Matching auras

Chapter four - Feeling good

Ben's POV:

My summer vacation will end soon. I am looking forward to the new school year. It's not like I expect something to happen. Probably it will be like every year. The boys will start training for the games. My girlfriend will do it too. The cheerleaders are always in good shape. Ashley has invited me to her practices, but I don't go. After all, I don't want to distract her. Mostly I do it because I am not interested. Let's say that cheerleading is not my thing. I go to the games only because of her. Every boy should support his girlfriend. So, I haven't decided what to do after high school, but I don't want us to fall apart. Well, we might last. Only time will show it. For now, I will focus on school. I have to say I haven't done many things during high school. Most people go to parties, get drunk and make out with girls. I don't do any of these things. Well, maybe, except for the parties. I have been to a couple. Honestly, I don't know what people like about it. I should give them a second chance. Ashley said she would make one at the beginning of the school year. This time, I will try to enjoy it. Usually, I am always around her. Let's say that I don't like everything that happens there. Being around her makes me feel safe. I don't want to get drunk. There is a possible chance that I can cheat. That is the last thing I want to do. I will never do this to Ashley. She doesn't deserve it. I feel like I don't have much fun with her. I know what she wants, but I'm not this guy. I mean, not this type. Some boys date girls only for this reason. I date them because I want to have someone by my side. Sometimes I wonder if we are a perfect match. I love Ashley, but sometimes I feel we are not that close. Maybe the problem is in me. I hope we can last because I don't want to lose her.

One week has left from my summer vacation. I want to spend it with my friends and girlfriend. James plans to make a party, and I might go. I am not a fan of them, but I don't want to stay at home all the time. Summer is to have fun. Also, I am sure Ashley will convince me to go. It's not like I mind. When school starts, she will be busy with her team. Maybe I should find something to do. That way, when my friends have practice, I won't be bored. I might meet a new friend. New students come every year. I will never change my school. Mine is not the best, but I don't want to change anything in my life right now.

I woke up and checked my phone. I had a message from Ashley. She wants us to go out for breakfast. I quickly replied to her and went to get ready. Luckily, I am a boy and don't need much time to do that. When I was ready, I took my things and walked out. We decided to meet in a small restaurant. My girlfriend was sitting and waiting for me. I walked in and sat in front of her. Soon the waiter came, and we gave him our orders.

- I didn't expect you to wake up so early. - I said

- Well, last night I was tired and went to bed early.

- Oh, ok. What is the plan for today?

- James will have a small party tonight. I want to go. Will you come with me?

- Yeah, sure. How small will it be?

- It will be only the boys and the girls. I mean, my girls. No one else.

- Cool.

- I don't know what he has planned, but it will be fun. That's why I want you to come.

- No problem. I will be there.

- Thank you, baby.

- You're welcome.

Ashley and I had a peaceful breakfast. Later, she wanted to go shopping. Mostly she goes with me so I can check her outfits. From time to time, I get something as well. I have enough clothes, so I don't plan on buying anything. We walked to the mall. I have to say she was quick to go into a*****e. When I walked in, she already had some things in her hands. I will never be able to understand girls.

- Ok, I will go to try these. You can come and tell me how I look.

- Yes, sure.

Ashley walked into the dressing room. I looked at my phone and saw a message from James. It was an invitation to his small party. I replied that I would go. Soon, my girlfriend came out in a dress.

- What do you think?

- Truth or lie?

- Truth.

- This color is not for you. Is there a purple one or a pink one?

- What is wrong with orange?

- Nothing, but that is not your color. Not when it comes to a dress.

- Ok, go and get a different color. I will try the other things.

- No problem.

Orange is a beautiful color, but it doesn't go on everything. I found where she took the dress and picked a blue one. That will fit her better. I went to go it to her, and she came out with a mint green top.

- What do you think about this one?

- That is better than the dress. Here, try this one.

- Oh, it's blue. Ok, I will try it.

- Don't you like it?

- I do, but I already have a blue dress. It's not the same, but I have one.

- So?

- I wanted to buy a color that I don't have.

- Why?

- So I can have a dress in every color.

- Can you at least try it?

- Yes, sure. I will be back in a minute.

Soon, Ashley came out of the dressing room. She looks better in the blue dress. I see she wants the orange one more. I took it and went to pay. Sometimes I buy her things. Most of the time, she comes here without me. Orange is not her color, but I won't tell her this. She might get offended. After all, I am trying to be a good boyfriend. We spend an hour in the mall. Later, she took me to a restaurant. I haven't been to this one.

- You bought me the dress, and I will pay for the lunch.

- You don't have to do it.

- But I want to. I plan to wear it at the party tonight. What do you think?

- Dress the way you want. I'm not the one who should tell you what to wear.

- Then people ask me why I love you so much.

- Thanks.

- Will you drop the good boy and drink something tonight?

- I don't know. I'm not ready to get drunk.

- Hey, you won't drink much. Only a little bit. If you don't like it, you can always stop. No one is forcing you.

- I will think about it. Let's hope it won't be only alcohol.

- I don't think so. We can't drink all night.

- Good to know.

After lunch, Ashley went home. It's early for her to get ready, but I know how much time girls take. Also, my girlfriend wanted a long bath. She takes ones when she feels tired. Since I have nothing else to do, I can look at some universities. It's early for me to sign, but now I have time to check them. When school starts, I will be busy. I made a small list on my laptop of potential places I might go. Of course, I will talk with my parents about that. I won't do anything without telling them.

At 6 pm, I started getting ready for tonight. I went for a quick shower. Later I got changed. It took me five minutes to pick my outfit. I'm blessed to be a boy. When I was ready, I walked out. I texted Ashley, and she told me not to wait for her. We'll meet at James's house. In that case, I don't have to rush. I'm not excited about tonight. That's why I don't need to walk fast. Being late won't do any harm. Even if I don't go, no one will miss me. I'm not the soul of the party. After forty minutes, I arrived. Becky opened the door.

- Hey, come in.

- Thanks. Is Ashley here?

- Um, yes. She came five minutes ago.

- Oh, ok.

- Hey, man. I'm glad you came. - James said

- Summer will finish soon.

- Don't worry. I'll make a party for the new school year. - Ashley said

- I can't wait.

- Grab a drink, and let's sit down.

- What is the plan for tonight?

- Talking and playing games. I know you love it.

- For sure, I do.

Everyone took a drink and sat in a circle on the ground. Jason grabbed a bottle and spun it. Please don't tell me we'll play this game. We're not little kids. The bottle landed on Becky, and she chose James.

- Kiss Megan for ten seconds. - Becky said

- Only ten? I want more.

- You have only ten, James.

- Ok, alright. Come here, baby.

I'm starting to wonder why I am here. I don't mind dour friends, but they always do nasty things at parties. Honestly, I can go home, but I won't do it. That won't be polite. I excised myself and went to the bathroom. Being away while they play the game is a good idea. I stayed there for about five minutes and later went to the backyard. Soon I felt a hand and turned around to see Ashley.

- Hey, are you ok?

- Yes, I needed fresh air.

- None of our friends will make you do anything you don't like.

- I won't be so sure.

- Everyone knows that in your cup is not alcohol. Ben, we are not dumb. Try to enjoy the night and forget about everything. That's the point of a party. When you become fifty, I don't think you will do it.

- The age won't let me dance. - I said, chuckling

- So do it now. Don't care about people's opinions, and do what you like.

- If it had been that easy, I would've done it.

- I know the boys can get carried away sometimes, but they only have fun.

- Why don't you go inside?

- What about you?

- I will come in a minute.

- If you say so.

I stayed outside for a while. Later, I went to my friends. They were still playing spin the bottle. It's a good game, but not the way they play it. I feel like they have watched too many movies. Nothing personal, but everything gets scripted. In real life, you can hurt someone's feelings. I mean, not everyone understands jokes. That's why I am careful when I play with them. Sometimes, things get out of control. Well, mostly when my friends are drunk.

- Man, won't you play? It's your turn to spin. - James said

- Ok, give me the bottle.

- Good luck. - Ashley said

- It landed on you. - I said as the bottle stopped spinning

- What will you make me do?

- I want you to drink a whole cup.

- What? Are you trying to get me drunk on purpose?

- No, I want you to have fun. Drink.

- Ok. I hope you won't regret it.

- Don't worry. I'll send you straight home.

- You're not funny. - Ashley said and drank her cup

- How do you feel?

- Refreshed. Thank you for this.

- For you always.

- Ben, choose our next game. Truth or dare is the first one. Next is twenty questions. - Alice said

- Twenty questions.

We played this game for a whole hour. I have to say that everyone said things that I didn't expect. Maybe except for my girlfriend, but I know her. We don't keep secrets from each other. After the game, we talked. It's nice to have a normal conversation with people. No games, no jokes. Just a conversation. It's not that hard, but for some people, it is.

- Thanks for the small party. I enjoyed it.

- Man, are you going home? - James asked

- Yes, I'm tired.

- Why? I want to stay a bit more. - Ashley said

- I didn't say you have to go home. You can stay as much as you want.

- Yeah, but without you, it's not fun anymore.

- I'm sure you will have fun.

- If you say so.

- Bye, guys.

- Bye, man. - James said, and I left

I walked for like an hour and later went home. My parents were watching a movie in the living room. Mom was asleep. As I see it, dad feels very comfortable in this position. Well, having your loved one in your arms is always something nice. Ashley and I have done this. I'm familiar with the feeling.

- Hey, dad. - I said, whispering

- Hey, kiddo. How was the party?

- It was good. Fewer people are better.

- I thought you would come late.

- I had nothing to do there.

- Then where is Ashley?

- She wanted to stay, so I left her.

- You left her to have fun alone?

- I don't have fun at these places, ok?

- Honestly, I have no idea how you got a girlfriend.

- Me neither, but I do.

- It's a whole miracle. - dad said, chuckling

- Instead of laughing at me, put your wife in bed.

- Do you know how heavy an adult is?

- Yes, but be a gentleman. You can't leave her here.

- No, I will wake her up.

- Why? So you can interrupt her dream.

- Sometimes, you talk too much.

- I took this from you. - I said, chuckling

- Very funny. In that case, you will wake your mom.

- Why me?

- So she can blame you, not me.

- She is your wife. Take care of her.

- But also your mom.

- Yes, my mom, not my date.

- Well played, son. I won't forget this.

- Ok, it's your choice.

- Why don't you go to your room?

- I was planning to go.

- You should do it.

- Ok, see you in the morning for breakfast. I hope you can make it.

- Your mom is doing a good job.

- As always. Goodnight, dad.

- To you too, kid.

I walked into my room and made my bed. Honestly, I wasn't tired, but I wanted to go home. Parties are not for me. I like them, but not that much like my friends. I feel like they will go to all of this if they can. If that's what they like, I can't stop them. At least my girlfriend is having fun. Maybe I need to spend more time with her. When she wants something, I can't give her. It's not like I can't, but I don't want to. My relationship shouldn't get based on that. I want us to be close, but not that way. I have to talk with her about this. Ashley deserves to know how I feel. I hope that she won't get offended by this. I don't want to hurt her in any way.