Page 50 of All Your Firsts

“Nowhere to run, sweet little Rosie,” Vic says as he kicks his legs up on my reclined chair, moving himself closer to me.

My only win for the night is hearing him groan as he realizes we’re watching The Notebook. However, no one mentions the heady feeling you get when a sex scene comes on and you’re sitting mere inches from the person you’re sexually attracted to. Because, yes, as I sit here next to him, I can’t deny that. His personality might be questionable and confusing, but his looks aren’t.

My thighs rubbed together more than once as I felt the pulsing ache between my legs, and my heart rate increased as I thought about us the other night.

The feeling of him touching me, rubbing me.

But I didn’t dare look over at Vic, who has somehow moved himself even closer to me throughout the movie. First his legs, then his arms. Before I can even comprehend it, he has taken over my chair more than his own. Our bodies press up against each other in a different way. A comforting way. One that has never been introduced to me. A way that if anyone looked at us,they’d think we were cuddling and enjoying the movie together as a couple.

To his credit, he keeps his eyes on the screen, content to sit beside me, and even gave me a tissue as I teared up at the end. Their love was unstoppable, unwavering, and it gets me every time.

Seven Years Ago

Dear Rush,

Hi, I’ve never written to anyone I didn’t know. Well, unless you count school. One year I had to write to a pen pal from a different school, but it ended pretty quickly once we figured out we had nothing in common. But you said you like to draw, so maybe we’re off to a good start.

It would be cool if you sent me something. I can send you something in return, although Papa tells me it’s a waste of time. I don’t think he likes my art very much. Mama does, though, so maybe you will, too? What else do you like to do?

Maybe we should keep this as our secret. I don’t want my brother getting mad at you.

Until I hear from you again,

Rosie

Twelve

Vic

“What the fuck is going on in here?” My voice erupts in a yell as I witness Rosie with her shirt pulled up and Samuel leaning over her while she lies on the piercing table.

“Nothing. Get out!” Rosie yells at me while Samuel looks like he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“Like hell.” I’m standing over Samuel before he has a chance to get out of my way.

“She was on the books, Vic,” Samuel says with his black-gloved hands up in surrender.

“Who put her on the books?”

“Guilty.” I look back and see Ax. “My debt is paid.”

“Yep. Good doing business with ya,” Rosie says with a smile.

“Get off the table.”

“I plan to in about five minutes. Right, Sam?” Rosie says as she looks over at him. When did she decide it was okay to abbreviate his name?

“Ah, right.”

“No, get up.”

“Vic, please.” I look at Rosie with those big, pleading eyes, and her plump bottom lip jutted out. I like this look on her.

“Fine.” Why the fuck should I care what she does with her body? “Watch where the fuck your hands go, Samuel.”

“Chill, Vic, you already told me. I gotta touch her to pierce her, though.”

“Well, get it done quick,” I say before I look back at her.

---