Flashcards On The Wall

Chapter 52: Bonfire

Despite the freezing temperature, the beach is swarming with students. Tash who knows almost everyone starts making her rounds while I stick with Logan.

"I noticed you didn't tell Tash you know," Logan says.

"Good observation," I say.

"Why not?" he asks.

"It wasn't a conversation I wanted to start," I answer.

"You aren't mad, are you?" he asks.

"No but I also don't want to talk about it," I reply.

"Fine with me," he says.

Fiona finds me not long after giving me the perfect excuse to leave Logan talking to a guy he just met. She tells me more of her after college plans and I envy her excitement. While this too is my last semester, I'm not quite sure what the future holds for me. I look around at the familiar faces, some are friends and others are classmates I've seen countless times before but have never spoken to. A part of me wishes I'd been more social and gotten to know some of them more. Another part thinks I never really had the chance.

At one point Logan checks in, "Tash is the warning label they should put on alcohol. Caution: Excessive consumption may lead to and then have a picture of her."

"Don't be mean Lo. Tash is Tash," I say.

We watch her from a distance. Nobody I know loves a party more than her. Nobody loves attention more either.

"I get if she's still sad about the break up, but I mean get over it. We've all been there," he says.

"I don't know," I reply.

"Did she ever say what it was that led to the spilt?" he asks.

"Of course she did!" I answer sarcastically.

Logan rolls his eyes.

"What do you think?" I respond.

"Damn. What's with the secrecy?" he replies.

"Who knows..." I say.

"In other news," Logan says, "I may have unintentionally done you favor."

"What?" I ask.

"At this point, all I'm going to say is: you're welcome," says Lo.

"For?" I ask.

"You'll see soon enough," he answers.

"You know I hate your guessing games," I say.

"I merely mentioned it to him," Lo claims, "but I suppose I will tell you Gabe is here."

My smile fades, "What did you do?"

"Nothing. I didn't even know you'd be coming with. This is just a coincidence," Lo defends himself.

Just passed Tash, I see him. Gabriel. Logan does too because as he raises his cup to his mouth, he whispers "Told you."

I only tagged along so I wouldn't end up just thinking about Gabriel and now here he is.

"Seems I need a refill," he tells me while looking into his cup.

"Don't you move Logan," I warn.

"Relax. I'll be back," he assures me.

In passing each other, Logan and Gabriel exchange a few words which I am too far to hear. Instead of focusing on that, my attention remains on Tash who is dancing a little too close and acting a little too friendly with a guy I think she's never seen before. He also is very much enjoying himself.