LAVENDER HAZE - J. Hughes

Sixteen

The only kind of girl they see...

My entertainment for the night was watching Jackson scold people for acting out. And those people weren't even really acting out either, he was just a dick. I sat on the counter with Luke and Ethan standing on either side as we pointed and giggled drunkenly at Jackson. "Dude was just trying to throw his trash out in the trash can and got yelled at for not putting it in the bag Jackson laid out. I'm dead" Ethan laughed.

"He's such an ass" we all laughed and sipped our drinks. Every time I brought my drink to my lips my eyes stared at the ring on my finger, it was beautiful and so special. My heart swelled with each glance.

"Shots?" Trevor came stumbling in holding a bottle of Malibu, holding it out to me. Of course how could I say no. "To the birthday girl" He yelled loudly, making everyone look over as I took a long swig from the bottle. Everyone cheered as my cheeks flushed and I laughed, covering my face in embarrassment.

"You go Lukey" i handed him the bottle and he happily took a long sip before making Ethan take one too. I wrapped my arms around their shoulders and brought them into a three person hug. These two were my best friends. Love them so much. "I love You guys" i sighed, that extra shot sending me over just a bit more.

"We love You too" they both kissed my cheeks and helped me off the counter. "Are you doing ok? You need another drink, some water, anything?" Luke asked.

"All good, I think I'm gonna take a lap" that meant I'm gonna go search for Jack because I'm crazy in love.

"Ok, call if you need us to come find you again!" Luke handed me a fresh can and threw my empty one out as I started searching for that cute, curly headed boy. As I walked people kept saying happy birthday and trying to make small talk but I politely told them I was looking for someone.

When I saw him he was sat on the couch with Quinn, both drinking a beer and talking amongst each other. So I didn't want to make it obvious I wanted to like, run into them. My eyes scanned the people in the room and saw a guy who kept looking over at me. That could work.

"Hey don't I know you from somewhere?" I started with, tilting my head acting like I was trying to remember. I've literally never seen this person in my life.

"I don't know, I'm positive I'd remember seeing someone as beautiful as you" he flirted stepping closer to me. Yeah this dude had about 30 seconds before someone came over. "I heard-"

"Yo Lily, what are you doing sweetheart?" Quinn. He wrapped a protective arm across my shoulders and looked at the guy with a glare in his eyes. "Not this one buddy." The guy put his hands up in surrender and walked away. I looked at Quinn in disbelief, acting as though this isn't exactly what I knew was gonna happen.

"I was making a friend" I told him.

"He didn't want to be your friend, come sit with me and Jack" we walked over to the couch and he sat me down between him and Jack, Jack laughing at the interaction.

"We saved you" he teased, poking my side. I swatted his hand away and rolled me eyes.

"I'm not a little girl I don't need saving" I pouted. "But I'd rather talk to you guys then whoever that is" I sighed, slumping back against the couch. The two boys also leaned back, observing the party in front of them.

"Are you having fun?" Quinn asked me, both boys turning to look at me.

"So much fun, me, Luke, and Ethan just laughed at Jackson for like half an hour. Love doing that." I joked. "I'm bored now, I also am half way done this drink so I'm gonna go-"

"I'll get you one I need to get a new beer anyway, Jack you need one?" Quinn stood up pointing at Jack who nodded.

"Sure, thanks Q"

"Quinn get shots!" I yelled after him and he gave me a thumbs up. Now I was actively asking for shots, I'm definitely on the drunker side.

"Shots? Lily when you start asking for shots it usually means you don't need them" Jack pointed out.

"I know but it's my birthday" telling people and reminding them it's my birthday is my favorite thing to do on this day.

"I know but the hangover is gonna be rough and we're golfing-"

"Wait. Who said we were golfing? I'm not" I hated golfing with the guys. They were way too competitive and I just sucked.

"Yes you are. We planned this a week ago" he said. Fuck I think he's right. I vaguely remember this now.

"Why do you guys hate me?" I groaned putting my head in my hands. Jack laughed from beside me, putting his arm around me casually. Casually yeah but it still made my heart race.

"We love You Lily. You love us too which is why your gonna wake up and go golfing with us!" He mocked happily.

"Ugh I know" I sighed defeated. "I'm horrible at golfing Jack, it's embarrassing"

"I'll help you, ok? I promise" i loved the way when he talked to me he looked into my eyes. I felt so heard and seen, even if I also felt nervous. I nodded my head, happy that he was gonna help me. And just happy to be here beside him.

He grabbed my hand, pulling it up and examined the ring on my finger. His ring. "It looks really nice on you Lily" he murmured, expecting it closer.

"I love It so much Jack" I told him truthfully. Like I said, I've been staring at it all night.

"Good" he dropped my hand and came a little closer to me. "Is this the dress my mom picked out for you?" His eyes ran down my body setting it on fire. There was something about the way he just looked at me that made my stomach turn in a good way.

"Yeah, she's got good taste" the air in here was harder to breathe as I realized just how close we were. Just like at the lake, our foreheads nearly touching and our bodies facing one another just inches away.

"You look beautiful. Have lots of these idiot guys been saying stuff to you?" He asked quietly. There were a few douchebags who made comments to me but I either ignored them or Ethan threatened them.

"S-some of them" I stuttered out.

"Then I'm glad your here with me, I don't want them to look at you like that Lily" he was now cupping my jaw, rubbing my cheek with his thumb softly. I wanted to yell at him to just kiss me. To do anything. But I was stuck, frozen. My jaw was locked shut and I couldn't move as I stared into his eyes, hoping that my eyes gave him enough assurance to just do it.

He almost did. I could see it in his eyes they kept flickering to my lips he kept leaning in. He was so close I could feel his breath fanning across my bottom lip.

But he didn't.

He pulled back with a conflicted expression before he got up and walked off. Leaving me there violently confused and wishing I could turn back time.