Free Wes and Toren by J.M. Colail Page A

room from the kitchen.
    “Not sure. Mike’s probably gonna get it though,” I answered, stretching my arms out. I stood up and went to the kitchen. Mom was licking her fingers after stirring a bowl of chocolate pudding.
    “You said that was Wesley? He’s been around a lot lately,” she said, washing off the spoon.
    I fought the redness in my cheeks. “Yeah, we’re doing our History project together.”
    “On a Saturday night?” Mom asked.
    “No,” I groaned, rolling my eyes. I followed her back into the living room and we watched TV. Mom didn’t say anything more.
    After a couple minutes, I went to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and ran a hand through my hair. Alycia poked her head in the room and smiled.

    Wes & Toren
    65

    “Going out with Wes again?”
    “Yeah. We’ll probably go play pool. Wanna come?” I asked, turning around and leaning against the sink.
    “Nah, Mike’s gonna stop by. He had to work late and he works with this really cute chick and I just know he….” Alycia folded her arms on her chest and pouted. “She better be a blonde bimbo with a huge rack and no personality if he’s gonna cheat on me.”
    I sighed. “He’s not gonna cheat on you. But I like your stipulations if he were going to,” I added with a laugh.
    Alycia smiled and nodded, then grinned deviously. She stepped into the bathroom and leaned toward me. “You’re going out with Wes tonight? So, Tor, just how far have you gone with him?”
    “A-Alycia!” I scolded, turning bright red.
    “C’mon, tell me!” she whined, nudging me with her elbow.
    “Nothing! We’ve just…um….”
    “Uh-huh, yeah. That look totally gave you away. You’ve already done it? Toren, you little slut!”
    “Quiet!” I looked at the open door and prayed that Mom didn’t hear anything. “And no! Like it’s any of your business anyway!”
    “I got a feeling that you’ll be giving it up soon, won’t you? Still, I’m pretty impressed. I’m surprised Wes hasn’t pushed you down and had his way with you. He’s got the patience of a saint!” She turned around and walked out of the bathroom.
    My shoulders slumped and I sighed. Wesley was patient with me, especially after what happened at Cue last night. I didn’t trust him fully because of my own insecurities. It was my own fault.
    Mom answered the door and Wesley greeted her politely. He wore grease-stained blue jeans and a navy work shirt.
    “What are you guys doing tonight?” Mom asked, collapsing on the sofa and yawning. “Oh, excuse me,” she said and wiped away the tears that collected from her giant yawn.

    66
    J. M. Colail

    “Dunno,” I answered, leaning down and kissing the top of Mom’s head.
    “Hiya, Wes,” Alycia said, stepping out from the hall and brushing her hair. Wesley smiled and waved.
    “Have fun,” Mom said, putting her feet up on the coffee table and changing channels on the TV.
    Wesley and I went to Cue, predictably, and Kate and Lissa were already there playing a game, also predictably. Lissa saw us and called us over. Kate hugged Wesley and he stepped back after a moment and I felt silly. Wesley grinned at me knowingly.
    We played a few games, laughing and talking and having fun. I felt comfortable with Kate and Lissa, maybe more Lissa than Kate, but I couldn’t explain it; I felt like I wasn’t being judged.
    “Want something to drink?” Wesley asked, leaning the cue stick against the table.
    “I’m okay, thanks.”
    “Are you sure?” he asked, taking a step backward. I nodded and smiled.
    “I’ll come with you,” Kate announced, handing her cue to Lissa and hooking her arm around Wesley’s. I laughed to myself and watched them walk away, turning the cue around in my hands.
    “So, how long have you guys been together?” Lissa asked, leaning against the pool table.
    I looked at her with wide eyes and shook my head. “What? What are you talking about?” I tried to sound outraged.
    “It’s okay; I get it,” Lissa said and