I Used To Be

Chapter 7

By the time Brandon and I made it back to Becky's patio, almost everyone was gone. Brandy was sitting alone, looking miserable, and very, very pissed off. I noticed a distinct lack of Archer anywhere near her. And a distinct lack of me. She whipped her head around as she saw Brandon and I climbing up the back stairs. She shot me a look of fury, then shock, followed by a barely-stifled grin. It was like her face couldn't decide whether to be mad, or surprised, or burst into laughter. I didn't even acknowledge Brandon. I was actually happy to see Brandy, mainly because she was my ride, but also I was pretty sure she was the only person in the world who wouldn't judge me right now.

Brandy didn't get up from her chair, I assumed because she didn't want to betray any of her multitude of emotions to Brandon, so she just looked wide-eyed at me as I walked right up to her and with a feigned cheerful confidence, just said, "Hey. Ready?"

"Uh, yeah," she said, this time totally grinning, while still looking stunned. I tried to remember to be cool.

"We gotta go. See ya later." I said, almost over my shoulder, to Brandon.

"I'll text you," he said. No he wouldn't.

"Okay," was all I responded, as Brandy grabbed my hand. We had to walk back through the house, but it didn't seem like anyone was around, thankfully, so we made a quick escape.

"Anna. Seriously. What the actual fuck. You have leaves in your hair, first of all," Brandy said, just as we were barely out of earshot of Becky's mansion.

"Oh," I said, my hand reaching for my hair and discovering that yes, a few leaves were in fact tangled in my hair. Nice of Brandon to tell me. Probably one of those trophy things, though why he would want anyone to know that we were making out in the woods, I had no idea. It vaguely occurred to me that Cash was gone, but then again, so was most everyone else.

"Please tell me you're still a virgin, Anna. I mean, I'm all for you getting laid and all, but not like that. I mean, that's more my style, not yours, don't you think?" Brandy had like zero self-respect. She didn't even pretend to.

"We just made out, don't worry." We actually did a little more than that, but we didn't go all the way. I probably would have, but Brandon was the one who actually put the brakes on things, just as I started to take my underwear off. What was the difference; his hand was already there. Apparently panties off bumped things up a notch. Maybe he had a girlfriend. I had no idea, nor did I really care.

"I had no idea you even liked him!" Brandy said, as we got into her car.

"I didn't either. I mean, we just met. He seems cool I guess."

"Are you okay, Anna? I mean, I'm glad you're like loosening up or whatever, but this isn't really your thing. Did something happen?"

No. Nothing happened. I am a normal girl who likes normal boys and when normal girls and normal boys get together, that is what happens.

"What do you mean?" I forced a chuckle.

"Nevermind. So is he a good kisser?"

I checked my phone as we drove off. There were like 15 texts from Brandy and one from Cash.

I think I'm good on this summer class now. Thanks for your help.

"Um yeah. He was great."