LOVING FIERCELY

19

Tanney's POV

"You should chill a little bruh", Joshua said pulling me along.

"I would chill if i go home and get some rest".

Dan shook his head in disappointment.

"When would stop being boring ??" Joshua whined.

I looked at the building in front of me where the party was being held.

"Who even throws a pool party doing the winter?"

"C'mon...its almost spring... bruh this is California, it's already warm."

The music was lusty, the atmosphere was the same -- it reeked of alcohol and marijuana. My busy head felt clogged with the external stimulant. I pulled through the dancing bodies, making my way to check out the indoor pool.

"At least get some beer?"
I turned around to find Lisa in a turquoise two piece swimsuit.
"Thank you.....I'm good". I yelled over the music.
I averted my eyes avoiding conversation.
"I called...whats wrong with your phone??"
"I changed my digits".
I began to walk back to the center room to find something else to engage my attention before I leave.

"Tanney!!...." she called stopping me.
"You are still mad...aint you??"
I sighed pinching the bridge of my nose.

"Do you really want to talk here??..." I paused waiting for a reply. Her eyes stared me expectantly. I continued when she said nothing. "I am not mad at you or Xavier..... I am not angry at the fact I had to deal with the cops."
I met her eyes wanting her to break down and digest my words slowly.
"I'm just upset with me",  I said in an angry whisper.

Lisa's eyes soften, her face reddened. She wrapped her arms around abruptly. Her head was on my chest, the beer bottle in her hand made contact with my back waist.

Some people just can't be given a second chance. Even when you do give a chance, it becomes a distant chance -- one where you have to be careful not fall again. I was not furious at her, I just need time to sort myself out. Mom, family, school, me....hopeful this isn't part puberty.

I detached Lisa's hands around me, her tears soaked my hoodie. Adjusting the denim suede jacket I wore on top of the gray hoodie.
"You're drunk Lisa....get it together..okay".

I laid low making some talks with some friends from school when my cellphone vibrated in my pocket.
"Chill...give me a second", I excused myself pulling out my phone.

"Mom".

I found less noisier spot, I answered the call, placing my cellphone softly on my ear.

"Good evening mom".

"Yes dear, how was the game?"  I was sensitive to the tone of her voice. Her tone was very low -- it almost felt like she was suppressing something....some kind of pain so to speak.

"Did you take another pill...tell me you didn't?" I said ignoring her question. To be honest, my game or social life was not important at the moment. I wanted my mother to communicate with me even though I might not understand all she was going to say.

"Gosh Gi....she showed you the text." She cleared her throat a little before she continued. I could here some sniffing on the other end.

"I'm sorry--"

"Are you crying....Mom talk to me, what's up?"

The other end was quiet. I knew I was late with the question. In fact, I was suppose to ask that same question weeks ago when she asked me to leave home.

"Mom??"

"Dear, I am fine I promise.....i think i caught a little flu or something"

There we go again -- burying our feelings again.
It was easier to lie than explain that complex -- complicated -- concocted turmoil going on within.

"Flu ??...really???"

"Yes... I'm fine I promise okay."

"I'm done..... I am coming over right now."
I located the car key in my pocket.

"Don't tell me you're out partying??" Mom asked changing the topic.

"Goodness...i am obviously out...a kind of celebration party. Don't act like you don't know 'cause I know you that you are changing the topic".

A small chuckle came from the other end.

"Fine..you win...but I'm fine...you can come over tomorrow okay. Have fun."

I ended the call. I felt so much better hearing her chuckle even though it lasted a few seconds.

Going back to the party's location, I grabbed a bottle of water to refresh myself. I noticed that the rest of my friends were now in the pool playing some kind of game.
Smirking at the scene in front of me, I chugged the water in my hand quenching the infinite thirst I never perceived.

I clasped the plastic bottle, squeezing it.  I scanned the room, deciding on whether it was enough partying for the night when i found Lisa with Xavier. 

Xavier' s POV

"You look so sexy in that bathing suit", I whispered wrapping my arm around Lisa who was sitting on my lap. Placing kisses, on her shoulder, she pulled away from me.

"C'mon". I held her hand stopping her from walking away. "Don't be like that".
I reached behind her, groping her butt.

"Xavier please..."

I tighten my grip around her as she struggled free.

"Seriously....why are you bitchin".

"Let go....you are too intoxicated to think".

"Says who??"

Anger built up, not being able to tolerate her, I lashed at her, slapping her across the cheek.
Lisa glared at me her eyes twinkled with disgust.

"I'm sorry... i didn't--"

"Don't you dare touch me Xavier". She said backing away from me .
Ignoring her warning, I approached her pushing her forcefully into the pool.

Everyone's attention was caught by Lisa's scream.

"DUDE...SHE CAN'T SWIM !!!" Someone yelled, pushing me aside he jumped into the pool to help Lisa.

I realized it was Tanney when he scooped Lisa in his arms placing her on dry ground.

"The water isn't that deep".

"Bruh you almost drowned her...show some sympathy", some guy who looked familiar pointed out.

"Asshole". Tanney hissed.

"What ??" I gasped.

"Assshole", Tanney spelt out angrily.

I threw a punch at Tanney, my fist landing on his nose. The party came to a stand still, the music stopped as everyone gathered to figure out what was going on.

"You asked for it," Tanney said launching his foot on my belly. I landed on the wet floor, exchanging fists with Tanney.

I tightened my trip around Tanney's neck as he punched me repeated. A metallic taste filled my mouth signifying that some blood was involved. Some guys around struggled to pull us apart but ended being hit.

My eyes caught sight of a beer bottle laying side ways an inch away from me. I reached for it, abruptly, smashing it into pieces on Tanney's head.
I watched him pull away from with blood dripping from his forehead.

Standing up, I pulled Tanney by the collar. Hoicking on his face, I dashed him into the cold pool water.

Screams covered the room as everyone ran out.

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