His Name Was Damian

twenty-two

Naomi

"Hey, stop worrying about him," Melanie says, looking in between me and Damian.

I take a sip of my beer, "I can't help it, Melanie. I shut him down and now he's drinking his ass off."

"He's just having fun; look at him and Xavier. They're literally laughing their asses off at a lamp."

I look over to the boys and smile at their goofiness. They were laughing and seemed like they were having a good time, especially Damian, who laughed as though their conversation didn't happen.

I manage a small laugh, "Yeah, you're right. I'm thinking too much about it."

"You can think more about it later, Lana and her boyfriend are coming over here," Melanie whispers before turning to them with a smile, "So, this must be the famous boyfriend you've been telling me about Lana. Tell me, Teddy, are you in the same grade as my sweet, baby Lana?" Melanie grabs Lana and smothers her against her chest. This achieves a laugh from all four of us.

Teddy laughs, "Yes, I'm a junior. Do you always hang around seniors, Lana."

Lana laughs and says yes while Melanie only gasps, "I'm actually a freshman in college."

"Melanie, stop bullshitting him," I say, nudging her.

"Naomi," She whines. "I was just having fun."

"He's seen you around the shop, dumb-ass. Did you forget that we work together?"

Melanie's face goes slack, "Yes. I did forget."

"Hey Naomi, is everything good with you and Damian."

I shrug, "I really don't know, but we're friends so, I think we'll be good."

"Oh well, I was asking because he's making his way over here."

I turn l and see Damian walking towards me and leaving Xavier on the couch.

"Will you dance with me, Naomi," he asks, pulling me to the middle of the floor.

I look back at the girls and Teddy before turning back to Damian, "I don't usually dance, Damian."

"It's okay." He puts my arms around his neck and his hands fall upon my waist, pulling me closer to him. "Just sway with me for a while. You can do that, can't you?"

I nod, "I can do that."

"Good because that would've been really fucking awkward."

I laugh a little before Damian buries his head into my neck, his nose tickling the skin.

"You always smell good," he laughs.

"So do you," I respond, laughing with him.

"Like really good." Damian begins to lay heavy against me and I try to push against his weight. His breathing turns into short breaths, labored, and out of breath.

Damian collapses on the floor and I drop to his level.

"Damian," I yell, gaining the attention of everyone at the party. Through my tears, I can see the others run towards me and Xavier drapes Damian's body over his shoulders. I sat on the floor, still processing Damian's collapse.