"you never make time for anyone in this family and you don't even try to talk to George!" I walk in after school to my mother and her boyfriend, Leo fighting...again.
"that's 'cause he hates my guts because I'm not his dad," the sound of their argument fades as I make my way up to my bedroom. I mean, Leo isn't exactly wrong about George. George has never liked Leo. they always do this. they fight, make up, then leave again. it's tiring honestly.
as I'm setting my school bag down near my bed, my phone starts ringing. it's Reece. "hello?" I ask, confused, "hey...this is Aiden, right?" he asks, "yeah, what's up?" I ask, closing my door, "um so I had fun Saturday night," he says, starting a conversation, "yeah me too," I reply, "do you uh...maybe wanna do it again?" he asks, nervousness clear in his voice, "I thought you never did double hook-ups?" I ask, sitting on my bed, "well, not to hook up but..." he gets quiet for a few seconds, "never mind, forget I called you," he sighs in defeat before hanging up.
that was strange...
i think to myself before walking over to my desk to get started on homework.
a few hours later i get a text from my boss asking me to come work for a few hours. of course i did, since every teenager could use a little extra money.
i show up there and the place is packed with college students. including Reece and his friends. as i walk towards the counter, Reece doesn't take his eyes off of me. the sight of him made my stomach drop.
"Aiden get as many tables as possible, i don't know where all these kids came from!" Cynthia says in a panic, "sure thing," i say quickly as i pull off my jacket and throw on an apron.
i get around to a few tables of people, taking their orders and serving drinks before i make my way to Reece's table. "Smith is back," Caleb teases, dragging on the back', "sadly, what can i get you guys started with?" i ask, "how 'bout a piece of that-" i cut off the annoying bleach blonde boy by beginning to walk away. although i'm stopped when someone says, "wait," i turn around to see Reece grabbing my attention, "I'd actually like some water," he says with an intimidating smirk on his face.
the rest of the boys are shocked by his act, but go along with it, ordering drinks as well.
as the night fades out, people start making their way out and the place gets quieter. i walk out from the back to see Reece, still here, sitting at a bar stool. "Reece what're you still doing here?" i ask, "nobody loves me," he pouts, setting down a glass of vodka.
great, he's drunk.
"Reece of course someone loves you," i sigh, setting down the tray of drinks in my hand, "nope, my parents just kicked me out into a flat that i didn't even want, my friends never check up on me, and no girl ever stays," he shakes his head, about to take another sip, "i think you've had enough, Reece," i say pulling the glass from his hands. his arm falls to the counter as he says, "who are you to tell me i've had enough?" i dump out the drink and pull up a stool in front of him.
"look Reece, i've known you since elementary school, and you've changed...and not for the best," i say, looking him in the eyes, "what's that supposed to mean?" he slurs, "it means you're a dick now, and you never used to be," i state, "what? i'm not a dick. i'm so nice," he defends himself, "yeah, right," i roll my eyes.
Reece sighs and rolls his eyes. "if you want people to respect you and love you, then don't be a jerk, for once," I say before walking back to the kitchen with my tray of empty cups. "why don't you want me?" Reece asks, "what?!" I ask completely shocked.
I walk out to Reece and look at him for a few seconds, "I took your virginity and everything," he pouts, "okay Reece, let me take you home...and we'll talk about this when you're sober, give me your keys" I say, walking over to the over side of the counter, "you won't wanna talk to me when i'm sober," he slurs, pulling his keys out of his pocket, "I think it'll be the other way around," I sigh as we walk out to my car, "I love you, Aiden," he says quietly, "no you don't, you don't know me well enough to feel that way," I scoff, opening his car door, "you aren't gonna say it back?" he asks like a child, "my god, you're so drunk," I chuckle before closing his door.
the entire car ride he doesn't take his eyes off of me, "why are you staring at me?" I ask, "because you're beautiful," he says quietly, "what was in that vodka?" I laugh, "maybe it was...a love potion!" he says as if he just solved a huge case, "yeah...right," I say looking over at him, "if I was nicer to you, would you be nice to me?" he asks as I pull into the parking garage, "probably. now let's get you into your flat," I say opening my door and walking around to his side and opening his, "hey that's my job," he whines, "not when you're drunk," I say helping him out.
I help him walk to the lift and into his flat, he was half asleep most of the time though. however he was a lot lighter than I expected.
"stay the night," he says as he falls onto his gorgeous white couch, "why?" I ask, "because I don't like being alone," he replies, "you live alone though," "not by choice!" he says, sitting up, "I don't think sober you would like me here very much," I chuckle, "i'm only half drunk now," he says, looking at me with a serious look on his face.
I think about it for a few moments, observing the gorgeous flat. "I guess I wouldn't mind, as long as you promise to take me to school tomorrow morning," I say softly, but sternly, "I promise," he replies.
