Champagne Coast

Prologue

Present Day

The dirt beneath their feet was moist, presenting the possibility that it could collapse at any moment. They both knew that it wouldn't happen. At worst, their shoes would get dirty—it wasn't the end of the world. The mushy properties of the mud existed solely because it decided to rain in this particular spot for the first time in a long time. It must've known the occasion.

A whole mess of colorful flower petals sat before the two boys. A makeshift headstone was jammed into the mud, somehow managing to hold its place for the past 8 minutes. The bedazzled words on the headstone reading:

Here Lies The Craziest Bitch We Ever Did Know

Rest In Peace D.C.

Both boys were silent for a little bit longer, each clutching a tiny piece of paper in one hand, their other hands just centimeters away from each other. Neither had shed a single tear. It wasn't that kind of event. Crying was unnecessary, and as Leo had previously stated, "She wouldn't want you to cry. Crying is for unfabulous people and she was the most fabulous."

It was hard to argue with his logic. Plus, arguing with Leo was never the correct thing to do. It was easier to just admit that he was right.

"Well, this is it," Jayden spoke first, admittedly not knowing how things were supposed to go.

"I can't believe it came to this." Leo let out a few fake sniffles to really sell the part. He quickly produced a phone from his pocket, earning a reaction from Jayden.

"You're really gonna start swiping at a time like this?" Jayden asked, sounding disappointed, but not at all surprised.

"Who said anything about swiping? I would never," Leo responded, a hint of melodrama in his voice. "I was doing this."

Raising the phone a bit higher, cupping the speaker at the bottom with his hands, Leo started playing "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga. Jayden rolled his eyes so far back that he didn't know if he'd be able to use them ever again.

"Of course."

"What? No celebration of life is complete without the right music. You know she was always a fan of the classics. The late 2000s to early 2010s was the golden age of pop music. Facts."

"I feel like I have no choice but to agree with you."

With a big chuckle, Leo dropped down to dig through his messenger bag. A few seconds later, he was carrying two red solo cups and a bottle of tequila. Jayden cringed at Leo's choice of alcohol, recalling the mess that transpired the last time he went out and had tequila shots... and the time before that, and before that.

Leo poured an unsettling amount into each cup, handing Jayden the one with slightly less to show that he somewhat cared about the wellbeing of others. Jayden's eyes were glued to the liquid, visualizing his imminent death. At this point, Leo should've made a shitty headstone for Jayden as well.

"What are you doing?" Jayden questioned, watching Leo spill about half of his drink onto the plot.

"Jayden, you gotta pour one out for the homie," Leo replied, in the most serious tone.

"Gladly." Jayden went a little overboard, pouring more than half of the liquid into the soil. He knew damn well that he wouldn't drink any of it, but he had to make sure there was a tiny bit left to show Leo the slightest shred of appreciation for supplying the alcohol.

"You just drowned our homie to death."

"She'll be fine."

"Want some more?"