This Year is My Year

To Algebra

I smiled as she crinkled her face – she hated the smell of smoke. I had tried to quit a couple times, but I failed each time I was stressed about a test or if we were drinking. She was always sweet about it, insisting I didn't have to change anything for her, but I made a mental note to try again.

I pulled her to a small, round table, pulling her chair out for her. She beamed and sat, waiting for me to join her. As soon as I sat in my chair, she put her hand on my thigh, sending electricity through my body. I took the back of her chair and scooted it closer to me, making her laugh.

"What'll be, Romeo and Juliet?" An older waitress came up to our table, smiling tightly at us. I placed my arm around Y/N's shoulders and smiled back.

"Whiskey and coke, please," I ordered. The waitress nodded and looked to Y/N.

"I'll just have a vodka and cranberry," Y/N replied sweetly. The waitress puttered off and I turned back to Y/N. She kissed me deeply, surprising me. "This has been a fun adventure so far."

"I agree with you, fair maiden," I took her hand, squeezing it. "I wish we could spend everyday together like this."

"We can once you graduate," she responded, smiling shyly. I smiled back.

"We can, can we?" I tucked some hair behind her ear. She leaned into me.

"We could even go on a big trip together to celebrate – I could show you all of my favorite places."

"You know I've never been outside of Indiana?" I asked, making her jaw drop. I laughed at her face as the waitress placed our drinks down, along with two shots of whiskey. I looked up at her, confused.

"Someone at the bar sent them over – not sure who," she answered as she gestured vaguely, walking off. Y/N held her shot up, wanting to cheer me.

"To leaving Indiana," she smiled brightly. I laughed, clinking my glass to hers. We gulped the shots down, grimacing at the burn. I smiled at her pink face, and she closed her eyes tight, still suffering the alcohol burn. I kissed her, making her giggle.

---

We continued to talk about post-graduation plans, each future trip and idea filling me with unbridled joy at the fact that she saw me in her future. She practically leapt into my arms when I told her I had gotten a B- on my last Algebra test – my worst subject. She pulled my face towards hers, kissing me all over like I often did to her, making me laugh.

"Eddie Munson, I am so proud of you!" She said each word between kisses, making me flush. She pulled back, grinning wildly. She was drunk after the several rounds we had, sweet and encouraging. I was almost embarrassed that my girlfriend was proud of my Algebra grade, but she was so genuine in her joy that I was just happy.

"All because of you, dove," I kissed her nose. She shook her head.

"No, it's all you – I just helped you focus," she insisted. She smiled again, making my heart catch. Before I could kiss her, our next round appeared, along with two shots from the mystery person at the bar. My eyes narrowed, and I glared at all of thepatrons, wondering who was watching Y/N, sending her these drinks. I felt a slow-burning anger rise in my chest.

"Who keeps sending these?" I asked the waitress again. She winced.

"Sorry, kid – I keep forgetting to check. I can tell you they're safe – I watched Mickey pour them."

My eyes widened at the new concern that had been planted in my head as she walked away. Y/N took the next shot, raising it in the air.

"To Algebra!" Before I could stop her, she threw it back. My face twisted into a smile as I watched her face contort at the taste. I kissed her cheek before finishing my shot.

"I think that I should stay at your place tonight," she offered, grinning like a Cheshire Cat before kissing my jaw. I smiled and nodded at her. "Oh, but I need to make sure Dustin knows – I don't want him to be mad at us."

"I'll go and give him a call," I stood, kissing her forehead. "You stay here."

I walked to the bar, leaning over it. The bartender nodded at me, waiting for my request.

"Do you have a phone I could use? Need to make a call."

The bartender nodded, gesturing for me to following him farther down the bar. He handed me a heavy, gray phone, and I quickly dialed the Henderson's number.

"Hello, you have reached the Henderson household; this is Dustin."

"Hey, little one."

"Eddie!" Dustin was suddenly dramatic. "Thank god you called – Steve left an hour ago, but Robin won't let me be in charge! She keeps trying to boss us around! Can you talk to her?"

I heard Robin protest in the back, making me laugh.

"Sorry, little one – you two work it out. Just wanted you to know that Y/N is staying with me tonight, so we won't be back. You've got to figure food out."

He groaned, dramatic as ever.

"Little one, there are two frozen pizzas in the freezer. You can handle it."

"Fine, I can't believe you expect me to starve like this," he was laying the guilt on.

"Bye, little one – I'll see you tomorrow."

I clicked the receiver back and nodded at the bartender, thanking him. I turned back to our table, looking for Y/N's bright smile. My chest caught when I saw a tall man speaking to her, making her laugh. Jealousy tore through me, and I made a beeline over to her. Y/N saw me coming, her eyes widening.

"Eddie, your friend was just introducing himself to me – he's been the one sending us the shots," she saw the jealousy across my face, trying to stop it from ruining our day together. 

My envy momentarily paused as the man turned to me, smiling widely. My face contorted into a scowl at the sight of my old dealer.

"Rick? You're out of prison?"