Page 3 of On Broken Wings

“Of course.” I closed my eyes as I sucked in a deep breath and blew it out my nose. “Fine.” I reached for my track pants, and pulled them on over the leo. “Let’s go. I’m exhausted.” I grabbed my gym bag off the floor, tossed it over my shoulder, and started walking towards the exit. I could hear Darrin laughing as he jogged to keep up with me.

“You know, for someone who claims to be tired, you sure are moving fast.” He panted as he caught up to me at his car. “After you.” He motioned for me to get in.

“I want to get this studying done so I can go home and get to bed. Where are we studying tonight?” I buckled my seatbelt before turning to face him.

“I was thinking my house.” His brows rose like he was testing my feelings on the subject.

“Sure. Let’s go.” I shrugged. The drive wasn’t long, but when we pulled up the lights to the house were off. “Why’s it dark?” I scanned the garage.

“They aren’t home.” He cut the engine.

“When are they coming home?” I swallowed.

“Friday. Dad had a business trip, and Mom went with him. What?” He sighed as he flung his hands in the air. “I’m seventeen, Jen. I can stay here for three days by myself.”

“Funny how you conveniently left that part out when you mentioned studying here tonight.” I shoved the door open, and climbed out. After grabbing my backpack out of the backseat, I started walking toward the front door. I tugged at my leotard as I climbed the steps.

“You know,” he leaned next to my ear when he caught up to me, “you look really hot in that.” I sighed as I lifted my backpack higher on my shoulder and he opened the door. “Want anything to drink?” He flicked a few lights on as he weaved through the family room and into the kitchen.

“I’m good, thanks.” I sat down and pulled my chemistry book out.

“Suit yourself,” he called from somewhere around the corner. I heard the fridge open and shut before his footsteps grew closer. “Are we really going to study tonight?” He flopped down beside me and flung his arm over the back of the couch.

“Yes,” I grumbled. “We have a test to prepare for.”

“But we have an empty house, Jen.” He sighed as he leaned forward and set his can of soda on the coffee table in front of us. “Don’t you want to take advantage of that?” His voice lowered as he leaned in, and gripped my book that was sitting in my lap.

“Darrin,” I warned without looking him in the eye.

“Just for a minute,” he murmured as he cupped my chin, and moved closer. His lips brushed across mine as his palm slid to the back of my head, holding me in place.

I tried to remember that I was there to study, that this was just going to be one kiss, that Darrin didn’t have ulterior motives, but I failed miserably. Before I knew it, he had maneuvered us so I was lying on my back and he was leaning over me. His knee was between my legs, and he was attempting to pull the top of my leo down.

“Darrin, stop.” I broke the kiss and pushed on his chest. “Stop.”

He groaned as he sat back and scrubbed his palms down his face. His breathing was labored, and he was sporting a significant erection. “Really, Jen? You’re really gonna stop us now?” he growled as he attempted to rein in his frustration with me. “I thought…ugh.” He stood up and walked away, only to come right back.

“You thought that if we came here, and your parents weren’t here that I’d change my mind. Am I close?” I tugged at the shoulder of my leo as I started packing my books back up.

“It’s been two years. We’ve been together for two years.” He turned to face me. “You know I haven’t been with anyone. I don’t know what else to do to get you to trust me.” He flung his arms in the air and sighed.

“It’s not about trusting you.” I stood and flung my backpack over my shoulder. “It’s about me telling you that it’s never gonna happen. Can you take me home now?”

“Don’t you love me?” He grabbed his keys and started walking toward the door.

“Yes, Darrin. I love you,” I murmured. “Loving you isn’t the problem.”

He held the door for me as we went back outside. Once he locked up, he rushed to get in and crank the engine. As we drove the short drive to my house, we sat in silence. I thought things couldn’t get much worse until we parked in my driveway and Darrin decided to twist the knife a little deeper.

“I think maybe you should start walking to school again.” He stared out the windshield, refusing to look my way.

“What?” I paused with my hand on the door.

“I think maybe we should take a break too.” He continued to stare.

“Are you breaking up with me?” My lip trembled as tears welled in my eyes. “Over sex?” My voice was a mix of anger, confusion, and hurt.

“Yeah, I guess I am.” He jerked his head in a nod, still refusing to look at me. “We want different things, Jen. I need to move on to someone who wants me, and doesn’t want to play games.” He shrugged as that last part fell from his lips. It was like it was no big deal. The last two years had meant nothing. I meant nothing.

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