Dandelion

<<>5<>>

I stopped by Emery's table today, but she wasn't there. I had convinced myself that she had somewhere else to be, but I couldn't help but think it had something to do with our conversation yesterday.

I now stood behind the counter at the hookah bar, organizing the shelves.

Willy had some "business" to take care of, so he left me to take care of things here. So far business has been slim.

After organizing the shelves, I decided to look at all the artifacts on the walls.

Willy had decorated the bar with thousands of pictures, paintings, records, posters, and CD covers. Every time I come in here, I see something I've never noticed before.

The place is small, but it gives you a real home feel. The lighting is low; most of the light is provided by lava lamps and other lit up things.

It has six round booths, and a small bar with seven bar stools. Willy only plays either reggae or indie music, which wouldn't be my first choice, but I like it better than others.

I heard the door jingle, indicating that a customer had arrived.

"Yo Cam, what's up?!"

Nope not a customer, just Jake.

I looked away from the poster of Bob Marley to find that he was accompanied by Tyler and John.

I made my way behind the counter, as they filed in at the bar. "What's up guys?"

"Nothing man, just here to get some goods for the party." Tyler said. "Willy around?"

"Nah, he went out, but he should be back soon."

Tyler's the weird one of our group that always keeps us laughing. He has his own crazy style. His long curly hair is always geled up and slick back.

His signature is his crazy socks. He somehow manages to find a pair to match every one of his goofy t-shirts.

John is quite the opposite. He has more of a preppy style, with khakis and button up Polo's. His parents are big time lawyers who stay on business trips most of the time, leaving his mansion open for epic parties.

He has reddish blonde hair, and he towers over everyone. I think he is like six foot seven; six inches taller than me. His height doesn't do him justice though; it just makes him look even skinnier than he already is.

I met Jake freshman year of high school, and we've been best buds ever since. He is the typical skater dude with long brown hair that he constantly flips out of his face.

He's not the brightest, but he's a good guy overall.

I'm kind of a mix of all of them I guess. My parents have money, but not nearly as much as John's have.

My style is also a merge of all of them. On a normal day, I usually wear skinny jeans; not as tight as Tyler's though.

I have tons of graphic T's that are usually covered by flannel shirts.

In the winter I wear sweaters or hoodies, and a beanie no matter what season it is.

I guess you could say my signature is Vans. I wasn't kidding when I told Emery that's all I wear. I probably have over twenty pairs.

Our group is pretty diverse, but the one thing that unites the four of us is our love for a good party.

I continued to stock the shelves under the bar as Tyler lit up a cigarette. The smoke cloud burned my eyes; I'm glad I quit. "So Cam, you bringing anyone Saturday?" John asked me.

I hesitated, unsure if I should tell them about Emery. "I'm working on it."

"Oh he thinks he's getting this girl to go with him, but its not looking so good for him..." Jake so kindly added.

Tyler jumped in the discussion now. "Who is it?"

They all turned to me waiting for an answer. Sighing, I told them, hoping they wouldn't know her. "Her name's Emery. She always sits at that picnic table near the cafeteria."

John smirked, "Aw dude, you can't go after her. I've tried, trust me you don't want her."

One of the best and worst things about a small campus is that everyone knows everyone. Of course they already know her.

I leaned in closer, "Why not?"

"For one thing, all she cares about is Christian stuff. I have a class with her, she sits in the corner by herself. I guess she is too good to talk to anyone." John said, glancing over at Tyler with a sly smile, "She doesn't associate with us sinful folk."

Tyler snickered, "Well she sure as hell ain't putting out for you Cam."

Jake looked up at me, "That sucks dude. At least there is still time to find another girl, hopefully one up for a party." He nudged John's elbow, and they both laughed.

"Or you can always pick up one that's too drunk to care whether they know you or not. That's my plan anyways." Tyler added, high fiving John.

I passed them an annoyed look. "No, I'm gonna keep trying with Emery." I have a reputation to uphold. Now that everyone knows about it, I have to get her to come, or else they will never let me live it down.

"Well, you better get in bed early Saturday night cause you got church the next morning." Tyler said, fueling the flames of laughter.

Their jokes are only making me want Emery even more. "Laugh all you want guys, but I will get her."

Tyler pointed at me with a stern look on his face, "Not until marriage."

Suddenly, the door chimes jingled again, this time Willy entered releasing a lung full of smoke.

"Willy!" The three boys exclaimed as they hopped from their stools.

Willy had on a pair of ridiculous blue flip flops that clicked every time he took a step.

"College dudes! What's up?" He said, placing a plastic bag on the bar. "Are you here to pick up your "package"?"

"You know it man." John said.

"Okay, it's in the back." He clicked on to the back room.

"How much are you getting?" I asked.

"A brick." He smirked.

"Dude, you better not get caught with that."

"Please, my parents are lawyers, they'll get me out anyways..." He had a point, they had gotten him out of alot of charges. They even helped me out once.

If he is buying that much, then this party is going to be amazing.