First Punch ➟ Kellic

T W E N T Y

I get home from the hospital with a smile on my face. I don't really know how to explain these roses, but there's no way I'm not keeping them. I walk into the house, still a little bit earlier than I normally would be home from school. I didn't want to go back though, fuck that. But I guess I should've because as soon as I walk into the house, a confused Carter and Boon Dawg emerge from the basement.

"Who the fu- oh," Carter says, spotting me in the kitchen as I search for a vase. "You're home early."

"Yeah," I say, chuckling, hastily opening and closing cupboards. "I got bored."

"Of course you did," he chuckles, Boon Dawg going back downstairs and Carter coming into the kitchen with me. I ignore him though, still desperately searching. They need water soon, right? I hope that's all they need. I've never had flowers to take care of before.

"What are you doing?" Carter asks, snorting as he watches me. I glance at him, not sure how much detail to give.

"Um, do we have a vase?" I ask, somewhat dodging the question but still answering it.

"Doubt it," he answers, chuckling again. "The fuck d'you need a vase for?"

"Flowers, duh," I reply, giving up and settling on an empty whiskey bottle instead. I just hope the neck is wide enough to hold them. I start rinsing it out and I can feel Carter's harsh stare.

"Flowers?" he says confusedly. "Who are you and what have you done with Cooper?"

It makes me laugh, and honestly I'm not surprised. It is pretty weird in general for me, let alone the fact that I'm quite literally a gangster.

"What? Is it so weird to want to have flowers on Valentine's Day?"

"Yes," he snorts, picking up the bouquet from the counter and analyzing them. I don't let him though, snatching them from his hands as I carefully wedge them into the bottle.

"So you bought black roses on Valentine's Day...for yourself?" he questions, a suspicious look on his face.

"No," I say, shaking my head. "I bought them for us."

"Us?" he wonders, still looking beyond confused. I don't blame him. I didn't think this excuse through very well. Fuck, this whole thing with Jake is a bad idea. I'm gonna get caught.

"Yeah. Just because we're a gang doesn't mean we don't deserve nice things."

"You're so weird," Carter says, shaking his head.

"Fine. You don't get to look at them then," I retort, smiling to myself as I carry them upstairs.

"Whatever, Weirdo."

I smile at Carter's comment, heading up to my room. I don't really do much for the rest of the day other than listen to music and stare at my flowers. They're so perfect. I couldn't've dreamed of a better Valentine.

To my delight, only a few hours after I left him, Jake texts me. I smile as I read his contact name, flipping open the phone. Boys are staying at the hospital until Andres's parents get here. My eyebrows furrow, confused as to why he's telling me. But then I get another text and it all makes sense. I'm bored... you should come over ;)

The winking face has me feeling all kinds of ways. I chuckle, my face heating up just from the invite. I shouldn't go though. I've been going out more than usual, Carter's bound to get suspicious sooner or later. Besides, I'm not sure what that winky face was insinuating, but whatever he meant is probably not a good idea. I like him, I really do, but that's the problem. I should end this while I still have the willpower. We shouldn't even be friends, it's too dangerous.