First Time, Worst Time, Best Time

New Friends

"I'm just going to make a quick run by Doug's house. He doesn't live that far from you," said Amber when we were approaching my neighborhood.

"That's fine. My mom is probably asleep and she knows I'm out with Misti. Besides, it's summer," I answered looking at the clock to see that it was 11:30.

We drove along the deserted road and I realized Doug lived more than just 'close' to me. He was only five houses down and across the street. I hoped we weren't getting there too late, but soon realized that wasn't an issue. Jon's car was the only one in the drive and Amber explained Doug lived by himself. He must have been almost 21 if he graduated the year I left, so it made since.

Amber jumped out and told me to come along. I followed her up the steps to the front door and she knocked quietly. There was only a slight delay before the door opened and I saw Doug standing in front of us. He opened the door for us to come in and I entered what I could only call the typical bachelor pad.

There was flea market furniture placed in no certain design around the living room. There was a sofa, a recliner and a coffee table. I also saw an end table with a lamp that was obviously secondhand. In contrast, he had an entertainment center against the wall that held what I assumed was the best stereo system money could buy. There were huge speakers in all four corners of the room.

My dad had the same type of system and he loved showing it off. It must be a guy thing. There was not much in the way of decoration in this room. The only objects hanging on the walls were two neon beer signs and a calendar with chicks in bikinis stretched out across cars.

"What's so funny?" asked Doug when I giggled.

"Nothing. I was just admiring your choice of art," I teased pointing at the calendar.

"Oh, yeah. What can I say? I'm a man. Try not to hold it against me," he said smiling.

"So, what brings you along, Bryonna?" Jon asked from his seat on the sofa.

"Amber let me tag along. I live so close I could walk home from here," I joked.

"That won't be necessary. We'll get you home," he teased.

Amber sat down beside him and Doug waved me towards the recliner.

"You can sit there; I'll go grab a chair from the kitchen. Do you want something to drink? I have beer or...actually that's about it," he said laughing with Jon.

I tasted beer before and it was not something I enjoyed.

"Isn't it a little early to be trying to get her drunk?" Amber teased.

"I'm not trying to get you drunk. I just don't have company over much, and when I do, they drink beer," explained Doug.

"It's no problem. I'm not really thirsty anyway. Maybe next time," I said nonchalantly.

Doug went to get a chair and came back to sit across from me in the center of the room. The vibe was so chill, it was nice to just hang without worrying. I was surprised how comfortable I felt, not only with Doug and Jon, but with Amber, none of whom I ever really knew before three days ago. We all sat and talked, joking back and forth for a while before Amber spoke up.

"I better get Bryonna home. She's only been back two days and I don't want to get her in trouble already," she said.

"I probably shouldn't stay too much longer," I added.

"Why not? Do you have somewhere to be?" Jon asked.

"Her mom would probably say yes, Stupid," Amber replied. "Besides, she may be expecting a call from somebody."