dark jeans looked amazing and I could only imagine the way they hung low on his hips. His hair was tousled and styled messy, just right. I fought the urge to run my fingers through it. Josh stepped up to me, slipping his arm around my waist and pulling me in for a kiss. He must have brushed his teeth. He tasted of cinnamon. Fresh and spicy. I got lost in the taste of him.

  “You are beautiful, Reese,” he whispered in my ear. “I can’t wait for this dance to be over.”

  Gripping my fingers in his, he led me into the gym. We had decorated it, earlier in the day. Stars and garland hung from the ceiling. Balloon bouquets decorated each table. Balloon arches marked the entrance and exit. The food table had a punch and a chocolate fountain, surrounded with strawberries, bananas and crème puffs. Cheese and crackers were placed randomly, throughout the table.

  “Do you want to get some snacks and punch?” I looked up at Josh.

  “Sure.” he guided me over to the refreshments.

  After getting our snacks, we found a table with Candice and Alex as well as several other seniors. Sitting down next to Candice, I leaned over and whispered to her. “Hey, you look gorgeous in that dress.”

  “Thanks.” She ducked her head, turning her attention back to Alex. It wasn’t her not complimenting me that bothered me. There was something else that seemed to be bothering her and that bothered me.

  Josh leaned down to me. “What was that about?”

  My irritation returned. “Nothing. I just told her she looked gorgeous. Why?”

  “Nevermind.”

  “No, Josh, why did you want to know?” I glared at him. I had a feeling I knew what this was about. Or who it was about.

  “I said, nevermind. Just drop it. Let’s go dance.” He stood and grabbed my hand. What if I wanted to say no? I guess I wasn’t getting a choice in the matter. He drug me out to the dance floor and wrapped his arm around me, clasping my hand to his chest. The song was upbeat and I tried to pull away.

  “Josh, it’s a fast song.”

  “I don’t care. I want to hold you. I really want to get out of here.” His hand ran down my back.

  “I can’t leave, yet.”

  He groaned. “I know. Just dance slow with me, for now.”

  I nodded and continued to look like an idiot, dancing slow to a fast-beat song.

  An hour of dancing and munching, and me listening to him talk with his friends while I sat, there was enough to piss me off. I was ready to go. I looked around for Candice to find out the game plan for tonight. We had originally planned to tell our parents we were staying at each other’s house; so we could stay with our guys. But, I didn’t want to stay with Josh and I really didn’t want her to stay with Alex.

  I couldn’t find her anywhere. I finally asked one of Alex’s friends and he told me that they had left. Crap!

  I texted Titus to see if she was out at The Orchard. After receiving confirmation that he would check, I put my phone on vibrate and back into my clutch. The last thing I needed was Josh to know I was texting Titus.

  A warm, strong arm wrapped around my shoulders. “You ready to leave?”

  “Yeah, but I have to be home in an hour.” I couldn’t even look Josh in the eye when I told him the lie. I had told my mom I was staying at Candice’s, but I really wanted to go home, now. I hoped it didn’t mess up Candice’s night. I really needed to talk to my mom.

  Josh glared down at me. “I thought you made arrangements?” The venom in his voice was palpable and I involuntarily flinched.

  “Mom wasn’t buying it. She wants me home tonight, it being our first dance and all. I’m sure she’ll be waiting up to see how it went.”

  “Fine. Then we better get going. We need some ‘alone’ time.”

  My stomach sank. I didn’t want to be his in that way, ever again. But I had already do
ne it once and told him I loved him. If you really love someone, shouldn’t you want to be with them? I can’t go back on something I’ve already done and said. Can I?

  We drove out of town, the opposite way from The Orchard party. Josh drove his truck to the White Oak and parked back behind it. He didn’t even wait for the truck to stop rolling before his hand slid up my dress. I cringed before forcing myself to relax. Relax, Reese, you love him. You are supposed to want this. I took a deep breath and let myself get lost in his touch, as much as I could.

  Josh’s hands moved quickly to push my dress up. He groaned and kissed a trail from behind my left ear to my collar bone. I wasn’t responding. I couldn’t make myself get into it. I just sat there as he quickly kissed my body, fondling me. I could smell the liquor on his breath. He no longer tasted of cinnamon. It was something stronger than beer. I didn’t know when he was able to sneak a drink, but it had to have been fairly recently. I closed my eyes, fighting the nausea from his taste and the fact of what he was doing. Again.

  Tears burned my eyes when he pushed my underwear aside and took what he claimed was his. I swallowed several times trying to push back the tears. Before I knew it they were rolling down my cheeks. Josh kissed a tear away and gently brushed my cheek with his thumb removing my tears.

  “Am I hurting you, Baby?” His now soft, sweet voice whispered in my ear. I looked out the steamed up window, shaking my head.

  “Oh, so it feels good?”

  Lie Reese. Tell him it does. I nodded unable to speak, for fear of sobbing uncontrollably.

  “It feels damn good to me too, Baby.” His voice was raspy with desire.

  I hate that word. I hate being called “Baby”. I hated myself for giving him this part of me. I hated that I knew I could never say no to him, now. I was his girlfriend who supposedly loved him. There was no turning back. No time travel machine to make that first time never happen. If only, it never had.

  Josh walked me up to the door, giving me a kiss goodnight. When he started to get carried away, I slid my hand up his chest, pushing him back and pulled away. “Goodnight, Josh.”