Bandmate ||Ricky Garcia||

《e i g h t y - s i x》

Ricky's POV

''I want to try that one.'' My finger points to a tall chunky bottle of tequila that Mrs. G had lined up on the table. Dinner was over and now we had a cushion of food to prep us for the alcohol, so my mom says.

''Someone wants to die.'' Justin mumbles behind me. 

''Ricky are you sure? It's pretty strong...'' Mom holds on to the cup while Mrs. G tries to yank it away from her.

''Yeah go big or go home, right?'' I nudge Sam beside me.

''That's the spirit! Momma, let go.'' Mrs. G opens her hand so mom can hesitantly give her the cup. ''Now what soda you want to go along? I like sprite?''

"Can't I have it alone?'' I ask and everyone starts to laugh. Justin squeezes the back of the neck and Mrs. G slaps the hell of out the table.

''Esta loco,'' Mrs. G chuckles as she pours maybe half an inch of tequila and fills the rest with soda. ''Trust me dear this will be enough.'' She hands me over the cup wiping her cheeks. 

I smell it with disappointment. I take a quick sip and I literally feel nothing. Yes, there's a taste but not enough to hit me. All the long party nights with Shawn and Jace have numbed me. However, I look at my mom's eyes and pretend like it was the strongest shit ever. 

''Uhg yea that was enough.'' I scrunch my nose and stick out my tongue to emphasize. 

''Here have some juice to wash it off.'' Mom hands me a cup and that's when I notice Celeste standing behind her mom. How long as she been there?

''Okay Sammy it's your turn. What will it be?'' Mrs. G pretends she's in wheel of fortune and wiggles her arms around the 3 bottles they brought. 

"I'll try  what Ricky tried.'' Really you could have chosen the cheap wine?

This time mom didn't try and stop Sam, in fact when he went for it she called him brave. Sam's mouth tightens with wrinkles. I wonder if he's faking it like I did or if it's really hitting him. 

''Yup never having that again.'' He squirms and puts the cup on the table. As Sam goes on to try the others I pull Celeste to the side.

''You came. Does that mean I'm forgiven?'' 

''Nope I just couldn't miss you drinking tequila.'' She crosses her arms. ''Without my mother watering it down for you.'' She pulls out a water bottle from behind her and tosses it to me. 

''What's this?'' I catch it and stare at it. It's basically empty with maybe 3 inches of water left. 

''Pure tequila. I sneaked into my parents room to pour some just for you.''

I look around and see everyone focused on Sam. Taking the cap off the smell was strong, nothing compared to the stupid blended drink. Jester raises her eyebrows waiting for me. Tilting my head back I let the clear liquid go down my throat.

I can feel my throat tighten and burn. Pushing past Jester I spit what's left in my mouth in the sink and drink some the faucet. I can here her laughter from behind me. 

''Ricky what's wrong?'' My mom calls out.  I wipe my mouth with my wrist and shake my head.

''Nothing I just still had tequila taste in my mouth.'' My mom nods her head and turns back to talking to Mrs. G. Jester pats me in the back and swings the empty bottle in my face. 

''Impressive, but it would have been more impressive if you hadn't spit it out.'' She laughs and tosses the bottle in the bin.

''I basically drank the whole thing!'' I loudly whisper at her.