Racing around the corner I clashed into Eli, “Oh, hi!” I cried brightly before realizing I was meant to be quiet “Woops.” I whispered with a grimace on my face only making Eli chuckle.

“Where are you hiding out?” he asked me as we both made our way down the side of my house trying to hide from Mel and Liam who were in for murder in the dark whilst everyone else from our tenth birthday party was already off hiding.

I shrugged biting my bottom lip tentatively “I’m not sure.” I whispered.

“I’ve got an idea, follow me.” he urged grabbing my hand and tugging me down to the back of the house.

Reaching the back of the fence I stopped to frown “Over the fence? But that’s out of bounds.” I murmured, tentatively.

Eli shrugged “So.” He said with a cute little devilish smile on his face.

I giggled with excitement at cheating “Okay.”

Eli gestured me “Do you want to or should I….?” he trailed off gesturing to the fence.

Yet I was already on it as I tried to scramble up the page with nothing to grip onto, let’s just say with my minimal height it was a failure, a massive failure. It was as I reached the top with my hands I reached around hastily searching for something to cling my life to as I hoisted myself up that I felt the steel colourbond fence slice along my palm.

Hissing as the searing pain hit my palm and I could feel the warmth already of my blood I let myself drop onto the other side of the fence as I cradled my hand to my chest and tried to soothe the searing pain in my palm as I bit my bottom trembling lip.

The soft thud of Eli hit the dirt met my ears than the soft sound of Eli as he stepped towards my huddled body up against the fence in a huddle “Ez?” he asked tentatively.

It was as soon as I looked up that he stepped into action. In a flash he rushed to my side as he searched for my hand where as soon as seeing it, even though it wasn’t going to need stitches, at least I hoped, he held my hand in his hands before he added pressure.

“It’s going to be okay, are you okay?” he asked worry written in his face as he looked up at me.

I nodded before letting go a large gush of air “Yeah, just distract me.” I whispered with a plea.

Eli nodded with a smile “Okay. Hey, did you know I read that Christopher Paolini book, called Eragon, the one you suggested.” He said.

I looked up interested; it was a book I suggested for him seeing since I had no idea what a ten year old boy read. But Jenny, a worker at my school’s library told me to try it. “Well, what did you think?”

“I thought it was awful!” he cried “You have awful taste!” he cried.

I gasped in outrage, and that’s how we sat in the backyard for over an hour bickering and arguing. Liam and Mel were inside watching The Simpsons whilst everyone else had left. Yet we didn't care, we were having the most fun we have had the entire party.

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“Ooooo, this is so exciting!” Mel practically squealed in excitement, her feet jiggling on the football stands creating a soft thud as she held her hands in her lap as she tried to keep her hands at least still. I couldn’t help but smile at the broad smile on her face, tonight she was beyond exhilarated and I was content with thinking that it was the doings of my twin brother.

With also agitated hands I took a swig of my can of soft drink and a long one, I knew I’d have to go to the toilets soon again but as long as it kept my mind distracted I didn’t care. My body was so full of nerves and adrenaline I didn’t know if I wanted to squeal or cry at the thoughts running through my head.

We were at the football and I was so happy to be out of the house and distracted, I had ignored Jed all day and today he had told me he was out of town at his Nan’s again “caring” for her. I didn’t even want to think about that, which was one of the many reasons as to why I was a mess. As for work mum had given me the day off and I was yet to know if it wasn’t a good thing seeing since it gave me time to think.

At the hooter a thrill rippled across the grand stand and all eyes averted to the field as the game began and the crowd hushed. Moments passed before the stands erupted in cheers and screams as each teams came and ran out onto the field the wooden stands vibrating as the excitement and anticipation even ricochet off the stands.

As soon as our town’s colors of orange and black came out our towns fans stood up screaming and squealing, Mel and I also as we jumped to our feet and cheered watching them rush out onto the field. Mel and I laughed and giggled as we clapped and screamed until they positioned themselves rightfully on the field.

My eyes instantly zoned in on Liam and there he was playing hooker which was commonly number 9 on is jersey. I smiled as I watched him flick his feet out before shaking out his shoulders. I smiled at the sign of his nerves, he was always anxious, like any person gets before something important to them but at the end of the day he was an amazing player.

I loved rugby league, a huge Australian sport that we all loved. At home in the family it was a big thing and we all adored it, my mum at times I thought was a more avid fan than my dad, the amount of days spent arguing over silly little things to quite greater conflicts were in all honesty the most enjoyable things for more during winter. I loved to bicker, debate and just laugh at some of the childish responses we came up with, me included.

It wasn’t even ten minutes into the game when my gaze which I had forced to hold on Liam had slid their way over to nestle on Eli as he ran with the ball out into the throng of the opposite teams. My hands jiggled in my lap with excitement and yet nerves, the anxious side of me fret over if he’d get hurt or not. Eli played centre, with the shiny number 4 blazing on the back so I could follow him entirely.

I loved watching Eli play in all honesty, he played different to Liam. Sure Eli was passionate about his football like Liam but his heart wasn’t fully in it. Liam was beyond dedicated to it, wanting to go to the end with him and his sports. However although Eli loved his football he played it differently, he had outside other loves, like how he loved to play the guitar and how he reads a book every night before he sleeps that underneath it all he wasn’t just some jock with a head as large as the sun. Eli played football with such a simple grace that looked so laid back and yet he did it wonderfully and perfect.

I enjoyed watching football and in all honesty I was slightly startled in realizing that this was the first time I’d watched a game that wasn’t through the TV screen for a long time that wasn’t awful for me. Usually if I did go, which was fairly rare, I’d go with Jed because and he’d spend the entire match mocking the sport and how AFL was a lot better than NRL and in all honesty I’d spend the entire time texting Mel, ignoring Jed and clenching my fists in frustration.

So by the time it reached half time I was beyond happy with how this weekend and my life was suddenly turning out to be and the outlook as to what was to come.

I watched as the boys sat on the football field in a circle, coach standing as he talked. I watched amused as Coach Andrews hands went wild as he gestured and motioned trying to explain and give sense to tactics.

It was as my eyes lingered on Eli taking in his smile as he rubbed absentmindedly at his football boots and the beads of sweat along his forehead. It was as I studied him in a world of my own that Eli’s eyes flew up meeting mine as if he felt my gaze on me. A small blush made its way up and along my cheeks as I bit my bottom lip with a smile and gave him a shy and small wave. Eli’s grin only grew as he waved back, his wave not shy and small like my own. My heart flew and picked up off the ground as my cheeks darkened some more as my smile also grew. Girls all around sighed and giggled thinking that the boys attention was one them as the boys noticing Eli’s gesture towards me had looked up and over in my way. Now that made me blush dark and look away shyly.

Mel elbowed me gentle in the ribs making my startled self jump slightly “Ez, are you going to dump Jed?” her voice whispered, curious.

I pursed my lips for a moment as I thought, looking up I caught Eli’s eyes again, his gaze still on me as he smiled at me. Smiling back I spoke to Mel “Yeah, I think I will.”

Mel followed my gaze before giggling “Because of Eli?”

I sharply looked away blushing a guilty crimson as I lied pitifully “No.”

She shrugged with a teasing smile seeing right through my lies “Oh wells, you guys could make a gorgeous couple.” She sighed with mock sadness, tempting and torturing me.

“We’re just friends…..and that’s all we’re ever going to be.” I whispered the last part to myself glumly as reality came crashing down.

And that alone was the very question that had been controlling my thoughts all day and for quite some time lately; am I going to dump Jed? In all honesty I knew what the correct answer to that was; yes. It was the smartest deal to do; we shared no chemistry, we liked different things, he didn’t understand and respect me and it looked like he was also cheating on me. So in all honesty I should break up with Jed, even if I didn’t have feelings for another person I should break it off, it wasn’t fair to anyone and I wasn’t doing myself any favors.

And yet there was still some part of me that was tentative, the dreamer in me that loved those books of where the invisible girl meets the schools jock and she’s capable of changing his ways, gaining his attention. Sadly enough that was what the little voice had said to me that in the end made me say yes to Jed when he asked me out on a date. I hated that little voice and yet at the same time I loved how I could dream and long, it was the let down and the reality I hated in the end. I hated how the little voice made me believe to only be wounded as reality hit me hard as I found myself left utterly alone and cold instead of protected and loved by my own personal Prince Charming. That was the downfall of romance novels, it made you believe in Princes Charmings and it was that very thing that was making me hold onto Jed, that little voice telling me to be patient and he’ll turn into the prince I’ve always wanted.

In the end though it was obvious in what I had to do, it just didn’t mean that it was going to go easy for me, I wasn’t one for confrontations and playing the bad guy.

***

The game ended with everyone clapping and cheering for our home town’s team, the winners whilst the opposition teams trudged begrudgingly back to their vehicles baring the loss of the game and disappointment.

It was now dark and the field lights were shining brightly as Mel and I let the main flux of the crowd leave so we could leave without bearing elbows to the ribs and trodden on toes. Besides, our car was right up the front of the parking lot, meaning our car was bound to be trapped in for quite some time anyways.

We sat in the stands as the air grew to hold a nip to it, the both of us giggling and gossiping as the area around us was utterly deserted but very distantly we could hear the distant echoes of the guys cheering and I swear squealing in the sheds as they showered and wrapped the game up. It only bought Mel and I to laugh some more.

The majority of time though we spent our time talking and discussing the party that was on tonight at Corey’s house a couple blocks away from home, it was meant to be an amazing night and to be honest I was honestly looking forward to it. Although I wasn’t single I felt a lot freer and a huge weight lifted off my conscious and shoulders also. I didn’t have to worry about Jed’s watching gaze, his insistence to go to some stranger’s bedroom as his hands would wander, or just his plain arrogance and annoyance. Tonight I was free of all that and I couldn’t be more excited.

Once we finished up on discussion we decided it was time to go and get ready to head out to the party so we made our way to Mel’s car happily as we continued on with our banter. Reaching the car in all laughter and smiles I made my way around the car to the passenger side. Mel stood by the driver’s side as she rustled loudly through her handbag for her car keys.

Leaning against the passenger door I hummed happily to myself as I ran my index finger along the scar on the inside of my palm, as I listened to the crunch of feet on gravel and also the disgruntle sounds escaping Mel’s mouth as she basically shook the life out of handbag.

Maybe I should, the voice inside me contemplated a smile creeping up on my face just at the idea at ending it. Jed and I obviously viewed things differently and we had obviously grown apart. Everyone knew it and obviously Jed was thinking similar as the more we fought the fewer messages I had in my inbox and the less nice they were any evidence. Yet the last major factor was that I didn’t care if I was happy and at the end of the day I’d be happier once free of Jed.

“Hey.” I jumped as I finally noticed the shadow that covered my palm as I traced.

Startled I glanced up to find a smiling Eli “Hey.” I whispered back brightly.

Looking over my shoulder I noticed Liam standing over beside Mel as they took out every individual item in her handbag as they tried to see in the dark.

“Oh, good win!” I congratulated him brightly as I gave him a pat on the shoulder as I smiled at him happily.

Eli chuckled “Yeah, we did good. Did you have fun?”

I stopped to ponder on that “Yeah, compared to other times, but I had a great night. You guys played great.” I said smiling happily as I spoke the truth and Eli smiled happily back at me.

Pausing I threw over my shoulder to the other two “I hope you didn’t lock the keys inside the car Mel.” As they still scratched around.

I looked back up smiling at Eli to see him look down at my hand where my fingers were running over my palm. Eli, frowning, reached down and picked up my hand and ran his finger along the length of the scar causing me to tremble. “Ez, what did you do?”

I smiled faintly “Remember that time we were playing murder in the dark?” I asked of him.

He frowned at me until realization came across his features “Yeah, that time we jumped over the fence you mean?” he asked a small smile on his face lightening his serious, anxious face.

I nodded smiling “That very one. Well that was the mark the fence left.” I said as I thought back onto that awesome night.

“Gosh Ez I am so sorry, I knew I shouldn’t have even made you try that in the first time.” He said his tone full of guilt and worry that it was just so adorable I wanted to hug him. I loved how overprotective he could be, like another version of Liam.

“Eli it’s okay, don’t stress it wa-“ I began laughing lightly.

My words came up short though when I felt the feel of Eli’s thumb gliding along the scar as he pulled it up closer to his face and with a raw intense he placed his lips to the scar, holding my eyes the entire time. The action alone made me blush and quake with a burning feeling of desire as I held his gaze, a deep feeling of passion being exchange.

“Fuck!” Liam and Mel cursed at the exact same time loudly breaking the moment.

I looked around frantically my hands sliding out of Eli’s hands “Guys!” I protested worrying that someone could hear it, even young kids.

“Erin the keys are in the car!” Mel cried a look of frustration and utter guilt flashing across her face. “Sorry.” She basically whimpered like a puppy.

I laughed, shrugging it off “It’s totally okay, we can fix this.” I said pondering. “We can just walk back to yours to get eh spare keys than come back and drive back to mine than head over to Corey’s. Simple.” I said brightly with a shrug.

“Or,” Liam began with something I’d say was a devious smile “Eli and you drive home, Eli can drive his car,” he said sending a look my way “than I'll drive Mel over in our car to hers to get her spare keys than we’ll come back, then I'll follow Mel back to her house so she can leave her car and then I’ll take her with me back to home and then we can all head over to Corey’s.” he declared his plan fitting.

I didn’t even hesitate with answering that “Alright.” I said waving as I looked to Eli.

I couldn’t complain because not only did I have time alone with Eli but I was perfectly fine with leaving Liam and Mel alone, I was perfectly happy if not smug at the idea of those two being alone together with the chance of getting buddy buddy.

“My cars over here.” Eli murmured softly with a gesture.

***

“Ez, are you okay?” Eli asked softly as he drove us back home in his car, the smell of him gladly intoxicating me that I felt like I had already had some alcohol.

Looking up dazed like probably some high hippie I blinked before replying “Uh, yeah. I'm just lost in thought.” I admitted with a weak laugh.

Eli smiled faintly at me before turning back to face the road as he hummed softly, his fingers tapping on the top of the steering wheel making me to smile happily at the sight. He was just so cute.

Realization dawned on me of something I had to tell Eli “Uh, actually Eli, I’ve got to apologize.” I said looking down feeling small and ashamed, looking like a little kid told off.

“For…..?” he dragged out slowly, a frown on his face.

My hands fidgeted nervously in my lap “For what you witnessed the other day at lunch and than in the shop, you know the whole Jed thing. I was acting awfully, I wouldn’t have looked anything friendly, it was ugly.” I murmured quickly.

“It’s not me you should feel sorry for.” He said in a soft whisper. “You should feel sorry for Jed. Because he doesn’t realize what an amazing thing he has.”

My brain ran over what he said, over and over again until I was certain I at least understand slightly what he meant.

Finally looking up I said softly “It isn’t amazing.” He looked over at me sharply about to protest for my benefit “No, seriously.” I said. “What we have it is rubbish now. It’s all crumbled.”

Eli paused for a few moments as he pulled into my house’s driveway “So what do you do?” e asked in a whisper.

I sighed sadly “Either you sweep up the mess, or you try and put it back together again.”

As I reached for the door handle Elis stopped me “Ez?” he began softly, tentatively as if he was just waiting for me to cry “If you want to, you know, talk….” He trailed off.

I smiled weakly “I'm okay.”

With that I quickly made a dash inside so I could get to the bathroom. We still had some time ‘till the others got back and we went to Corey’s party, which wouldn’t be getting fully started really just yet so we were in no rush.

Eli I knew would easily make himself at home, and probably go dump his clothes and such back in Liam’s room for when he stayed the night. Both Eli and Mel were staying the night as the party would end early next morning and our house was the closest. Mel I knew would take the spare bedroom and Eli would chivalrously take the fold out lounge.

I had though made such a drastic attempt in getting out of the car not because I badly needed to go to the toilet but the only factor was I felt uncomfortable talking to Eli about my boyfriend whilst it was him I had the feelings for. It just didn’t sit well with me at all.

Five minutes later I found myself out by the fire pit in our backyard garden with a book reading with the help of the blaze of the fire which I had to stock up with wood and light. I was nestled in one of the backyard seats having finally found a comfortable spot and nestled in. snuggling into the arms of the seat I began to read happily and contently wanting to finish this book really soon so I could start a new one that I received recently in the mail.

After only a couple pages a soft voice spoke up from behind me “There you are.”

I jumped; the chair toppled and I reached out to steady myself, my hands curling around the burning hot metal pit rims. It took a moment to realize and another for the pain to kick in. pressing my lips tightly together with a soft hiss I pulled back and sat in my seat shaking my hand out in attempt to pitifully cool it.

“Oh shit, Ez.” Eli cried softly racing to take the chair next to me and moving it in closer to my side.

I took a deep breath biting back a whimper, it helped as I shook my head fighting back tears and being strong. It wasn’t badly burnt it was just the sear of it that was causing such a reaction mixed with the shock.

“Here.” He cooed taking my hand in his two soft and beautifully cool hands carefully, treating me like glass. Looking down at my palm he sighed softly “Oh Ez.”

I had to admit, it didn’t hurt as much now. Not with his beautifully cool touch and the fact in general that Eli was holding my hand! I felt like I was about to let out a girlishly squeal like in the movies. My heart kicked up a gear and it was then that I realized that this is what it felt like when you held the hand of the one you liked.

“It’s okay,” I said soothingly, trying to ease the tension “my pain doesn’t hurt anyone else.” I said looking up at him smiling.

My smile vanished as I noticed Eli staring directly at me and not my hand. I had frozen with fear but also longing. My eyes fell down onto his lips and my body was all of a sudden ten times more sensitive, so his touch was fastening my heart and my breathing hitched. So slowly Eli’s hands left my burnt hand, that hand falling into my lap. Eli’s hands reached up and slowly and ever so softly cupped my face. My face began to tingle as his thumb stroked one of my cheeks. I hadn’t noticed but Eli’s and my heads were growing closer. His eyes were on my lips, ever so softly he bought my face forward so now I could feel his breath hitting my lips making me shiver as I let go a shaky breath.

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” He whispered his voice gravelly, our lips inches apart and my breath stuck in my throat. My eyes automatically close shut, waiting longingly for it….

“Guys?”

I jumped my head instantly turning to the side as Eli’s lips fell against my cheek and a small smile crept along my lips although I blushed scarlet.

Scrambling up onto my feet I ran over towards the gate at the side of my house where Mel’s voice had come from. Seeing her I saw her try to act cool but I could see the bubble of excitement within her, I could basically see the inner girl within her jumping up and down squealing.

Seeing me she smiled trying to act indifferent “C’mon, lets head out to that party.”

The previous moment shared between Eli and I left my mind, suddenly I was a lot more curious as to what had happened since Eli and I had left Mel and Liam alone, obviously, it was something good.

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