Two Worlds (18+)

Twenty Three | Denial

A I S L I N G

My family often visited Ireland and whenever we did, Nate and I would always sneak off to meet up with our friends.

They were Nate's friends first, so they were all older than me but that didn't stop them from welcoming me with open arms once Nate started bringing me around. One of the things I was most upset about when we left Ireland was losing them.

Luckily I met Josephine, and my dad let me keep her as a friend. She never pried about coming over to my house or asking things about my family, and I liked that.

I walk up to the booth, Chloe was the first to notice me. She nudges Dara next to her causing them both to look up wide eyed. Now Keegan and Cillian (kill-ee-an) have turned around to look back at me.

Chloe has a short brunette bob, and a warm smile. She is optimistic, studious, and charming but not overly so. I've always found her presence refreshing to be around, even when we saw each other all the time. We are just so different and I'm always caught up in my more depressing thoughts, it's nice to be around someone naturally bright and happy.

Next to her, the redheaded, fair skinned, and dashingly dressed girl. Dara is carefree, fun loving, and witty. I love how she always gives no fucks. I have seen Dara more often, she lived in New York for a while, she and Nate used to date but they eventually decided they were better off as friends.

Keegan is tall, slim, with head of short red hair. He's mischievous, gregarious, and amusing. Keegan and Dara are twins, who surprisingly get along well.

Cillian is good-natured, kind hearted, and amiable. He is tall, lean, and ravishing. We sort of used to talk but I never wanted to jump into anything and it just never happened. It was better this way though, we are good as friends.

As I walk up, smiling sheepishly, comments are being thrown.

"No freaking way!" Chloe exclaims excitedly.

"Well look what the cat dragged in." Dara chirps sarcastically.

"Oh my god. Aisling?" Cillian calls out.

"Classic Aisling, just showing up out of nowhere." Keegan chuckles, smiling.

"Hi guys." I manage to get out before I'm pulled into a hug with Chloe, who is squeezing the breath out of me.

"Where have you been?" "What have you been doing?" "What brings you back to Ireland?"

The questions kept rolling like that for a while. We drank together and kept talking until last call. We were all having so much fun back together, we didn't want the night to end. So I suggest everyone come over.

The party continues on back at my house, we all piled in Sioban's suv, and made a quick run for bottles on the way.

It was just like how thing's used to be, and that thought made me happy.

Dara and Keegan are bickering in the living room over who gets to be dj. Chloe and Cillian are walking around the house, admiring the nostalgic feel we all get from it.

Most of our days hanging out as kids, we'd end up here at the end of the day, relaxing with each other. Just feeling grateful that we have each other, because it's all we'd really need.

Sioban and I are now making up everyone's drinks. All my friends back in the city always ask how I'm basically a bartender minus the pay. Sioban is why, teaching me to make drinks at age 18, when she got her first bartending gig.

"So, how's the love life?"

"Non existent." Her eyebrows crease and she cocks her head slightly. "After Kevin, I just knew I wasn't meant for relationships. I got a little distracted, momentary lapse of judgment, but I'm back on track right where I should be."

"Momentary lapse?" She questions and I should have known I was about to get dosed with a good sense of the cold hard truth.

"Yes, a one night stand that I almost thought more of. Now I'm here, and I'm getting happy again."

"Aisling, you know I love you and I'm glad to hear that but are you really? Or is your mind just making you think that because you really were happy and you don't want to accept it." Sometimes I really fucking wonder if Sioban can read minds, or rather see into souls.

What she's saying...it makes complete sense.

Bursting my fucking bubble.