Playing With Fire

Charred

We lay there in silence for a while, simply listening to each other breathe. I knew I was getting too comfortable, that I should be more cautious... But his arms around me felt so... right.

"So what are the burns from?" Jake asked, and I sighed. I knew it would get back to this.

"I don't want to tell you," I murmured, shifting slightly.

"Why not?" he asked. He didn't sound hurt- just confused.

"Mel is the only one who knows... We are the keepers of each other's secret. Nobody else can know..."

"I won't tell anyone," he said, and I grinned. It sounded so childlike.

"Promise?" I asked.

"Promise." I sat up suddenly, extending my little finger.

"Pinkie swear," I said, making Jake burst out in laughter. He complied, however, sitting up and squeezing my little finger with his.

"Okay, okay, now come here," he said, pulling me back down to rest my head on his chest again. I smiled, but it faded quickly. I paused, unsure of how to start.

"You promised to tell me," Jake reminded me.

"I know... I just... I don't want you to think badly of me..." He loosened my hair from the clip, letting it cascade over my back, fanning out onto his chest. He stroked my hair, running it between his fingers.

"I won't. Try me," he whispered. I bit my lip, then took a deep breath.

"I am what most people call a pyromaniac. That's why I let you handle the bunsen burner in Chemistry. I didn't think I could handle it. Usually I have Mel as a partner, so I don't have to purposely avoid it like I did earlier." I looked up at him, trying to gauge his reaction. He simply nodded, a pensive look in his eyes.

We lay in silence for a few minutes, my mind and heart racing.

"This is why I didn't want to tell you," I murmured. He placed two fingers under my chin, tilting my face to look at him.

"I'm not upset," he said. "I'm just thinking... Did you do that on purpose? Do your parents know? How could you hide it from them-"

"I only did one on purpose. No, my parents do not know. It's quite easy, actually. My dad is always busy, and my mom isn't very observant."

"Hasn't anyone asked you before?"

"No... Though I know a lot of people gossip about it..." I shrugged.

Suddenly someone called Jake's name, and we both sighed in unison. We burst out laughing, getting up as the person yelled again.

"Coming!" he called, slightly agitated. We exited his room and looked over the banister. A man stood there, looking up at us...

Joey Armstrong.