What We Lost | Fillie

Chapter Twelve: Just Do It

After getting out of the shower, Finn just stares at himself in the mirror with a towel wrapped sloppily around his waist and his hair dripping water all over the bath mat while he tries—with little success— to slow his breathing. Ever since he got home he has been freaking out about the party and all that it entails. A part of him is excited to meet this new girl but he can't get rid of this knot in his stomach that is begging him to just stay home. To make matters even more difficult, he promised his brother that he won't drink at this party so he can't count on his usual crutch to get him through.

"Just do it"— the words Chris spoke to him keep playing back in his mind while he takes in long drags of air, letting them out slowly. Just do it. . .  Just do it. . . Just do it.

He groans loudly and slaps his face back and forth between his hands before leaving the bathroom without having found any peace.

The tormented teen dresses himself plainly in jeans, a black t-shirt with a jean jacket, and red vans. He doesn't want to draw attention or look like he is trying too hard because he is not doing either of those things. He takes one last look in the mirror, analyzing himself from head to toe before shrugging, "It is what it is." he grumbles to the empty room then turns off his lights and leaves for his rendezvous with his forced and false destiny.

>>>>>>>

He takes an Uber to Jack's house because he knows there will be absolutely nowhere to park and he's thankful for his decision when he arrives, as he can barely get through, even in the Uber. The driver has to drop him off almost two blocks from the house and apologizes for the inconvenience which Finn waves off with a twenty dollar tip.

As he approaches the large residence, the groupings of people get thicker and smell more heavily of alcohol making Finn's senses perk up at the thought of drinking, but he suppresses the unrelenting urge. He finds his way through the front door of the house and scans the main level until he spots Jack.

"FINN! You made it man! Welcome to my humble abode!" Jack belts over the loud music that Finn can feel vibrating the floor beneath his feet with the rapid thumping of 80's style euro-dance.

"Hey Jack, quite the party you've got here," he looks around with a semi-impressed smile, "hope no one calls the cops."

"Nah, my neighbors are cool. Plus it's the fourth of July, we're supposed to celebrate! And celebrate we will!" He shouts, raising his fist full of beer into the air.

Finn chuckles at his rambunctious friend and slaps him on the shoulder, "Whatever you say, Jack."

"Hey!" he points at Finn's empty hand with his beer carrying one, "You need a drink!"

Finn waves his hands quickly, "Oh, no-no-no, not tonight Grazer."

Jack's eyes shoot open,"What?! How are you going to not not drink on the fourth of July. . . that's like totally un-American!"

He cocks his head and crosses his arms, "Jack, how much have you had to drink?"

He squints at him, completely oblivious to the point he is trying to make.

Finn shakes his head while laughing at his friend's drunken confusion then reminds him, "I'm not American."

"Oh shit!" The drunken actor palms his forehead, "I completely forgot! Sorry bro!"

Finn snorts, "I guess I can forgive your complete ignorance of my nationality."

"Whew!" Jack wipes imaginary sweat from his brow, "Now about that drink—"