Not In Love With Liam

21~ Brandon's Birthday

I couldn't sleep. I told myself a drink would help, but it only dampened my senses and left me wide awake all night.

There was a note taped to the drink. I couldn't be bothered to read it last nigh, but this morning when I took the bottle from under the bed where I'd hidden it, I noticed what it said.

'Guess who's turning 20 tomorrow!!?'

Tomorrow being today.

It was Brandon's birthday.

"Well thanks for the heads up." I sighed to myself.

As if on cue, Darcy came flying into my room.

"Get up! Get up and get ready!"
"What the fu-"
"Noah, the party starts at four! Get up!"
"Four? What time is it? How did you even-"
"Let me explain. This Brandon guy told Quel that it's his birthday today and he's having a party, which he would like you to attend."
"Okay.."
"And Quel and your parents agreed that it'd be best if you took someone you were comfortable with to go with you. Obviously Brandon knows about this, and he's more than happy to let you bring a plus one."
"Right."
"And? I've never met Brandon. And you know you love me way more than Hayden or Olly. So.. I'm coming with you."
I chuckled. "Okay, okay, fairy godmother, what am I wearing?"
"What do you think this is, a storybook? I prefer the term, personal stylist."
"Oh okay, personal stylist," I rolled my eyes. "Clothe me!"

We both laughed.

"The party starts in an hour, so-"
"An hour?!"
"Yes, an hour. You overslept."
"I overslept? I didn't sleep at all."
"Well, Quel told me every time she tried to wake you up, you wouldn't respond and your door was locked so she couldn't tell if you were asleep or just ignoring her."
"Oh. So how did you guys get in?"
"Emergency key. And when Quel finally did open the door, you really were fast asleep."

I nodded. At least there were no traces of the fact that I was completely drunk last night and my mind was practically on the fucking moon.

"Okay," Darcy clapped. "Clothes. All your good stuff is at home, so I've asked Quel if I can doll you up, or at least, human you up, there, and then head straight to the party."

I looked down at my stained, oversized t-shirt and baggy shorts.

You never would have thought I was wearing Armani pyjamas just two weeks ago.

"So, are we going back to uni?"
"Yup. Get your things. I'll meet you round the car outside."
"It's a date!"
"Oh you. I do love you though."
"In love? After the first date?"

We both burst into laughter.

I've missed Darcy's laugh.

👗👗👗

At quarter past three, we got to uni. Everyone was overly happy to see me pop up unexpectedly, and being back reminded me of how much I missed my life.

"Can't she just wear that?" Hayden asked lazily, gesturing to my hideous excuse for pj's.

Him, Olly and Darcy, as usual, were up in mine and Darcy's dorm.

"Of course not, are you mental?" Darcy said, carrying a bundle of clothes out from my wardrobe.
Hayden pulled a face, and Darcy instantly looked regretful of what she'd just said.
"I'm sorry." She turned back to me.
"What?" I asked.
"Well.."
"Being mental shouldn't be made into a joke." Hayden added.
"Because of me?"
"Well.."
"Can you stop saying 'well' and speak?! You guys think I'm mental don't you?"
"Of course not. It's just.. being in that place and all, we just.. we don't want to upset you."
"We don't mean it personally."
"We? When did you guys become we without me? It's like you don't even know me anymore."