Star Drifting

CHAPTER SIX: THE QUARTET

Edited 9/8/2024

"And you said yes??" Bri's sharp, high-pitched voice startled me.

"Well, technically, I didn't...say yes." My voice trailed off to a whisper, my eyes refusing to meet the girls. I could lie to myself all I wanted, but we all know what I meant by that kiss.

I was sitting on top of Bri's bed, which was made obvious by the pink comforter set and fuzzy pillows, much like the one back at the Lauve house. It's almost like we were there days ago, but months had passed, and shit had gone from hell and back over and over. I wish I could go back to before David's party. I wish we could go back to before David's party. But that's not possible. Things had changed, and I needed to accept it.

"Well, this seems like great news, but I'm not sensing much excitement in your voice- Hey!" I heard a soft hit before Bri's scream, assuming Viva had nudged her pretty hard to stop her from talking. Soon enough, I felt the bed dip down on both sides next to me, a warm embrace hitting me immediately.

"So you don't want this?" Viva began.

"No, I do. I want to try. Trent really likes me, and I like him, and he's an amazing guy when it's just us. I think his ego is the only thing I have a problem with."

"Well, I, for one, can tell you have a little more complicated feelings about dating him. But I'm gonna trust you on this one. Trent's never really been known for dating before, so for him to be so head over heels, it must be a good sign. Look at you, turning the bad boy," Bri cooed, her shoulders pushing mine in affection.

"Shut up, I'm not even into bad boys."

"So, what is your type?"

"I don't know... I don't really remember, but from movies and books, I like considerate guys who are very clear in their intentions and feelings for the person they like. I like the small things, constant reassurance, random calls, and dates, and remembering all the small things. I like the overbearingness of them trying to get my attention, but I don't know; maybe I'm obsessed with myself. I think that's why I like Trent. He does all those things, but you gotta take the good with the bad. He makes me feel loved, like I'm his world, and he'd do anything to keep me there." The room went silent, the warm embrace of the girls slowly slipping away. And then I heard it. A slight sniffle from my left, where Bri was sitting, immediately pulled Viva and I's attention to her.

"I'm sorry. Really, I don't want to take this away from you. This is your moment, so let's live in it-"

"No, talk to us. We're here for you just as much as we need you there for us." I said to the crying brunette, a hum of agreement being heard from Viva

"No, it's ok. Really." Bri wipes her eyes, throwing up a fake smile. Viva and I gave her a look of disapproval, which was finally enough to get her talking.

"..fine... It's just... that's all the ways I felt about Leo. He's exactly what you listed..at least I thought he was." Bri kept her eyes on her fiddling thumbs in her lap.

"...He is like that-" I spoke without thinking. The thought just came to mind immediately, and I guess my mouth acted faster than my brain. "I- I mean, you know..." I released a deep breath, looking up at Bri, who was now staring at me, her eyes bloodshot from the tears. Her gaze was tempting, a look of longing as if desperate to hear what I had to say. As if to confirm the thoughts she felt she was crazy about. I couldn't hold this back from her. Not Bri.

I had to satisfy the beating.

"I spoke to Leo. About everything."

"Is that why you left the cafeteria like that yesterday?" Viva spoke first, bringing me away from the apparent look of pure shock on Bri.