That Four Letter Word

L is for Luck

Summer 2013

"Run better run, outrun my guuuun," Connor screamed at the top of his lungs to Pumped up Kicks driving down the beach as I stared at him with a grin.

"You know that song is about a kid shooting up a school, right?" I pointed out seeing his shock expression as we made eye contact. "EYES ON THE ROAD CONNOR!" He swerved back, laughing nervously from almost hitting the median.

"Oopsie, uh no, I didn't. I love this song, and now you made it depressing. Thanks a lot, Mae Mae." I gave a sweet smile, muttering a 'your welcome.

We were headed to the part of the beach lined with volleyball nets. We all decided to start the summer off with as many hangouts with senior year approaching. I was honestly impressed that Connor had this whole game plan each weekend on how to spend it. Most of us got a summer job for the weekdays and some weekends, but we decided to somehow make the time for each other.

He pulled into the parking lot, seeing multiple cars we recognized. I smiled seeing Jo leaning up with her new flavor of the week, Presley. He was a basketball player with a thing for bubbly blondes. He gave off player vibes, but Jo paid no mind, only interested in a fun summer anyway. Lewis was moving a volleyball from hand to hand while talking with Marcel and another guy who I think was a sophomore. Lewis turned waving as Connor and I got out, "Aye the Con-man and Carrot have finally arrived." I walked over, pinching his n****e at the nickname, watching as he doubled over in pain. "Damn okay okay can't you be nice to me Caro?"

I leaned down at eye level, giving him a sarcastic, close eyed smile, "never." I stood up inching toward Marcel, whose arm wrapped around my shoulders. After prom, we went on a couple of dates, enjoying one another's company. His family enjoyed our new relationship, as did mine. He wasn't pushy and never pressured me into anything I wasn't prepared for. We did share a few kisses and small heated makeout sessions, though. He was a good kisser, and I felt weird at first knowing I only pecked Oakley Kent's lips once in the dark.

"You look good, Maeve," Marcel whispered in my ear before kissing my temple. We heard a bike revving and turned to see our very own Oakley Kent pull up on a motorcycle. He never seemed to be into them, so we were all curious. His helmet came off, and a huge dark bruise was apparent on his face. "Guess he got in another fight. That dude is nothing but a body of aggression." That was the only flaw in Marcel. He really didn't like Oakley. I mean... I didn't care for him either, but it was like every time Oakley was around, Marcel couldn't help talk bad about him.

"Dude, tell me the other guy looks worse," Connor did some weird bro shake with Oakley, who placed his helmet and keys in the back of Connor's Jeep. He stripped his shirt which my eyes went down before sneaking a peek. I thought his face was bad, but his back was covered on marks. "Jesus christ, Kent. You fell down stairs or wreck or somethin?" We all walked over in concern now, but Marcel tugged my hand pulling me back a few steps.

"I got in an argument. No big deal." The way he spoke, he tried to brush the conversation off. His eyes met mine before lowering to the hand I was holding. "Let's play some ball, huh?"

We were all set up now in bathing suits hitting the ball over the net. Marcel, Jo, Presley and I on one side and Lewis, Connor, Oakley and the sophomore kid, Nick. We were currently winning and I was feeling cocky as it was my turn to serve. When I did, I hit Marcel right in the back of the head. There was a movement of silence before everyone started laughing.

"Damn you really are a true athlete, Maeve," Connor screamed from over the net, receiving the bird in return.

Lewis chimed in aswell, "I know Marcel gonna need an ice pack after that. Why'd you hit it so hard?"

I ran over to Marcel holding my hands to the hands that gripped his head. He seemed a bit dramatic since volleyballs don't hurt that bad. Earlier the Nick kid hit me in the face and it wasn't all that bad. "Are you... okay?" Marcel sucked his teeth giving me a thumbs up. I scoffed a bit at the gesture and went to the cooler grabbing some ice in a towel.

"He's a real p***y, ya know?" I looked up to Jo and Oakley standing together.

"Jo you're the one who gets excited when we're together." I deadpanned looking at Marcel who glared in the direction of Oakley. "Maybe I hit it too hard. Who knows?"

"Nah, Jo is right. Guys a pussy." I glared at Oakley who glared back in his direction. "Dump him."

"Uh no. It's the first relationship I've had. He treats me well. Just because you guys don't like him doesn't mean anything..." once the words came I noticed Jo's face harden. "Wait Jo I didn't mean it like tha-" She walked over to Presley pulling his hand to walk with her in the sand.

"Nice going, Caro." Oakley shook his head staring at me before dropping his gaze to the black bikini I wore. My cheeks flushed and I moved making my way to Marcel.

"Took you long enough. What the hell is Kent wanting? He's looking at you in a way that makes me wanna give him another black eye." I placed the ice to his head which he hissed taking it from me and doing the same to himself. "You gonna answer or what?"

"I- he... he was just making sure you were okay," I lied feeling my chest tighten. He didn't seem to buy it and looked toward where Oakley joined the other boys. "Oaks just a friend, Marcel."

"Thought you didn't like the guy. Which is it Maeve? I don't want you around him. He looks like he wants to f**k you. It's pissing me off. You're mine." I thought hearing that would make my heart flutter but all it made me feel was a sense of dread. "Maeve... I really like you." His fingers touched mine and he pulled me in for a kiss. His hand dropped squeezing my ass a bit taking me by surprise. My bottoms were already tight and the squeeze caused more flesh to show. I pushed him slightly embarrassed while he started kissing my neck. This was too much. We were infront of all our friends.

"Marcel.. not here," I muttered watching as he glared up at me. I swallowed nervously fixing my bikini and fidgeting with hair.

"Whatever. Let's just go walk the pier," he took my hand as we walked over to put our sandals on. It felt like Marcel always wanted to be alone with me, but I think I'm starting to realize he's isolating me. I'm not oblivious to these things. I watch enough Lifetime movies with my parents to see the red flags. He had his good moments, but more behaviors that were unquestionable became apparent. "Look, I just don't like how you and Jo are always surrounded by guys. I get that y'all have been friends for years, but you gotta understand it's weird. I don't really know if you've hooked up with any of them. Like you might be lying Maeve. Are you really a virgin?"

My hand pulled away as I stared at his dominant figure. Arms crossed and chest puffed out waiting on an answer like I was the problem.

"You gotta be f*****g kidding me... Marcel you really don't trust me at all," I harshly let out. I turned around beginning to walk feeling a harsh tug on my wrist. "Let go!"

"Maeve look I'm sorry, baby. I'm just jealous of your relationship with the guys. Oakley keeps staring at you and it's getting on my nerves." I glared back at him.

"I DON'T WANT OAKLEY. I WANT YOU, YOU DUMB i***t," I yelled. Strangers and my own friends heard the loud outburst and I huffed yanking my arm free. "I'm going home." I walked grabbing my things and dressing as I began walking. I honestly couldn't believe I was going to try walking all the way home from where I was at, but I was determined to make space between us.

"Maeve! Maeve!" I heard yelling seeing Connor shirtless driving next to me holding up traffic in his jeep. "Get in!" I watched as he stopped letting me in and speeding off. Oakley was in the backseat arms spread watching my tense expression. "What the f**k happened? Dude. Marcel is pissed. He came over cursing us out and dipping with Nick. Says we are bad influence on you like he's your dad." I shivered looking out the side toward the beach feeling my throat tightening.

"He doesnt... he doesn't really like you guys. Maybe Lewis but he thinks I'm lying a-about being a virgin and all kinds of other shit." My voice was quiet so I didn't even know if they heard me over the loud wind

"He's a f*****g joke," Connor said his voice low. I looked over seeing a serious expression. "We love you Maeve. We will always believe you. You don't need someone to make you feel so insecure and incontrollable of your emotions. f**k that guy. I thought Marcel was a chill dude, but he's another insecure guy. I hated seeing him grope you like that. I know you hate PDA and even if you never do it... just was uncalled for. I'm always here for you. Oak too even though he pretends he's too cool for us." Oakley scoffed in the backseat before leaning between our seats.

"I am too cool for you guys."

I couldn't help laugh and the laughs turned into sobs which resulted in two very different hands rubbing to console me. "What am I gonna do now?"

"Dump his ass." I looked up to expect Oakley just being a smart ass, but he was completely serious. Connor nodded in agreement. "Actually gimme your phone. I'll do it."

"Uh... no I can do it." I mumbled pulling my phone out. I was surprised at the 17 text messages received from 'My Marcel <3' and a few missed calls.

He pretty much blew up angry then apologized and then angry to saying we should talk. I breathed in deeply pressing the call button.

"Hello, Maeve? Where are you? I'm coming to get you right now. You're so stupid walking off like that. You could have gotten kidna-" I glared through the front window drowning out his complaining.

"I'm fine. Connor and Oakley picked me up. They said you left first. If you cared enough you would've drove to get me, but no you didn't. Connor held traffic up just to get me in the car, but you had time to insult and get angry at all my friends? You always seemed like the nice guy. Really... I tho- I thought I was falling in love with you." My chest tightened and I could feel a pair of eyes burning the back of my head. "I've never experienced a relationship ever Marcel. Being with you made me realize what... what it's like to have a boyfriend, but you just couldn't help be upset over the bond I have with my FRIENDS. Your jealousy of Connor and Oakley is honestly so pathetic. I show no interest in them whatsoever, but every chance you get you try and degrade my friends, mostly Oak. We are over. Done. I'm breaking up with you."

"Maeve, wai-" I hung up feeling the tears stream down my face as the phone began to buzz with an incoming call. Connor grabbed the phone and placed it on his lap before reaching out holding my hand.

"Damn..." Oakley muttered in the backseat realizing how I actually felt for Marcel. Connor just looked in his rear view giving Oak a look that made him even shutup. Connor never got serious unless it came to Maeve.

"Maeve, wanna spend the night?" Connor asked pulling into the driveway of my place. "Lil bestie sleepover like we used to?"

I looked over shaking my head only wanting to lay in bed and cry. He handed me my phone and Oakley jumped in the front seat as I got out.

"Hey Caro," he called and I stared back at the bruised face wanting my attention. "You'll be okay." Connor was even shocked Oakley tried to comfort knowing in the past our heated fights and middle fingers thrown were always what made us stay away from one another. I nodded before heading in.

"Oh lord... Maeve what happened?" My mom looked at my state and held me close. She listened as I explained everything and told me how teenage boys just suck. We decided a relaxing spa day and some Say Yes to the Drwss would cheer me up. My dad came home when the sun set and we gave him the news not going into full detail. He was happier knowing no man was taking his Maeve away now. He couldn't help wanna keep his baby girl just that for a little while longer.

Late night I huddled under the blanket scrolling through pinterest at cute outfits when I felt a buzz.

Oakley Bitch

How you holding up?

Maeve Caro

I'm fine.

Oakley Bitch

You're a s**t liar.

Look I wanted to just check on you.

My chest tightened at the confession. He was worried.

Maeve Caro

I stopped crying. Mom helped me out a lot.

Oak what happened to you? Really...

Oakley Bitch

Aw, Caro. You worried about little ole me?

It's nothing, really.

Maeve Caro

Doesn't look like nothing. Are things good?

At home?

Oakley Bitch

Maeve, I'm glad you're feeling better.

Goodnight.

I sighed knowing something wasn't right, but there was no need to distract my mind with other people's problems while I still need to emotionally deal with my own. I logged onto f*******: changing my profile picture and relationship status before deleting the few pictures I had with Marcel off both f*******: and insta. This summer I wanted to change. A good change. Something that would make me feel lucky.

***

Lewis was close with Marcel making the whole outburst at the beach unreal for him. He hooked us up and now he's watching the past months as Marcel emotionally manipulated me into feeling isolated. He felt so guilty that after everyone headed home from the beach he made his way to Marcels. As soon as he opened the door he laid a punch on his face which resulted in an all out brawl between the two former friends.

Lewis was thrown down and handcuffed while Marcel was let off since he was on his own property.

The gang had no idea until a few days later when Lewis made the announcement at Oakley's Beach house by the pool.

"Lewis.. you didn't have to do that," I whispered my heart swelling as I reached my hand out grabbing his.

"Maeve... I known you longer and... you didn't deserve that," His voice was shakey. I could tell he was still upset about the arrest. "Coach kicked me off the team too. Said he doesn't want some hoodlum on his court." My head bowed as I felt like it was all my fault. "It's my fault for hooking yall up in the first place. He seemed like a solid guy."

"It's not your fault at all!" The others agreed. Jo was still giving me the cols shoulder, but I could tell this whole situation brought us all closer again.

"Well.. how about we get drunk?" Oakley clapped his hands disappearing into the house before reappearing with liquor and a case of beer.

We all took our drinks and I was a bit nervous since I wasn't experienced compared to the others. I stuck to a beer sipping on it until I got used to the taste. Connor and I were in the pool leaned against the wall once I was on my third. I felt light and couldn't help the cheerful mood I was in. Jo seemed to stick to Lewis and Presley most of the night and it pained me. Oakley was currently drinking right out a bottle that was called Fireball. He came sitting next to me with his feet in the water, obviously drunk.

"Wanna sip?" He tilted the bottle spilling some in the pool with a grin. I looked nervously at the bottle and decided a sip one hurt.

I lied. It burned so badly going down I was coughing up a storm as Kent was cackling at my expression. I chugged my beer down to cover the taste which I realized might have been a bad idea. Things were getting hazy and I muttered about laying down somewhere.

Most of the night was a blur but I was moved onto the bed in Oakley's room dressed in dry clothes. Jo appeared on the side of the bed making sure I was still alive. "She's fine. Just let her sleep it off..." She stood up talking to Connor. "I'm crashing in the guest room with Presley and maybe Lewis too... if I'm lucky." Connor nodded looking at my sleeping figure and down to the floor a starfished Oakley drooling with a bottle still in hand.

I woke up to a dark room and moved my feet to the floor feeling something squishy. "Maeve that's my cheek. Get your gross toes off me." I snorted rubbing them more still feeling the tingle on my tongue. I was lightheaded and everything seemed so funny. A hand gripped my ankle and I found myself sprawled out on the floor with Oakley hovering over me. "You're in my clothes..." I looked down seeing that someone changed me. "Looks good," he slurred leaning down laying his head on my chest. I breathed in deeply before relaxing myself. Fingers thread through his head as he hummed in approval. A hand began inching up under my shirt the fingertips causing a shiver to run from head to toe. "So soft... f**k you're always so soft..." My shirt raised now showing my stomach off which was soon littered with wet kisses down to my hip causing a gasp to escape. "You sound cute like that, Caro", the tease in his voice was enough to wake me up. I sat up watching him pout and do the same.

"What are you doing?" I mumbled feeling him scoot closer his face so close to mine.

"Not thinking for a while... wanna try? It can just be kissing if you want," his lips brushed mine like a tease that only my answer could make reality.

I nodded which resulted in a soft sound of disapproval from his tongue. "Use your words, princess."

Oh. My stomach fluttered and I felt a whole new meaning to being attracted to words. "Yes, I wanna try, Oakley," my voice was so shy but I could see the white of his teeth shine in a grin even in the darkness of the room.

"Good girl, Maeve."

His lips pressed mine slowly and I felt him wrap his arms around me pulling us up onto the bed. I sank back my hair fanning out as he crawled ontop spreading my legs for him to settle. I've had only heated makeout sessions with Marcel but the way Oakley kiss was like he was hungry and starved for my lips. His tongue glided against mine so affectionately that my chest raised so I could just get closer. I wanted to fill him against me, and I absolutely did. I've felt a b***r on my leg before but this was grinding against my shorts in a way that had me wrapping my legs around his waist to feel more. He groaned in my mouth knowing how I was feeling, but didn't push any further. The chilled room began heating up as our pants and body pressed against one another. No words just sloppy kisses and soft moans were heard and I couldn't actually believe what I was doing. Kent aggravated me to no end but here I was using him for some kind of release.

His fingers slid up over my shirt rubbing my n****e through the fabric causing a tingling feeling down below. He grinding with each rub and pinch causing me to whimper. He seemed like a pro knowing exactly where to touch to set me off. "May I?" He asked tugging at my shirt. I was nervous but nodded and felt him raise my shirt until my n*****s hardened from the cold temperature of the room. The hot and cold had my senses on alert and soon the cool air of the room was warmed by the flat of his tongue. A gasp left my throat as I tried to look down at the work he was doing. He seemed so focused while I wasn't focused enough. I wanted to watch. I wanted to be able to see him. His leg raised and I felt that pressure on my c**t return as my body began moving on its on.

Oakley Kent had my breast in his mouth while I was humping his thigh. I never thought I'd see the day.

"Mmm make yourself c*m Caro. I know Marcel never could.." I was surprised he even thought Marcel and I even got this far, but I wasn't going to stroke his ego with this knowledge. I did as he said and circled my hips until I found the perfect rhythm pushing me closer to the edge.

"Oak..." I whispered my arms wrapping around him as he began tugging my buds with his teeth. That was it. Two tugs and I was exploding on this man's legs. My body shook and his tongue flattened out making sure the sensation edged me on.

"f**k Maeve... that was hot," he said looking down at me. "Can.. can I touch? I'm just curious how wet you got from that." I was so flustered from what happened and nodded feeling his hand stroke the outside of my now soaked short. He muttered a f**k before slipping his hand through the hole of my shorts the back of his hand stroking down to feel the slick he created. He rubbed a few times enjoying my reaction before pulling out and cleaning his hand. He wanted to do more, but felt that was pushing whatever was going on. He laid next me and our breathing calmed down.

"My dad hits me."

I turned onto my back looking at him. All I could do is wrap my arms around him while he buried his face into the shirt I was wearing.