Lost And More Importantly, Loved

Chapter 13

Axel

The morning sun caught my eye as I find myself laying on the living room floor as well as Joey and Terry. They must've overdone it here, whilst I was out over doing the length of my confessions at Stella's front door. I give myself a slap on the face knowing I could've done it in a better way.
Stella's agreement to my suggestion took me by surprise - completely - because she seemed so hesitant to give it a try initially. But all that matters is that she had agreed, not by force but it just took a little more convincing.

Stella's not one of high maintenance. She just wants the words you utter to be of such truth that you live by it. Actions speak louder than words, yes. That's a fact. But what if you say things you mean but struggle expressing yourself? That must be where the most important thing human beings require comes in, plain and simple - communication.

Luckily for me, my intoxicated system helped me along the way and more importantly, I don't feel so afraid to spill my every thought and story to Stella. It feels so natural and easy-going speaking to her that I find myself telling her things I wouldn't usually tell anyone else. As scary as that is, my tongue knows no hesitation.

Joey and I are in trouble right now though. Today is Terry's birthday and we're planning to have a surprise party for him later on. We're responsible for the drinks, Elle for the decorations and Stella for the food. We're having it in the bar we had gone when it first opened, everyone seemed to like the vibe and so we agreed on it. The only thing on my mind right now is how I'm going to have to try and swiftly sober all of us up before then.

The pain I'm having shooting through my head feels exactly like being hit by a truck. Even though I have no clue how that feels, literally - and I don't intend to - but this sure feels like how it would feel. "I'm never drinking this much again!" I tell myself. But then my inner monologue says "You're funny." and gives me a laugh like it's the most hilarious thing it's ever heard.

This makes my head hurt even more. I get up slowly, decide to hydrate myself before helping the others. As I make my way to the kitchen counter, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I take it out and see a message from the "Surprise Terry" groupchat.

Elle: "Hey everyone! I hope you all are prepared for today. Just an update, I'm heading to the bar in a few minutes to drop off all the decor."

Damn. She really got her shit together huh. But she shouldn't worry so much. Even without the knowledge of Joey, Terry and I being hung-over right now, she should be proud of me for one thing. I already pre-ordered all the drinks and have them stored in my freezer in the basement. That way, there's no way Terry would've asked why I have so much booze stored and I'm pretty damn smart for ordering beforehand to make up for my stupidity at times. I smile, suddenly satisfied with myself. My phone buzzes again and I see Stella replies.

Stella: Hi Elle, I called the manager of the bar earlier this morning and she said that the food preparations are all set and that there's no need to worry. So I guess, that's sorted. How about you Axel? Is Joey still helping you deliver the drinks?"

You, she emphasized. Me. I drift into lastnights conversation. She chose me. She's willing to try and like me back.

I snap out of it when Joey makes an unusual sound, realizing what day it is.

" BRO!" Joey shouts out to me, his eyes landing on Terry who's still drunkenly asleep.

Yup, mate. We fucked up.

"Don't worry. We'll figure this out. Come drink some water and try and eat something. We still got to deliver the drinks before two this afternoon."

"We've only got 45 minutes bro, how in the world are we going to make it in this state?!" Joey exclaims.

Honestly, I have no idea. I don't know how to assure him. I put my hands over my head, trying to run ideas on how to rescue this situation. I sit dumbfounded as I glance at Joey and he stares at me and smiles mischievously.

"What?" I ask him.

"Stella."

"What about her?"

"She's our only way out of this situation. And you know how Elle can be, she'll hold this against us forever and I don't want that. Stella... however. She's more open to holding the peace between us too. I'm sure she'll help us out."

"And you want me to ask her?"

"Yeah. Aren't you guys like together now?"

"No. What makes you think that?"

"Well you came back after awhile running over to her to spill. So there's only one logical reason for that. You guys have mutual interest in one another."

His last sentence saddens me abit.

"Joey, I'm the one with the interest. The only one. I'm still on the road of wanting her to like me back. So I can't let her see me fuck this up, we'll sort it out."

"Dude! C'mon. She's the only solution."

She was. But I didn't want to take any chances on messing anything up. And not at the very beginning.
Joey looks as stressed as I am and I feel guilt pounce in my chest.

A few minutes later, we agree on trying to sober Terry up abit before finding a way to deliver the drinks. I didn't want anyone to get behind a wheel just yet. I didn't want the consequences of that to be my fault aswell.

As Joey and I are spoonfeeding Terry some leftover soup because that's all that his system is letting him digest, the doorbell rings.

Joey and my gaze shoots so fast at eachother that I instantly know what he's thinking.

Shit. We're in trouble if that's one of them.

I slowly make my way to the door and hesitantly opens it.

It's her. She gives me the brightest smiles and my heart sinks into a hole of shame.

Stella.

Joey runs up to her and hugs her without the consideration of my presence.

"It's like you've been sent by an angel! Thank God, you're here." Joey says, relieved and she just stands there as confused as anyone could ever be but never letting go of that smile.