Remenants

 

"We're going to Homecoming!" It kind of sounded like a demand when Rafe said it. Maddie looked back at him as if he might be crazy.

They were alone now walking down High School Drive together along the practice fields. He was holding on to the strap of his backpack fitted on his back. She was hunched over and carrying a pile of books. Finally, he took the books from her as if maybe she couldn't keep up with him, otherwise.

"What? You don't want to?" Oh, that smart mouth of his as he looked up at the tops of the trees where the leaves were going gold and red.

"It's..not necessary," Maddie finally managed to say as she did her best to keep in step with him. Really, it was kind of a whirlwind thing with Rafe, but what else was she going to do, just follow him around since he knew where everything was. They didn't have to talk. He would tell her something about what happened here or there. Or that's where the smokers go. Although, no one smoked at Smoker's Hill anymore.

"Of course it is." He shot her a look. How could she say no?

"I don't really dance," she shrugged.

"We'll  just dance to the fast ones." He assured her with a nod. She nodded back as if she guessed she could do that. 

Suddenly, Rafe came to a stop.

"Don't tell me," Rafe looked her over with a chuckle. "You've never been kissed."

She sucked in a breath. Then nursed her bottom lip. She shook her head no. But this didn't mean what he thought it meant.

Of course, she had, but it wasn't like HE remembered. So she had to act like it didn't happen to her. That's the way it was with KC.

"Don't be so sad about it," Rafe went on to say since he was in his own little world. "I've had plenty of practice all summer."

She didn't dare ask what that meant. They plodded along to the library. They would be seeing his brother and his brother's boyfriend soon.

She remembered what Cade had said about Rafe. All that talking. She didn't feel like sharing with him what had gone on with KC. Oh, to some it would be nothing. After all, she was the fool who thought KC really liked her, four months ago. And that kiss had meant so much. Now it was a memory that was a figment to the imagination. Evidently.

Still, she anticipated the worst with Rafe. It was good to keep him at arm's length. They'd managed to be total strangers until now.