Missed Chances

6. Beers and Stolen shots

Hey, I frowned at Danielle. When did you take this photo?

I showed her a photo of me looking at something behind the camera. There was a frown on my face as usual. And I was biting my lower lip, thinking probably.

Ah, she laughed, we were in class, a group meeting of some sorts. I was seated across you and you just suddenly left for one of your "zones".

How many more of these are there? I stared at her.

A lot? She chuckled.

—

Ms. Guzman left us at the long table with empty plates and tummies full of burger.

Who's ready for the first round? Dean grinned at everyone.

Let's move it, move it! You cheered and stood up.

We followed you to another smaller and cozier table inside Rave Cafe. It was a long sofa with two singles. The singles paired together on on eside with the long couch opposite them. I settled on the wall side of the couch with you sitting the single opposite me.

Maddie sat beside me and badgered me to take photos of her using your camera. I don't know if she's unaware or just pretending that the camera is yours. I took photos of her nonetheless.

Give me copies of my photos, She told me.

Ah, I'll have to ask him if I could borrow the memory card first. I looked at you and you looked back at me with a blank expression.

Oh, it's his! Maddie feigned surprise. I thought it was yours. Oh well. She shrugged.

The first round of beers arrived and we all settled down and told jokes. Grace's boyfriend joined us after we ordered the second round of beers. I gave you back your camera and you frowned when looking through the shots. Maddie left after finishing first beer. She said she was needed at home or something. Dean scooted next to me with Dominic at the end of the couch. Grace's boyfriend, Nic, sat opposite Dominic.

Grace decided that it was time that we played drinking games. It was always fun having Grace start these games. They were outrageously hilarious.

Pictures of random drunk poses and dares were taken. We played the Drunken Alphabet game and The Naming Game.

Every time, in between games and answers, we would look at each other and wiggle our eyebrows. Drinking with you guys make me so comfortable, I forgot how composed I usually am.

Mid-way through the third order of beers, everything was moving and I was just smiling at everything and everyone.

Are you still okay? The sound of concern in your voice was evident.

Uh-huh, I smiled. Everything's moving though.

I'll get you water. You waived at the waiter and asked for a glass of lukewarm water for me.

Here, drink. You placed the tall glass of water in front of me.

Thank you, and I sipped.

Grace and I went to the little ladies' room. I had to splash my face with cold water to feel awake.

When we got back, Nic decided that we play another game; a guessing game. Whoever lost, will have to have a shot of alcohol.

I pursed my lips and the thought of another sip of alcohol made me want to hurl.

The game began, and I lost the first round. I was about to reach my beer when you waived me off. I looked at you, you shook your head at me. Let me drink for you, you mouthed at me.

Thank you, I was grateful for being saved from another gulp of alcohol.

The game went on till midnight. Grace and Dominic needed to get home. We decided to call it a night.

I was about to reach for my wallet when you reached for the bill and shook your head. I'm footing this. You grinned at everyone.

Nic and Grace took the first cab. Dominic and Dean gave me hugs and asked me if I was going to take a cab with them. I was asking them which direction they were headed to when you interrupted.

Gin, you called to me. The pick-up's this way.

Ah, I looked at you. Okay. I got a ride home, guys. Thank for the offer. I gave Dominic and Dean another hug.

We walked past the gravel path to the makeshift parking lot. Your maroon pick-up, a familiar sight I haven't seen in to long.

Home? I asked.

Yup. You smiled at me. I don't wanna risk it. Feeling any better?

I nodded.

We got in the truck. You decided to roll the the windows. The evening air against my face was refreshing. I leaned back on my seat, closed my eyes and smiled.

Don't fall asleep on me, you teased.

I opened my left eye and squinted at the direction of your voice. I won't. I smiled.

We talked about school, your job, your family, and mine. What felt like a long time was cut short.

We're here. You said.

We were in front of our driveway. That was fast, I murmured.

I know. You laughed. Here take the camera first. You could copy the photos if you want.

Oh, I was taken by surprise. Sure! Thanks for the ride, by the way.

Anytime. You winked and smiled.

I got off the truck. I could hear it's engine softly humming. For such a big old thing to hum softly is beyond me. I waved at you as I reached our front door. You waved back and motioned for me to get in. And I did.

As I closed the door, I heard the engine roar and the sound fade into the distance.

I walked up to my room and with your camera on hand. I skimmed through the photos on the camera. We did have a good time. Grace and Nic being a silly couple. Dominic and Dean deep in conversation. Maddie and I pretending to kiss Dean but I pulled my face as the shutter was pressed. You, your beer and your silly expression. And then, there I was. A photo of me that I was unaware was being taken from across the table. An animated photo of me talking with a smile on my face.

—

What do you do with these stolen shots? I asked Danielle.

I dunno, she shrugged. Keepsake, I guess.