Breathe

Chapter 22

"What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven't happened yet." -Unknown

Valerie hands me a second cup, and I'm almost positive she's already downing her third.  Judging from the way she's drinking the alcohol, she doesn't care whether or not she blacks out tonight.  The number of people here keeps increasing, and I'm guessing there's around fifty people here now.  I don't know any of the new people arriving except one girl who I think is in my grade, but I'm not sure of her name. Luke disappeared a few minutes ago, but I'm not sure where he went.

When I turn around to go look for him, an older guy bumps into me. "Sorry," he mumbles.  His eyes are glossy and he looks like he might pass out at any second.  Is he seriously this drunk already? "Want some?" he asks and offers me a drink from his cup.

"No thanks," I mumble and walk away.

"Who was that?" Luke's voice appears behind me.

"I don't know, he just bumped into me," I say.

"Oh, okay."

"You need a drink," I say and grab Luke's hand to lead him to find a drink.

"I need to talk to Michael quick," Luke says, "Stay here."

"Okay," I say but ignore his plea.  He says something into Michael's ear, and they walk off a few feet into the forest that hides his house.  I follow them part way and stand behind a tree so I can eavesdrop out of sight.  

"Michael, I seriously need help with Vanessa.  I'm freaking out," Luke says.

"With what?" Michael asks, confused.

"I'm being overprotective, and she keeps telling me but I can't help it.  The sight of her even near another man is driving me crazy. What the fuck is happening to me?" 

Michael laughs and says, "I know exactly what's happening.  You'll figure out the feeling soon.  I'm sure she doesn't care that much if you're being overprotective."  Do I really care that much?  I guess I'd rather have him overprotective than having him not care at all.

"You're confusing me," he sighs and I know he's running his hand through his hair. "I don't know how to be less protective.  Whenever I see her I just have the natural instinct to ensure that she's only mine."  Does he really think I'm not his?  I'll just have to make him believe that I'm completely his.

"You've got it so bad Luke," Michael laughs even harder.

"You're shit with advice, you know that don't you?"

"I know," Michael says and they walk back to the party.

"Vanessa!" Valerie yells from a distance. "Let's do shots," she smirks.  I laugh and walk with her to the table set up with alcohol bottles scattered over it.

"On three! One..two..three!" she yells and we both down a shot.  Hands fall on my waist, and I turn around to see Luke.  He leans forward quickly touches his lips to mine before I can respond.

"Hey," he murmurs.

"Hi," I smile. "It's yours and Michael's turn to do a shot."

"Michael!" Luke yells, and Michael walks over to us.  Luke hands him a shot and he downs it before Luke can grab one for himself.

When Luke turns towards Michael, Valerie grabs my hand and pulls me into an area surrounded by trees, away from everyone.  I guess this forest is the place to gossip tonight. 

"Finally Luke's taken his eyes off you! It's the first time in hours, I swear," Valerie says and rolls her eyes.  "I need to talk to you."

"About what?"