maggie walks down to where the kids are partying. this is where she usually goes until super late then comes over and spends the nights at me or amber's. you've been a down here a lot too. but today you aren't feeling it. you sit in the sand a little bit away from the party talking to payton.
P | are you an introvert?
A | no, not usually. i just want to talk to you.
P | you can go if you want.
A | no. i want to talk to you.
P | okay.
you smile at each other.
P | i've been working on a new song.
A | that's crazy. can i hear it.
P | yeah, umm let me get my guitar.
you see him walk out of the frame and come back with his guitar. he begins to play the song. you catch yourself smiling while listening to him play. maggie comes over.
M | hey aug-
A | shhh, he's playing his song.
he looks up and smiles. she sits down next to you and watches.
A | that was so good!
M | that was amazing. is that love letter?
P | yeah. idk if i want to release it because of how personal it is.
A | i thought it was really good.
M | i brang this for you audrey.
she hands you a Truly. you take a sip.
A | thanks.
P | you drink?
A | sometimes.
P | oh.
A | i'm sorry if that makes you-
P | oh no it's okay. it's bad for you but...it's okay.
maggie whispers in your ear.
M | he vapes.
A | that's not good for you either!
he knows exactly what maggie said. maggie keeps up with people on tik tok. you don't really.
P | well i guess we're even.
you hold up your can.
A | even.
M | well i'm going to go back.
she kisses you on the cheek.
A | are you.
M | be safe, don't go anywhere.
A | i wont.
you look back at payton.
P | where are you?
A | a beachside party.
P | that sound so dope.
A | they happen every night.
P | so you're just sitting by the ocean talking to me at midnight.
A | basically.
P | what part of florida do you live in.
A | i live on the shore of cocoa beach.
P | oh?! i heard that's one of the best surfing spots.
A | the best. what part of north carolina do you live in?
P | moorsville, outside of charlotte.
A | wow.
you look up the distance between your city's.
A | 8 hours.
P | huh?
A | oh nothing.
P | okay...
A | you can go to bed if you're tired.
P | no, i don't want to go to bed until i know you're somewhere safe.
A | i'll just go into the party
P | i want to talk to you.
he says with a pouty face. he's laying down in bed.
A | go to bed payton.
he frowns.
A | goodnight.
P | please, don't go.
A | you need to get some sleep.
P | fine.
you smile at him.
A | goodnight!
P | goodnight audrey.
you hang up the phone and walk over to maggie.
M | oh hey !!!
A | hey mags.
she's hanging out with these girls she partys with a lot. you have a few truly's before you ask maggie to come home.
M | i think i'll stay for a bit longer!!!
she yells. she's drunk.
A | well i'm going home and if you're coming over tonight we have to go now.
M | i'll stay at ambers i bet she's awake.
A | okay.
that left you walking home alone. you open tik tok to try and see if payton's awake. sure enough he posted 10 minutes ago. he posted a lip sink video to the song say you won't let go. you decide to call him. maybe he'll answer. he does.
P | hello?
A | hey payton. sorry for waking you up-
P | no, it's okay.
A | maggie is still out and i'm getting really tired and i don't want to walk home alone.
P | oh, okay. that's okay.
he turns on a lamp so you can see him.
A | i'm sorry i really needed someone to talk to.
P | relax audrey that's what i'm here for. besides just a few more minutes isn't that big of a deal.
you smile at him. he smiles back.
A | do you have anything planned tomorrow.
P | i'm having some friends over. we are going to work with some music. but i'll be sure to text you throughout the day.
A | okay. well i'll answer when i can who knows what kind of punishment my parents have for me.
he laughs a little as you walk onto your street. you hop the fence to your back yard and walk in the back door. you disarm the alarm on maggie's trap phone before it goes off. making sure to set it back up and delete the occurrence. you sneak up to your bedroom and realize your door is locked.
A | shit!
P | what is it?
A | i locked my door.
P | do you have a key?
A | i always keep my other key in my brothers room but idk if i should wake him up.
P | sneak in there and if he sees you just talk to him.
A | idk if i can do that?
P | you got this.
what are your thoughts on you and payton's relationship?