My Lifeline

26

Faint sounds of music and shouting can be heard in the distance. Will uses the flash on his phone to light our path and illuminate the ground we walk on. I look over my shoulder, and catch glimpse of the twins' house that is the brightest thing out here.

Neither of us have a clue where we're going or what we're doing, but we continue to walk ahead. We're too fixated on enjoying our time together, that we're not focusing on the fact that we're losing track on where we are in these deep dark woods.

"I feel amazing," I express, smiling widely as I stare at up at sky which is peaking out through the branches of the trees above. The cold breeze and the party food we ate before coming out here has managed to sober me up to a tipsy state, but everything still feels so calm.

Will doesn't respond in words. He simply gives me this concerned look that only confuses me.

"We should go drinking more often," I continue.

He stops walking and pulls me back with him by my hand. My eyebrows furrow as I wait for him to explain what's going on, but he just clenches his jaw and stares down at the ground, seemingly upset and disappointed.

"What?" I whisper, worrying that I've done something wrong. Panic rises in my lungs at the thought of Will hating me.

"I'm not one to tell a person what they can and can't do...but you have to be careful with this stuff. Alcohol is legal, sure, but it's still addictive and it's a depressant."

My lips flatten into a straight line as I try to suppress my laughter at his serious demeanour and change in personality. But Will doesn't laugh with me. He's being serious.

"Having a couple of drinks on an occasion is fine, but drinking regularly can really change who you are. Trust me, alcohol isn't as great as it seems," he warns me.

"You seem to have a strong opinion about the subject. Did something happen to you?"

Will shakes his head and leans his back against a random tree for support in a tipsy state. There's smoke coming out of his mouth with each heavy breath he takes.

"Not to me. Someone I'm close to struggled with alcoholism. I won't tell you who, because it's up to that person whether you know or not." He pauses and shakes his head, sighing. "It's horrible, River. It's something that I wouldn't wish on anyone. I feel shit for pouring you that drink."

"It was only one drink, I poured myself the rest. Plus, I'm old enough to make these decisions for myself."

"I know...I'm just scared. I have been all night."

The pad of my thumb strokes over the back of his hand, trying to sooth and comfort him.

"I'm sorry you went through that, it couldn't have been nice to witness someone you love dealing with that. But I promise that this won't become anything. I'm completely fine. You don't have to worry about me."

A breath of relief escapes his lungs, causing his chest to deflate. I watch as his throat moves when he gulps, and then my entire body tingles with butterflies as he holds his hand against my cheek, gazing deeply into my eyes, trailing them across each feature of my face — including my lips. I want to look away because I'm starting to feel self conscious and shy, but I can't help but keep strong, intense eye contact with him.

My heart is pounding harder and faster than it ever has before.

Our heavy breathing can be heard in the air surrounding us as the moment continues for a little while longer. Will licks his bottom lip, and then his hand travels around to the back of my neck where he cups it.

I move closer, our bodies almost touching. My heart is beating so fast and my hands are trembling and my skin is sweating. It makes me feel human and alive; a feeling I've been craving to experience for a long time.