With A Full Heart

x || chapter fourteen

x || chapter fourteen

         Maya's bright idea changes up the lunch table mood. Both Jack and I are in awe at her poor attempts of redemption between the broken strings of our friendship.

Just because there was a break-through over the weekend doesn't mean we'd gone back to before. And now that she knows there were more than friendly feelings, it changes everything. She could do a lot of damage, and the look on her face says she knows it.

"C'mon guys," she urges. "The four of us at Lucia house, Chinese takeout and that new Zac Efron movie?"

She means Jack and I and her and her boyfriend, so if anything this was a double date disguised as a chill hang out. I shrug because I didn't want to be the party pooper who turned down the idea.

I was going to be the hostess either way; because if the boys weren't involved, Maya would suck up any advantage she could get at asking me questions about Jack.

"I don't mind," Jack says. "I-I mean, only if—"

"—no it's-it's fine."

The two of us stumble for words as Maya smiles like a little kid with their hand in the candy jar.

"Good, so it's settled," Maya claps her hand together and tugs Kale away from the table just as the lunch bell rings. "See you at six."

I grin, looking back at Jack with an I'm sorry smile. He moves uncomfortably away from the table, leaving me alone, and probably late for my next class.

➖➖➖

Soccer practice takes up time that would've been left to getting myself ready for tonight. Six o' clock is met with a bouncy Maya and compliant boyfriend. Jack shows up fifteen after, which does not sit well with Maya, but he comes bearing food and all is good.

The night starts off in an awkward slowness.  Maya weaves her way around it with questions about Jacks childhood, but every question is dogged.

Eventually, we switch on the movie and take a seat in the living. I already made sure my dad was cleared out tonight because there was no doubt that any run-ins we have will end in one of two things: him trying to seem like he cares, or direct eye contact with no words.

I couldn't bare to have them see what it was really like.

Fifteen minutes into the movie and Kale jumps up, latching his hand onto Maya's and yanking her into the kitchen. She happily obliges and they start rummaging through an untouched liquor cabinet, making concoctions that reek of regret.

Kale and Maya return with drinks for everyone,  she gives me a sly smile as she hands me mine, and Jack snatches his from her hand and downs it, coming back up for air with a cough.

I sip mine and wince as the liquid seems to form a barrier as it slides down my throat. The more I drink, the less it burns.

"What's in this?" I laugh, wiping my mouth.

"Rum and coke," Kale answers, setting his empty glass on the coffee table.

"Well, rum and a dash of coke." Maya laughs.

Jack smiles at the comment and he gets up, grabbing the bottle of vodka and plopping back onto the leather couch.

Maya nods with approval as she snaps her fingers and demands the bottle.

"You need to finish your drink Luc," Maya encourages.

I shake my head, "not a chance. You three might want to get drunk, but I most certainly do not."

"Party pooper," Maya frowns, twisting the cap off the vodka and taking a swig.

I frown at the term. I hate being the center of attention, but the downer of a party tops that with a significant sum.

"Fine," I bring the cup up to my lips and open up my mouth; closing my eyes as the liquid
disappears into my stomach. I look at Maya and grimace, "when you're done with the vodka, hand it over."

Jack watches me, something fierce burning in his eyes. I can't seem to decipher the exact emotion that makes it way past the barrier, but with the buzz of alcohol and the warm feeling brewing inside my stomach, I knew I never wanted it to go away.