Blue Skin: Book One

Chapter 7

7

Solace Park is usually quiet once the sun has set; yet it’s the most perfect time to be here. Even though there’s a tiny chill in the air, nothing comes close to sitting on a blanket with your friends, and staring across at the vast green fields and high pine trees.

“When are they planning on shutting down the park?” I ask, taking the two-litre bottle of cider from Lisa.

“Not sure, babe,” Jason says, stubbing out his joint in the grass. “Soon, I think. Maybe in a couple of months.”

“I didn’t know that,” Katie says, the whites of her eyes now pink. She’s stoned. “Why?”

“Because of all the old mine-shafts,” Jason replies as he lies back on the blanket. “Council thinks they’re not safe anymore.”

“That’s not fair. Where the hell are we going to hang out then?” I swig the cider down like water, the taste reminding me of Tony’s breath. I shake off the vile thought and take another mouthful.

“Hey, slow down, Freya,” Katie says, sitting next to me with her legs crossed, the hood of her white jacket over her head. “Save some for us.”

I wipe my mouth and hand it over to her. “Sorry. Thirsty.”

Lying down, I gaze up at the moon, my body pressed tightly against Jason’s body. Why can’t life be as simple as this all the time?

“Do you think your mother will let you come to the lake?” Lisa asks me. “It’s not going to be cheap, but we have a good few weeks to save.”

“She won’t care,” I reply. “She’s got other things on her mind right now.”

“Are you going to tell her about me?” Jason asks.

With a puzzled frown, I twist to face him, and rest my arm across his muscular chest. “What do you mean? They already know I’ve got a boyfriend.”

“No, I mean about the lake. They might freak out if you say that I’m going, too.”

“Oh, right. No, maybe I won’t tell them then. Not that it would stop me.”

Jason kisses me on the lips. “Good, but I think I’d have to drag you there if you weren’t able to come.”

“I doubt it, Jas,” Lisa says as she takes the cider from Katie, her brown hair stuck to the sides of her face, her eyes glazed over. She’s clearly drunk already. “Freya would kick your arse.”

Jason sits up, peering down at me with a patronising grin. “Oh, yeah? You think you can take on the big man?” He flexes his thick arm.

“She practically beat up her mother’s boyfriend the other day,” Lisa slurs. “Didn’t you, Frey?”

I shake my head. “Don’t be so stupid. I wouldn’t waste a breath on that twat.”

“Think you’re tough, do you?” Jason asks, playfully jabbing my sides with the tips of his fingers. “Well, come on then. Show me what you’ve got.”

Unflustered, I lightly push him away. “Grow up. I’m too delicate to fight a big lump like you.”

He grabs my right hand and pulls my elbow down to the ground, forcing me into an arm-wrestle position. “Come on, tough guy. You girls are always banging on about equal rights—so now’s your chance.”

I laugh.

“Go on, Frey!” Katie cheers. “Show him how it’s done! Girl power!”

I think about yanking my hand free and finishing off the cider, but I can’t resist the urge to wipe that smug grin off his tanned face. So, I tighten my grip around his wide palm, throw him two evil eyes, and then slam his forearm down hard onto the blanket.

Jason’s face is a picture of shock. No, not shock—horror.

“I wasn’t ready that time.” He wipes his sweaty palm on his t-shirt, cracks his knuckles, and then grabs my hand again. “Best out of three.”