One Hundred Letters for James

016

016:

Energy Drinks

Before exams, you and I had some sort of ritual that included drinking as many energy drinks as possible during a five-minute period of time. This happened for about four years before it all went bad.

It was the day before the final exams of Grade Twelve, the last exam that we would take before University.

"Hey Kath, let's step it up this year. How about, whoever drinks the most gets to dare the loser to do something." You proposed.

"Sure. Ready?"

"Ready."

"Go!" I quickly chugged down bottle after bottle, waiting for the timer to ding.

"Time's up!" You yelled, slamming your bottle onto the table. I assessed the amount of bottles on both sides of the table.

"Shit." You had beat me by one measly bottle.

"Yes! Okay, you have to," You said, pondering your thoughts. Your eyes widened. "You have to kiss me." I gasped. No.

"Um, what?"

"I dare you to kiss me." You repeated. "Unless you're too scared." You mocked.

"No, I'm not scared, it's just, I don't think I should kiss you."

"Why?"

I swallowed. "Fine. If you want to kiss me sooo badly." I walked over to you, lifted my head up. I had to stand on my toes to reach your height of 2 meters.

Just as our lips were about to touch, you let out a giant belch.

"Oh man, I think I'm gonna be sick." You sprinted to the nearby trash can before releasing all thirteen energy drinks. "Jesus." You said, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand and sitting on the ground, back against the wall.

"Wait, shouldn't I be getting sick, too?"

"I guess one drink makes a big difference." You replied. "Now, back to that kiss,"

"No freaking way. I am not kissing you. You just barfed!"

"Then at least help me up?"

"Don't be such a bludger, James."

I had really thought you liked me, and that's why you insisted on having me kiss you.

Energy drinks haven't tasted the same since.