Point of Retreat(20)

“Well, it’s not really a bad word,” I say.

Lake sighs. “I really hate that they’re so damn funny,” she says. “It’s just gonna get harder, you know. We really need to start beating them now, before it’s too late.” She closes the lid and walks the cake to the refrigerator.

“Tomorrow,” I say as I wrap my arms around her from behind. “We can’t beat Kel on his own birthday.” I lean in and kiss her ear.

“Fine.” She leans her neck to the side, allowing me easier access. “But I get the first punch.”



“Stop it!” Kel yells. “You guys can’t do that crap tonight. It’s my birthday and I don’t want to have to watch y’all make out!”



I let go of Lake and pick Kel up and throw him over my shoulder. “This is for the butterflying cake,” I say. I turn his back toward Layken. “Birthday beating, here’s your chance.”



Lake starts counting off birthday spankings while Kel fights to get out of my grasp. He’s getting stronger.

“Put me down, Will!” He's punching me in the back, trying to break free.

I put him down after Lake finishes with the beating. Kel laughs and tries to shove me, but I don’t budge.

“I can’t wait until I’m bigger than you! I’m gonna kick your butterfly!” He gives up and runs down the hallway to Caulder’s room.

Lake is staring down the hallway with a serious look in her eyes. “Should we be letting them say that?”



I laugh. “Letting them say what? Butterfly?”



She nods. “Yeah. I mean, it seems like it’s already a bad word.”



“Would you rather him say ass?” Kiersten says, passing between Lake and I. Again, she’s here and I didn’t even hear her knock.

“Hey Kiersten,” Lake says.

There’s a young girl following closely behind Kiersten. She looks at Lake and smiles.

“You must be Abby,” Lake says. "I'm Layken, this is Will."

Abby gives us a slight wave but doesn't say anything.

“Abby’s shy. Give her time, she’ll warm up to you,” Kiersten says. They turn and make their way to the table in the kitchen.

“Is Sherry coming?” Lake says.

“No, probably not. She wants me to bring her some cake, though.”



Kel and Caulder run into the kitchen when they hear Abby and Kiersten.

“There they are,” Kiersten says. “How was your week off school, lucky butt’s?”



“Abby, come here,” Caulder says. “I want to show you my room.”



After Abby follows Caulder out of the room, I look at Lake, a little concerned. She sees the worry in my eyes and laughs. “Relax, Will. They’re only ten. I’m sure he just wants to show her his toys.”



Regardless, I walk down the hallway and spy.

“I’m the guest, dork. I should get to be player one,” I hear Abby say.

Sure enough, they’re just being ten. I walk back into the kitchen and wink at Lake.

***

After the party is over, Eddie and Gavin agree to take Abby home. Kel and Caulder go to Caulder’s room to play Kel’s new video games. Lake and I are alone in the living room. She's laying down on the couch with her feet in my lap. I rub her feet, massaging the tension away. She's been going nonstop all day, getting everything prepared for Kel's party. She's laying with her eyes closed, enjoying the relaxation.

“I have a confession to make,” I say, still rubbing her feet.

She reluctantly opens her eyes. “What?”



“I’ve been counting down the hours in my head until next weekend.”



She grins at me, relieved that this is my confession. “So have I. One hundred and sixty three.”



I lean my head back against the couch and smile at her. “Good, I don’t feel so pathetic now.”



“It doesn’t make you any less pathetic,” she says. “It just means we’re both pathetic.”



She sits up and grabs my shirt, pulling me to her. Her lips brush against mine and she whispers, “What are your plans for the next hour or so?”



Her words cause my pulse to immediately race, and chills to run down my arms. She touches her cheek to mine and whispers in my ear. “Let’s go to my house for a little while, I’ll give you a little preview of next weekend.”