Page 64 of Walk With Me
“Hell yeah we can. I’ll need you to teach me how to use it. What other games are on there?”
“Not many, but I’ll have a look at the store and see which ones would be good to buy. Mum and Dad won’t mind if it’s for something productive like getting fit.”
Pulling Jenna to me, I grin at her surprised squeak. I don’t care. I want a hug. After a moment’s pause, she snakes one arm around my waist and hugs me for just a second before pulling back.
“That was really nice to watch,” Sloane says when Jenna has gone.
Now I can finally give her the attention I want. My lips go straight to her neck, because after this morning, Inow know how delicate and intoxicating her skin is in that area. She mewls with delight as I plant soft kisses from her shoulder to just under her ear.
“Eden, baby. I…Jesus.”
“Do you want me to stop?” I whisper as my lips brush her skin again.
“No. But yes.”
Smiling, I give her one last kiss and pull back. “Algebra.”
Scrunching her nose like she’s smelled something bad, Sloane steps back from me and hauls her bag to the bed. “Yeah. Stupid algebra.”
18
Sloane
Everything is going to shit!
It’s been two weeks since I visited Eden’s house. The dance party with Jenna feels like a million years ago. Ever since we got caught skipping, it feels like I haven’t had a second to myself. Mom told me not to spread myself too thin, and that’s exactly what’s happening.
My asshole algebra teacher is giving me extra homework every class, not to mention all the other subjects I’m struggling to keep up with. Cheer practice fell to the wayside for a while there, so I’ve had to pull my head out of my ass and concentrate on the squad. Gym class is no longer a guaranteed Eden fix. We’re gym buddies in name only now.
Things aren’t any easier at home. I’ve been babysitting more frequently for my neighbor because her mom took a fall and needs more help. The extra money softens the blow of how much time I’m losing with Eden. I’ve been saving every penny of my allowance for when I go off to college.
Speaking of college: this week has been all about getting the applications done and sent in. I’m confident about my essays. Mom and Dad also read through them and gave me positive feedback.
I’ve woken up every night with anxiety. My mind keeps piling on all the things I have to do and it’s not coping. The only thing that has kept me sane are the morning walks with Eden. Becca tried to object, moaning that she missed our morning routine. I pointed out that she gets to see me in nearly every class, plus practice. Eden is getting the bum end of the deal, not her.
Unfortunately, our morning strolls are quicker than I’d like. Eden is making such great strides with her exercise app. Her stamina is one hundred percent better. She could probably jog the whole way to school now. As happy and proud as I am, I’m also really bummed. Fifteen minutes alone time simply isn’t enough. Lunches are nice, but we’re surrounded by other people. I’m half tempted to ask her to skip class again just so I can kiss her properly.
Tonight is game night, and I’mnotpumped. I’m utterly tired. Last night followed every other night and offered me a myriad of stress-inducing nightmares. I was being drowned by math equations.
Coffee has been my mistress all day, and at this point I’m ninety percent java. Becca has been just as absent as me lately. She and Bella made up, and seemingly can’t peel themselves off each other. It’s been quite obscene. Also, I’m big enough to admit it made me jealous. Neither of them seems to give a shit that the world is passing them by while they get it on. I wish I could be the same, but I’ve got too many responsibilities I can’t ignore.
After Daniella gave Becca and me a stern talking to, we both made an effort to put the squad first and foremost once again. Bella sits in the bleachers every practice, which is nice. Eden doesn’t. I can’t blame her, though. With the new exercise regime, she’s been slacking with her art. I can’t ask her to give up any more of her creative time for me. After all, the whole 5k thing was my idea.
Surprisingly, Jenna has started hanging around the outskirts of all squad practices, both inside and on the field. I introduced her to Gemma, the junior captain, and she’s been openly obsessed ever since.
Instead of grabbing a power nap after the final class of the day, I have to finish some homework. I’m determined to get everything done, so my weekend will be free. I need to see Eden. I really wish I could see her after the game, but I was given so much shit about missing Bryce’s party even though I’d told the squad and my friends weeks ago that I didn’t plan on attending any ragers for a little while.
However, the squad and Bryce played on my guilt for neglecting them and basically peer-pressured me into agreeing. Eden was so cool about it, even though I secretly wanted her to pout and tell me not to go. She’s just too lovely.
The locker room is buzzing with energy. The squad is amped up. Closing my eyes, I try to soak up some of their excitement.
“Hey S, you okay?” Becca is looking at me with concern. I’m guessing that doesn’t bode well for my appearance.
“Honestly?”
“No, I asked because I want you to lie to me,” she deadpans.
“I’msotired, Becs. Life is beating me right now.”
