Kiss Me For Revenge

Sienna.

“Eww mom, can you not talk about bedroom matters when your innocent daughter is near.” I winced, grabbing a golden-brown pancake from the stack and taking a quick buttery bite before leaning over to kiss her on the cheeks.

“Bye.” I say as I slide my bag over my shoulder and sprint out. The morning air was crisp, but the peace was quickly interrupted by the aggressive whoosh of a car flying past my driveway, only to screech to a halt and reverse.

“Don’t tell me you forgot where I live.” I grumbled, hauling the door open and slamming it shut. I immediately wrapped my arms around my best friend, the scent of vanilla perfume clinging to me.

“You know I was messing with you Si.” Bianca winks at me before starting the engine of the vehicle and zooming off. 

My first day as a sophomore at Cornell Uni. I dragged in a breath of fresh air before crossing the gates. Students crowded the main paths, laughing and chattering as the smell of roast coffee and sweet perfume clung to the air

“You’re acting like it’s your first time here” Bianca chuckled, dodging a group of freshmen looking lost. “I hope you’re going to drop the whole ‘man hater’ personality” she says, using her index and middle finger to flash air quotes.

I roll my eyes. “I don’t give a fuck Bianca.” 

“You need a love life, girl. Maybe some d to calm your nerves” she teased, squinting at a guy across the quad who was blatantly winking in our direction.

“Hell no. Definitely not him” I murmured, keeping my head straight. 

“Shit!” I barked. “It’s five minutes past ten!” 

“Mr Duncan’s class,” Bianca’s eyes widened as we made a run for it. 

Just as we’re about to enter the lecture hall, I slammed into someone , sending coffee and books into the air. 

Time seemed to slow as I watched the brown liquid in the air before landing on my new Ralph Lauren shirt. The light blue fabric darkened instantly, warmth seeping into my skin. 

“Oh my, I’m so sorry,” the guy stammered. Then whips out a hanky from his pockets to dab my chest before freezing—realizing he almost placed his hands on my chest.. pretty close to my boobs

“Shit, I didn’t mean that” he panicked, his ears turning a bright red color. 

A sharp, nervous laugh slipped out from my mouth. He genuinely looked horrified that my anger had evaporated into pure awkwardness. 

Without a second thought, he yanks his hoodie over his head, revealing strong muscled arms and a sneak peek of his v line as his shirt shifts up a little. He then draped it around my neck. And I stood there, staring at him like an idiot. He then scribbles his number on a piece of paper and sticks it in the hoodie’s pocket. 

“Please, let me at least pay for your dry cleaning.” A part of me wants to yell but I just nodded. Stunned.

He picks his things from the floor and hurries away.

Bianca scoffed, watching him go. “He better gets the janitor or at least a mop. We don’t want more accidents here” 

“It was a mistake,” I said. Pulling the hoodie tighter.

“What have you done with Sienna Beaumont?” She folds her arms as we approach the rolls of desks and chairs before sitting.

“I think I finally found my type.” I whisper, sitting down as I catch a whiff of his woody scent on the hoodie. 

Bianca takes out the scrambled paper from the hoodie and picks up my phone, Saves his number and shoots him a text before wrinkling the paper and tucks it in her pocket. 

“I don’t want to litter.. “ 

My phone pings.

Sorry once again, since coffee stains are hard to get off, how about I get you a new one while I get to know your name. 

“He just replied.” I whisper, showing her the text.

“Something you’d like to share with the class?” Mr Duncan’s loud and grumpy voice boomed from the front.

I hadn’t even realized he had entered. 

“No, sorry sir.” 

“Hey mum,” I said later that evening. Side-hugging her as she clicked her keyboard. 

“How was your first day?” She asked. “ It was good,” I blushed.

“I need to tell you something.” Her face turned serious. I pulled a chair out and sat next to her. 

“There’s this man I’m in love with.” She starts. “He asked me to be his wife… I’ve not given an answer yet, but I wanted to consult my daughter first.” She says.

I felt a rush of genuine relief “I’m happy for you mum, you deserve happiness.” 

“Thank you… and” She hesitated, her fingers twisting together.

“I’m fine with whatever decision you make,” I assured her. “I know you always do what’s best for us. Right?” 

“Yes, of course. We’re moving” she blurted. 

The air felt like it had been sucked out of the room and a quick picture of the memories we made her flashed before me. 

“What?” I scoffed. The thought of leaving the only home I’d ever known felt like a blow. 

“If you don’t want to, I won't. I promise.” She said quickly. Seeing the blood drain from my face. 

I swallowed hard, forcing the lump in my throat down. I couldn't be the reason she stayed lonely in this house forever. “No, Mom. As long as you’re happy, I am.” I held her hands, though mine were trembling.

“I love you mom,” 

“I love you too my darling.” 

I headed straight for my room, shutting the door and leaning my back against the wood. My heart was racing. 

I searched my tote bag for my phone, remembering the coffee guy. 

Wednesday, 5pm 

Then I hit send. Watching the blue bubble appear on the screen. 

I climbed into my bed, picking up a novel from my shelf to lose myself in. Eventually, a knock on the door pulled me out of a light, foggy sleep.

“It’s dinner time, Sienna.” Mom called out. 

I stretched, enjoying the quick endorphin rush before reaching for my phone under my pillow. 

I opened my DMs with a wide smile on my face. My heart sinked. 

I’d been left on fucking read.