Resuscitate (Annihilate #1)

by S. Morayla

  I stand up, putting out my hand. “Thanks, man, it’s bloody amazing.” He shakes my hand, nodding.

  “You’re welcome. Thank your girl, though. She just wanted it to be perfect.” I look down at Shorty, who is hugging my waist.

  “Oh, I intend to.” I wink at her, getting a shy smile in return.

  Brayden goes over the care of the tattoo and how to maintain it so the color doesn’t bleed too much. He and Shorty walk over to the kitchen for payment. I would have walked with them, but Leif and Nick stop me, admiring the work Brayden’s done.

  “Anytime, Natalee. You have my number. Call me whenever.” Jealousy burns through my body. Realistically, I know he’s being polite, but all I heard was, “call me so we can fuck”. I take a few deep breaths, calming myself. I will not be that boyfriend—the one who accuses his girl of cheating just because someone hits on them. My girl cares about me, she opens up only for me, and I need to keep the fiery rage to a simmer.

  Once everyone leaves, Shorty and I sit on the couch.

  “Thank you again, baby. You didn’t have to go to all this trouble for me.” My arm is thrown over her shoulders, my fingers playing with her hair.

  She looks up at me with her innocent doe eyes. “Yes, I did. I want you to know how important you are to me. I wanted to get you tickets home, but I promised you I wouldn’t do that.” She clears her throat. “I did get you this, too.” She hands me an envelope.

  “What is it?”

  “Open it.” Her voice is soft, making my curiosity grow.

  Taking the envelope, I rip it open to find two airline tickets to...Colorado? My forehead wrinkles in confusion.

  “Colorado?” I swallow, looking at her.

  “I bought those while you were getting your tattoo. I need to share one more bit of information with you about my past. I feel like I could fall in love with you, but before that happens, I need you to know all of me—every secret, every dark space in my heart,” she murmurs.

  My heart stops, then begins to bang wildly in my chest. She could fall in love with me? Fuck, I want that. I look at the tickets again, checking the date. Early March. There must be a reason she wants to go then. I mean, Spring Break isn’t too far off from this date.

  Before I have a chance to ask her about the date, she begins her explanation. “I chose that date because it’s the date of his death. I never said goodbye. I didn’t go to his funeral, I couldn’t bear it. I thought maybe you could go with me to the Columbarium where his ashes are. I need to finally say goodbye so I can properly move on…” her slender throat swallows, “with you.” I hug her to me, offering her support. I know that was not an easy confession.

  “Of course, baby. Of course.” She hugs me tightly. “Will you be opening the letter he left as well?” She nods her head against my chest.

  We sit like this for a while. I let her take what she needs from me. I smooth her hair, waiting for her to speak.

  “I have one more surprise for you.”

  “What? No, babe, you have done so much already.” She smiles mischievously at me before standing. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.”

  When she reenters, she has her guitar in hand.

  “That night at The Corral, you didn’t really get to experience what I was fully telling you, so I thought what better day than this to tell you…well, sing it to you.” She strums the strings and hums, finding the right tune.

  I sit back and watch her in awe. In all the years I have been alive, I have never witnessed a girl pour her soul into a song like Shorty does. Her voice is melodic and sweet, hitting notes with ease.

  I listen to the words, telling me she wants to be the last girl for me. She wants to be my last first kiss. The more I listen, the more I know this is a song I would sing to her. Tears well up in her eyes, making her voice sultry. Happiness spreads throughout my body. This woman is selfless and giving. It makes my heart beat faster knowing she is my girl. I will do anything to protect and keep her happy.

  Not being able to hold back any longer, I walk over to her. She sets aside her guitar and I pick her up in my arms. It stings because of the tattoo, but I don’t care. I need to feel her, breathe her in, be near her, be inside her. She just opened up to me more, letting me know she’s all in, in this relationship. I’ve tried for months to get her to see how good we could be together, but she had to come to terms with it on her own.

  I kiss her lightly as I make my way down the darkened hallway. Kicking the door open, I set her on the bed before lying on top of her, supporting my upper body on my elbows. She opens her legs wide, inviting me in, which I have no problem doing. She drives me crazy in the bedroom. Uninhibited and free, and it’s all for me.

  “I don’t think I could ever thank you enough for today, baby.” I lightly kiss her ear, traveling down her neck.

  “None are necessary.” She takes my face, bringing it up so she can look into my eyes. “I do it because I love seeing your eyes light up with happiness. The smile on your face is thanks enough.” She caresses my cheek, speaking softly and sincerely.

  “Shorty, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I’m going to hate when school starts and we won’t be able to spend as much time together.” She puts her finger to my lips.

  “That’s what we have texting and FaceTime for. It’s not like we are going to be hundreds of miles apart. If you miss me, call me. Plus, Adriana practically lives with you guys, I can bum rides with her. I’m sure you’re going to get sick of me and want some space.” Adriana is a constant staple in our house. Cooking and cleaning, she just loves Leif and finds it hard to be away from him for too long.

  Now I understand where they are coming from. It was hard for me to see why that was until Shorty. I want to spend all my free time with her. I know it sounds stupid, but I can’t help it. This girl gives me so much with just one touch. When I was with Lexi, I didn’t care if we went days or even weeks without seeing one another. With Shorty, I want to fall asleep with her safe in my arms. I want to wake up and see her beautiful face. I want to keep her sore and thirsting for more of my touch so she never forgets who she belongs with.

  “I’m going to always want you around.” She giggles, which makes her tits jiggle in response.

  Leisurely, I begin to undress my favorite present: Natalee. I kiss her body, making her writhe. I want to savor every inch of her tonight. It may be my birthday, but tonight, it’s all about cherishing her. She is my goddess and I plan on worshiping her until my benediction of exalted praise exhausts her.

  Count on Me

  LAX airport is a buzz with so many people, jacking my anxiety into overdrive. Leslie and Adriana arrived back from their trip two days ago. The first night back, Leif stole Adriana from Les and I. But last night, I made Zayne go home—which he was not too happy about—and stole Adriana back for a girls slumber party to catch up. I miss my bitches. Before the magic fairy dust could settle, Leslie’s parents called this morning, demanding she go home. They’re pissed she broke up with Chance. Poor girl can’t leave that fucked up relationship even if she wanted to. I hate how they have that much power over her life.

  Today, Harrison flies in. Adriana wants to embarrass the crap out of him, so we are all wearing huge cardboard cutouts of his face with a chat bubble saying various things from “have you seen me?” to “five dollar reward for finding me”.

  Harrison comes into sight and we all begin the Irish jig—Nick’s bright idea. Harrison doubles over in laughter, tears streaming down his face. A little girl captures his hand, making us all stare. Calmly, she walks him over to Nick. “I found him for you, now you owe me five bucks.”

  “Yeah, sweetie, I do.” Nick reaches into his pocket, pulls out a twenty, and hands it to her, telling her thank you. The little girl’s mom mouths, “Thank you,” to Nick as the girl runs excitedly to her, showing her mom the money she received for returning Harrison to our group.

  The ride back is animated. Harrison launches into stories about what he
did at home, who he saw, and the gifts he brought back.

  “Zayne, your sisters sent something back with me. They want you to hang it on your wall.” His eyes dance in delight. “I think Nat will appreciate it as well.” Harrison chuckles, causing Zayne to groan. I look between the two, who are communicating silently back and forth.

  “What is it?” I ask Zayne, who is looking past me to Har. I turn my head to Harrison, but see Zayne shaking his head at him out of my peripheral.

  “Is it bad?” My mind begins to wonder what his sisters could possibly send that would make him have this sort of reaction.

  “Uh, I wouldn’t say bad.” Harrison’s smile grows, looking over at Zayne. I look back to my boyfriend, waiting for answers.

  “Trust me, Shorty, when you see it, you’ll wish you never had.” Adriana turns down the stereo before turning in her seat to face us. “Wait, is it an art piece you did? The one of Lennon and Harrison when you were like fifteen and stoned out of your mind? ‘Cause it’s not that bad, if that’s what it is,” Adriana says to Zayne.

  He frowns, shaking his head. “Why did we ever tell you that story?” Zayne asks her. She smiles big and cocks her head to the side.

  “You didn’t tell me, smart ass. I gave this guy,” she jerks her thumb to Leif, who is driving, “his first blowjob for that info. Believe me, it was worth the ten seconds.” I look at Zayne before bursting into laughing.

  “Wot! It was not ten seconds, babe,” Leif scoffs, “more like twenty, and in my defense, she was lettin’ me fuck her tits. I was ready to blow.”

  “Oh God, TMI, Leif!” I say through a bubble of laughter.

  “The point,” Adriana says loudly, “is you are a great artist and you don’t give yourself enough credit.”

  “Aww, how sweet. I want to see this magical picture,” I say, turning to Zayne.

  He grumbles something inaudible and puts his head in his hands.

  “Fuck no!” Harrison shouts, causing my heart to jump and my pulse to pound erratically.

  I smack him on the arm. “You douche muncher, you scared the shit out of me.”

  “I know you’re Zayne’s girl and all, but there is no way you are seeing that painting. Hell no.”

  What the hell?

  “Now I definitely want to see this painting,” I huff out.

  Forty minutes later, we finally make it back to the guys’ house.

  “Alright, here you go, Zayne.” Harrison hands him a square, wrapped object. We all stand around Zayne, waiting for him to open his present.

  “Can’t I open it in my room?” he asks, his voice unsure.

  “No,” everyone’s eager voice shouts at once.

  “Fucking hell.” Zayne tears through the paper. There is a shiny gold frame and in the frame is a picture of all five guys as babies buck-naked on a rug with PhotoShopped faces of them from…I’d say a few years ago.

  “Ohmigawd!”Adriana exclaims in shriek. “That is so cute. Who did this?”

  “One night, our mums figured out they all had baby pictures of us naked like this, so in their drunken state, they decided this would be hilarious and had them scanned into one picture with our then current photos. We weren’t impressed, but we were leaving, so we figured this was their way of coping. Zayne’s sisters made a copy just for him for his birthday and want him to display it in his room,” Harrison explains.

  I haven’t stopped smiling.

  I find it to be the best thing I’ve ever seen.

  “Baby, when your mom calls, I’m asking her for a copy. I need this!” Adriana exclaims. Her excitement makes me giggle.

  “I thought we had passed this. I thought we’d never have to see it again.” Leif shakes his head in embarrassment. “Please tell me you are not hanging this up, lad?” Leif asks, turning to Zayne.

  “No, mate, not happening. I can’t believe my sisters...on second thought, I can.” Zayne is flustered, shaking his head.

  “I think it’s cute, babe.” I rub his arm in a soothing motion.

  “I have one more for ya, mate. This one your sister Dania sent.” Harrison hands Zayne another wrapped gift.

  “Do you know what it is?” he asks Har.

  “Yeah, I think you might actually like this one.” Harrison nods and lifts his chin, indicating Zayne should open it. Zayne blows out a deep breath before sliding his finger between the paper and tape. Another frame, this one smaller, with a picture of graffiti inside. Zayne stares at the picture for a long pause, like he’s in awe of it.

  “What is it?” I ask him quietly, not wanting to ruin his moment.

  He continues to stare at the picture, his eyes glued to it. “When I was a kid, I wanted to spray-paint everything and Mum would have a fit. She decided to buy me a large roll of paper and attached it to the wall outside. Whenever I got the urge, she told me to go out and do my art. A week before we decided to leave for America, I knew my family was sad, so I spray-painted Batman on one of those large sheets. I told my mum and sisters Batman would protect them while I was gone. I…I thought maybe she got rid of it.” His thumb brushes the glass. “I guess she kept it.” He lowers the frame so I can see the picture.

  A large, spray-painted Batman in the background with his mom and sisters standing on the side of it, holding a sign that says: We’re so proud of you, Zayne.

  Zayne stays looking at the picture, rubbing the glass. I can tell by his smile how happy he is inside; that’s a great prize. Zayne lifts his head, looking at Harrison. “Thanks, mate, I appreciate this very much.” Harrison claps him on the shoulder.

  “Anytime, man. I know you would have done the same for me.”

  I pick up the other frame in one hand and grab Zayne’s hand in my own with the free one. “Let’s go hang this up in your room.” Everyone else has quietly dispersed, sensing Zayne needs a few minutes.

  Our friends know one another so well, no words were required. They know his heart is aching, missing his family. The only happiness he can attain is from a frame, which he admires.

  He doesn’t move right away.

  His eyes cling to the photo.

  Sadness etched in his face.

  I give him the moment he needs.

  Knowing all too well the heartache that stirs.

  Wishing I had someone on the other end to hold me once I came to. That is who I will be for him; I will stand by waiting for him, to comfort him.

  “It just shocked me, to see my sisters so big now. We Skype, but it’s not the same. I don’t get to see how tall they are now or how their attitudes have changed. When I call home, they’re all so happy and never let on to any problems. It’s hard to think that I haven’t seen them in three years. I miss them so much. I feel like I abandoned them to live my dream.” What can I tell him?

  I’ve never lived through this before. I had my family throughout my ordeal.

  I hold his hand, squeezing it. “If you want, maybe you could go visit this summer. I know you said you don’t want me buying your ticket, so what if I have you work for it?”

  “Yeah, and how would I work for it?” His eyes smolder and I shiver involuntarily.

  “Not like that. I meant, maybe you can help me in the studio. Uncle Vic has three projects he wants me to work on. If you come with me, help me with lyrics, then I will pay you for helping me. See? Easy peasy,” I proclaim.

  My smile is triumphant.

  “You’re pretty proud of yourself, aren’t you?” Zayne’s laughter is music to my ears.

  “Yup.” The smugness in my voice seeps through.

  “Would you go with me? You know, if I agree to help you?”

  “I don’t know…I mean, I might break up with you by then. You’re not even that good at sex. I might have to find another British man to show me what I’m missing.” My eyes slide over to his. Zayne is trying not to smile, but I can tell he’s holding back. Before I know it, he tackles me to the bed and is tickling me relentlessly.

  “Say you’re sorry.”

  “N-nev…
er,” I stammer between breaths.

  His fingers continue their ferocious pursuit.

  “Surrender.”

  “Ah! Ok...ay, o...kay.” I kick out. If he keeps going, I’m liable to pee myself.

  Zayne’s delicious weight bears down on me.

  His whiskey-colored eyes graze over my face, his finger trailing lightly over my cheek.

  Zayne brings his lips close to mine.

  I close my eyes in anticipation.

  I wait for a bit before opening them, still feeling his breath on my lips.

  “What?” I ask him, batting my lashes, knowing he’s getting me back for my earlier comments.

  “You didn’t answer my question, Shorty. Would you come home with me?” I want to stretch up and kiss his delectable lips.

  I stare at him for a breath. “Wouldn’t you want to spend time with your family untethered? I’d just distract you and I want you to enjoy your time and family.”

  “Baby, I really want you to meet my family. I foresee a future with you and maybe it’s premature, but I want them to see how wonderful you are. The girl who has captivated my heart.” His dazzling smile has my heart beating like it’ll escape my chest.

  How is it possible for him to say these things and make me want it so bad?

  Knowing one another for four months prior to becoming involved has helped. Being his friend has given me insight into who he is.

  His heart is big.

  He knows when to back off and let me be.

  He would go to the ends of the earth to help his friends. He protects and cares about me, as if I’m a fragile butterfly. He also knows how to stand strong and silent when I can’t bear the weight.

  “Yes, I’ll go with you,” I whisper. He seizes my lips with his own.

  All That Matters

  Lights are hot, hitting our faces. I look over to the other lads. I’m usually the quieter one of the group, standing off to the side. The other guys know I’m a bit more reserved and shy, but tonight, I have a surprise.