Bottoms Up

Chapter 3: Memories

I woke up to Brantley snoring and jerking around in his sleep. He was holding me so tight. I had a slight headache and wanted a beer but he wouldn't let go of me. Then he jerked really hard and woke up sweaty and scared to death. He looked at me hugged me really tight.
"What happened?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
"I had a dream that Evan killed you right in front of me." He said, tears forming in his eyes. He gave me a long kiss before letting me up.
We started getting the stuff ready for the party. Tonight is gonna be awesome.

I was dancing with Brantley and everyone was having a hell of a time. Me and Brant decided to have a couple beers. He leaned against his truck and pulled me in front of him so my back was against him. I listened to him sing I Was Made For Lovin' You by KISS. He had such a beautiful voice.
I looked over at the woods, where everyone entered, and seen a little ferrari come rushing in. Someone got out and came up to me and Brantley. Brantley pushed me behind him and walked up to the man. It was Evan.
He tried to walk around Brantley but failed multiple times. Everyone surrounded Brantley and Evan, Kolby pulled me back. I watched Evan swing and brantley duck or miss each one. After a few minutes, Brantley threw a punch so hard it knocked him out. Everyone cheered as he walked over to me. He gave me a kiss and picked me up and carried me back to the truck bridal style.
"I love you, Maria." He said as he put me on the tailgate. He leaned in and gave me another kiss. I love his kisses so much. The radio played It's a Great Day to be Alive by Travis Tritt. We sang each word in harmony. Next song that played was Any Man of Mine by Shania Twain. Brantley smiled as I sang along.
"You should be a singer." Kolby said as he grabbed a beer.
"Nah. I can't sing at all dude." I said as I looked down. I always wanted to be a singer but I knew I couldn't. I sounded like a dying cow in a hail storm.
"Kolby's right. You really should." Brant said as he made me look up at him. I then remembered 1996. I jumped down off the tailgate and went in the house. I went up to the bathroom, closed the door and looked at myself in the mirror. All I seen was a redneck with brown eyes and dirty blonde hair. A girl who was overweight and had dark circles under her eyes. It was a signature trait from my mom's side.
"Maria. You okay?" I heard Brantley say from the other side of the door. He walked in and I pulled him into hug. I started crying as hard as I could. All the memories of '96 flooded my mind.