Stay ~ Applewood Series #1

16| jesse

"Jesse, dude, stop worrying so much. Trust me, Abby will be fine," Boone says. I shake my head in annoyance, glaring at him.

"I can't help it. I still don't see why we couldn't have gone with them," I argue, even though I know exactly why. It is just when I she sent me a picture of herself in a cute little angel costume that I could not stop myself from becoming protective.

Abby had left her house around 7:45 to get ready with Sam and a group of her friends for tonight. Ever since Sam invited her along she has been talking about it, planning what she is going to go as. She would get embarrassed every time she got super excited about tonight, but I always thought her enthusiasm was adorable. There were also points in our conversations where Abby would admit to being nervous about going out with the rest of the group since she is only close with Rachel and Sam. Though I have to say I am sure everything is going well because she has sent me nothing but happy messages tonight.

That was hours ago, now the time is coming up midnight. Me on the other hand? I am sitting on Boone's leather couch, sipping a chilled beer which I have to set on a coaster because Boone's girlfriend, Zoe, would have a fit if the wood got a water ring on it, watching a random horror movie that happens to be on television. We are all waiting around for the girls to get back to their apartment for the night before we call it a night in case they need us. I don't remember how I got wrangled into this, but Boone was very adamant about being awake in case Sam calls him.

I think back to how different this year is from last yearling at West Hollywood to spend the night with some college friends. The wild night is barely in my memories. All I know is that one minute I'm with my buddies in one place, then I wake up on the couch of a stranger the next morning.

I had been asked to come along again this year by my best friend, Bronson, for their senior year, but declined. A pang of guilt hit me when I told him I could not make it this year, but thinking back on all the other crazy shit we have done together in the past it helps ease it. Besides, it is not like I'm never going to go out with him again.

"Well first of all, we are guys, the girls are going to frat parties where we are not allowed. Even if we wanted to go with them we couldn't."

"Besides," Nate continues, "Sam promised you that she would watch out for Abby. I may be biased, but I know my sister is a person of her word. Your girlfriend is in good hands, trust me."

In secret, I doubt it a little. Not that I don't like Sam, I do, and I know the entire family enough to know she comes from good people. But everyone knows what can happen at college parties, especially big nights like Halloween. My biggest fear right now is Abby becoming separated from the crowd, becoming vulnerable in the swarm of intoxicated frat brothers. My body tenses at the thought of someone forcing himself on her, whether he is drunk or not.

Instead of voicing the details I say, "I know, but it's still hard not being there to know what is going on."

"Understandable," Boone replies.

"Now is the time to get used to it man," Nate remarks with a sip from his bottle.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I ask, tilting my head.

Nate shrugs. "Well for one, this is not going to be the last time Abby goes out without you. Second, when you are going to be away from her for days at a time it's not like you will know what is going then either."

Nate's words get to me a little until Boone waves his hands while he scoffs at his brother. "Don't listen to him Jesse. By the time you are ready to leave you and Abby will be together for..." he stops to count on his fingers, "eight months. There is nothing wrong with wanting to get away sometimes, a few trips every now and again throughout the year should be no biggie for either of you. Trust me, there is nothing to worry about."