Leave a Trace

Chapter Twenty Three: Confronted

Chapter Twenty Three: Confronted

A black pushup bikini top rests on my chest lifting my breasts up and making them look perfectly sculpted. I wear black bikini bottoms with a tampon in. I have maroon shorts with rips in them and a white and black plaid button down that I left unbuttoned. My contacts are in. I packed a purse that I'm keeping in the car. All I'm bringing it myself, my phone, and my clothing.

The second I got in the car, my brothers and Vanessa tried to talk me out of it.

"I'm not a damaged child." I say harshly. "Stop treated me like I'm wounded. I can handle myself and i'm strong enough to throat punch a bitch."

"Personally I think that Belle can handle this." Colton says.

"Thank you!" I throw my hands up.

"Belle, I want you with somebody at all times." Tanner says as he drives.

"Preferably a male, and it has to be somebody in this car." Finn interjects.

"Take drinks from nobody." Colton says.

"Never set your drink down." Zane adds.

"If you set it down, get a new one." Vanessa cuts in. "And if anybody pisses you off, use your ninja gymnast skills and throat punch that bitch."

"Guys, I'm going to be fine. If you see a naked picture of teenage Rose, please understand that my tits are much bigger."

They all laugh except for my brothers, who look uncomfortable.

The car rolls to a stop in a parking spot next to a lifted Ford.

"Whoever drives that has a small dick." Vanessa says, getting out.

"Wait." Tanner says. "Tonight, Zane is your boyfriend, even though he isn't officially your boyfriend. If anybody asks, he's your boyfriend."

"Duh." I say. I get out of the car.

I shove my phone in my pocket and everyone gives me nervous looks.

"You guys are a bunch of pussies." I say, marching straight up the path to the beach.

The beach here is just Lake Michigan. Doctor's Park is right on the lake.

I pass a few people. Zane jogs to catch up with me, his fingers linking through mine.

"Stay with me, baby girl."

I give in and move closer to him. He puts his arm around my shoulders.

All six of us walk up the path together, and the closer we get, the more anxious I get.

Smoke is billowing up from a big bonfire and people in their swimsuits litter the sand. A few people are in the water but most of them are conversing with beers in their hands.

"Don't get a drink unless it's closed." Tanner whispers.

"And we can leave whenever you want." Zane says. "All you have to do is say the word."

"Yeah, and if you need me to beat a bitch, I will."

"Guys, don't worry about me." I say. "Go have fun."

_____

Two hours passed and the sun vanished and the lights all came from the giant fire. People are laughing and drinking and talking, and I've stayed with Zane.

Some people give me curious looks but that's really it.

Every time Zane catches a guy looking at me, Zane glares. I think that he thinks that I don't know, but of course I know.