6: A Puzzle at his Worst

Growing up, my father used to tell me that life was a puzzle that took an entire life-time to piece together. And Jaden was starting to look more puzzle than boy. 

After showering, I change into a set of fuzzy, brown pyjama shorts and a matching crop top. I slip on a loose cardigan and head back to the fire pit, where I find Alex, Grace and Luca drinking and making s'mores. 

"Is Jaden out?", I ask as I grab a Smirnoff cooler. 

"Nope, he might still be showering?", Grace answers with a sweet concern.

"Or locked up in his den, again", Luca retorts sarcastically as he shoves a marshmallow in his mouth. 

I nod my head slowly and take a piece of chocolate before deciding to go to Jaden's cottage. If he were in his room for the night, that'd mean I won the bet. 

I enter the cottage and try to find Jaden's room. My feet stumble as more alcohol enters my system, but the determination in my heart pushes me forward. I realise the place is filled with soccer equipment, football gear, a few jerseys and the pungent smell of boy. It almost looked like Luca owned the entire house, and Jaden was just a humble guest. Suddenly, I hear the soft sounds of RnB music grow louder from the room at the end of the hall. 

"Can I call you baby? Can you be my friend?

Can you be my lover up until the very end?

Let me show you love, oh, no pretend

Stick by my side even when the world is caving in, yeah

I need somebody who can love me at my worst

No, I'm not perfect, but I hope you see my worth

'Cause it's only you, nobody new, I put you first

And for you, girl, I swear I'd do the worst

If you stay forever, let me hold your hand

I can fill those places in your heart no one else can

Let me show you love, oh, no pretend, yeah

I'll be right here, baby, you know it's sink or swim"

I realise he's playing "At My Worst" by Pink Sweat$. Could such a dispassionate guy actually have a soft spot for love songs?

The alcohol loosens my hips as I approach the door. I feel my heart warm to the softness of the music and gently knock on the door.

"Jaaaden?", I slur. 

There's light shuffling behind the door. Jaden slightly opens it and pears through the small opening. 

"What are you doing here?", He mutters in annoyance. 

"I see you're in your room for the night?", I giggle and hiccup. 

He sighs in frustration before closing the door in my face.

"Hey! Open up, dickwad! I won!" I whine as I try to pound my fists on the door.

I hear him release the chain of a second lock before opening the door fully. Jaden stands in front of me shirtless, with only a set of plaid pyjama pants on. My brows raise slightly as I gaze at the fineness of his torso.

"Stop staring, kid" he says blankly.

"I-uh I'm not staring" I sigh and shake my head. "I caaame here to say that I won the bet-" I start.

"Who says you won? I never said I was staying in my room" The annoyance in his voice grows. 

"Uh- well, I mean" Butterflies take up every square-inch of my stomach as I struggle to find the words. 

"You're not winning that easily, kid", he leans in with a threatening composure.

My mouth goes dry as the sweet scent of his body surrounds me.

"I'm getting that blanket from you", the devilish grin returns to his face with a cunning edge.

"No! I- You're not having my blanket! I-I drank more than you tonight! Look!" I sway the Smirnoff cooler in his face."This is like my tenth drink tonight!" 

He smirks at the drink and grabs it out of my hand. He takes a massive gulp from the can and walks back into his room, leaving the door wide open. My jaw hangs loose at the utter absurdity of his actions. He's gonna make me lose this bet!

"Give me back my drink! You sore a*s loser, I won this damn bet!", I rush towards him, a little too fast I realize. I crash into his back and almost topple over. I quickly grab onto him to steady my balance. The warmth of his bare skin sends shivers down my spine. 

"W-woah..." I giggle as my head starts to spin uncontrollably. My body crashes into his bed and I burst into giggles. 

"The room's spinning", I hiccup. "I-I feel like I'm on a-a rollercoaster!", tears escape my eyes as I try to bite back the laughter erupting from within me. My stomach twists and turns while my head spins in circles. 

Jaden releases a heavy sigh and sits on the bed next to me. I hold back my giggles and throw a hazy smile up at him. His eyes were tired but I could see amusement linger behind those lids. He liked seeing me look like an idiot. At the moment, I didn't care. At the moment, all I could focus on was the feeling of his hands on my thighs, those lips on my skin, the fresh-scent of his sheets. It made my face burn. 

"What are you thinking about?", he asks quietly.

"Nothing", I quickly look away but my smile falters when I remember the last time his lips met mine. 

"Why'd you..." I start slowly.

He shuffles in his seat. "Why'd you act like that afterwards?" I finally ask.

"I..." he sighs and lets his shoulders fall. "I don't know,"

"Y-you don't know?" my eyes looked desperately at him for the answers, but my heart felt like it had already waited a lifetime. 

"Bina- I just, I don't know, okay? I'm just like that...I don't know why- you think I want to be like this? I can't control it!" his voice grows louder with frustration. 

"Hey- okay, okay" I try to hush him slowly. His breath grew heavy with frustration. I swallow my disappointment and try to gently rub his back but he flinches away from me. With a frustrated sigh, he storms out of his room. 

Staring at the door left wide open, I wonder if I'll ever be able to find the pieces of this puzzle.