Glue

Glue : Part One

      "Come on let's go, you're both going so slow!" Minn shouts as she jogs past her friends.

Behind her were Cole and Jamie, the closest friends she had. Minn and Cole had been friends since elementary school, and she met Jamie when he moved to Caraway at the end of senior year.

Out of the two boys, Cole was the kind, level-headed one in their group. Cole was the type of person who would only drink too much at his own his house, would only make messes he could clean up. He would keep his problems in a box and would try his best to not bring them up. He was well kept, but occasionally slipped his temper.

Jamie was different. He was impulsive and risky , Jamie would do things for himself and the moment without thinking about what might happen next. Jamie was jealous, and would want attention if it could be given. He hated when things were falling apart around him, even when it was evident when it was. Jamie was damaged and would let anyone know.

Minn always tried to balance them out. She had a free soul, and would take challenges and dares without thinking, but she would always make sure someone will was around to watch, just in case.

Minn was also compassionate. She was the only person who could get Cole and Jamie to talk. The only time Cole and Jamie conflicted was when Minn wasn't there, and sometimes even when she was she had to get rid of the tension. Minn was like the glue in their friendship.

Finally, the boys caught up to her, complaining about how she's the only one who enjoys to run through icy sidewalks.

Minn slows her jog to look back at them, but as she does she slips off the sidewalk into a neighboring snowbank.

Minn made a yelp, and the laughed, as she felt the cold snow melt across her back. Cole shook his head and bent over to lift his friend out of the snowbank.

"You're welcome," Cole said with a grin.

"What would I do without you?" Minn asked while placing her hands on her hips.

"Hang out with me," Jamie interrupted, "Can we hurry, it's already 10 o'clock at night. In December. In Canada. It's very cold."

Minn laughed and silently agreed, while reaching around her friends to give them a hug.

The boys reached to return it, but as they did Minn pulled them into the snow.

"You know what, Minn?" Cole informed, "You can be a real jerk."

"Oh well, you'll just have to deal with that," She replied.

"We already do, but it's not too bad," Cole retorted.

"Sometimes," Jamie added.

Then the three friends stood up, shook the extra snow of their clothes, and cautiously walked the remaining blocks to the bar.

As they walked in, the smell of alcohol and tobacco was evident and heavy, but all in the same, it was still welcoming. Men were at the billiard tables, engaged in their game. Women were laughing and playing darts, some people were walking back inside, leaving the smoking patio. Some were simply talking by the counter, waiting for their drinks.

Jamie led the group further into the bar, and voluntarily ordered each of them a drink. Cole took his directly from the bartender, thanking him. Jamie carried the remaining two drinks to the table Minn was waiting at, and passed her one of them. Jamie sat down across from her, with Cole sitting on her right.

"So boys," Minn checks over her shoulder, looking around the bar, "What shall we do?"

"I say darts," Jamie suggests.

"I'm down for that," Cole answers.

"Okay," Minn exclaims, with her hands still pressed on the table, "Let's go!"

Minn stands up, and ushers past the chairs blocking her escape from the table, and in her rush she forgot her drink.

"Hey, Jamie!" She called to him as he stood up, "Could you grab my drink please?"

He nodded picking it up with his free hand, and followed her towards the dart boards. Minn thanked him and finished the remainder of her drink.

As they were playing , each of them were laughing, and drinking and enjoying themselves. Weirdly, Minn was beginning to feel a little drunk, so she stopped drinking before the others.

"What's wrong?" Cole inquired as she nearly swayed into his chest.

"N-nothing, I think I'm going to cut myself off," Minn mildly slurred

"I guess it's just not your night." Cole shrugged, "Usually you drink more than this before you're this buzzed."

"The bartender must have just over poured." And with that she awkwardly threw a dart.

"Maybe, but just watch yourself, if you need me to walk you home, I will."

After Cole gave his offer, they all continued to throw darts for another 10 - 15 minutes. Soon Jamie asked Minn to come with him to the VLT's. She agreed, and followed him over there, and noticed that no one was around.

"Why don't you think anyone's gambling?"

"I guess no one is in the gambling mood," Jamie replied moving closer. "But that's okay," By now his hand was sitting uncomfortably low on Minns back, "I think that we should be alone."

"What are you doing...?" Minn asked, shaken. Jamie was beginning to trail his fingers down the side of her neck, until he reached her shoulder, then slowly tried to pull the sleeve down, swirling his index finger across her skin.

"Oh, don't worry." He said.

"No, please, stop." She was nearly shivering in fear of what he wanted to do.

"Why?" Jamie replied angrily, "Who'll hear?"

"Cole."

Hearing that, Jamie shoved Minn roughly against a wall.

"Will he hear this?" He slapped her, and she fell on the ground. "Or this?" Jamie kicked her in her ribcage.

"Oh well, you'll pass out in a bit." He sickly laughed, and began to walk away, "There was a little.... something in your drink. Call it a party trick.

Minn felt unhealthy, her entire body throbbed, and her vision was shaky. Minn noticed how her eyes were beginning to feel droopy.

"I-I thought... he was my friend."

End of Part One