tongue tied - jake kiszka

4.

We sat in my old Impala with the windows rolled down so I wouldn't have to turn it on. I lit the cigarette, inhaling from it before passing it over to him. He was already watching me and I shifted under his gaze.

"Do I make you uncomfortable?" He asked worriedly and I shook my head quickly. "No, you're good. No worries." I assured him and he watched me for a moment longer as though to make sure I was telling the truth.

I stuck out my pinky. "I swear." He broke out into a grin, one that seemed to fill his whole face as he wrapped his pinky around mine. I quickly pulled away, worried we might stay that way if I didn't.

He seemed a little flirty and that was fine and all, but it just couldn't be with me. I looked out at the parking lot in front of the dorms as the warm wind sent leaves scattering across the ground.

"It'll be spring break soon, right?" Jake asked suddenly and I looked over at him. "Yeah, this week," I said before continuing, "Are you not in school?" He made a face as he passed the cigarette back to me. It was burning quick.

"School isn't really for me."

I understood that more than he knew. I almost thought about telling him so, but I knew I didn't need to share more information than was necessary. We sat there for a little bit until a buzzing sound went off.

He reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone to check the message before putting it back down. "Sorry, that was my bestfriend." He explained even though he didn't have to.

He looked around as he spoke, drumming his fingers along the open window. "She's dating my twin. The one who sings, you know?" He was waiting for me to nod so I did and he continued. "Josh. Yeah, they've been together for a while."

"It's funny, you know, I used to be a little jealous of both of them cause they're my two favorite people and they were always together so it was like sometimes I had nobody." He laughed a little as he said it, but I knew it wasn't really funny. Not to him.

"It's not their fault though. Po is great to him and he's great to her. But before they dated it was like when Josh was busy I could hang out with Posy and vice versa. But now when one is busy it's because they're with the other one."

Jake ran his fingers through his hair before letting out another shaky laugh. "I don't know why I just dumped all that on you." I passed him back the cigarette because one more hit and it would be out and I knew he needed it more than I did.

"It's okay." I told him because it was. He seemed like he needed to talk about it. "Maybe you just need another friend. Not to replace them or anything. Just another person to have around."

He inhaled one last time from the cigarette before tossing the butt out of the window. I watched him as he turned in his seat slightly to make eye contact with me. "Are you offering?" He asked jauntily and I rolled my eyes.

"What makes you think I wanna be friends with you?" I was joking as I said it, but a part of me knew better. This was Dawn's friend, not mine. "I think you do." Jake said slowly, as though he was trying to make sure he worded everything correctly, "I don't think you're as mean as you want me to believe."

"I'm not mean." I snapped back at him and he grinned like a little kid.

"Right."

"Fine." I crossed my arms over my chest, "We can be friends."

He smiled and I bit back mine. I couldn't give him the satisfaction. We sat like that for a while, just listening to the sounds of the outside. It was nice. Even though he was still somewhat a stranger, I didn't feel like he was taking up space.

That was how I felt with a lot of people. I liked to be alone. But his presence didn't bother me. Not to say it wouldn't in the future, but right then in that moment I didn't mind.

"What are you doing tomorrow?" His voice cut through my thoughts and I glanced over to look at him. "I have a test, but after that my spring break starts." The sun was coming in through his window, hitting me right in the eyes.

I squinted, wrinkling my nose up. Suddenly his hand was up by my eyes, shielding them from the sun. "Is this better?" He asked expectantly and I nodded, even though it had taken me by surprise.

"We're going out to the lake tomorrow. If you wanna come." He kept his hand by my eyes and I couldn't help but notice his cheeks were turning pink. I shrugged. "Sure, I'll see if Dawn wants to go too."

He looked a little defeated but didn't say anything. As he finally pulled his hand away from my eyes I knocked my fist against his to get his attention. "Don't you need my number?" I asked and he smacked his lips together.

"It's okay. I've got Dawn's."

I couldn't help but let out a laugh and he quickly joined in. "I should get your number though, right?" Jake asked after we'd finally calmed down. "Since we're friends and all."

I rolled my eyes but still agreed. Shit, he was right I guess. We were friends now. Or something like that. I gave him my number and he sent a quick text to me so I would have his since I hadn't brought my phone outside with me.

"I guess we better head back inside." I motioned towards the dorms. "I think I'm gonna go ahead and get back. Tell Dawn for me, okay?" I narrowed my eyes at him as he spoke and he sighed loudly.

"Please Charlie."

Hearing him say my name threw me off guard for a minute but I reluctantly agreed. Now I'd have to suffer her wrath all by myself. We got out of the car and he walked over to my side.

"Hey."

"Hi." I replied and he looked at me intently. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow huh." I pretended to think about it. "Maybe."

He smiled. "Maybe?"

"Probably."

"Probably? I'll take it." Jake held out his fist and I looked down at it for a second, before registering that he wanted us to fist bump. It was funny for some reason but I went ahead and knocked my fist against his.

He stood there for a moment and I waited to see what he'd do or say next. "I'll see you tomorrow Charlie." He said softly before turning to go.

"Goodbye friend!" I called out to him teasingly and I could see the smile on his face as he walked away.