Space

I found myself in the middle of some comedy that wasn't exactly funny. We were having our usual "movie night" at Corbin Hacers house. They were always a stream of boring movies with some stale microwave popcorn, and an uncomfortable leather couch. Corbin hosted these because he had the best sound system in his television room. The only reason I had starting hanging out with this group in the first place was because Taylor and I were a "thing" and he always made sure I was invited.
Corbin and Taylor had been best friends for about two years now. Taylor was such a sweet guy, he always knew what to say and when to say it. But I had known Corbin since he moved here in eighth grade, we were "eighth grade sweethearts" the "cutest couple ever" I broke up with him bc I was in the eighth grade and I was probably the most immature person on the planet. Recently I've found myself starring at Corbin when I thought no one was looking, thinking about what it might be like to be his again. Corbin has a girlfriend named Jayden. She had long brown hair, green eyes, a beautiful smile, and a slimed figure. She's gorgeous. That's what Corbin deserves. But, I just keep finding myself back on the thought of us. As we all sat there in the room watching some meaningless comedy, Jayden announced that she had to leave in a very annoyed tone. Corbin walked her outside and stayed out there for what seemed like a while. When he reappeared he seemed emotionless. I looked up at Taylor, he just brushed it off and smiled down at me. This is the way everything should be, I said to myself, but who was I really trying to convince? I glanced at Corbin, he was in a daze, staring at the TV. Taylor's phone suddenly started to ring, he dug it out of his pocket, put the phone to his ear, and before he could get out a "hello" there was a man on the other line frantically yelling about how his truck was broken down in the middle of no where. He needed Taylor's brilliant skills to fix it. Taylor was going to be a mechanic in the army, needless to say, he was good with machines.
"Alright man I'll be there in a sec." Taylor replied.
"Are you cool here Ashlynn?" He asked as he got to his feet.
"Yeah I guess." I shrugged.
"Corbin you should probably stay here so that she's not sitting here alone with your parents." Taylor said.
Corbin just nodded and went back to his movie.
"Be careful." I said to Taylor as he picked up his hIs keys off the country and headed for the door.
"I always am" he said with a wink and was out the door. Me and Corbin sat there in silence for a good 5 minutes as we watched the ending of the movie. After the credits rolled Corbin searched through the TV guide to see what else was showing.
"What are you in the mood for Ashlynn?" He asked as he flipped through what seemed like an endless stream of romances.
"I honestly don't care" i laughed trying to seem nonchalant.
"Well a romance it is" he laughed at his own sarcasm. The movie was just your average cheesy predictable love story.
"I'm gonna make some popcorn before I bore myself to death. Care to join me?" He asked.
I sprang to my feet and followed him into the kitchen.
"So how are things with Taylor?" He asked as he raised an eyebrow.
"Things are coming along swimmingly." I smiled.
"The real question is, what's with Jayden?" I pried.
"I really don't know, things just aren't the same anymore." He replied, not making eye contact with me. This was almost upsetting because he had such beautiful eyes. They were a kind of hazel that could pull you into a never ending ocean of blue, or capture you in a beautiful forest of green. His body was so solid and toned, just being in his presence was like being in a childhood home where you found safety from even you're worst fears. I found myself easily lost in the daydream that was Corbin Hacer. The sound of the timer for the popcorn snapped me back into reality.
"I'm sure things will work out Corbin, just give them time." I said reassuringly.
"I've been trying to please her so much here lately and it just seems like no matter what I do it's wrong and we always end up fighting." His voice almost seemed to disappear.
"Is that what happened tonight?" I knew I probably wasn't making him feel any better, but I wanted to know.
"Yeah, I tried to kiss her and she got all upset saying I was always touching her. I was just trying to be nice I didn't realize it would upset her." He seemed choked up. All I could think of was Corbin's lips touching mine, and how crazy she was for even thinking of rejecting such a captivating creature.
"Corbin relationships aren't always going to be perfect. Everyone goes through trials and tribulations throughout their lives and maybe she's going through her own. You might just need to give her some space." I didn't believe a word, they were doomed and I could feel it.
"Thanks fam, you always know what to say when I'm down." He gave me a hug, I could feel myself enjoying the embrace a little too much but I didn't care. We were both startled when Taylor barged in muddy and breathless.
"I hate fords I swear to god!" He exclaimed. Me and Corbin were both blushing. I was hoping that Taylor didn't notice.
"I'm guessing a ford owner had some issues tonight." I smiled as Corbin forced a laugh.
"Issues my ass, that truck is a piece of dog shit" his tone seemed edgy, but he didn't seem to realize that we were a little off.
"What do you expect when you're an aspiring mechanic in a town full of proud ford owners?" Corbin joked.
"I didn't expect this." Taylor laughed as we all joined in. After that he sat down spreading mud all over Corbin's couch. Corbin started to say something but I guess he just gave up. We all sat down and started to talk nonchalantly. Everything seemed to be going great until my mom called telling me it was time to come home. I jumped to my feet because she seemed to be a little more concerned than usual. The boys both got up too. I finally hung up the phone.
"Hey guys I gotta get home my moms tripping out." I smiled.
"Yeah it's almost midnight I'm surprised she's not here checking to see if you were actually here!" Taylor joked.
"Wow I didn't even realize how late it was." I must have gotten so caught up in the small talk I completely forgot.
"Well it was real nice having you. I hope you decide to come again." Corbin said with a smiled as me and Taylor started to walk towards the door.
"Tell you're parents I said thanks for having me!" I shouted as Taylor closed the door. Corbin's family loved me. His dad seemed to hate everyone, including Corbin. He was one of the coaches at our school, he was extremely hard on Corbin and I think that's why their father-to-son relationship wasn't exactly there. But I could hold a conversation with him. His mother is the sweetest women I have ever met. She and I could talk for hours if time allowed it.
"So what was up with him?" Taylor asked obviously referring to Corbin.
"I don't know, he was saying something about jaylen being upset earlier but I might be wrong." I said trying not to seem too frazzled.
"Hm. Well thanks again for coming Ashlynn you know I always enjoy your company." Taylor took ahold of my hands.
"Same goes for you." I said returning the gaze into his eyes. As soon as he leaned in for a kiss my phone started to ring. I almost didn't pick it up but I remembered how angry my mother was with my so I quickly reached for it. My mom was screaming on the other line. I told her I would be there shortly and made my way to my car waving at Taylor. On the way home I couldn't get the thoughts of Corbin out of my head. The way he looked, the way his voice seemed to put me in a state of ecstasy. My phone was in the passenger seat when it started to vibrate. It was Corbin calling.