FALLOCH

Chapter 2

OPENING MY EYES, I saw a pale faced Francis kneeling over me. "Where am I?" My chest stung, but searching it now, I saw nothing peculiar that could have caused the pain.

I heard a breath of relief come from someone. "You just fell out on the floor! Right after you forgot who I was." Jetta's words were clear, but my vision was still clouded.

A glimpse of tiger red had flickered through my memory before it was gone. "I did? Huh? Forgot you? What do you mean?" Feeling shaky, I pulled myself up from the ground and took the hazy hands extended to help me. Light-headed, I sluggishly made my way to the couch to lie down.

"You asked me who I was, like, you seriously didn't know. I've never seen alcohol do that to anyone before— ever. Not even when they black out. It was seriously the weirdest thing ever." My face reddened at Jetta's speech.

Bobby asked, "Are you okay, Bon? I'm sorry we made you drink."

I smiled at him and shook my head. "I'm fine, I'm just a wuss." My cheeks flushed and I frowned. "I think I'm going to take a nap before we do anything. Is that cool with y'all?"

Francis nodded. Bobby and Jetta followed suit.

I rolled over, turning my back to them. Ignoring their conversations and music, I eventually fell asleep.

***

I woke up to darkness. Sitting up to see my phone, the numbers 9:35 peered back at me. "Shit!" Standing up, a blanket fell off me. Jetta must have covered me while I was asleep. "Hey guys, are y'all in here?" No one answered me.

After searching the vacant house, I tried my chances outside. I swung open the door, hoping they might be on the porch. From here the only visible light came from a few scattered stars and the clouded crescent moon.

Skipping down the steps, I edged around the house, heading for the backyard. Trembling in the distance, I saw a bright blaze and followed it warily until I heard Bobby's laugh. Once I heard his unmistakable snort, I was instantly comfortable. Walking up to the circle, everyone's eyes shifted to me.

"Hey!" Jetta hollered, "Look who's finally awake! Got a headache?" I hadn't until she said that. The sensation of pins stabbing my skull made me scowl.

"You're dehydrated— here." I checked to see what Francis was referring to and noticed he was extending a water bottle. Taking it, I sat down on the log next to him. I gulped the entire bottle in seconds. Francis grinned at me and I noticed the flames dance off his dark eyes. "Better?"

I breathed, "Much. Thank you."

Francis scooted down the dismantled tree closer to me, his leg knocking into mine. It made me nervous, but I didn't move away. "Want a marshmallow?" I looked at the tasty treat in his hand.

Flinching at the thought, I shook my head. "Any other time I'd take you up on that, but I can't handle sweets when I'm nauseous." I squinted at the white puff before asking, "Jets, you brought marshmallows for food?"

"Hot-dogs too!" answered Jetta. I didn't have to be a detective to figure out whose idea it was to start the campfire.

I asked, "Are you drunk yet?" Jetta's grin was my answer. I rolled my eyes. "How the heck are you going to get home?"

Jetta's smile changed. "Yeah, I was going to ask you about that when you woke up. Can you give me a ride?"

"Yeah, I can," I said. "What are you doing, Bobby?"

Entranced by the embers, Bobby gawked at the pit. "Huh?" I repeated myself and he shook his head then puckered up his face. "Nah, I'ma be good. I ain't even drunk right mow, I can drive."