I was putting on mascara in the mirror, the final touch to my outfit for the party tonight. I finished, and stepped back to look at myself in my full length mirror. I was wearing my favorite baby blue dress which went way above my knees, flowing in every which way. I wore my black heels and my hair was its usual long wavy self. I have to admit, I look pretty decent. I smiled at the girl looking back at me. I really hope Mike does come tonight… After the incident he just ran off without another word.
That defiantly makes me feel more confident in my body. I sarcastically thought to myself.
“Jazz the party is starting! People are pouring in! Are you almost ready?!” I heard Evan yell up the stairs, his voice was some-what muffled by my shut door.
Before I could reply I heard music blasting from downstairs. I sighed and made my way out of my room, down the hall, and downstairs, the music getting even louder. I looked over at the front door as more and more people came in one after the other. There were plenty of familiar faces walking by, giving me small hugs and half smiles, and there were the people I didn’t know that probably were someone else’s dates.
Everyone was dancing and laughing. I joined in with a few jokes here and there. The whole scene felt unfamiliar, even though this happens every year. I felt out of place, though people were dying to get a word in with me. I would do an occasional nod and laugh at bad jokes, until I couldn’t take it anymore and made my way towards the kitchen to grab a soda. I looked over to my right and spotted Evan opening up a beer, very unsuccessfully. I rolled my eyes and headed over to him opening it with ease. He smiled gratefully.
“Where’s Mike!” I yelled over the loud music. I’ve been looking around every for him, every time I spotted the door opening I’d stare at it till the figure would come in, always turning out to not be him.
Evan shrugged. “I haven’t seen him since he ran to his car when I was pulling up!”
“Okay! Thanks anyway!” I turned on my heel and grabbed a bag of gummy bears before heading for the front door. Maybe some cold air would make me feel better. I was interrupted before I could turn the knob on the door. A hand was on my shoulder pulling me a little back. I turned and saw Marsha’s familiar face and a smile spread across my face.
“Where do you think you are going?” She raised an eye brow at me, curiously eyeing me like a hawk.
“I just need some air. I’ll just be outside on the porch swing if you need me. I think I just need some time to relax.” I half smiled.
“Okay. I guess it must’ve taken everything out of you to look that gorgeous.” She winked at me. I could feel myself blush as I gave her a small hug.
“Thanks!” I yelled over the sudden change in music.
She just gave me another hug and walked off, yelling “The house looks great by the way!” over her shoulder. Yeah... Thanks to an absent Mike. She disappeared into the crow of dancing people, I turned and walked outside, shutting the door tightly behind me. The music was now muffled outside. It echoed in the air around me, disappearing into nothing. I smiled at the drastic change of scenery.
It was dark out and there was a slight breeze. I sat down on the couch-swing. The moon was amazing tonight, and the stars, even more. I smiled as I popped gummy bears in my mouth one after the other, and slowly sipped on my Dr. Pepper. I heard the front door open and close, shutting out the music once again. I didn’t bother to look until the swing moved, stopping my constant sawing back and forth.
“Hey, Marsha told me you were out here. Although I had a feeling you were. I’ve missed you.”
I turned and saw my most favorite person in the world. The boy I grew up with, my safe haven. I tossed my now empty can and bag of gummy bears to the other side of me and wrapped my arms around his neck.
“I’ve missed you too, Rex!” I smiled so big my cheeks hurt. His arms wrapped around my waist and he pulled me into his lap. Just like old times. I hugged closed to him, the familiar smell of laundry detergent and mint came off his body. Rex pulled me away so I could face him.
“You look beautiful tonight Jazz.” My best friend smiled at me. I blushed and slapped his arm softly.
“Don’t say stuff like that."
He held up his hands in surrender. “I’m only stating the facts. You just can’t handle them.” He laughed lightly. His laughs seemed effortless, and sounded as amazing as ever. I smiled like a dork back at him.
“How’ve you been?” He asked, setting me down so I was sitting next to him.
“Same old, same old. Nothing has been interesting or new lately.” I looked into Rex’s green eyes. They looked even more wonderful than usual. His dirty blonde hair was getting a little shaggy now, flipping in every which way looking like he just woke up. He wore on of his favorite band t-shirts and some black swimming trunks. “What about you?” I smiled sadly at him. I never have anything new or interesting to tell him. He stretched his legs out and put one arm lazily over my shoulder.
“My parents left, so I’m alone here going to college. It’s hard to scrape by every month. Marsha has been helping me along though, and my parents send me money all the time. I just choose not to spend it. I rather save it and make enough to buy a music shop. With their money, I just might. Business school is just so bORing though.” He sighed and looked over at me. “Maybe if you stayed here it would have been better.”
“I would love nothing more than to have done just that. I think what you are doing is an amazing plan though. I will always come and visit your soon to be music store.”
Rex smiled big at the thought. He stared up at the sky looking dreamily at the moon. “And I would love nothing more than to see you all the time.”
I, too, smiled at the thought and lay on his shoulder. I can’t believe I had forgotten all about meeting up with my best friend. He always makes me feel so much better. Maybe that’s why in the house I felt so out of place. Rex pulled me onto his chest and lay down on the couch with me on the way inside squished between the back and only my head lay on his hard chest.
“Um...Rex?”
“Yeah?”
"Have you been working out?”
“Yup.”
“I thought so.”
“You’re so weird Jazz.” He laughed a light laugh. My eyes were closed, feeling heavier than before.
“I know…” I managed to say, in a hushed voice. “Hey, Rex…” I half mumbled, with my eyes still shut. Sleep wanted to itch its way through.
“What’s up Jazz?” He said, running his fingers through my hair like he always did when I was upset.
“I miss my parents…”
“I know you do, I do too. I guess now that we are old enough to hold our own; parents seem to give up on kids. Well most parents.
“Mmhm…” I could barely hold onto the conversation anymore. The darkness surrounded me and I was no longer connected to the real world.
What seemed like far away now I heard someone say, "I love you."
~~~~~~~~~~~
Short chapter I know! I’m sorry. I just had exams, and I am very tired! And for those who are reading thanks a bunch!
What do you think will happen next?! And what do you all think of Rex?!
What’s the main story here, you may ask. Well I haven’t gotten to it yet! Of course, that part will come! But, there always has to be a beginning everyone! Love you all! ♥ Comment! Vote! Follow! ♥
That is Rex on the right! :)
