Just One Hug

God it felt good to be so close to him. The smell of him, the warmth. What I'd resisted so long. Was that why it was so good? Because I'd held back? My lips so close to his neck, I ached to kiss him. I didn't. Just a hug, I told myself. Just one. That's OK, right?

You've already gone several Mississippis past OK, and you know it.

My legs almost buckled. I was glad for his arms holding me steady.

You've got to stop!

We pulled apart.

"I better g-"

"You better go back inside."

There was a moment, unsaid words dangling between us.

I walked back towards the house. Eddy trotted along at my heels, grinning widely.

Turning onto the driveway, I almost bowled right into Rich, my eldest, a young man all of a sudden. Shirtless, barefooted, an odd look on his face. My insides dropped in horror. I tried not to let it show on my face. What's he doing out here? Did he see...?

I squashed these questions, made them small. Brazen it out, it's dark, he couldn't have seen anything much. Anyway I haven't actually done anything.

Oh, lies. Lying to yourself is so debasing. I hadn't done anywhere near as much as I wanted to, but I had wanted to. That counts for something, doesn't it?

"Who was that?" Rich is looking at me in a way I don't like, a heavy sort of look.

"A friend," I keep it light, try to keep guilt out of my voice.

Rich frowns. He wants to ask something, but he's unsure what or how, or if he even wants the answer. He turns away. Don't leave it like this!

"Rich?"

He glances back.

"Are you OK?"

He's glances round, cornered, and mumbles, "It looked like you were kissing or something,"

"Oh!" I laugh, feeling a rush of relief. "God no! We've been friends a long time, but I've never kissed him." Honesty rang in my words, thank fuck.

"He's having a rough time right now," I tell him. "His mum just died, his wife's been poorly, and his sister just got diagnosed with MS."

"Oh."

"Come on, you. Long past bedtime."

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Word count excluding note: 366 Submitted on Tuesday 25th June at 21:00

*Quick Author's Note* First, and most importantly: thank you so much for reading my story! The ha'penny that Vocal will toss in my hat for your eyeballs landing on this humble piece will be well-spent.

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one continues my 177 day streak since 1st January.

Please do consider lending your support to the other creators who are also on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They are putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Please do leave me a comment: I reciprocate as many as I can. Leaving a comment makes that easier.

The story behind the story: I always try to write these so they can be enjoyed as stand-alone stories, but you can also read this as a follow on from this one:

I deliberately wanted to leave you with questions on this one. Is she telling the truth? Lying? If she's lying, what's she lying about, and how good of a liar is she?

You can leave it there, or you can read on here:

Thank you! Thank you again, most sincerely. Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and appreciate you very much indeed! 😁 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +