Chapter 9: I wondered how she always made her lips taste like that

Charlie:

I don't feel like getting up from my bed, after the party and me rejecting Hannah's advances, I just felt like shit. I got slightly drunk, not as drunk as Max which explained his behavior with Hannah. I should have kicked his ass for almost assaulting my girlfriend, but his hangover is probably worse than mine so I'm happy for that. I looked for Hannah but she left and I got worried so I texted her but she didn't answer. I thought she was pissed at me but she texted me this morning that she was fine and took a cab home. I would have taken her home but I didn't want to risk it. I need to plan something with her soon like a getaway just the two of us soon.

I heard my alarm ringing but realize that today is Saturday and I didn't set my alarm to the ringtone 'Magic' by B.O.B. Shit, it's my phone. I picked it up and see that it's Austin, "hello?"

"Dude, get up! We're going to the mall," he said.

"What's the reason?" I asked propping myself up with my elbows.

"Because my cousin is in town and I have to show her around. You remember Raven right? She's been asking about you since she came here." Oh, Raven I thought to myself. She was his younger cousin, a year younger, and lived in Florida; she visits here from time to time since she was seven. A brunette with green eyes and very skinny. she had the biggest crush on me but I never felt that way about her because she's very talkative and young. She's very nice and cute but just kinda seemed desperate to me. I groaned in frustration, telling him I'll meet him there. Showering and putting on jeans and blue plaid shirt, I decided to skip breakfast and eat at the mall.

Heading downstairs, seeing my dad on the couch. I told him that I was going to the mall with Austin, he responded with a 'don't stay out too late.'

***

Arriving minutes later at the mall Austin texted me that him and Raven at Banana Republic. I started browsing the shops then I saw Austin with the familiar brunette by his side and bags in her hands. "Hey, man I thought you weren't coming."

"I wasn't but I thought what the hell. Hey Raven" I waved at her and she gave me a toothy smile, still looked the same, just more tanned.

"I missed you, Charlie!" She ran to me and gave me a tight hug.

"How have you been?" I asked, still in her embrace.

"So good! I'm only here for this weekend so I'll just make the best of it." she let go finally, and started to check me out with stars in her eyes.

"Rae, where else do you want to check out?" Austin asked.

"Let's go to Macy's!" She exclaimed.

"NO WAY! That place smells like perfume, and if Ally finds out that I smell liked it, she will either think I'm cheating again or why didn't I buy her a bottle." Austin ranted.

"Where is Ally anyway?" I asked.

"I don't know, she didn't tell me. I'm going to Foot Locker; you guys meet me at the food court." He said tired, turning to my right to Raven who was grinning widely. "Let's go" she grabbed my hand and linked it with hers. We walked inside, looking through the makeup section. The powerful scents in the air was overpowering but smelled good at the same time. Maybe I can get something for Hannah; she always smelled liked raspberries and lips tasted like cherries when we kissed. I wondered how she always made her lips taste like that.

"So, are still playing any sports?" Raven asked breaking out of my thoughts.

"Swimming."

"How long have you been a swimmer?"

"Since my freshman year."

"That's so awesome, you're so awesome." Awesome, that's the only word that she always called me. She giggled and I laughed quietly, she started making her way to the jeans and I followed her. "Louis," She said happily and I turned and saw the guy she said it to, with Hannah. Why is she here with him?

"Raven, hi what's up?"

"You're shopping here?" she asked him.

"Just browsing with my friend Hannah" he put his arm around him and she smiled, looking at me. Anger just boiled through my veins but I had to keep my cool so no one would find out. Raven introduced him to me and we shook hands, me forcing myself not to yank his arm off Hannah. "How do you two know each other?" I asked.

"I know him from Florida, we used to go to the same school and date," she blushed at him and he gave a small smile. I looked over to Hannah who was avoiding my eye contact, and he still has his arm around her. He really needs to take his fucking hand off.

"So" Raven drawled out "is she your new girlfriend?" she pointed at Hannah, wiggling her eyebrows.

"I just met him like last week. I'm basically his tour guide for school, just friends," Hannah frantically spilled out.

"But we can get there soon," Louis said with a smug smile and Hannah looked away nervously.

"You guys go to school with Charlie?" She asked and we all nodded. There was an awkward silence for a while, only playing the music in the store.

"Well, I need to find my friend," Hannah started to say but she pulled out her phone. "Found her. Louis, if you want to stay here and catch up with Raven you can. I'll meet you at the food court."

"No, I can go with you. Linda's there?" She nodded at his question. What the hell is going on with these two? "We gotta go; it's good seeing you Raven. Are you here for just the weekend?" Louis asked her.

"Yeah, I'm leaving Sunday night." She responded with a shrug.

"Oh, well okay. Let's go Hannah." He gestured and she said okay.

"Nice meeting you, Raven. Bye Charlie." She gave me a small but sad smile and left with Louis. Crap, the first time I see her since Friday and she's with the new guy.

"She's really pretty." Raven chimed.

"Yeah." I simply said.

"Have you guys dated before?" She asked as we exited Macy's.

"No. Why would you ask that?" I questioned, how did she figure that out?

"I had a feeling seeing you two, it seemed you have a past or something with her. The way she looked at you before she left, I just assumed you dated or something." She shrugged and pulled me out of the store.