FALLING AROUND YOU ➵ DANIEL SEAVEY ➵ SEQUEL

20 ➵ Masked

It was Zach that pulled in for a hug next. I use to think of Zach as my little brother, but I couldn't ignore that he seemed much more mature and well-gripped when he pulled in for a hug. "You suck," he joked as I stood looked at him bewildered.

"Excuse me?"

"You suck!" he said once more. "I've missed you, and it sucks that you haven't been around! Therefore, you suck!" I shook my head pulling him in for another hug. His body was warm against my own, and I suddenly missed having the kid in everyday life.

Jonah and Jack came up to me together. After long hugs, I noticed a small flask in Jonah's hand making me raise an eyebrow. "Come on, Sienna! The night is young and so are us!" his voice slurred and his grammar off. I looked towards the boy I use to call noodle boy, but I realized the noodles were gone.

"Jack! Your hair!" I gripped it softly running my hands through it.

He rolled his eyes in a playful manner, "Yes, I know. The noodles are straight now, okay? Damn, everyone comments about it!" I couldn't help, but stroke the strand again shaking my head.

Jonah leans in closer, "He's a dad too now."

"A father?" I yelped in surprise.

Jonah and I kept teasing the now noodle less boy, so he quickly grabbed Jonah's flask chugging a bit of the mysterious liquid. I could feel the burning in my chest just thinking of the alcohol. Both Jonah and Zach cheered at Jack in excitement. When pulling away, he put the flask in my hands.

"I won't make you do anything, Sienna, but it's one night we could let loose. Don't you want that?" Jack muttered softly.

The metal flask was cool in my hand as I swirled the liquid around and around. I looked over at the three boys as they each raised an eyebrow. I knew that none of them were forcing me, but there was a compelling feeling telling me to do it, and so I did. I took a few large gulps of the fine liquid before my face scrunched up. Jonah noticed my discomfort handing me his cup of punch that I happily accepted.

I've had my moments as a reckless teenager as I've been drinking before, but I've never had a drink during an event, especially an event as lawless as this one.

"That's nasty! It tasted like hand sanitizer!" I chocked out.

"That's how you know it's good!" Zach shouted causing the rest of the boys to laugh. I flicked his forehead, knowing he was the youngest out of all of us.

A soon to be alcoholic.

After fallen introductions, I felt a staggering pain in my chest. I started at the four boys with tears sprinting down my cheeks. Thankfully, the club was too dark for any real light to shine upon me, so my tears would be hidden from clear view. Maybe the alcohol was making me emotional or maybe catching up with old friends made my heart soft. I didn't know. The tears didn't paint my sadness, but my longing for my old friends again. I've been so caught up in missing Daniel that I forgot how important the four were to me at one point.

Once upon a time, they were my closest friends. Now, I feel like we are slowly repairing our friendship away from the title of strangers. It was a start.

As the night grew older, I realized Daniel wasn't in sight. I knew that I wanted to ask, but my pride was too much in the moment. Besides, I was sure that the other boys didn't want to talk about him with me knowing our history. Then, I remembered how Marie was staying home tonight, so I figured that Daniel would stay with her. This event was massive, so it would make sense if he didn't want to attend without his girlfriend.

Just thinking of her as his girlfriend put a fouler taste in my mouth than the alcohol. My face cringed at the thought before telling the boys that I would get more punch. They understood as Jack asked me if I wanted him to come, but I declined the offer, knowing I'll only be gone for a few moments. They all nodded enjoying each other's company.