Connections

Old Habits

Skylar’s POV

“You’re home early.” I hear my Uncle say.

I shut the door and turn to face him.

“Uh yeah, I was suspended.”

“What did you do this time?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

I open the refrigerator and grab a couple of beers. “Oh and the plan is off.”

I hear my Uncle stand up. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

I take a sip of my beer and face my uncle. “I said the plan is off.”

“How could you let this happen? You know this is important.”

“Guess we can just postpone the testing.”

My Uncle narrows his eyes. He raises his hand and slaps me. I stumble back a bit and drop my beer. It shatters once it hits the ground.

“Clean that up. I’m not fixing this mess like I have to fix our plan. The plan you ruined again.” My Uncle says.

“Okay.”

He turns and walks away. I grab a broom and clean up the glass that is scattered on the floor. Once it’s all cleaned up, I grab the rest of the beers and head outside to take a walk.

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Meghan’s POV

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

“What is that?”

I get up from my bed and head to my window. As soon as I peer out, a rock smacks the window right in front of me. I look down and see Skylar standing outside. He motions for me to open the window.

“What are you doing here?” I say.

He starts to laugh a bit and takes a stumble backwards. “Oh Meghan, I needed to see you.”

“Skylar, are you drunk?”

“What? Of course not!”

I sigh. “What do you want?”

“Can I come in?”

“Is that a good idea? You seem drunk.”

“If I was drunk, could I do this?” Skylar leaps up onto a tree branch. He quickly climbs the tree and is face to face with me.

“Fine, come in.”

“Sweet.”

I walk back to my bed and sit on it. Skylar walks to my bed and sits next to me. I grab my pen and start writing more notes to study.

“Hey.” Skylar says.

I ignore him. If he thinks he can just show up and act like everything is fine, he is crazy. He cannot just treat me like trash.

“Meghan.”

I write more and sigh. He is not going to give up, but neither am I.

I feel Skylar move a bit. He lifts one hand and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear. A tingling sensation runs down my shoulder as he trails his hand down it.

“Stop it.” I say.

“There you are.” He says. “I knew you would talk to me eventually.

I roll my eyes. “How much did you drink?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh please. I can smell it on your breath.”

“Fine, I’ve had a couple.”

I shake my head and turn away from him. I bite my lip trying to hold in my anger. First he smokes, then he yells at me, and now. Now he is drinking again.

“You’re an idiot.” I finally say.

“Wow, what is with the hostility.” He says shocked.

“Why did you come here? I mean can you only talk to me because you’ve been drinking.”

“Look Meghan. I’m sorry, okay. I was out of line today. I know you were trying to help me.”

“All I ever do is try to show you I care. You never want to accept that.” I say.

“I know. And honestly. You are the only one that cares about me. And I am terribly sorry.”

I smile and turn back to face him. I look at him for a moment before noticing a bruise. My smile turns into a frown. I trace the bruise under his eye with my finger.

“What happened to your eye?” I ask.

“Oh um. I was helping my uncle with his silver minions. Training them.”

“Oh okay.” I drop my hand.

“You still wear it?”

“Huh?” I follow his eyes down to my chest. The rose necklace he got me for my 14th birthday was out.

Slowly he reaches forward and picks it up. He studies it for a moment before looking up into my eyes.

“Yeah Skylar. I still wear it.”

He smiles. Slowly we move closer to each other. I feel his breath against my lips.

“I don’t think…”

“Shhh.” Skylar whispers.

I lean my forehead against his. Just as I am about to accept his kiss, I hear my doorknob turn. I quickly push Skylar, and he falls off my bed. My bedroom door opens, and I see my mom.

“Hey honey. I thought I heard you talking.” My mom says.

“Yeah, I was. I was reading aloud to help myself study.” I lie.

“Okay, well don’t stay up too late.”

“Goodnight Mom.”

“Goodnight.”

She walks out and closes my door behind her.

I take a deep breath and Skylar pops back up.

“So, boys not allowed in your room?”

“Shut up.”

He laughs and stands up. “Well, I guess I should get going.”

“Wait.”

I stand up and run to him. I jump into his arms and crash my lips against his. The kiss is gentle and sweet. I feel his arms circle around me, pulling me closer to him. My hands travel up his chest and around his neck. As our kiss grows more passionate, my legs become weak. He pulls me even closer and starts to walk me toward my bed.

I feel my legs against my bed. He picks me up and tosses me gently onto my bed. I push my books, and they fall onto the floor. Skylar crawls up and hovers over me. He lowers his head, and his lips brush my cheek lightly. I shiver at the light touch.

“If you want me to stop, tell me now.” He whispers.

I smile and reach a hand up to pull his head down. Our lips meet again. This time my body shivers and I know I need to stop. He’s just so intoxicating.

I break our kiss and stare at him. “We should stop.”

He sighs and moves to lay beside me. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“You can stay here tonight, if you want to.”

He nods his head. “I think I’ll take you up on that.”

I smile and move to lay my head on his chest. His heartbeat is calming. My eyes begin to feel heavy.

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Chace’s POV

“What the hell?” I hear Vince say.

“What’s wrong Vince?” I ask.

“Come here and look.”

“Uh okay.”

I look out the window towards Meghan’s house. Skylar is climbing out of her window. He smiles as he turns around and walks away.

“Wow.” I say. Not like it’s surprising though. Those two always were close. Especially back when we all used to hangout. They were pretty much inseparable.

“I cannot believe her.” Vince slams his fist down causing me to jump.

“Dude, calm down.”

“Calm down? Are you serious? He’s the enemy.”

“The enemy? No, Stephen is the enemy. Skylar just plays a small part in this.”

“Whatever.” I watch as Vince disappears into the training room.