"Let's go to a party! God knows I need it, after all the crying. My head still hurts."
Cam was munching on the snacks that he managed to find around the house when she made the statement. They had napped for a couple hours and it was starting to get dark outside.
"Now?" he frowned.
"Not now, dummy. At night. Whenever it is."
"Do you know anyone who is throwing one today?"
"Nope, but the others might. Let me ask," and with that, she picked up her phone to text.
It was almost a month since senior year started and he was wondering when her urge to party would surface again.
"Should we really go today?" he asked tentatively, not in the mood for heavy music and so many people at the moment.
She looked up from her phone, brows furrowing. "Please, B, I need to occupy myself today. I just can't bear to sit in my room, staring at the wall and drowning in my stupid thoughts."
At that, he sighed, wanting to break the guy's neck all over again. Now, another reason added to the list.
"Plus, you know I wouldn't go without you."
He knew that to be the truth, whatever her reason may be. They had a large group of friends and she had no qualms about hanging out with them without him at other times. In fact, the girls are always out shopping, going to the spa or having numerous sleepovers. But when it came to partying, she refused to go without him, even though she knew he didn't particularly like it.
"Yeah, only 'cause you need me to bring you drunk ass home safe."
"True," she winked.
*
A couple hours later, Cam was back all ready to party. He decided he would never be able to get over how gorgeous she looked, whether she was crying her eyes out or all glammed up for a night of fun.
Today, she wore a sleeveless sequined silver top with black leather pants and a black choker. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, some strands left loose artfully to cover her dark make-up clad face.
He whistled softly, showing his appreciation. She acknowledged the compliment with a smile and a sarcastic curtsy.
She walked forward and fixed his shirt, pulling it from where it was stuck under his pants. Her hand trailed across his stomach and came to rest lightly on his chest. He swore she could hear the rapid beat of his heart. It was only moments before she found out, before she realized -
"Let's go! We need to pick up Zel and Jack on the way too." She said.
He let out a deep breath as she turned to grab her mobile. For a moment there, he was sure that his feelings were so obvious, so apparent, that it was written across his face in clear, bold, neon letters for her to read easily.
"Wait, where are you staying today?"
Her parents were strict enough to not approve of late night parties. So usually told them that she was going to have a sleepover at her friend's if she ever felt like partying. Which wasn't much too frequent, so the arrangement worked perfectly. They didn't suspect a thing.
"Here. I don't think I will want to stay with anyone else today. After all, you are my number one." she replied.
"Stop flattering me."
*
Cam had wandered off to God-knows-where, while he was sitting and sipping a coke. The only thing that made this bearable - other than being there for Cam - was watching his friends make absolute drunk fools of themselves. In fact, he was enjoying it way too much.
He was going to follow the group towards the patio doors when his favourite person stepped right in front of him.
"I've been looking everywhere for you!" Cam exclaimed. She wasn't drunk out of her wits, but wasn't exactly sober either.
"Hey, Cam."
"I need some fresh air." She almost dragged him outside in her hurry. After reaching the front doors, she continued walking towards the car.
"Uh....Cam, you know you are going in the direction of the car, right?"
"Of course, genius. Now, are you coming or should I drive myself?
He rolled his eyes at that; she knew perfectly well that he would never let her drive in her state.
When they reached the car, he went to open the door for her but she said , "Wait."
He turned towards her. "What happened? Do you want to go back?"
Without a word, she stepped forward, so close that his whole body tingled with the nearness of her. She made sure not to touch him, which he thought would make him go crazy soon. He was a whole head taller than her but since she was wearing heels, she only had to tilt her head a bit to look at him.
"Why don't you drink?"
He frowned, not knowing where that was coming from. She already knew the answer to her question to him. After all, they didn't meet yesterday.
"Because I don't like it...?" his answer came out more like a question.
"Then why do you come to parties? Isn't that what we come for? To drink and let loose?"
"I come because you drag me, Cam," he said, slightly amused.
She cupped his face, her eyes growing sad. He tried to ignore the cool feel of her palms on his now flushed face.
She said,"I'm so sorry. I know you don't like it but I like having you around. It's weird to explain."
"Because I am your unofficial chauffeur?" he joked.
"No," she replied fiercely, him slightly taken aback by her tone.
His amusement was replaced by concern. "Hey, babe, listen. I don't mind. Whatever works for you. It's just once in a while."
She was still looking at his with that large, sad eyes. "That's exactly it! You always do everything I ask of you. You are always there for me. But what do i do? Oh yes, I drag you to places you don't want to be. I am so sorry I am such a shitty friend to you. I -"
"Cam! Shut up. What are you even talking about? Let's just go ho -"
"You're beautiful."
His mouth dropped open. "What?"
She nodded emphatically, her hands adjusting on his face. "Yes, B, you are so freaking beautiful. Both inside and out. I have no idea why I have never noticed it before. Wow. Why didn't I? Fuck me."
Even though this was what he wanted to hear from her, his mind kept nagging him telling him that she was on a drunken ramble.
He laughed uneasily, "You're drunk."
She looked at him a few moments longer before she brought her lips to his.
Fuck, this girl was going to be the death of him!
His heart stopped for a moment there. He had dreamt about this moment for such a long time, and he was itching to pull her close and show her what he felt, to pour his feelings into the kiss. But he knew this was all wrong. She was drunk and brokenhearted. He didn't want their first to be a mistake. So, with an ache that felt physical, he peeled himself from her.
"Cam, you're drunk," he repeated, this time more firmly.
"But -" and she swayed on her feet.
She looked so wounded that he didn't return the kiss. But he knew it was the right thing to do even though his heart protested violently.
"Let's get you home, sweetheart."
The car ride home was silent. She had fallen asleep, and he had to half drag her and half carry her to the bedroom. After he located the make-up remover in her overnight bag, he proceeded to clean her face with practised ease. He side braided her hair and tucked her in before flopping down on the couch.
Under the circumstances, sleeping under the same covers would not be ideal.
He sighed, thinking about what the next day would bring.
