a little collection

34

I sit on the sticky couch with Claire, keeping my distance, looking for Chrissy in the thick crowd.

"So, Noah, how are you and Christina doing?" She asks, leaning back. I fold my hands, and smile thinking of her.

"We've been good, better than ever actually." I respond. Claire looks like she couldn't care less, and she asks the next question.

"How often do you guys fight?"

"Um, not that often, some here and there but they're never too serious."

"Does she treat you badly?"

"No, never."

"Not even when she gets drunk?"

"She's just funny when she's drunk, then she passes out." I'm getting really annoyed with her questions.

"Do you regret breaking up with me?" Claire asks, scooting closer, a coy smile on her face.

"N-no, I don't, actually." I say, scooting a little farther.

"Oh, come on, Noah, I can see it in your eyes, you miss this." She croons, placing a hand on my chest.

She begins to lean in, and I have to grab her shoulders and place her down to get her away from me.

"Claire, I think I have to go. Thanks for inviting us but it's clear as to why you did. Get over me and move on." I quickly stand, and shove through a bunch of people to find Chrissy.

She's smiling amongst the crowd, a red solo cup in her hand as she dances to the blaring music. She looks so beautiful, even intoxicated.

"Hey, babe, what's going on?" She shouts, but I respond by grabbing her by the arm, grumbling that we have to go.

"But I've been having a good time, why do we have to leave?"

I don't answer until we get to my car, where it's quieter.

"You were right. I'm so sorry for doubting you, I can't believe I didn't see it before." I lament, placing my hands over my face.

"What are you talking about?" Chrissy asks, her brow furrowed.

"Claire. She was flirting all this time. She even tried to kiss me tonight, whil---"

"Claire did WHAT?!" She yells, her face suddenly furious.

Before I can tell her to stop, she yanks the door open and starts to march across the lawn, and I have to run and catch her.

"Chrissy, what are you doing?" I ask.

"I'm going to tell that bitch to stay away from you and to move on, she is not gonna take my man away from me tonight!" She snarls, trying to break free.

"Don't do that, I already told her off, Chrissy." I try to console.

"No, I have to, I cannot let her think she has the ability to play you like that!" She sputters. Man, she's violent when she's drunk.

"Why are you so angry about this?" I ask, holding her by her waist.

"Because I love you and I can't fucking lose you to someone who played with you over and over!" I feel a swoop in my chest when she says that she loves me, I didn't know she felt the same way.

"Chrissy."

"I am going to kill-"

"Chrissy..."

"She's going to regret trying to-"

"Chrissy!"

"What!" She wheels around, and I pull her in close and kiss Chrissy, right there in the middle of the lawn, and I feel like I'm in cloud nine when I feel her hands touch my neck, oh so gently.

When we break apart, she takes a few deep breaths.

"I think I overthought this." She giggles, and I smile.

"Lets go home."