Forever is Crashing Down on Me (Austin Carlile)

Chapter Two Barbeques Of Mice & Men Style

Chapter Two Barbeques Of Mice & Men Style

Later that Week

I ran a hand through my now straight hair. I was wearing a white v neck with a plaid button up shirt over that, leaving it unbuttoned, along with a pair of shorts. My hair was straight down my back, and I had on the minimal amount of makeup I could get away with wearing; eyeliner and mascara.

Austin would be here in about fifteen minutes to pick me up, and I’m not sure why I’m so nervous to go to this barbeque, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. I had spent years going to these barbeques, long before I started dating Austin.

I walked into the living room of my apartment, grabbing my phone and shoving it into my pocket. I sat on the couch and thought for a little while, knowing that it would be a long and loud day. I would have to ransack all of the medicine cabinets in Tino’s house, taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen frequently.

I was laying there, staring at the ceiling and thinking when I heard a knock on my door, followed by it opening to reveal Austin standing there in his black skinny jeans and a ripped Slipknot shirt. I stood up and walked over to him, “hey, Aus,” I said, kissing his cheek and grabbing my converse to throw them on.

“You seem tired, you alright?” he asked, concern coating his voice and showing on his eyes.

“I’m fine. I didn’t sleep well last night, and I have a headache. I took some tylenol though. I’ll be fine,” I said, kissing his cheek and smiling at him.

“Alright, just let me know if you need to leave early. Speaking of, are you going to come home with me and stay with me?” his voice showed excitement, he wanted me to. I just smiled at him and nodded. I didn’t need to stay at my apartment, there wasn’t anything to take care of here.

He started to talk about whatever he felt like talking about, letting me speak when I wanted to. We walked out to his car and got in, starting the journey towards Tino’s house twenty minutes away.

I knew the way to Tino’s house better than I knew the way to anyone elses. Tino was my best friend, he had been since I was engaged to Stephan, since before that even. He was the first one I had meet from Of Mice & Men, and he boasted about that almost every day.

I mean, I knew all of the guys well, and they all were my friends, some closer than others. I wasn’t very close with Phil, he was cool but rarely ever around when I was. I didn’t hold that against him though, he still was a friend that I knew I had and vice versa.

I smiled at Austin as he drove the route he knew, focusing on the road and the radio, holding my hand with his right one. It was how he drove, he knew it bothered me a little bit,  would have rathered he used both hands to drive. I would have rathered drive separate if it meant he would drive with both of his hands being used to control the car. I knew that wouldn’t work though, he told me that he would be more concerned that I would get hurt driving separate from him.

I knew Austin was being careful, he was focused on keeping me safe, and I thanked him for that. He was a nice guy, and I knew that he would always keep me safe; even if that meant driving with one hand clasped around mine.

We pulled up in front of Tino’s house, parking behind Alan’s car and getting out, making sure to not slam the car door. I wanted to run up and find Tino and hug him, it’s been a couple of weeks since I saw him, and I wanted to see him. I hated being away from my best friend, but he had his newest girlfriend and I had Austin, so we were alright not being with each other every night.

Austin wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to him. I could smell his cologne, and I still hated it. I’ve hated it since he bought it three years ago, but he likes it, so that’s all that matters, I guess.