Just Friends

Chapter Fifteen

As we continue to walk down the street, I'm glad that Ellie is beside me. Although there's still some daylight left, I wouldn't want to be on this street on my own. Even though this area gives me the heebie-jeebies, it's considerably less cluttered with beer cans, takeaway boxed and general rubbish than outside Matts house.

We walk up to a small, simple, red-brick house, which seems squashed between two very similar houses. The door is already wide open with people spilling out as they smoke their cigarettes or joints.

Ellies arm is still looped through mine and as we walk through the small crowd of people and into the house, I can't help but hold my breath as I try to avoid the assault to my nostrils from the smoke.

The shopping bag containing the wine swings by my side and as each moment passes I feel I need it as courage to help me through my nerves. I almost take a drink straight out of the bottle but decide better of it and wait for my opportunity to get a cup instead.

Ellie drags me into the living room where I see, Kai, April, Rebecca and some of the other usual gang members gathered together as they bicker amongst themselves. I also recognise others from university, including some more of the American football team I've only ever seen in passing.

Ellie sits me down with all of the others and gives my shoulders a quick squeeze before turning away.

"Wait! Where are you..." but it's too late, she's already gone, disappearing through another doorway.

"Hey, Jo!" Kai greats, taking a momentary break from his deep conversation with April.

"Hi Kai," I respond, but once again it's too late and he is already back in deep conversation. His words are slurred slightly and I know that if he doesn't slow down drinking, he's not going to last much longer.

I sit on the corner of a large, tattered blue sofa, feeling uncomfortable as I mutter basic responses to their conversation. April is telling Kai about her art course at university but the only thing I can think about is the hope and dread pulling at my chest.

Hope that Matt isn't here and won't be coming tonight and the dread that, for all I know, he might already be here. How am I supposed to face him if he is? What am I supposed to say to him?

A shot, held by perfectly manicured hands, filled with a sweet cinnamon smelling liquid, is placed under my nose. I look up to see Ellie, a pleading look on her face as she silently asks me to take the shot. I can see that she has her own gripped in her other hand and once I take it she grins. "Shot of courage!" She says, excitedly.

I inspect the contents of the glass. It's clear and smells absolutely mouth-watering. I have no idea what it is but the gold flakes floating, decorating it, is oddly beautiful. I can see this being a rather dangerous drink.

I smile and look back up. "Ellie, what is-" but she interrupts me, holding one of those painted fingernails to my mouth as she says, "Just drink it!" Lifting her small glass slightly before draining its contents. I quickly follow suit and I am delighted by a strong, almost hot taste of cinnamon. I love cinnamon, although I find it's an odd choice of drink for Ellie to choose as I know she hates it.

I lick my lips and look back at Ellie, a grimace clear on her face. "That was amazing! What the hell was that?!" I say, licking my lips some more.

"I thought you might like it!" She tries to grin, but she is still grimacing over the strong taste of cinnamon. "It's called Goldschlager," she continues. "Apparently the gold flakes make small cuts in your throat, getting you drunk quicker!" she exclaims.

Jeez! If that's true, it really is a dangerous drink, and not just because of the taste!

"Where did you get that from?" I ask, confused. "I don't remember you buying it at the shop."