Page 20 of The NemeSis
“Yes!” Mom speaks up. “Let’s get a family photo. Everyone get close.”
We all turn to face the photographer. “Let’s squeeze in a little more. Why don’t you,” he points to me, “move over here.” I move to where he points. “Birthday girl in the middle.” He lifts the camera, and the flash goes off. “Everyone smile. And one more. Perfect.”
“Thank you. Let’s make sure we get a mix of posed and candid.” My mother speaks up.
“Yes, ma’am.” He walks away to continue taking photos.
My brother looks at his phone. I’m sure he’s staying updated on the girls. They’re with a babysitter for the night. Although, judging how antsy he looks, I don’t expect my brother or sister-in-law to be here much longer.
“We’ll leave right after dinner,” Daphne whispers to Apollo.
I silently chuckle to myself and Kyra glances at me then to the others and smiles.
“Let’s do the photo booth before you both sneak away.” Kyra takes Daphne’s hand and leads her to the corner of the room.
It’s not long before a line is forming at the booth, but it moves quickly. My eyes stay on Kyra as I watch her interact with everyone. Some I know, most I don’t. I assume they’re friends from school. She keeps a smile on her face that is contagious to everyone around her.
The buffet table is slowly covered with food, and everyone makes their way over to fix plates. A smaller table nearby has a large circular tower filled with cupcakes in various shades of pink with a few cream colored sprinkled in.
My brother and Daphne leave right after everyone sings happy birthday to Kyra. Mom and Arthur last another hour after that, partaking in some of the dancing and more of the photo booth with family friends that attended.
I keep to myself after the rest of the family leaves. My hand remains on my glass, even though I’ve barely drank any of it. I prefer to keep my head about me and then get Kyra home safe at the end of the party. I even drove Arthur’s car here so I wouldn’t have to worry about Kyra being able to hold on to me on the back of my bike.
That day has already replayed in my head more times than I care to admit. The feel of her body pressed against mine as she held on. Then the vision of her in my jacket. And out of my jacket. Her gorgeous body.
Even now, I watch as she dances on the lit-up floor with her best friend, Beth, and a few other girls who I’ve come to learn are also in the sorority. Several of them are sharing rooms here. Arthur reserved a few rooms for her friends to share for the evening before they all leave tomorrow. They’re all good-looking girls, but my eyes stay focused on Kyra.
The way her body moves and sways to the music. A smile that I want to bring out of her more. Eyes I want on me. Curves my fingers itch to dig into. Images flash in my mind that I have no business thinking, yet I’m unable to stop them.
I keep my face stoic, void of any emotion. It’s not until I notice Ryan join the dance floor that my teeth grind together. He attempts to dance with Kyra, but she brushes him off. He looks upset until she squeezes his hand and says something. I hesitate, waiting to see what happens next.
Ryan says something back to her and then they both leave the dance floor and start walking out of the room. I’m quick to follow, but keep back far enough so they don’t notice. They walk out towards the beach and I hear the commotion.
“I just wanted to dance with you.” Ryan raises his voice.
“I was dancing with my friends. What’s gotten into you?” Kyra crosses her arms.
“I came all this way to spend time with you and I feel like you’ve just blown me off. You’re such a fucking tease, Kyra.”
Kyra shakes her head. “What are you talking about?”
“We’ve been together for six months.”
“So, it was all about sex?”
“Clearly not.” He raises his voice again. “You don’t put out.” Ryan swerves slightly, as if the alcohol has gotten to him.
“If that’s all you cared about, you should’ve just said something.” Kyra rubs her arms. “We obviously care about different things. I cared about you, and you only cared about sex.”
Ryan shakes his head. “Forget it. I should’ve known you were just like the other girls your age. You only act mature, but you’re not. You’re just a little twenty-one-year-old tease. I need someone older, who isn’t afraid of commitment.”
Kyra sighs. “You’re right, I’m only twenty-one. Find someone you deserve.”
“Enjoy the rest of your party. We’re done and I’m out.” He raises his hands and storms away.
I duck into the shadows and watch him pass by. I watch him walk past the doorway, back into the garden room and toward the stairs. I don’t look back toward Kyra until I hear the sniffle as she slowly approaches.
“Jerk,” she mutters under her breath. A tear runs down her face and I can’t help but stop her.
