My Bad Boy's Diary

~Fifty-Seven~ old flame

I turned and strode away quickly before Dalton could look over and see me. I was almost running on my way to the bathroom.

But if high school had taught me anything, it was that you couldn't hide in the bathroom forever.

Eventually I had to come out.

I moved from room-to-room warily, keeping an eye out for any flash of black leather jackets or unruly curls.

I didn't see him anywhere; maybe he had left the party. Maybe he had only stepped out for a smoke...

Alec appeared at my side and I jumped and yelped in surprise.

"Sorry, hon." He gave me a bemused smile. "You okay? Jenna said you, like, ran to the bathroom like you'd seen a ghost or something."

I chuckled nervously, my eyes still darting this way and that. If Alec had snuck up on me that easily then so could...

"Hey." Alec settled his hands on my shoulders. "I've never seen you like this. What's goin' on?"

I flinched just at his touch. "I'm fine." I said, but I kept glancing over my shoulder.

His blue eyes started to narrow at me slightly. "Lookin' for someone?" He asked casually.

"No! More like trying to avoid. Maybe we should leave. Can we just leave? Let's leave."

"What? We just got here."

I glanced at my new watch; one I had bought my damn self. "It's been an hour...I have an early day tomorrow-"

"Tomorrow's Sunday."

"I have soooo much homework."

"It can wait." He insisted, laughing lightly, but I thought he seemed a little annoyed with me now. "Look, please try to enjoy yourself, for me? Just a few more hours, we'll leave by midnight, I promise."

I chewed on my lip anxiously, glancing over my shoulder again. "Sure. Fine." I almost said, 'Don't say I didn't warn you', but for once I managed to keep my fool mouth shut.

I grabbed a beer and went to find my friend Connie, who was always good for a laugh.

###

Half an hour passed, and when I saw no sign of Dalton, I began to relax. He must have left.

I found myself out on the back deck with Jenna, sharing her cigarette.

I guiltily passed it back to Jenna when Alec approached us. He didn't like it when I smoked.

"Hey, I just met the coolest person, Brooklyn." Alec told me, drunk and grinning like a fool. "What was your name again, man?" He turned to introduce his friend.

I looked up and almost dropped my drink when I found myself gazing into a pair of big brown eyes.

"Dalton Patricelli." Dalton said in a quiet voice, staring right at me. "Hello, Brooklyn."

###

I didn't say anything. I couldn't speak. I could barely breathe.

Jenna and Alec were both staring at me curiously.

"Ya'll know ea-each other?" Alec slurred.

"It's been a while." Dalton replied dryly.