We Fell Apart

Which Devon?

Devon was a twenty two year old college drop out. Best of all he fit into the stereotypes: grubby home, bunch of tattoos, heavy stoner and worst of all, he called himself an artist. My disgust with him however reached new heights when I found out he was sleeping with my best friend. I suppose I already knew somewhere in the back of my mind that they were sleeping together. They had been dating for 4 months and Angela didn't exactly hold her virginity in high regard. Mainly because it had been missing for some time now.
Besides Devon's lack of drive and ambition, I found his behavior slightly pedophilic. What would a twenty seven year old be doing with a seventeen year old? But I couldn't judge her for it. Sure, she was dating a twenty seven year old with no life, but I could see the appeal. The feel of danger that she was so drawn to. But she was making the mistake, and I was learning for it, knowing I'd never have to try it myself. It was disgusting.

The first time I met Devon was during the summer of Angela. I wish I could tell you there had been anything significant about the day and that's why I remember it, but I can't.
No, this day was average. The sun was beating down as usual and the sky was littered with clouds. We'd deemed it too hot to drive and had been taking cabs all day.
The California weather was to die for and I knew that meant there would be teenagers drowning themselves in alcohol that symbolized their absent parents through their adolescence and their constant insecurities.

Every time I remember this day I get a faint strawberry flavour taste in my mouth reminding me of the packet of fruity gum Angela and I had shared previously that morning and perhaps, less pleasant, the musty smell of Devon's basement mingled with the thick and spicy aroma of garlic and oil wafting from his kitchen, all overpowered by the strong scent of his cologne, which till this day made me sick.

"Hi babe" Angela grinned as the door swung open and revealed her boyfriend. Boy being the operative word.

I felt my jaw mentally drop in shock. There was no denying that this boy was gorgeous. Boy being the operative word once again. With his dark brown hair that fell over his face and his lazy eyes I knew in another life I would have fell for him. You could see that Devon was an adult even though he had good looks in a teenage biker boy kind of way.
The first thing that stood out about him were the tattoos that covered his chest that was revealed in a loose tee. The next thing that caught my eye were his eyes. They were lazy but bore into you. No exaggeration necessary. This Devon character was drop dead gorgeous. If only his cologne didn't make me queasy.

"Hey" he smiled wickedly at Angela and nodded his head in my direction. He gave me a once over and smirked as he took in my revealing outfit. If Angela noticed, she didn't let on. She was still grinning up at him madly her hands on his chest as he wrapped around her waist.

Finally, his smirk turns into a gentle smile as he take my hand in his and says in a surprisingly soft voice "You must be Skylar. Nice to meet you"

I could instantly tell why Angela liked him. Well, that was what I'd thought in the beginning. My thoughts of him slowly went downhill as the day progressed.
He just wasn't my type. Angela elbowed me when she noticed I was still gaping.

"Uhm," I said like an idiot. "Hi Devon! " I quickly recovered and returned his warm smile and shook his hand lightly before letting go.
It feels sticky and sweaty. From what, I wonder.
He shrugged his shoulders and moved aside, opening the door wide and letting Angela and I step in.

"Uhm, nice house" I commented as I stepped into the hallway.

"Polite," he said with a small smile as he led us into the kitchen, "I like that."
Pedophiles. I don't like that. I mimic, feeling a slight tinge of guilt for judging him before I knew him.