Strawberries

The little strawberries that grow by the stream taste like sunshine, sweet and warm on my tongue. The red stains my lips and I pretend it’s lipstick, fussing over my reflection in the water.

I study my image for a moment, frowning thoughtfully. The girl looking back at me from the silvery ripples is barely fifteen  with a head full of curls and eyes just a little too dark for her years.

I notice another face appear beside mine and I flinch in surprise. Her reflection is dappled with gold as the sun dances on the water’s surface – dirty blonde perfection with a soft, Cupid’s bow mouth.

I thought I was alone.

Rachel reaches a hand into the water and splashes me with a laugh that sounds almost bell-like, pretty and teasing. I try to memorize the sound as I wipe the water from my cheek, flashing her a grin.

“Nice lipstick,” she says with a smile, and I can feel my cheeks burning as she leans forward to wipe away the blush of berry from my bottom lip.

“I thought I looked pretty badass,” I say, trying for a devil-may-care tone but sounding more like a kid playing pretend.

Another giggle escapes her, and I can feel my heartbeat thudding in my ears.

“Oh, you do,” she nods almost solemnly, her eyes sparkling with something playful. “I could show you how to do your makeup sometime, you know … if you want.”

“Sure,” I say with a shrug, my voice a little softer than I intended.

Rachel smiles again and moves closer, pushing a wayward curl behind my ear – and I can feel my chest tighten.

“Tomorrow after school?” she asks, tipping her head a little to the side and pursing her lips softly.

I catch myself looking at her mouth, wondering if her kiss would taste as sweet as strawberries, warm like sunshine. My stomach flutters and I bite my bottom lip a little too hard, reminding myself that I shouldn’t think that way.

I swallow.

“Tomorrow,” I agree, looking away before she sees too much.