Chapter 3

Axel and his friends all graduated high school this year and I guess came back for one last high school party. Axel looks around in the dim light and I know he is trying to find me. He’s been trying to contact me ever since we broke up.

He wanted to have an open relationship while he was at college, which to him meant I remain a loyal girlfriend while he has fun in college. Unfortunately for him, I would rather be single than be in a relationship with him and have to deal with that drama. He’s been mad at me and simultaneously trying to get me back ever since, especially when his summer wasn’t as fulfilling as he had hoped.

“Are you going to talk to him?” Elizabeth appears next to us suddenly and I almost scream. “Sorry,” she giggles.

“What? No. Why aren’t you over there talking to Jeremy?” I ask, my eyes drifting back over to where Axel stands.

“I got his phone number!” Elizabeth says in a shrieky tone.

“OMG, you’re awesome!” Emily squeals happily.

“Shut up! That’s amazing!” I add in and squeeze her arm in support. Elizabeth leans back against the tree and sighs happily.

“He’s sooo cute and sooo nice,” Elizabeth smiles, daydreaming about her new boy crush. “Wait, why is Axel here?” She switches subjects quickly. She pushes off the tree and finds Axel in the crowd, narrowing her eyes at him.

“Jeez, you two, don’t stare at him,” Emily says and waves her hand in front of my face. “Maybe we should just leave?” Emily questions, looking at me to see if it would be better if we left early just to avoid any confrontation.

“No,” I shake my head, “it’s our last bonfire of the summer. Our last bonfire of high school. Aw, guys.”

Mid-conversation, Emily makes a strangled noise and then nudges me. “Oh no, he spotted us. Why didn’t he leave when all the underclassmen left? This is supposed to be for seniors only. Crap, he’s coming this way.”

I sigh and hop off the table to meet him on his approach to us. I don’t want to talk to him in front of everybody. He stops at the edge of the trees and I walk a few more paces until I am a few feet in front of him.

“Hey,” he says, his familiar voice ignites something in me but I temper it down. This is over. “You haven’t been responding to me.”

“Okay, so you thought you would just show up to a high school party?” I cross my arms over my chest and try to take a stance to show confidence and annoyance.

“How else was I supposed to get you to talk to me?” Axel steps forward and puts his hand on my upper arm.

“That’s the whole point, I don’t want to talk to you. We are not together anymore and there is no chance of us getting back together, ever. You need to recognize that and just leave me alone.” He looks like he is about to object but I brush his hand off me and continue talking, “Go out and get all those experiences you say you want. I have no ill will towards you but I also do not want to be a part of your life moving forward.” I give a soft smile, mostly because I am proud of myself for sounding so mature and polite.

Axel is quiet for a few moments, I look back at the group around the bonfire and see Elizabeth and Emily watching us. They both give little waves to check in and I give a little wave back.

“I don’t leave for college until the end of the week,” Axel eventually says, “let me take you out one last time. For closure purposes.” He adds trying to convince me but I shake my head, no.

“I’m sorry, Axel. I really think this needs to be our last interaction.”

“No,” Axel says and I look up at him, confused. “This won’t be our last interaction because you and I are not over.”

“Yes, we are.” I try to reason with him, I should remind him why we broke up but I don’t want to get into that right now. Tonight is supposed to be our last free night before school starts. “Look, I am sorry that your college experience with girls hasn’t been fulfilling but I don’t need this in my life.”

“No need to be sorry,” Axel steps closer to me, “I’m sure it will pick up once the school year begins. I was only there for a week to rush, too busy for girls.” He smirks a little, trying to throw it in my face.

I snort a little in disbelief which makes his smirk disappear.

“I just wanted to give you one last chance to accept my previous offer,” Axel says in reference to his open relationship offer.

“Yeah and again, I’ll pass,” I try to remain cordial but I’d much rather be hanging out with my friends right now.

“I’ll be around for another week so just think about it,” Axel sounds confident that I will change my mind. A sly smirk appears on his face as he takes another step closer to me. “I look forward to hearing from you.”

“You won’t. Have fun in college,” I say firmly, trying to end the conversation before he can push me further. I debate using my powers on him but at this stage, that would require touching him and I don’t feel comfortable doing that. He may get the wrong idea.

“I’ll see you around, princess.” Axel leans toward me and before I know it, he grabs my chin and kisses my lips firmly. I’m too shocked to feel anything. I’m still standing there in shock as he walks away.