But, I thought things were going great! said Ben.

Jay felt for him, she really did. She had shed tears for him, with him, but now she just wanted it to be over. How many times could he plead with her to reconsider? She played with edge of the blanket, watching the day turn to dusk, the air cooling around them. She wondered if this was a true measure of a person; how well they took a break up?

What about if we took sex off the table? Ben asked.

Jay sighed. It would come up eventually. We are young and curious and I just can’t.

I thought you said you loved me?

I did. I do. It is just…the timing isn’t great and I can’t string you along.

Timing? For what? You going off to college? Working too many hours at the local mini-mart? Please! Ben scoffed, and Jay knew he was right. Perhaps she should tell him she doesn’t love him, but that feels unimaginably cruel.

Is there someone else? Now it was Jay’s turn to scoff. Perhaps I can change your mind? Ben turned his voice seductive, as he leaned in. Jay rolled her eyes, but she was maybe, on purpose, a split second too late in stopping him from kissing her. God, he tasted so good. Maybe they could just…no. Wait –

Please, Ben deepened the kiss, pushing her against the blanket.

Come on, no – said Jay pushing back, firmly.

I can change your mind, he whispered into her ear, his weight bearing down on her, one hand roaming not very gently.

Seriously? Jay asked in her head. This was just about enough. In a split second Jay flipped Ben and her knife was at his throat. However, she was put off by a beam of light, straight in her eyes. She scrambled off Ben. He swore, wiping the pin-prick of blood at his neck.

Yeah, thanks, Jack, Jay shot a rude finger sign at the watchtower. She stood up, masking her shaking hands by wiping at imaginary grass on her clothes. She couldn’t mask the quiver in her voice, or the venom.

Stay away from me, or I will end you.

Ben glared at her from the ground. Whatever.