6 - Drunken Rendezvous

5568 Words
I could not explain the displeasure that rippled through my skin when I found Jette Zack waiting for me at the front entrance of the school. Here I was, assuming a complete-ish stranger wouldn't follow through with a crass plan but of course, I could be wrong. I just didn't expect it at the time. Jette was with her short minion who introduced herself as Ivy. Ivy had short brunette hair, straight and up to her shoulders. She wore braces. She actually didn't dress as crazy as Jette and seemed friendly and non-repulsive despite her high-pitched voice that was increasingly irritating. Sure, inviting yourself wasn't enough. We made it to my house in Ivy's blue Toyota Camry. I was in the back with the brunette driving and Jette in the passenger seat. It was not an ideal 10-minute ride. We barely talked; it was practically me directing her to the destination and that was it. I was particularly uncomfortable despite being alone in the back. Jette just crept me out further with her staring and that stupid devious grin. It was only a couple more seconds of staring before I was going to open the door and jump out of the moving vehicle. I don't know how Camila can be so open minded about her. Yes, Lauren, you're thinking about Camila again. And guess what? Your boyfriend won't approve of this, too. They talked. They even laughed a couple of times, talking about two guys called Brad and James. I twisted the knob of the apartment I share with my family expecting, actually bracing for commotion, nothing but unsightly commotion. I pushed the door open and found an organized reprieve with things tucked away to their rightful places which was expected of a normal house. My mother's car was parked outside. I was relieved, very relieved. Okay, I was too relieved. "Mom?" I called out as I pushed the door open, the two girls standing behind me. I was greeted by an exceptionally organized house. The stairs didn't have the shoes we partially uncovered from our boxes. "Kitchen, nugget!" She replied, her voice radiating from the aforementioned room. We walked down the hallway with our shoes clicking against the hard wood floor. My backpack hung on my right shoulder as I clenched on the strap tightly. I looked to the right and found our living room spotless. Couch and matching chairs were ready to nestle with tired butts and aching backs. There was a glass coffee table that sat in the middle of the room. The television was mounted on the wall; plugged and ready to fire. The dining room wasn't as chaotic as when I was there hours ago. The wooden dining table and chairs stayed in place. The white walls were still bare and without any significant paintings or framed pictures. Curtains were not up yet we had vertical blinds. The house needed some personalization given the absence of picture frames and just decorations my parents like. But we barely wear places out and then we have to go. The house is practically engulfed in white; despite some noticeable black and brown outlines, everything was white. It was a gorgeous minimalist interior. I liked it despite my inclination towards black. But there was an utter and noticeable lack of cardboard boxes. In the kitchen, I found my father cutting oranges into wedges on the kitchen island while my mother was cleaning out some lettuces in the sink facing the white wooden window panes. They were preparing dinner as a team. My mother was still in her work clothes while my dad wore a t-shirt and cargo shorts plus an apron with ruffles outlining the entire thing. It was adorable. "Hello, parents." I anxiously greeted them by the door, knowing the two people I had tagging along with me; just Jette actually. Ivy seemed normal enough. "You cleaned without us?" My mother swiveled to my direction wearing a beautiful smile that made her laugh lines evident. It was soon withdrawn as she caught sight of the blonde I was with. She literally inspected her from the scalp down to her peep toes with a displeased inclined brow. "Mother." I quipped, desperately trying to take her stare off of our visitor. I combed my hair back. "Somebody had to." My dad retorted without looking up at me. "How was school, bud?" "It was...good." I answered which sounded more like a question, yet making sure I sounded convincing. It was partially good, to be honest. I walked towards my evidently stunned mother and wrapped my arms around her. I gave her a peck on the cheek as I continually clung to her. She eventually reciprocated and released me. I then embraced my father in a side hug, tapping his shoulder. I cleared my throat as I stood in the middle of my parents, facing the two girls. "Mom, Dad, these are Janette Zack and Ivy Martinez." I declared as I extended my arm to the visitors who waved slightly. Ivy had a reserved grin while Jette had a particularly unpleasant smirk. "Are you guys hungry?" My dad finally looked up and was equally dissatisfied. He scornfully glared at me for a little bit with his back on them. He pretended to hug me and then smiled to them. The girls did not notice. Mike Jauregui has tricks. "No." Both girls said in unison. It was increasingly uncomfortable being there that I decided to move the party elsewhere. "We'll be at the living room studying for World History." My parents merely nodded. I snatched an orange wedge, shoved it in my mouth and sauntered towards the living room. I crashed on one of the chairs after throwing my back pack on the table. I tapped on the armrest as I waited for the two girls to sit on the couch. It had just occurred to me that none of them had their school bags with them. Jette was reading something on her phone while Ivy's eyes scanned every curves and corners of the threshold. "Uh..." Jet started without peeling her eyes off the little screen in front of her. "So, Lolo..." She articulated my apparent new nickname melodramatically, emphasizing the pronunciation of each syllable making it sound like "low-low." Come to think of it, she has her own way of speaking. It's flirty yet jagged. It reminds me of something that I cannot seem to pin point. "Miss Dubose discusses things by the book. The syllabus is your guide. You can be sure she won't veer from it." The blonde finally lifted her gaze to my direction. "You have the textbook, don't you?" "Yeah." I shrugged. So, this is studying to you. "She's just mean because she's not married." Ivy interjected. It was one of the first few times she actually spoke to me. "You should see the way she looks at Brad and James." I had not seen either of those guys nor was I really interested; especially after associating them with the two girls. Jette c****d her brows as she smirked, again. "Okay." I said dismissively. I was not necessarily interested in that subject. "So, Lolo..." The blonde began with a rather excited yet scheming tone. I was getting tired of the nickname that was so innocent back then; before Jette thought of it. She giggled as she quivered her shoulders. "There's a party at the beach later, all the seniors are coming. You're coming, right?" The words were form into a suggestion but it did not sound that way. Party. My soul jumped for joy at the sound. It didn't matter who I was going to be with, Jette somehow seemed nice to me. I smiled as I brushed my hair back. "What time?" "Starts at nine." Jette eagerly remarked, resting her elbows on her knees with her phone between her hands. "We're coming to pick you up." There was no doubt about it, I said yes. I like having fun. It didn't matter who I was with. I haven't really had a horrible experience with partying illegally. Gavin is a little too protective of me; bordering possessive. I couldn't really have fun while he's around. Quite frankly, I love his shielding me from potential disasters but sometimes I just want to let loose and enjoy the freedom my parents award me with. Ivy and Jette left immediately after I agreed to go out with them. I had no idea why I thought the latter would want to study. I did study without them anyway. I started reading about Japanese samurais and was really getting into the subject. The words were harder to pronounce but somehow easier to understand with the specific definitions attached to them. I started with the history which started in the Asuka and Nara periods. I perched my foot on the coffee table as I sat back with the text book in my hands. It was a good hour and a half spent learning about the iron armored military force of Japan. "Where'd your friends go, honey?" My mom asked as she entered the room with a glass of orange juice in her hand. She was cautious with her question but I did not mind it at the time. "Brought you some OJ." "They had to do something." I wasn't lying; they did have something to do which was get ready for the party. "Thanks, mom." "Mom." I paused. My mother looked at me questioningly, however, she just seemed worried for some reason. "There's this party tonight..." I eased the subject in with an awkward grin. I had a feeling my mother wouldn't let me go out given that we have only been in the house for a few days and there was still much to do. But it was the weekend anyway. "You can go, honey." My mom reluctantly nodded with her eyes sealed. "Have dinner with us first. And don't stay out too late." She continued and then left me in the room by myself. I had a personal crisis. I was battling it out between my diligent student self, aching to finish reading about the classes that I missed in the four days, and the party goer that's raving for a good time. I thought about it for a while, aimlessly staring at the book in front of me. "Ah! Screw it." I groused, snapping the book close. "I'm going to go and have fun. I can study tomorrow." I tidied the place up before I went upstairs to shower and change into something fit for a party. - Ivy came with Jette a half an hour before nine. I got in the car with the ensemble I had prepared with a black beanie hugging half of my head. We arrived at this place that was what they called "their spot" for a couple of years. It was quite a long ride; we practically got there a little over nine. Apparently, somebody's family owns that portion of the beach. I don't exactly know who but I was just happy to be there for some reason. The weather was great; the typical Miami heat, humid and not dry at all. I've missed it. I wandered by the shoreline; leaving everyone behind. The warm summer breeze swept through my bare skin as nostalgia gushed from within. I could not help but stand on the sand, close my eyes and take everything in. I took a deep breath as I faced the horizon. The sea with endless ripples reflecting the bright full moon and the crashing, bursting sounds of waves greeting the shoreline. "I'm home." I whispered. I stayed there contemplating about my life. There isn't much to complain about. I have an incredible family; I'm fitting right in to the new school; my boyfriend and I have never been closer and more in love. I was just thankful. Of course, my homework had to meddle but I had convinced myself to just relax for now. I thought I deserved the little break. Nevertheless, I somehow had to prepare. But I couldn't find inspiration. I looked down on my feet as my shoes perforated down on the soft white sand beneath. I shifted my gaze to the foaming sea water by the shore as it retracts back to the ocean only coming back in succession; some pounding with force while others as calm as the breeze. Nothing. I needed help. I was quickly reminded of Miss Peterson's request and then I realized I only needed to ask. I only needed to ask... "Camila."I breathed. I felt a commotion in my front pocket, realizing my phone had received a phone call. Again, I was reminded of my aversion with regards to the vibrate or ring option. I simply hate it but I couldn't stare at my phone all day; waiting for somebody's call or text. Camz? I pondered. It could be her. I was convinced I had this magical foresight; my thoughts connecting with the world according to what I felt. I pulled the device out only to find Gavin's name on the display. I was ecstatic anyway. It was our routine. He just calls after dinner. It's sweet. It didn't matter if he was busy; he always calls. "Hello Lauren." He dramatically greeted, deepening his usual teenage voice. I snickered lightheartedly. "How was your day, Gav?" "Pretty good." He answered swiftly followed by a thoughtful hum. "But please stop calling me by my name?" Gavin pleaded. "Yes L..." I teased to which he grunted. "Yes, babe." "That's more like it." My boyfriend said proudly. "How are you? Are those waves I'm hearing?" "I'm good and...yes, those are waves." I reluctantly answered. He just hates it when I go out and he's not remotely close. Again, Gavin is the jealous kind. He especially hates it a hundred times more if he hears boys in the background. "Who are you with?" He said, his tone serious and demanding. "Is this another party? Babe...we talked about this." And there it is. I huffed, I was a little exasperated. "Babe, I just got here. I used to live here for 14 years and I want to see Miami again." I reasoned. I may or may not have regretted the next part of my response. "I'm with my family. Don't worry." At the time, I felt that telling him that little white lie was necessary. If I had actually told him; I would have spent the next few hours fighting with him. I wanted to avoid that at all cost. He would have made me go home and if I did that myself, I would practically be lost. The phone call was cut short as Gavin said he had to do some group homework with his roommate, Buddy. He was going to be busy which meant I had the rest of the night to unwind. We ended the short conversation exchanging the same three-worded phrase; professing our love for each other. I joined the rest of the assembled group shortly after the call. It was then that I found five guys and three girls; all but the two girls were complete strangers to me. They sat in a shambolic circle on the ground with an assortment of blankets. In the middle were bottles upon bottles of alcohol. There was wine but it wasn't the typical beer party I had previously attended; they were hard drinks - tequila and vodka in particular. There were some lime wedges and salt with a few shot glasses. I was in for a rough night. There were bamboo torches and lamp posts around; dimly lighting the private property. Nothing but faint Cuban music and some traffic noises would be heard from where we were. "Lolo!" Jette enthusiastically proclaimed with the usual flair as the artificial light grazed my skin the closer I approached. She was clutching on to a pink Las Vegas shot glass with a clear liquid in it. The blonde wobbly walked up to me; steadying herself by clutching on to the back of my neck. "Have a drink!" She pushed the minute glass close to my face, causing the some of the liquid to pour out. She didn't flinch; there was no slight reaction. I pulled my head back, avoiding the glass. Her grip on my neck was particularly tight. It was starting to feel sore and her body was oddly so close to me; pressed against my side. I was more than relieved I was wearing the jacket; if not, I would have felt the side of her boobs with the tank top she was wearing. With no further argument, Jette swallowed all the glass' contents, c*****g her head back. She looked at me momentarily and flashed me an odd, piercing grin. "Guys! Guys!" She exclaimed as she turned her head towards the group, asking for everyone's attention. It wasn't necessary; they were already looking at us. It was making me uncomfortable. Between the weird affection and the staring; I could not decide which one was worse. "This is Lolo!" She announced to the little audience with a wide grin on her face. I gave them a slight smirk. "Lauren." I corrected, stressing my name. There were two British boys who wore incredibly tight jeans and some cut out t-shirts; one was short with curly brown locks white the other was significantly taller had straight golden hair shooting out from his head. Well, judging by their leg lengths. "Brad." The shorter one said, slightly waving at me with a smirk. "James." The blonde guy followed sporting a genuine grin. I will go out on a limb here, but I think those are the boys that Ivy and Jette were talking about. I don't necessarily find them special. They're just boys. A Chinese girl sat in the middle of the Brits who introduced herself as "Ning." Ivy was within that little group; it was the same one Jette was huddled up in. The other three guys merely grinned and went back to watching something in somebody's phone. As the night progressed, I have had quite a dose of tequila in my system. My vision had started to blur as I was losing control of my closing eyelids. My head had started to throb as my vision would continually whirl, forcing me to shut my eyes. More people came in with more drinks and an assortment of drinks. Jette continually made jokes about doing body shots on me and I refused each time. Gavin had every right to be paranoid if he had known. Instead of me, she had put salt on James' tongue. The blonde Brit gladly let her. Well, it didn't turn out into a body shot, they had ended up sloppily making out with their tongues roaming the depths of each other's mouths and faces. It looked quite gross. "You look drunk." Jette said, her voice a more unstable than usual. She slowly curled her lips into a smile as she pointed to me. She held on my thigh and started rubbing it. "Do you want that body shot now?" There was something with Jette and I had just realized what it was; I had just realized it. I don't really understand her words sometimes. They're just incoherent, jumbled set of words with some sort of a loose, floating tone in it. Her eyes would be droopy most of the time while she would practically drag herself to each classroom. In conclusion, Janette Zack looks and talks like she's drunk all the time, only that when she is, it's worse. I shook my head with a bewildered look. I became slightly concerned as my inhibitions were about to fade and that does not mean well. There were quite a few drunk people and I was about to be one of them. My stomach churned with the alcohol in my system and my heart had started to slow down. While most people were devouring each other's lips and probably tongues and teeth, I sat there in Jette's little circle noticing Brad staring at me. I pretended to not notice and pulled my phone out, barely able to read anything. I had never been too drunk I had forgotten about my boyfriend and I wanted to keep it that way. One guy from the original group; his name I had no idea at the time, stood up and went towards an approaching vehicle with the lights glaring in my eyes. My head throbbed harshly as I massaged my temples. He had spent most of his time talking on his phone prior to the car's arrival. He was wearing some cargo shorts with a red shirt and a snap back with the same color. He had light brown hair underneath the hat. I followed him as he walked away out of curiosity; barely able to keep my balance. Everybody else was talking to each other, I got bored. I saw a metallic gray Chevrolet Colorado pull up while the guy assisted the driver with parallel parking, moving his arms about. He soon stopped; with confidence that the driver knew what they were doing after. The driver rolled down the window revealing themselves. I continually blinked my eyes to clear my vision and I soon find myself staring at a familiar brunette. "Big car for a small person." I mumbled to myself; my speech barely audible. "Hey!" I exclaimed throwing my arm up as I recognized her; waving at Camila Cabello enthusiastically. "You're here!" I muttered, my voice hoarser than usual yet it was exceptionally filled with glee and anticipation for her company. I was sincerely ecstatic to see her. I had not expected to. It was a beautiful surprise wrapped in a pick-up truck. My heart leapt for joy multiple times as her lips shaped into a breathtaking smile. "Hi Lo!" She chuckled after beaming her pearly whites through the window. I wondered why Jette's pronunciation of merely another syllable sounded wicked while Camz's was just...sweet. I signaled for her to drive again as I continued the task of helping her park her pick up. The mystery guy stood on the other side of the road with a smile plastered across his face. I was not exactly keen about him smiling at her. I would say I was more excited to see her, maybe. When the car was finally at rest, he walked up by her door and I stood on the same spot, not moving. Camila got out of the vehicle and jumped onto his arms; both looked as happy as ever. Her eyes were closed as he latched onto the guy; hovering from the ground with his grasp. To be honest, I felt a pang of discomfort as I watched them. She did not even look at me. My torso had immediately felt significantly warm and that was besides all the alcohol I had ingested. It could not be jealousy; I'm in a happy and committed relationship. It can't be. It just can't. Gavin gives me the butterflies. Yes, Lauren, Gavin. After releasing each other, Camila opened the rear door and grabbed some cans of soda and tonic which she gave to the guy who took it from her willingly. Finally, she walked towards me. It's about time, Cabello! She smiled with her tongue in the middle of her teeth as she waved at me. I waited intently for her to come up to me. I was expecting a hug. But, she stopped a food in front of me with the same adorably beautiful smile. I restrained myself from collapsing to her and wrapping her in my arms. I shoved my hands in my pockets. "Um...Lauren, this is..." She looked around for the guy behind her and snatched him close with his sleeve, grunting at how heavy he was. "Austin. He's one of my best friends." "Hey." Austin greeted me, c*****g his head up in acknowledgement. "Hi." I replied, smiling half-heartedly. "I'll just take these there, Camila." He said, raising the beverage. "Nice to meet you...Lauren." He pondered on my name before he exited. I beamed wider at him; it was a satisfied grin. He was finally gone and Cabello is all mine. Austin had a different way of pronouncing Camila's name. It was almost as if he was saying "Cam-mlla"; the "I" non-existent while the "L" is doubled. But that's just me. I don't necessarily trust my perception of things as of the moment; given the fact that I have been chugging alcoholic beverages. "You smell like you've been having a good time." Camila commented shyly, giggling a little with an unsure look on her face. I reeked of alcohol and shame with a hint of the salty humidity that the warm breeze brought. I lifted my arms and inhaled deeply, catching a whiff of my armpits. I felt a hint of discomfort as I could smell Jette's sweet perfume as well. I dropped my limbs loosely. I laughed which made her relax a little. I nodded. "You could say that." I didn't think it was that bad though. "You want to go and join them?" Camila probed, looking down on her shoes, kicking some non-existent ball. Betrayal was all I could feel at the time. I mean, I wanted to be alone with her for one minute and she immediately goes and asks that annoying question. I wanted to stop her and spend more time with her to...get to know her more. I just could not muster the courage to. But I didn't. Lauren didn't stop Camila. Instead, I nodded. We walked together towards the little party. I took my time walking slowly to save even precious seconds with her. I wanted to keep walking, even just a foot away from all the commotion but she sat next to him and if I was to keep talking, I would say things I would regret. I was barely managing. "Lauren." Camila grabbed my wrist before she descended on the blanket next to Austin. I gasped at the gesture. It was the first contact we have ever had since we met. It was a tingly feeling, something I had not expected. It was like her hand was made of bolts electricity, making me flinch with her touch. "Be careful, ok? Don't get too drunk." She said, her tone serious as her brows rode up her forehead. It was as if she was reprimanding me. "Worried about me, Camz?" I joked. I grinned cockily, making the mood lighter. She rolled her eyes and shook her head with a smirk on her face. I felt horrible; devastated even. I wanted her to be concerned about me. I wanted her worried about me. I don't find it funny. Camila sat down with Austin greeting her warmly again. She looked at him delicately with her beautiful brown eyes. I couldn't stand it. "Lolo!" Jette called my attention while I angrily stared at the brunette boy. "There's more tequila." She said, waving the bottle. I went and sat close to Jette, as far away from the two and shoved alcohol down my system once again. I unconsciously narrowed my eyes at Austin like he was my worst enemy, my nemesis. I could still see the pair across me as they laughed together, the beautiful brunette continually beamed with whatever he was talking about. But I had to stop myself from looking at Camila; adjusting the way I sat even. What does Camila have on me anyway? She's just Camila. Stupid Camila. Get out of my head, Camila! I grabbed a bottle of tequila with my resentment. The translucent bronze content of the clear bottle lambasted against itself and the four sided encasing as if strong winds gusted within it. I swallowed mouthful after mouthful; imagining it was Austin's little frail body being devoured by a tiger, ripped into tiny pieces of carcass. I am the tiger and I would have loved that savage meal. The alcohol stung as it travelled down my throat and my stomach subsequently, just as the sight of Camila stung my heart like a jellyfish. Despite the commotion and all the noise that the intoxicated teenagers I was with had been producing; Camila's voice reverberated in my head no matter how quietly she spoke. I felt so drowsy; the world was spinning before my eyes. I could not make out what everyone was saying anymore. I couldn't even understand Jette's yammering and she was seated right next to me. My head throbbed in pain, beating furiously against my skull. I clutched onto the bottle's neck tighter and stood up. I wobbled my way down to the shoreline, ridding my feet of my sneakers midway through. I c****d the half empty bottle up, spilling its contents to my mouth and swallowing every last drop of it. I stomped on the foamy remnants of the waves forcefully despite my balance, tracing its path farther from the assembled group. There was a big lump of froth that looked exceptionally enticing to kick. I mustered all my balance and took my right foot back, my balance solely relying on my left foot. Evidently, it wasn't the best of ideas. I lost control, nonchalantly and slowly tipping over towards the salty water, already accepting my fate. But I felt a hand envelop my wrist. It felt like the same small hands, electrifyingly invigorating. "I told you to be careful." I heard her voice. I was Camz. My savior. Camila pulled me back to my feet, steadying me with her grip on my arms. I mindlessly smiled as I fluttered my lids with my gaze adjusting to frame her features. Seeing her was like Christmas morning for sure. "Are you ok?" She probed, brushing my hair away from my face. I groggily nodded. "I am now." I muttered. She huffed in amusement, shaking her head again. What is it with her denying me? I wasn't as resentful though, she was right in front of me and without Austin. "Are you sure you're ok?" Camz reiterated. I nodded continuously. I nodded for a while until she had to hold my chin to stop the motion as she giggled. I stared at her bright brown spheres as she reciprocated. It must have been the alcohol but I was expecting a kiss after that. My slowly sleeping heart began to regain its momentum as I waited for her lips to graze on mine. She didn't. "I came here to tell you I have to go." Camila furrowed her brows, pulling the corners of her mouth downwards. "My parents will kill me if I stay longer." A stab in the heart was all I could feel. She was leaving me. "Let's go get your shoes." She suggested, linking our arms together. It was the fourth contact. I could not believe I was keeping track. We made our way back to where I had ditched my footwear with the brown eyed brunette assisting my steps. "Hold onto my shoulders." Camila commanded. She hunched down to lift one of my feet, brushing the as much moisture and sand off. She then slipped my foot in my shoe and did the same with the other. As soon as she returned me to my previous spot, she straightened herself with our eyes locked. "I'll get going." She flashed me a toothless grin. It was too darn loveable. The flickering light from flames atop bamboo torches accentuated her features very well, creating natural contours. I grabbed her hand, squeezing it tight. I pulled myself up with her grasp. "Camz, tomorrow, ok?" Jette and the gang looked us, observingly. I could not care less. I would have normally hated all the eyes surrounding me. I just had to spend time with her. Camila furrowed her brows, confused. She tilted her head slightly. "What's with tomorrow?" I grinned, my eyes barely open. "You're going to my house." I declared, not taking no for an answer. "You're drunk, Lauren." She chuckled, holding her chest with her free hand. "I'm not, no, I'm not." I unsteadily insisted. I shook my head, my vision became wonky and I had to flutter my lids repeatedly. My stance was extremely affected, making my body swerve in directions I was not deciding it to. "Whoa." Camila gasped, grabbing hold of my arm. "Do you have a ride home?" She probed. "Austin is leaving, too. He or I could take you." "No, we're taking her home." Jette intruded before I could even answer. Impeccable timing, Jette. I came with them, it was probably just right to leave with them. Camila's features somehow looked displeased with her emotions hiding from her awkwardly fake smile. I, on the other hand, grumbled. I dropped my shoulders as I huffed. "Be careful, Lauren." The brunette reminded me as she rubbed my arm. "Bye." Camila slowly pulled away from me. I held onto her hand as long as I could until we were far enough and I had to let go. She looked back at me with the same painful smile and continued to walk farther. She was leaving me with people I barely knew. I barely knew Camila but I had trusted her from the very first word she told me; the word being "you." Her little physique was slowly fading as the darkness engulfed her beautiful silhouette.
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