First Time, Worst Time, Best Time

Where to From Here?

     When there is a party at Lake Vista, everyone is there. Not just a group, but everyone, and for a time, there are no cliques. It's an amazing thing to witness and I wasn't sure if it made me lame for noticing. Small towns have a different vibe, especially southern towns, out in the country where a party can be anywhere. Tonight was no exception. Shelby, Rebecca, and I arrived in the middle of nowhere, a dirt road far back from the two lane that pushes through our little world.

    It was Saturday night, and cars were parked along the road haphazardly for as far as I could see. We called it the pit, literally a gravel pit that kids claimed as their own on weekend nights. I'm sure we weren't supposed to be here, but for now, with a bonfire and music blaring from someone's car, it was ours. There must have been at least 50 people and more arriving by the minute. Some were drinking, some were dancing, some were making out, and others were just milling around chatting. This is what parents didn't always understand. We didn't want to break rules, or cause trouble, we just wanted to chill with our friends.

    "Hey, Beautiful," said Alex as he greeted Shelby. "Hey ladies."

    "Where's the beer?" Rebecca asked.

    "Simon has a cooler on the other side of the fire," he replied. "You, come with me."

    "I'll catch up to you later," called Shelby as she let Alex pull her hand.

    "You want one, Bryonna?" asked Rebecca holding out a beer.

    "I'm good thanks. Not much of a beer girl," I answered.

    "Someone will have something else. You need a drink!"

    "It's about time!" Ashley called from behind us.

    "Hey," I replied returning her hug.

    "Where's your drink?" she asked.

    "I'll get something later. It looks like you might have already had a few," I teased.

    Her short bob was bouncing with her exaggerated movements and the smile on her face was a little bigger than normal. She might be tipsy, but I hoped I could be so happy and carefree tonight. I could use a little relaxing.

    "Hi, Bryonna," Rachel said walking up.

    "Rachel!" I hugged her excitedly. "I'm so glad to see you!"

    "Me too, Michelle had a date, so I figured, why not?" she explained.

    "This is perfect. I've been wanting to hang out and catch up for a while now."

    "Hey, Rachel," Rebecca offered. "I'm going to find Caleb." 

    "Already?" Ashley teased.

    "It can't hurt to say hello," Rebecca said smiling.

    Rachel, Ashley, and I started walking around the fire to see who else was here. Through the dark, I saw Brad sitting in a lawn chair with Mindy on his lap. It still caused a pang considering our history, but I no longer felt intense pain seeing my ex with his new plaything.

    "He is such an ass," Ashley said.

    "It's okay," I assured her. "Honestly, I just don't want to stare at it."

    "You should find someone else," Rachel encouraged.

    "I couldn't agree more!" Ashley agreed.

    "Hold up, I think I just need some time away from the drama. I'm in no rush."

    "Bryonna Hampton," drawled someone from several feet away. I would know that voice anywhere.