Family Ties. (A The Strokes Love story)

Chapter 22

June's PoV

"Ready, Alb?" I asked, knocking lightly on my bathroom door.

"Uh, yeah. Just meet me in the car, okay?" He responded.

"Okay." I got my keys, and put on my sneakers. I went out to the car, and started it once I got in. Albert was taking really long in the bathroom; we were supposed to be at Julian's party at least fifteen minutes ago.

I opened the small arm rest compartment in between the driver's seat and the passenger seat. The first thing I noticed was a CD.

I picked it up, and recognized the black scrawling that Julian's handwriting consisted of written across the label.

Two years ago, when Julian and I sang and recorded Trying Your Luck to Nick's guitar playing. This was the CD. Honestly, I thought I lost it.

I popped it into the player, and listened, smiling. A part of me, deep inside missed those days.

A knock on the car window made me jump wildly, and push the stop button. I realized it was just Albert.

He had an expectant look on his face, and I unlocked the car. He got in, and I turned on the radio, to a station I barely listened to anymore.

"You okay?" He asked, touching my arm.

"Yeah, why?" I asked, looking at him quizzically.

"You were spacing out. You good, June?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just waiting for you!" I said with mock anger, leaning really close to his face.

Albert smiled, and we stayed like that for a good 30 seconds.

He pecked my lips quickly, and then I laughed lightly.

The drive there was silent; not a bad silent, but a peaceful silence. We would need that, especially since we were going to a house party.

We got there, and I held Albert's hand. My heart sank lightly as he let go shortly after, waving to some classmates, and greeting them. I wasn't sure to wait or to go without him, but my answer was sitting right in front of me as he got into a deep conversation with them.

I made my way inside writhing past sweaty dancing bodies, people playing beer pong, and several couples making out.

I finally found the kitchen, the only place that was the least populated, and had fresh air.

Nick stood against the fridge, and was drinking a beer. It seemed as if he was just noticing me.

"Hey, June. You finally got here." He said, smiling and putting down his plastic red cup.

"Yeah, we were a couple minutes late."

Nick gave me a weird face, his mouth turning up into a mischievous smile.

"What?"

"He did you, didn't he?"

My face went red with shock.

"No!! What kind of question is that?" I asked him, watching him laugh.

"I was just wondering. You seem kind of lax." Nick pointed out.

I shrugged.

"Want something to drink?" He asked, changing the subject much to my relief.

"Sure." I agreed, taking a beer bottle from him. I opened the cap with the counter, and took a refreshing swig.

"Look at that; my two favorite people."

Julian stood in the doorway, looking really irresistible. His brown hair was tousled, and his brownish greenish eyes looked more green. He wore a black button down that was half buttoned, and revealed a good portion of his chest.