legends never die || josh kiszka

21

Lorelei

"Jake, are you sure you've done this before?" I asked, straddling the blue ATV. Anastasia stood by herself, shaking her head at us as we figured out how to use the fucking thing.

It was about eight in the evening, we were set to leave in the morning. After the show yesterday, I locked myself in my room with two bottles of wine, both of which I finished this afternoon before we left. I'm still half drunk, but Jake isn't, which is why he'll be driving this death machine instead of me.

Josh had knocked on my door earlier today, but I ignored him, still feeling angry. I was starting to feel more sad than anything - I wished so desperately that I could tell him everything. I was beginning to see his side of the story, too. He knows that i'm hiding something, and if it was the other way around and I had heard whatever was said on the phone, I would be nosy, too. But, that's still no excuse to listen in on my private conversation.

My heart felt heavy and the pressure on my chest that was all too familiar decided to make its appearance after I had left for the venue last night. It'd subsided the last week or so, feeling happier than ever with where I stood in life. The guys made me forget - forget that I'm portraying someone that doesn't even exist.

I'm assuming Josh forgot that I was going with Jake and Anastasia, because he texted he earlier and asked where I was. I turned my phone off and shoved it in my pocket after that. I didn't want to answer him, because that meant that I gave in on my silent treatment. Call me childish, because that's what I am.

The chilly breeze made my hair fly around my face, so I threw my head upside down and used my hair tie to pull it into a ponytail. My coat was zipped to my neck, the sun dipping below the horizon as a deep purple stained the sky. It was getting late, but that's what Jake wanted - a night ride. He had rented this four-wheeler for this occasion, only for an hour because we knew since it was just us two riding it we wouldn't need much time.

"Ready?" Jake asked, his gravely voice music to my ears. My stomach was fluttering with excitement as I'd never done this before. I wrapped my arms around his torso, Anastasia giving us a thumbs up before Jake started the vehicle.

"Ready," I nodded, yelling over the sound of the ATV rumbling. I smiled and rested my chin on his shoulder so I could see around him.

"Hold on," He advised and I squeezed tighter. Anastasia waved as we took off, my body jerking backwards as the tall grass crumbled under the wheels. I squealed, the freezing cold wind making my eyes water as he went faster, the headlight on the vehicle the only source of light as we moved through the night

Jake whooped, making me laugh as he raised one arm in the air. I raised both of mine for a moment, soaking in this moment as I'm sure it'll become a core memory of mine. My heart was pounding out of excitement, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I hollered, my breath leaving a trail of white steam.

In this moment, I wasn't thinking of Josh. I wasn't thinking of Chris. I wasn't thinking of my mom or my sister. I was too focused on Jake and the way the breeze felt as it traveled up my shirt, causing goosebumps to raise on my pale skin.

"Faster, Jake!" We had to be going at least 30 miles per hour when I told him to step on the gas, my arms wrapped around his chest once again.

"Don't have to tell me twice!" He yelled, a smile evident in his voice. I'm glad I decided to do this with him - he seems so happy, so excited to share one of his hobbies with someone. I appreciate him and the relationship we have - he's not just "Josh's brother" to me. I consider him my own.

"Anastasia is waving." He informed over the loud rumbling, pointing to the distance, smiling. I squinted, watching her as she frantically waved her hand. She must really be excited for us.