Page 44 of Sweet Girl
Chapter Fifteen
Kylah
It’s been twenty-four hours and I still haven’t heard back from Van.
In fact, since Tuesday night when I left his dorm, I have yet to hear from him.
I texted him last night to let him know my dad got me two tickets to the Twenty One Pilots concert as my Christmas present. I nearly jumped out of my shoes when I opened the gift box to find the tickets inside. I couldn’t wait to tell Van about it.
My enthusiasm has waned, though, since he hasn’t responded to my text. Kady’s patience has worn thin with me, too, as she scowls from the end of the couch where her laptop is propped on her lap.
“Stop fidgeting. You’re driving me crazy.”
I shift in my spot and put my heels underneath my butt. I’ve been trying to read the new book my mom bought me but my interest lies elsewhere.
It’s driving me absolutely crazy not hearing from Van. Maybe I’m deluding myself, but I really thought things were great between us. I mean, I practically dry-humped his brains out the other night and he gave me something no other guy has ever given me. So I suppose I shouldn’t complain. But I’m worried. Freaking out that he just used me and now is done with me.
My heart sinks in recognition of the despair I feel.
Kady warned me this could happen, but I didn’t believe her. “Van isn’t like that”, I told her, confident that he wasn’t like other guys and wouldn’t leave me hanging after we hooked up. I can tell she’s thinking it, but doesn’t want to rub it in by saying “I told you so.”
Now I feel like a complete and utter fool. What if we would have gone further the other night? I could’ve given him my virginity and never heard from him ever again. What a loser I am.
Now I’m just a broken-hearted virgin. One thousand times worse than just being a plain old virgin.
I guess I should be thanking him for not pressuring me to give it up. That’s what I don’t understand. When we’re together, he is sweet and considerate. He asked for my permission at every juncture. Other guys would never ask, they’d just assume and take. Unlike some of Cade’s other player friends, there is nothing about Van that screams ‘player’.
I reread this damn page for the third time and finally decide to just give it up, sighing loudly as I snap the book shut and toss it on the end table. Kady peers up over her laptop, eyebrows practically reaching her hairline.
“Speak.” She demands, closing the lid and stretching out her legs across the cushions, her toes touching my thighs.
“I think I did something wrong.”
Kady jumps up onto her knees on the cushions between us, slapping them in the process as I shift from the sudden movement. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Why the hell is that the first possible answer with you? Why would it have anything to do with what you’ve done or should’ve done? It’s all on him, Ky. He’s being the asshole if he’s ghosting you. If he’s too stupid to see what he has with you, then fuck him.”
It’s just like my sister to come to my defense. And I appreciate that. She always has my back. She’s right, too. I do always take on the responsibility of whatever goes wrong. It’s just part of my personality make-up. I can’t help who I am any more than she is who she is. Kady’s the lioness. And I’m the cowardly lion.
“Fuck him, who?” My brother chimes in, stepping in from the hallway adjacent to the family room.
We both respond simultaneously. “No one.”
Cade rolls his eyes facetiously, glancing from one to the other. “Riiiight.” He plops down between us. “So who’s having the boy problems? Maybe big brother can help.”
His arms go around our shoulders and he squeezes us into him, as we both try unsuccessfully to squirm out of his hold.
“Go away, Cade.” Kady says, shooing him with her hand. “You stink and you weren’t invited to this conversation.” She sniffs the air as if something rancid permeates it. She’s just being a brat. Cade smells fine.
“Oh come on...I smell awesome. And who better to give you boy advice than me? Let me have it...”
I tilt my head in his direction. He actually seems sincere for once and I’m a little in awe over his genuine offer.
Kady obviously doesn’t see it. “Why don’t you go make out with your girlfriend, already, and leave us alone.”
Cade takes it all in stride, removing his arm from her shoulder, but keeping it securely around mine. He knows where the love is.
His tone turns solemn. “Ainsley’s busy today. I can’t see her until later tonight.”
Oh, my poor brother. So in love with his girl and feeling neglected. Cue miniature violin solos.
