Beautiful Apparation (Tony Perry FF)

eleven

Daryl's head is currently outside the car window, letting his fur fly. He looks relieved to be out of the house, as did Tony. To be honest, I'm relieved too. Being inside all the time can get boring. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to explode in there if I stay long enough.

I park in a random neighborhood near the beach before getting out of the car. The weather is actually nice out for it being "Winter." After putting on Daryl's leash, and placing the bluetooth in my ear, we're on our way.

"You excited?" Tony asks clear as day.

I just nod my head since I'm around a lot of people waiting to cross the street. Little kids admired Daryl as we waited. Finally, we're given the signal to go.

Soon enough my feet are on the soft sand. For it being Christmas day, a lot of people are out here. I walked past a family who were actually opening presents on the beach!

"I know a good spot," Tony says. I begin to follow him. He knows this place way better than me after all.

I'm cautious of the looks I'm getting, which is none at all. I need to relax. I don't look suspicious at all, just a girl with her dog at the beach.

We end up at the edge of the beach where a huge rock/cliff blocks us from going over to the other side. It gives off shade so that makes me happy. A sunburn is not what I need.

I put down my towel and sit, Daryl follows next to me. He looks eager to get into the water. Getting the idea, I take off his leash and he runs off.

"He likes the ocean?" Tony asks sitting criss-crossed next to me.

"Just like his mommy," I smile, taking in the view of him splashing around.

"So, your tattoo, I see you have a heart stitched on your sleeve," Tony begins. "What does it mean to you? Because a lot of people interpret it in different ways."

"I let myself fall in love easily," I shrug. "It won't take much before I'm happy in some guys' arms. Even when I know it's wrong, it feels right. I hope that makes sense."

He smiles, "It makes perfect sense. Listen Audrey-"

"Hey! Mind passing the ball?"

I look over to a guy and see a football near me. I didn't even see it fly over here. I get up and throw it back.

"Nice arm," he compliments from afar.

"Thanks!" I yell before sitting back down.

"Where'd you learn to throw like that?" Tony asks surprised.

"Kyle was the quarterback in high school. I picked up a few things from him over the years. Hard to believe he ended up the way he did. He had so much going for him. Anyways, what about your family?"

He hesitates, "My father passed and my mom is alive and well. I used to go and visit her, but I stopped."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Maybe because she got over me faster than I thought she would."

I don't know how to respond so I keep quiet. If aliens exist too, I wouldn't mind getting abducted right now. I'm horrible in situations like this. Daryl runs towards us, his fur drenched in the cold, salty, ocean. He cuddles next to me, giving me the shivers.

"You're already done buddy?" I pat his head.

He barks making us both laugh. I notice Tony staring at me from beside, I don't look back at him. If I do I'll most likely break down. He's a poor unfortunate soul. All he really needs is a friend, and I'll make it my mission to make him happy again. I think I know where to start.

>>>

"I really love this song!" I exclaim pausing what's known as Besitos.

He grins, "It was fun to play live. The crowd's energy was always amazing!"

I become curious and search on my laptop a live version, he wasn't kidding. The crowd were jumping and singing along. You could tell the guys still had tons of energy too. Jaime was jumping, Vic was singing his lungs out, Mike was sweating but still going hard on those drums, and Tony headbanged so hard, I'm surprised he didn't break his neck.

I go to look at him and see a blank expression on his face. He wasn't even looking at me, only the floor. I shut the laptop and immediately try to hug him but I couldn't grasp him. He's already gone.

"Tony, I'm sorry," I call out.

No response.

Daryl suddenly enters the living room, and makes himself comfy on the couch next to me. At least I still have him to keep me company. Tony's been doing this for the past few days now, but it's my fault. I bring up something that has to do with the way he lived before, he gets upset and leaves. I thought reminiscing the past would help, ugh. He'll probably be back within an hour.

New Years is in two days. Time goes by too fast. When I told Lynn and Hannah that they were invited to Vic's party, both reactions were priceless. Hannah nearly messed up her clients tattoo. Lynn nearly dropped a whole shelf of merchandise.

There's a knock on the door. Daryl immediately goes to investigate, barking on his way.

I answer to see Jaime, weird. He's the last person I'd expect to see on my door step, but here he is, looking great as usual.

"What's up Preciado?" I ask casually.

"Can we talk?"

The three words most people dread.

Not wanting anyone else to hear us, I let him inside and we sit on the couch together. God, I'm starting to realize how bazar this feels. Not even ten minutes ago his dead friend was sitting in the same exact spot.

"What'd you wanna talk about?" I ask breaking the tension.

"You probably don't really like me, you know, in that way anymore. Anyways, I just wanted to come clean before I saw you again. You're going to the New Years party, right?"

I nod my head and let him continue.

"Like I was saying I just had a horrible break up. I-" he was beginning to stutter.

"Jaime, don't even worry. I'm not mad, and to be honest you're a good friend to me."

He looks relieved, "That's good, great. Sorry I handled this situation so awkwardly."

"Friends?" I hold out my hand to shake.

"No, we're best friends, therefore we hug," he smirks before wrapping his arms around me.

He would.

---

more of a filler, i'll make up for it in the next chapter!

thanks for reading. (: