The Last Five Years

Drew

 Throughout the night, I would catch Poppy looking over at me. She was clearly making show of her left hand, the massive engagement ring couldn't be missed, nor could her hands all over Peter. But she wanted me to see that she had moved on. With my best friend, no less. Still yet, I carried on with everyone as if nothing was amiss.

"So, Drew, any special girl back in Maryland waiting for her knight in scrubs to return?" Blake grinned, elbowing me. "I bet you've got tons of those med school girls dropping at your feet."

I stifled a laugh, readjusting in my seat. "No special girl back home, B. Unless you're counting medical school. She gets all my love and attention." I laughed along with everyone else, glancing at Poppy. She wasn't laughing, not even smiling. She was only staring at me with sad eyes.

Eventually the night began to wind down, and all of our friends started to go home one by one. We were the last to leave, and I was hoping Peter had forgotten about his generous offer for me to stay at his house. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

"So, Sager, we'll see you back at our place?" The alcohol on his breath wasn't nearly as strong as it should've been considering the amount he'd actually consumed.

I sighed, making a show of looking tired. "How about we just meet for brunch or something tomorrow? I'm pretty tired, and I'll just go ahead and crash at my parents'."

Peter shook his head back and forth aggressively. "No, no, no. My best friend is in town, he's going to stay with me!"

I sighed, nodding. Fair enough then. Give me twenty minutes to retrieve my things, and then I'll turn up at your place."

Peter grinned, teetering as he stood. "See you soon, buddy. Just let yourself in!" He stumbled for the door, Poppy hurrying after him. She refused to meet my gaze. She hardly spoke to me. I could tell this was going to be an interesting evening. Hopefully I could just pull the "tired" card, and go straight to bed.