Chapter song: Meet Me In The Woods by Lord Huron.

Dustin

This week went by way too fast. It has been nothing short of fun, and seeing Blade be carefree and relaxed made me so much happier with my decision to invite her. I was nervous at first, worried she wouldn't have a good time or feel bored, but she fits in with my family easily and seems content with joining me and Miriam on our excursions.

I've changed my outfit six times already, feeling nervous for some reason. Usually, I'm not too worried about how I look, but since I'm crushing hard on Blade, suddenly it matters if I'm wearing a maroon button up or a black polo.

God, I'm pathetic.

Finally, I decide on a black turtle neck and black cargo pants- disregarding my first two choices. I don't want to dress too edgy but I could never say no to a black turtle neck combo.

I grab the bag off my bed before heading downstairs. I made sure to buy ingredients for s'mores since they have become Blade's new favorite snack.

"Hi," I say, getting myself a glass of water. "Has Miriam come down yet?"

Mom shakes her head. "They'll be down in a few."

"You know girls," Dad starts, earning a stern look from Mom. "Always amazing." He finishes, saving himself.

I laugh.

Miriam and Blade come downstairs a few minutes later. I smile at my sister who is wearing a red sun dress and sandals. Blade is wearing a dress but she has a cardigan pulled over it-- hiding most of it. Blade's hair is styled in a half up half down style and she's wearing light make-up which accentuated her features and she looks beautiful.

Faith is balanced on her hip, also decked out in a cute yellow dress.

"You girls look lovely!" My mom beams, taking out her phone.

"Good idea!" Miriam grabs Blade's hand, pulling her to pose.

"Hold Faith," Miriam commands me after they take a few pictures with her. She turns to Blade. "Take off the cardigan for the pictures. It's not even cold in here."

I open my mouth to tell Miriam off but Blade slides off the cardigan, and I gawk at her.

The soft blue wrap dress fits her small body perfectly. The flowly material has short sleeves and falls just above her knee. It's fairly modest but still shows a lot of skin- well a lot of skin for Blade. She shifts awkwardly, attempting to hide her wrists that I know hold a shit ton of scars.

"Perfect!" Mom says after taking a few more pictures. "I'll babysit Faith. You guys have fun."

Miriam steers Blade outside before she can protest. The bonfire is only a short walk from the lake house so we arrive in no time. Miriam trots off immediately, going to greet a friend.

I lean down to Blade. "You look lovely."

She looks up at me, a shy smile on her face. Thank you. She mouths.

My eyes flicker down to her lips that are shiny with gloss and I clear my throat, pulling back. "Want to make s'mores?"

She smiles, nodding.

We make s'mores and sit on one of the benches. There are a lot of people out tonight, most of them dancing or mingling. I see Miriam getting fairly close to a guy so I keep an eye on her.

"Want a drink?" I ask Blade who nods. She already finished her s'more and is clutching the caridgan in her arms. It's pretty warm by the fire so she probably won't need it.

As I poor the drink, I notice someone in my spot next to Blade. I recognize the guy as Freddy. He greets her and she signs back to him, his face breaking into a big smile, signing back at her.

Blade perks up, and soon they're both rapidly signing at each other.

I clutch the can of soda in my hand with more force than necessary, feeling a surge of jealousy.

What is wrong with me?

Blade laughs at something Freddy says, and he scoots closer to her.

"Looks like he's making a move on your girl," I hear Miriam say next to me, her voice teasing.

"Shut up, Mir. She's not my girl."

She laughs. "Could've fooled me. You're glaring at them like a possessive boyfriend. Chill."

I sighed, taking a big sip of soda. "I hate this."

"Yea. Jealously sucks." She walks off and I bring the soda to Blade, deciding to not be an asshole and bring one for Freddy too.

Thank you. She signs to me, smiling as she takes the soda from my hand.

"Hey, Dustin."

"Hey, man." I hand him a soda and he thanks me. "I didn't know you knew sign language."

He shrugs. "My sister lost her hearing a few years back and my whole family had to learn."

I nod in understanding

"Anyways, it was nice meeting you Blade." He gives her a charming smile. "I'll text you."

She nods, waving him goodbye. I sit beside her, trying to push away the ugly feeling in my chest.

Another guy has her number. Great.

She scoots closer to me, putting her head on my shoulder. We stay like that for a few minutes. I don't say anything, enjoying her being this close to me.

"More s'mores?" I ask her and she nods.

After making a couple more s'mores, we sit back at our spot. Blade seems content watching everyone; her eyes drinking in everything.

"You guys are so lame," Miriam teases, plopping down on the grass infront of us. "Let's dance!" She grabs Blade's can and downs the rest of her soda.

"Nice, Mir." I say dryly. She stands up, grabbing our hands and pulling us with her to where everyone is dancing.

We dance together for a while. More like me and Miriam jumps around crazily while Blade stands awkwardly. I grab her hands, swaying with her.

"Just relax." I tell her when she tenses. The song playing isn't one I recognize but the beat and lyrics are upbeat and not really a swaying song. We sway together anyway. Blade follows my lead, and I pull her closer- a bold move on my part- then spin her around. I start moving more and slowly she starts loosening up, jumping around with me.

I do some silly moves and she mimics me. Miriam joins us once before leaving to get water.

The song changes to a slow one and she lets me slow dance with her, leaning into me.

I have no idea what I'm doing, but this feels right. Having her in my arms like this. I close my eyes, resting my forehead on hers as the song ends.

"Water?" I ask her.

She nods, smiling.

****