Chapter 29 Eden
Eden
At the beginning of this semester I was more than happy to keep my head down and sail through my senior year with as little attention as possible. Maybe the odd bit of ogling where my favourite cheer captain was concerned. You know, usual teenage stuff.
The academic year has not gone how I planned, like at all!
First and foremost, the object of my crush is now my girlfriend.
Let’s sit with that for a sec, yeah? The very gorgeous and gay cheerleading captain is now my girlfriend.
Second, and just as equally astonishing as the first thing: I had sex for the first time with said gorgeous cheer captain.
Multiple times, and it will happen frequently in the future. [Insert brain blown out emoji here].
Third, on the ever-growing “What the bloody hell is happening this year?” list. I started—voluntarily—participating in sport. And…enjoy it! [insert multiple emojis here].
I’ve been to a high school party, which I didn’t particularly enjoy, but I experienced it all the same. My friendship group has doubled, and Jenna is like thirty percent less Lord of the Damned. I call that a win.
Kiera is the only stain on what has been an impeccable few months—discounting Sloane’s anxiety and how that affected us as a couple.
I’m not about to waste my time confronting her about the race.
I didn’t see if she tripped me or not, and I’m not fuelling any drama.
That’s the one thing I refuse to do. I will get through senior year with as little bullshit as possible.
What Sloane will do is a different matter.
Hopefully I can talk her out of doing anything too drastic.
Kiera is the sort of person who thrives on attention, positive or not.
She’ll eat it up if Sloane goes bat shit crazy on her.
It will turn our last semester at Holcroft into something neither of us wants.
I’ll talk to her about it later, though.
Right now I’ve got arms wrapping around me left, right, and centre.
Pia is on my back shouting “I’m the king of the world” like a lunatic.
Bryce and Todd are doing some weird coordinated dance next to me.
Bella and Becca are…well they’re kissing, so that’s cool.
Sloane is a few feet away, laughing at the mayhem.
Finally, everyone starts to disperse. Mum and Dad step up to me and hug me from both sides.
“Are you okay?” Mum asks. She pulls back and looks down at my scuffed knee.
“It’s fine. Nothing a pack of ice won’t fix.”
Dad claps me on the back. “I never thought I’d see the day, love. You bloody did it!”
Grinning like an idiot, I scratch the back of my neck. “Yeah, I did, didn’t I?”
“Nice one, sis,” Jenna calls. “Now you can help me train for cheer try outs in the fall.”
She’s not asking me but telling me, which is fine. I know she’s already corralled Sloane and Becca into helping too, so all it means is I’ll get to spend more time with my favourite people.
“Let’s get you some food and a chair to sit on. Your ankle needs elevating,” Mum says, taking control. I reach out and yank Sloane towards me. I don’t want to lose her in the crowd.
Mr Porter and the principal are waiting by the medical table. It’s not necessary, but Mum wants the school nurse to check over my leg. I’m already walking a lot better on it, so I know it’s nothing more than a bad sprain. Thing is, once Mum gets in Mother Hen mode, it’s pointless arguing with her.
Sitting down, I hoist my leg up and settle it on another chair. Mum has an ice pack strapped to my foot before I’ve even had time to relax.
“Eden,” Mr Porter says with way too much enthusiasm. “I think this is the defining moment in my teaching career.” He laughs.
Chuckling, I can’t help but be amused. “Technically, sir, it was Sloane who managed to get me moving,” I say, grinning.
“Tomato, tomahto. I’m still claiming it. I can see the plaque now: ‘Mr Porter, famed gym teacher who got the infamously grouchy Eden Sawyer to run a 5k.’ They’ll hang it on my office wall.”
Laughing, I nod at him. “That’s fair. You did badger me for three years. That’s commitment.”
We laugh for a few more moments before he grows a little serious. “You could’ve told me, you know.”
I look at him in confusion.
“About your experience at school when you were young.”
Ah, so Sloane told him then.
“Don’t be mad at Ms Bishop. I think she just wanted me to understand there was more to your attitude towards gym.”
Sighing, I look at a wide-eyed Sloane. She’s biting her lip so hard, I rush to pull her down and swipe my finger across to soothe it. “Don’t do that. I’m not angry.”
She sighs in relief. Turning my attention back to Mr Porter, I admit I was wrong. “I know I should’ve said something. You’re nothing like my old teacher.”
“Well, it’s all in the past now. Although I’ll be sad to see you giving up your new appreciation of exercise next semester.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not taking the deal. I still intend to be in class, participating.”
His eyes light up and he claps. “Fantastic! I’m very proud of you, Eden.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Right, I’ll let you go. Keep icing the ankle. We’ll talk about how it happened on Monday.”
Something tells me he knows damn well what happened. I’m guessing he had a gaggle of students rushing to tell him.
Pia arrives with a recycled cardboard plate overflowing with food. Mum and Mrs Bishop have really outdone themselves.
“So, Bryce is having a party, and I really want you to go,” Pia says. She’s taken her “battle ready” stance in front of me.
“Okay. If Mum and Dad are cool with it.”
Mum sticks up her thumb. “Just be safe,” she says.
I love how deflated and confused Pia gets. She was absolutely ready for me to say no, and normally I would. But I’ve seen the benefit of taking myself out of my comfort zone. Today has been something else, and I actually want to continue celebrating with everyone.
“Is it a sleepover situation?”
“Um…yeah. Hang on, why aren’t you being all grumpy and saying no?”
Todd laughs. “Babe, maybe just take the win, yeah?”
“Are you okay with that, babe?” I ask Sloane.
Dragging a fold-up chair from behind the medical table, she sits next to me and lays her head on my shoulder. “Sure, but maybe we could drive separately from everyone else. I‘d like some alone time first.”
“Sure. I need to go home, shower and take some painkillers, anyway. Why don’t you meet me at my house and we’ll chill for a bit before driving to Bryce’s?”
“Chilling, is that what the kids are calling it these days?” Bryce quips. He’s arrived with three of his football bros.
“Don’t be gross.” I laugh.
“So you’re coming to the party, right?”
“Yeah. Thanks for throwing it. Are your parents away again?”
“Nah, but they’ll stick to the pool house.”
We chat for a little while longer, making plans for the evening. My adrenaline is wearing off, and my ankle is throbbing. With it only being a half school day, Mr Porter has no problems with my parents taking me and Sloane home.
Freshly showered and stuffed with painkillers, I’m ready to let loose. Drinking is still not my thing, but after a number of dance-offs against Jenna on her Just Dance game, I’m ready to show the world my much-improved repertoire of moves. I don’t need alcohol to do that.
Sloane arrives and immediately takes my breath away. She’s in a sleek blue dress that reaches mid-thigh. Her hair is swept over one shoulder, and she’s in heels. She looks freakin’ edible!
I’m thankful I put a bit more effort in, considering this is a proper knees up, and the last party of the semester.
I put my best black jeans on, forwent a hoodie, and chose a tight red tank top.
Finished off with some well-chosen jewellery.
Honestly, the clothes choice was less about fashion and more about practicality.
I remember how stuffy it got in the house with all those bodies crammed in.
Still, I look good, and the way Sloane’s eyes are roaming over me, I think she approves.
I opted to wear my trusty Docs. They’re super comfy, and it’s easy to loosen the right one to ease the pressure on my ankle. I’ll hop on the dance floor if I have to!
We call a quick “see ya later” to my folks and head out.
The gang is waiting by Becca’s car as we pull into Bryce’s driveway.
Everyone seems to have made more of an effort.
You’d think we’d save it for a massive rager at the end of semester, but we agreed tonight was the better celebration.
Plus, Bryce is buggering off to Europe for Spring Break.
He’s assured us we will have plenty of fun over the summer.
The house is just as full as it was the last time I was here.
The music is thumping and bodies are already jammed together on the makeshift dance floor.
Like the first time, I’m pulled around the dancing and into the kitchen where Becca and Pia begin handing out drinks.
For once, P doesn’t try to give me alcohol.
I get a fresh Sprite, which I appreciate.
Sloane also takes a soft drink. She gives me a wink and a peck on the cheek when I throw her a questioning eyebrow.
When our friends are suitably boozed up, we head for the dance floor. My ankle twinges a tad, but nothing I can’t handle. I want Sloane in my arms as we grind. I’ve never done that before, and as I’ve said, this year is a time of firsts.
Countless songs later, and I’m a sweaty mess. To be fair, so is everyone else, and Sloane doesn’t seem to care. She’s plastered to my body like velcro as she twists her delicious arse into my groin.
There’s a rumble of discord by the main entrance. People are stopping dancing to have a gander. There are some raised voices, and I immediately recognise one as Pia.
“Fuck, that’s P,” I shout to Sloane, who is already pushing us through the crowd.
Stumbling through the last line of people, we come face to face with a very angry Pia and a furious looking Kiera.
Oh, shit.
Pia is blocking the door, hands on hips. Kiera is on the porch, hands balled into fists at her side as she sneers at my best friend.
Rushing forward, I reach Pia. “P, what are you doing?” I ask quietly.
She bares her teeth at Kiera before looking my way. Her eyes are slightly glassy, so this bravado is all beer-induced. “She’s not welcome!”
“Pia, this isn’t your party. If Bryce invited her—”
“I didn’t,” Bryce says from behind. I feel his body step close. He’s not looking at me, but Kiera. “You know you’re usually welcome, Kiera, but after what you pulled today…nah. Invitation is rescinded.”
Oh, Jesus Christ.
Stepping forward, I position myself between Kiera and the crowd. Kiera looks at me with suspicion, but whatever. Tonight isn’t about to go down the crapper because of this juvenile shit.
Turning to the room, I look at Bryce and Pia. “I appreciate you sticking up for me, but I don’t want this. I’ve got no issue with Kiera,” I say, looking over my shoulder at her. “I really don’t,” I reiterate to her.
“I came to apologise,” she says.
Everyone is silent, and the music is off. I step out the door and wave everyone off. Pia doesn’t look happy. Hell, no one looks happy, but tough.
Shutting the door on them all, I face Kiera. “So you did trip me then?”
She sighs and looks to the ground. “Yeah, I did.”
At least she’s being honest.
“Kiera, I don’t want any shit with you, okay? But I’m also not going to be bullied, and you know I’m not leaving Sloane.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“We’ve got a few months left, and then we’re done. Can we just, like, call it quits and enjoy the rest of our senior year?”
She plants a hand on her hip and looks at me. “Why aren’t you pissed? You can’t be this nice. No one is this nice.”
I scoff. “It’s not about being nice. What you did really fucking pissed me off, but I’m not wasting my energy on it. I just really want to get through this year with as little bullshit as possible. End of story, as long as you leave me alone.”
We’re never going to be friends, but a ceasefire is doable.
Huffing out another sigh, she nods. “Fine. You won’t have a problem with me.”
“Great. Now, are you coming in?”
“I don’t think I’m welcome, do you?”
“I think it would show more ovaries to step inside and get through a bit of awkward shit than it would to leave. All your friends are in there.”
“Friends that blew me off after the race you mean?”
Ah, now I understand the apology. Seems the once-powerful Kiera has learned she’s not so untouchable as she thought.
“It’s up to you. Just know, I’m cool with you being here.”
Stepping back inside, I head for my friends who are congregated in the entryway. “Did she apologise?” Pia snaps.
“Right, take a breath, yeah. Everything is sorted and Kiera, as far as I’m concerned, is welcome. No more, P. It’s done. I just want to enjoy the party.”
Pia narrows her eyes and then surprises us all by laughing, hard. “I never thought I’d hear those words come out of your mouth!”
The rest of the groups crack up too, and that’s fine. It means we’re back to normal. Sloane takes my hand and drags me away from everyone. She leads me through the kitchen and outside. Our butts hit the bench in the maze a few minutes later.
“Everything, okay, babe?” I ask.
She snuggles into my side. “Yeah. I just wanted some alone time, and your ankle probably needs a rest.”
Leaning my head back, I look up at the sky. The stars are out in force, and I’m happy to chill here, looking at them with Sloane in my arms.
After a quiet few minutes, she shifts and rubs her nose against my cheek. “Remember last time we were here? I offered to show you my room so you could watch TV and chill.”
“I do remember that.”
“Want me to show you my room again? You know, just in case you forgot how to find it?”
I like where this is going.
“That’s awful thoughtful of you, babe,” I reply sweetly.
“It is, isn’t it? Maybe we could watch TV together this time.”
“I’m always down for some Netflix and chill.”
I feel Sloane’s smile against my face. “Hmm. I’m thinking you can just lay back on the bed and relax.”
I swallow hard because the change in her voice is doing things to me. “And…um, what will you be doing?”
Leaning in, she whispers in my ear. My face goes red, and my breathing gets shallow. Hauling myself up from the bench, I grab her hand and tug her along as I try my best to race walk back to the house. Sloane’s laughter sends electricity through my body.
We bypass everyone, and I’m sure I hear a few wolf whistles as we head up the stairs. I don’t care. I’m too excited. Sloane too, because no sooner have I pulled her into the room then she’s on me.
Tonight is a retake. Tonight is the first of many I will spend with Sloane. I know it. No matter what, this girl is a part of me. Closing my eyes, I feel her hands and mouth wander over my body.
Best senior year ever!