Sanity || j.d

35

We ordered pizza and by the time it arrived, nearly all the alcohol had worn off, but now he was asking for more. It would have been pretty easy to steal some alcohol from my parents, even if they were home; they were pretty lenient on drinking as long as it wasn’t in ridiculous amounts. Coming to my senses, if he was asking for more then he probably wasn’t completely sober.

“How about we watch a movie? I think I’ve got something on my laptop.” I suggested, and he nodded.

We made our way upstairs to my room and I set up my laptop with a movie that he’d suggested. Somehow I wasn’t completely convinced that Dirty Dancing was his favourite movie though. But nevertheless I put it on, thinking that it must have been the alcohol that influenced his decision, because never in his right mind would he want to watch such a thing. 

I set up my laptop at the end of my bed and then we both sat up agains the pillows, him watching intently while I was texting Cole, trying to apologise for the earlier incident. He sounded sympathetic compared to what was discussed earlier. Still I felt bad for having to ditch him to deal with my drunk best friend who was currently watching an old dance movie.

He seemed to sober up while watching the movie, but not enough for me to safely leave him alone. If anything the worst that would happen would be that he’d fall on his way up the stairs.

The movie finished and I shut my laptop down and came back in with some hot chocolate. “Here.” I handed him his drink and put mine on the dresser.

“You gonna let me go home tonight or what?” He asked, taking a sip of the hot chocolate and setting it on my bedside table.

“You could stay.” I suggested, more than happy for him to do so.

He looked at me a moment, tilting his head as he did so. Then he nodded and pulled off his shirt and pulled me down onto the bed with him. I snuggled into his side as he wrapped an arm around my waist.

I sighed, relaxing into his embrace. “I’m sorry for being such an idiot.” I mumbled.

“You’re not an idiot.”

“I know how to pick the jerks though. I’m just sorry that you have to put up with them every time.” I apologised.

“Don’t be sorry for something you can’t control.”

I laughed and he looked at me questionably. “What if I dated the guy that was the complete opposite of all the jerks that I dated?” I asked.

He sighed. “Then we’d be getting married in three years and moving into an apartment in the city and never have to go camping again because you hate it but you’re too scared to tell your parents so you just have to put up with it. I’d be part of a band that’d sell out arenas and you’d write like you’ve always wanted to.” Suddenly sounding a lot more sober than earlier.

It was scary how true it was. He was the opposite to all the guys I’d ended up with. “You’re right.” I muttered not having enough energy to say much else.

He ran his hand down my spine and replaced it on my hip. “What’s up?”

“What do you mean what’s up?”

“I mean we haven’t caught up in like half a year. What’s been happening in your life?” He asked looking down at me.

I shrugged. “You know Cole?” He nodded. “He’s taken me out a few times I suppose. We were making out on the couch right when you decided to text me, but not much else.”

“He’s trying to get in your pants. Dump him.” He stated.

“We’re not even together.” I mumbled.

“So? That doesn’t make him any less of an idiot.” He shrugged.

Understanding his point I replied with silence. Then a question popped into my head, but the last time I’d asked about it we didn’t properly speak until three weeks following. I looked at him a couple of times trying to guess the answer without asking, but could come to no conclusion.

“We’ve decided to take it slow.” He answered my unasked question. “She’s seeing Luke.” He sighed, seemingly glad for that to be out of his system.

“She’ll regret it.” I stated.

“She always does.” He muttered as I don’t think I was supposed to hear that.

“Pardon?”

He looked uncomfortable a moment and I thought he was going to get up and leave but he spoke instead. “She didn’t want to be with me, ever, she just wanted me.” In that moment I could have sworn he was going to cry, but Josh Devine doesn’t cry.

“Hey. Don’t cry.” I soothed. “You could get any girl you want.”

“There’s only one I want.” He sloppily grinned at me.

“Never gonna happen.” I shook my head. “Have you forgotten what’s happened over the last half year?”

“Was I supposed to remember?” He teased. “Oh yeah. We kissed twice, the one being pretty steamy if I may say so myself.” I went a bright shade of red trying to forget that incident.

“You enjoyed is. Admit is Sars.” He laughed tracing up and down my spine again. “We could... we could do it again.” He offered.

I shook my head. “It wouldn’t be the same. I was so angry at you that night and that was probably part of the reason that happened.” I explained.

“I’ll tell you what though,” He pulled me closer to him, his lips now right next to my ear. “It’s such a turn on when you’re angry.” He chuckled, letting me back into my place at his side. My face was brick red by now.

How infuriating can best friends be? And why can’t they just be best friends? I understand that a guy and a girl can just be friends: they develop feelings for each other. I was just being an ass about it and pretending not to notice them.