Goddard's Home for Troubled Teens

Val

I chuckle and kiss his neck.

Ryder

I smile and kiss her neck back.

Val

I smile, "I win.

Ryder

I peck her on the lips once, "Do you?"

Val

I blink a couple times, not responding.

Ryder

I lose my smile, studying her, "Val? Y-you weren't okay with that, were you?"

Val

I clear my throat and look down before shaking my head and standing, "I-I should go."

Ryder

Swallowing, I just nod and bring my knees to my chest, "Yeah. Okay."

Val

I nod and hesitate before walking up to my room.

Ryder

When she's gone, I shake my head at myself and head off to my room. I slam my fist into the wall on the way up, locking my door and grabbing my secret stash. Taking the whole bag, I climb up to the roof and light the first cigarette I pick out.

Val

I get to my room and close the door behind me, sliding down the door.

Ryder

I sit atop the chimney, my legs hanging down, and stare off at the forest we'd just been in. Why did I do that? Why didn't I just let things be?

Val

I take out a beer I stashed in my bag and sit on my bed, sighing.

Ryder

I toss out one cigarette and light another, resting my head in my hands and closing my eyes.

Val

I soon fall asleep, hungover.