Fake Tales

Chapter 5- Sweet Dreams

Chapter 5- Sweet Dreams

I was in Greg's room, music blared from downstairs. It was Mel's 16th birthday party, and feeling the weight of the alcohol pushing down on me, I had retreated upstairs for a minute of peace. Unsteady on my feet and at serious risk of spilling my current drink I managed to sit on Greg's bed clumsily. Putting my head between my knees, how long I sat there, I wasn't sure, but it felt like no time at all when the door swung open to reveal Greg, pint in hand, but bright eyed and remarkably chipper. My head shot up confusingly at the unexpected noise, Greg appraised my appearance: the smudged make-up, disheveled clothing and bleary stare.

I just stared back taking him in. Greg was tall (over 6ft) with dark copper hair that hung messily over his eyes. His eyes were a startlingly, iridescent blue that contrasted beautifully with his fair skin. Even in the dark of his room his eyes were bright and clear. His defined jawline was speckled with stubble, this was combined with smooth pale lips that were rarely unsmiling. The dark blue shirt hugged his athletic build and made the blueness of his eyes seem even more pronounced. I struggled to tear my eyes away from him. I must have been drunker than I thought. 

"What're you doing up here Maddy?" Greg asked curiously. His voice was a blend of mellow, deep notes, soothing and yet it commanded attention. When I didn't respond he immediately he spoke:

"Let me guess, either you can't handle your drink or the loud music?" He asked but his voice had lost the curiosity and turned teasing. I didn't want to look up and meet his eyes because he would know he had guessed accurately. 

"Hey! I'm fine I just wanted a break for a bit" I objected and was proud my voice sounded so steady. "So how much have you drank?" Greg asked dubiously and I knew he was suppressing a grin. He sat down his pint and leaned against the chest of draws, waiting patiently with folded arms as I tried to string a sentence together.

"Not much"I lied shamelessly. "Only a couple of pints " I said and I rose from his bed to prove the point. Unfortunately I lost my balance almost instantly and toppled sideways towards the floor. Strong arms caught me before I hit the ground and a deep carefree chuckle identified the arms as Greg.

"A couple of pints of what Maddy? Absynthe? You're in a right state" He exclaimed, clearly enjoying this. I wasn't much of a drinker, which he knew only too well. I usually let Mel do all of that for me and held her hair back when she did. 

"Don't mince your words then Greg" I grumbled as he pulled me to my feet. He laughed, but through my drunken haze I recognized the uncertainty in his eyes. An unusual emotion for Greg.

"What shall I do with you now?" He asked, and I blushed at the unintended meaning behind his words. His eyes flashed to my embarrassed expression in surprise:

"Not in that way, get your mind out the gutter Madeline!" He cried and I giggled, unable to defend myself.

"I'll just go downstairs and rejoin the party, I suppose. Sorry for invading your room" I answered him, still not really understanding why I had come to his room instead of Mel's. Something about the way he'd looked at me in the kitchen earlier had made me curious. We barely spoke most of the time and yet tonight I knew he would judge me the least in my drunken state. 

"I'm guessing you haven't looked at the time then, Lin" He said mockingly, pulling me from my thoughts. I scowled at the use of his stupid nickname, but glanced at the clock nevertheless. Shit: it was 3:28 in the morning, I really needed to get some sleep. Now I came to think of it, the music from downstairs seemed to have quieted slightly, but not completely. Reading my expression, Greg went on:

"I'll go and get you some water, and then you can take Mel's bed" he said considerately.

"Thanks Gregory" I replied, placing a hand on his arm and holding his gaze. The usual confidence faltered and he glanced down at my hand in confusion.