Life Without You

14

"But the damage was done the moment our eyes meant."

* * *

Dad wasn't home when Sam picked me up. He had texted me while Sam and I were at the diner asking if I could get a ride home. He wasn't there when Sam dropped me off and he hadn't come home since, which was honestly a blessing because my father did not need to know I was going to a party at Alex's house.

Sam's I Volvo pulled into my driveway at exactly eight o'clock just like he said he would. I watched him reach to open his car door but I was already hurrying outside before he could. It was raining and the water hit my head hard as I ran toward his car. I pulled the door open before quickly closing it behind me.

"It's really raining out there isn't it?" Sam asked.

"Yeah." I nodded.

"So where does this friend of yours live?"

"I'll tell you where to go." Sam pulled out of my driveway and the only talking we did was when I was directing Sam on where to go. "Take a right up here." I said as we finally pulled into Alex's neighborhood. Once we were there it was easy to tell where the party was. Car after car was lined up outside Alex's house reaching all the way down the street. The music vibrated down the road and kids were scattered in his yard smoking and drinking despite the pouring rain.

"Who is your friend exactly?" Sam asked as he stared warrily at the party. I ignored him as he pulled into a free spot on the side of the street. I got out of his car and started to make my way to Alex's door. Instead of knocking I just opened the door and walked inside. I thought about looking for Alex but after quickly registering how many people were actually at the party I scratched the idea and decided to look for the drinks table.

"Sierra, wait up!" Sam's voice called out from behind me. I turned to see him pushing through the crowd, trying to get to me. "Where are you going?" He asked when he caught up to me.

"Getting a drink." I said. "Do you want one?"

"What? No, I'm driv-"

"Right! I forgot you don't drink." Not waiting for him to respond I turned around and started to push through the crowd again, looking for the kitchen. It didn't take me long to find it and soon I was pouring myself a shot.

And then another one

And another one

And another one

"Woah, don't you think that's enough?" Sam asked, grabbing the bottle from me. I didn't fight him. Instead I let him take the bottle from me before I grabbed his hand and started to pull him into the living room. The music was loudest here and everyone around us was dancing and singing.

"Come on!" I said, beginning to move my hips. "Dance with me?"

Sam shook his head. "I don't dance."

"But you write poetry?" I asked.

"Yes." Sam laughed. "Those things aren't remotely close to each other."

I shrugged. "Just dance." I swayed my hips to the beat of the music, closing my eyes, and letting the music take me away. I grabbed his hands and pulled them to my waist continuing to let myself feel the music.

It might just have been because I was drunk but I liked the feeling of his hands on me, not wanting him to let go. It made the insides of me feel warm and he didn't seem to hate it either. I opened my eyes and looked back up into Sam's eyes. I leaned close, bringing my lips to his ear. "See, you're a really good dancer."