One Second Forevers

7

I pulled up to a rather large house close to where I lived, already wishing that I was at home with popcorn.

And maybe watching Diary of a Mad Black Woman for the fiftieth time. 

"Hello? Delaney?" Tiff waved her hand in front of me, snapping her fingers. "Okay, I'm coming!" I called as she started walking up the steps. 

I made a face at all the beer cans littered on the lawn. Graham was going to have a hell of a time cleaning this all up. 

"I'll stick by you, okay? It's going to be fine!" Tiff's eyes were sparkling. It was obvious she's done this sort of thing before, but I still sensed a bit of nervousness. 

"Fine." I pouted as she dragged me through the throngs of people. I took the time to take in just how large Graham's house was. 

We passed by a group of boys playing beer pong on a ping pong table. "Here's the kitchen," Tiff gestured then picked up a cup. 

"Most of it's going to be spiked. Not by Graham." She laughed at my horrified expression. "Just, don't accept a drink from anyone okay?" She asked and I nodded. 

"There's the backyard. People snog there." She said, pointing to the numerous couples on the patio and gazebo. 

Once Tiff finished her tour, we went to sit on the couch. "If you don't mind, can you keep an out for Hayden?" She asked, her eyes even more nervous than when we first walked in. 

I nodded and scanned the crowd for any sign of Hayden, Daniel, or Graham. Five inch heels weren't on my feet, but I was still generally taller than everyone. 

"So what's with you and Hayden?" I asked, sitting back down in my seat. I scooted to avoid the guy who had beer sloshing and spilling out of his cup. 

"Not something I want to talk about. I'm going to look for him, alright?" She asked, her eyes sad as she got up. 

I nodded. This was probably more important than her sticking by me the whole time anyways. 

I watched some guy with a blue jersey score a goal. As the game dragged on, I decided to get up and go into the backyard. Sure, I was going to met with a lot of moaning and groping, but I wanted some peace and quiet. 

As I passed the kitchen, someone grabbed my arm. I yelped and brought my arm back, elbowing whoever it was in the chest. 

I heard a grunt of pain and turned around, ready to reprimand whoever dared touch me. 

Instead, I found a wincing Graham. 

I told you, stop fighting and fly at least once in awhile. Do you want him dead too?

"You pack a good punch, Dylan." He half-smiled, closing his eyes while massaging the place I'd hit. 

"I'm sorry!" I said then ran to his refrigerator, bringing out a pack of frozen peas and pressing it to his chest. 

"Thanks." He said, rolling out his muscles. His white t-shirt stretched with it and I glanced down to find exactly what I was looking for.

A 6-pack that told me he went to the gym like a mad man every day. 

"So um, do you want to go outside?" I asked lamely. He raised an eyebrow at me. "Sure." 

We walked past the kissing couples. I moved to sit at the gazebo but he kept walking and unlocked a gate. 

"Come on, it'll be fun." He said, the corners of his mouth lifting. I loved Graham's smile. It didn't just make you feel things, but it was like you knew a little more about his soul every time he smiled.