Milkshakes, Memories, and Monsters Under the Bed. (Dylan O'Brien)

Chapter 1 - Introduction

"Jeremy, would you like to explain why there is a soaking wet male with a black garbage bag at our front door? He claims to be your friend," I yelled over my shoulder as I had a strong hand on the metal front door of my apartment. Jeremy was the type to do things without thinking and this was a classic move. 

Jeremy's unmistakable dark hair peeked out above the olive green sectional. I waved him over as I turned back to the unidentified gentleman. I then proceed to test him. I glued my eyes to his in an attempt to make him as uncomfortable as possible. He had a firm jaw line and dark brown eyes. His hair was cut short and damp. His pink lips dripped water as he opened and closed his mouth, out of breath. His eyebrows sunk on his face as I stared harder, not giving in. 

I was snapped from my interrogation when Jeremy joined me at the front door. "Can't he stay for even a night? There's a storm out there and he just moved here. Please Elle," he begged as he pulled the man inside. He slowly shut the door closed behind him. Signifying the man would not be leaving quickly or easily. 

I crossed my arms as I squinted my eyes at the male who now stripped from his soaking wet hoodie. He shivered as he looked up at me. "I'm not a murderer," the man spoke. He chuckled slightly with he smirked. 

"Well thank you for answering my only question," I replied as I rolled my eyes and flicked the lock on the door closed. "You're lucky I'm nice," I called over my shoulder as I paced to my room.

~

I shook out my pony tail before pulling open my closet doors, choosing my outfit quickly. I pulled on my skinny jeans and threw a hoodie over my tank top. As soon as I walked into the kitchen I was shouted at. "Coffee run," Jax screamed over the couch as he sat in front of the television which displayed a sports channel. 

"I've done the coffee run all this week. Make Kiet do it," I begged as I folded my torso over the side of the couch, whining into a cushion. 

"You know the rules," he stated, not backing down. I huffed straightening back up and frowning, his face still glued to the television screen. 

"Jeremy woke up before me?" I questioned, shocked. Jeremy wasn't awake until at least noon on the weekends, so this was a change. 

"Yup. Now go, you know what I like in my coffee," he replied with a sly smile. 

"Creamer with no sugar. I got it," I answered.

"Oh and Kiet is already at work, so no need to get him anything," he added. I nodded as I headed down the hall to ask the other boys what they wanted. 

I knocked on the door with the familiar sign on it. It was a cliche bedroom sign, none the less it was cute. I was about to open the door myself before Charlie poked his head out. "I'm almost ready," he answered without me even asking a question. I nodded, turning to knock on the door across from Charlie's room. 

It was quickly opened by Jeremy, who upon seeing me, smirked. "1 black coffee and 1 caramel frappuccino," he demanded. 

"You hate coffee," I replied. He opened the door wider and the man from last night peaked his head out, waving with a small, closed smile. His appearance had changed. His dark and sad eyes were now framed with some wide rim glasses. His hair was lighter in color and his clothes no longer stuck to him. 

I nodded as I pulled my bag higher up on my shoulder. The man coughed as he stood up from the bed, coming over to the door. "I never got to introduce myself," he spoke as he padded over the hard wood floor with socked feet. He wore sweat pants and a white t shirt. "I'm Dylan," he finally revealed as he came closer. He shoved his hands in his pockets so, I figured he wasn't the type to shake hands. 

"I'm Brielle," I muttered nodding my head quickly. I fixed my eyes on his soft features as I tuned out Jeremy. He gabbed on about some uninteresting topic, he tended to do that. It was a shock that he even had a girlfriend. Good thing she was away on a trip for the summer or she would break up with him as soon as he started to rant about an endless topic. I snapped out of my fog when I saw a smile branch onto Dylan's lips. I sucked in a breath through my teeth and stepped back. It was hard not to stare at him. 

"Elle, let's go," Charlie whined, leaning on the wall outside of his bed room door. 

I paused, my mouth wide open. I stuttered "Bye," I blurted, taking Charlie's hand in mine. 

I quickly flung open the door, screaming goodbye to Jax before fleeing to the elevator with Charlie by my side. I smashed my finger against the buttons next to the set of elevator doors. "Who is that guy?" Charlie questioned as he struggled to zip up his jacket. 

I bent down in front of him, taking hold of his jacket zipper. "Just a guy," I answered as I swiftly zipped up his jacket half way. 

"Ooh, just a guy," he mocked. I stuck my tongue out at him, pulling his hood over his head. He laughed as he pushed it back and fixed his hair. The bell rang and the right pair of doors slid open. 

"Good morning Mrs. Harrison," I greeted as I stood up. 

"Well I haven't seen you in weeks," Mrs. Harrison gushed. Her white hair making her face look even paler and her cheeks even more red. Her blue eyes sparkled as she smiled. "I'm so glad I ran into you!" she announced. "Can you take Steph and Ray tomorrow? I'd really love you for it," she questioned as she shuffled out of the elevator. I helped her into the hall as Charlie stepped in, holding the door. 

"I would be honored," I accepted. 

She smiled, her eyes crinkling at the sides. She held my face in her hands "You are just as generous as your mother Brielle," she spoke. I smiled softly. 

"Oops, wrong button," Charlie exclaimed. I watched as his eyes widened and the doors inched closer together. The doors closed shut as I stumbled over. 

"He's such a lively child," Mrs.Harrison explained with an empty smile on her chapped lips.

"I don't know how alive he'll be when I get a hold of him," I replied with a chuckle. "Bye Mrs.Harrison, I'll see you tomorrow." 

"Bye sweetie!" she called while I ran down the stairs to catch my fleeing child.