Sincerely, Tyler ▸ (Sequel to Dear, Rosemary)

2

"There he is!" Robert greeted, taking hold of my hand and pulling me in for a hug, "I'm glad you could make it, man. Haven't seen you in ages. This your girl?"

He was referring to Rose, I could tell because he wouldn't stop eyeing her. I watched them as they travelled to her neck, her legs and then over to a spot that made me want to hurt him.

Immediately my hand held hers, almost protectively and instinctually, and I nodded to him, "She's all mine," a fake smile was flashed his way.

Rose squeezed my arm reassuringly, "It's nice to meet you, Robert."

"It's a pleasure to meet you -" He trailed off, obviously searching for the proper name to call her, and I cut in, "Rosemary."

"Ah, Rosemary. Beautiful name for a beautiful girl."

I was beginning to get agitated, the nerves I was experiencing were not mixing well with my anger and Rose seemed more than uncomfortable. I was starting to think this wasn't a good idea.

That is until Robert finally let us free from his conversation and showed us to the drinks.

So many people, so so many, all around us. But, Rose didn't seem to mind. In fact, she'd led me towards the dance floor where all the sweaty bodies merged together. She was a lot better at this than I was.

Josh and Ryan were across the room, looking as though they were in a competition to see who could drink the most. I sure wouldn't be having a great time looking after them tonight.

My focus was brought on Rose as she took hold of my face, kissing my lips softly. The pads of her thumbs rested on my cheeks as the rest of her fingers tangled in the mess of my hair. I could feel the corner of her lips turn upwards in a smirk against mine, knowing well the effect she had on me. Suddenly, she pulled away, her delicate eyes meeting mine as she brought her mouth over to my ear, "Dance with me, Ty." Before I could respond, her body turned away from mine, her back against my front, and her waist collided with my own, moving my hands so they were placed on her hips.

Our bodies swayed back and forth in unison and my mouth found its way to her neck, sucking lightly on her sensitive skin. I watched as the colourful fluorescent rays of light shone down on us and her body became purple, then pink, and red. Flashes of light constantly struck me and I found myself getting dizzy. I needed a moment.

"Let's find some drinks," I say into her ear, pulling her close to me. She nods and I grab her hand tightly, manoeuvring through the crowd. I remained with my gaze fixated on Rose, I couldn't lose her in this mess.

Awful music blared loudly in my ears and my anxiousness was growing. So, as we neared the kitchen, my hands lunged towards the nearest poured drink, and I'd gulped it down in an instant, slightly feeling relieved.

Rose followed my actions and I continued with them. My throat burned, and the head on my body felt heavy.

"Tyler!" It was Josh. His voice had snapped Rose and I out of our binge drinking.

He was sitting across the living room with a group of people around him. It looked like he was holding a pipe, maybe a bong. I didn't know, but I was intrigued.

Josh called the both of us over and my grip never loosened on Rose's hand.

Smoke was blown out of mouths and it trailed onto our faces, filling the entire enclosed room. Rose let out a frail cough.

"Ty, his weed is out of control, man," Josh laughed, his eyes completely bloodshot. He could not stop giggling, his body slouched over in hysterics as someone across the room had just told a bad joke.