This is not a Romcom

June, the Party Animal

"So, let me guess," I began,  an unusual confidence taking over. "PE is your favorite subject." He looked at me for a moment before laughing. It was a loud, jolly laugh. I could almost feel the reverberations through the table.

"Let me guess, You have an asthma attack just thinking about gym." He replied, a look of challenge in his eyes. We simply stared at each other, serious expressions on our faces before I cracked a smile. We both began laughing obnoxiously in the middle of the library, drawing the attention of those around us.

Eventually we were able to calm down enough for the librarian to cease her glaring, but we both still had grins on our faces. I looked up and extended my hand for him to shake. When he took it, my hand seem to disappear within his.

"My name is June. Nice to meet you, Doug." I stated, surprised by my own charisma. We had only just met, yet I was able to talk to him, a big, intimidating guy, so casually. It's funny how sometimes things are so much easier when you just give in.

For the next hour I tutored him in almost every subject, not making much progress, but enjoying myself nonetheless. At the very least, I knew he wouldn't be difficult to get along with.

I walked with Doug out of the library. He had offered me a ride but I declined, knowing Jackson was waiting in the parking lot. However, as we approached the row of cars I spotted Jackson and Courtney. If Courtney being there wasn't bad enough, they also seemed to be whispering in each others ears. Sweet nothings, no doubt.

My mood soured watching the two. Doug seemed to notice and followed my gaze to the couple. I put on a fake smile before asking him for a ride home. He nodded, not asking questions as we walked to his truck. I truly appreciated it. I wasn't ready to face what I was feeling yet.

I pulled out my phone, texting Jackson. I told him I would be getting a ride home with Doug. I knew he would be upset, but I didn't know if I could keep pretending to like Courtney. It was easy to see that she made Jackson happy, but there was a side of her that she was hiding from him.

I would keep my distance until I knew I could act normal around him. The last thing I wanted was to put strain our friendship. I sighed as I though back to a few summers ago.

We were sitting in a field, just the two of us. It was some time between seventh and eighth grade. We talked for what seemed like hours, laughing and goofing around. When the sun started to go down we decided to make a blood oath (we pricked our fingers) to never let anything come between us. I intended to keep that promise.

We got to his truck, still no talking. When we got in I was delighted to see that there were crank up windows. I thought back to when my dad would drive me around in his old truck. It was a lot like this one but not quite the same.

Doug started the engine and pulled out, driving by Jackson and Courtney. I was hoping they wouldn't notice, but when I looked out the window I saw Jackson's stormy expression and Courtney's sleazy smirk. I avoided eye contact and distracted myself by fiddling with the radio dial until I found an oldies station playing Journey.

When we got onto the main road I cranked the window down and put my hand out. I felt the air going between my fingers as we picked up speed. For whatever reason I was feeling unusually nostalgic this evening. I was lost in thought when Doug broke the silence.

"So, there's a party tonight. Wanna go?" He asked, obviously expecting me to decline. No one ever expects a girl like me to go to a party. At least not willing. He was probably trying to distract me, but something made me want to go. I perked up.

"Sure, why not?" I responded, flipping my hair behind my shoulder nonchalantly. Doug seemed surprised for only a second before he burst out laughing at my sudden change in attitude.