Between Two Fires

^.^ Chapter 12 ^.^

"Lea?"

"Hmm?"

"What's up – you are unusually quiet." The sky is clear of any clouds and there is a full moon providing light for us as we walk down the unlit path before the diner.

"I guess I'm just a little nervous.."

"Lea. You have been friends with him for forever. Just act normal – he obviously likes you the way you are so you don't need to be nervous." I repeat the same phrase I was told when I first started going out with Seth.

"I guess you are right. Its just hard to think of it that way sometimes. I feel that BECAUSE I have been his friend forever maybe he will realize that's all he wants us to be." I nod my head in understanding.

"I'm not going to tell you otherwise. That possibility is definitely there. However you both decided to take the risk and make something more out of your long friendship. Nerves will only make things worse so just relax and enjoy your time together." This wasn't what I had been told. I had been told that everything was going to be alright. However now, I wish I would have had someone who was completely honest with me at the time.

She smiles and puts her arm around my shoulder, giving me a side hug. "Thanks Cyan, it's like you know exactly what to say in this situation." Although part of me wants to tell her just how true that statement is, I refrain myself. If I tell her my failed story now all it would do would be discourage her from dating Ethan.

"Your welcome." The diner is now visible to our left, meaning we are close to the beach party. In the distance you can make out small figures, surrounding a small speck of light. The music can barely be heard from this far.

"Who are you actually thinking of asking to accompany you tomorrow?" Lea asks.

"To be honest, I haven't really thought about it. But most likely Josh I guess. He is the only male I've spoken to more than five minutes in the past week." I shrug.

"...You have also talked to Luca for more than five minutes."

"I'd rather go with the twins than Luca, Lea." The music is much louder now that we are getting closer so I raise my voice a little to make sure she can hear me. She lifts a shoulder in a shrug.

"Ok, well in that case, there is Josh – why don't you go ask him," She points him out.

Josh is sitting in-between two girls on one of the towels. They look like they are having fun so I decide not to interrupt him. "Maybe later." I say. I spot Ethan walking towards Lea. "You've got company – I'll go get us some drinks..." Before she can stop me I disappear into the crowd of people dancing, making my way towards one of the tables where all of the drinks have been placed. I feel like someone is watching me but when I look around I don't spot anyone I know.

I'm pouring myself some coca-cola when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn to find the guy from the surf shop earlier, Trent, standing there smiling.

"Hey, Cyan! I thought it was you," His smile is contagious so I smile back.

"Hey, yeah small world!" I put the bottle of coke down and close the lid. He picks it up and pours himself a glass. To my surprise, he doesn't add any alcohol to his drink. "No alcohol?" I question.

"No - I don't really drink much alcohol." He must notice my surprised expression because when he looks at me he elaborates further, "Although I don't mind some alcohol, I don't really enjoy the hangovers so I usually steer clear from alcohol." 

"Hmm. Well that makes two of us then." I answer.

"You don't drink?" He sounds genuinely surprised. I shake my head, no. "Really? I mean - I would have to be drunk out of my mind to sing and dance on stage as confidently as you did." My smile falters a little.