Be this Way

17.

I was most definitely drunk. I followed Sarah around, extremely aware Maverick was watching our every move. We danced with Kendall and Ashley and laughed until our sides hurt. It felt nice to let myself be a teenager. I felt much better after talking to Sarah even though I couldn't remember what exactly was said.

"Can you stop moving like that?" Maverick slid in behind me. "Especially when you're ignoring me."

"I came here with you and you bailed on me." I pouted but leaned into him. Sarah raised an eyebrow at me. I smiled and shook my head at her.

"I'm sorry, they wanted me to smoke with them." His hands moved up my body.

"Yah well, I'm not upset, it just reminded me not to depend on anyone." I slurred out knowing it made no sense. My head was heavy and he smelled so good.

"I think you need some air." He pulled at me. I frowned at him and swatted him away.

"No." I shimmied my way over to the drinks, I opted for a Dr. Pepper with a splash of alcohol in it. I didn't want to get more drunk. Maverick followed me.

"Liv what's the deal?" His face was confused.

"No deal." I leaned into him. "I'd like the air now." My brain was fighting itself and everything was hazy. "I was sad you abandoned me." I pouted. I knew if I was sober I'd be mortified by myself but with the drinks I didn't care.

"But you said you didn't want me to be your boyfriend. So what do you want from me?" He wrapped his arm around my waist and led me outside. The air was nice and refreshing.

"I don't know!" I threw my hands up. "I want to have something stable. I like you. I like the girls. I'm scared!" I felt hot tears come to my eyes. I wished Sarah was here she could tell him how I felt.

"Livy, you're living here now. You can't keep running." He put his hands on my shoulders. I felt the spark of electricity.

"I'm not I'm protecting myself." I felt the tears spill out on my cheek. "I've let you in and now I'm scared. One week and I'm scared."

"Liv, baby, don't cry." He bent down to look in my eyes. I quick wiped my cheeks.

"And now I'm ruining your birthday!" I sniffed. He pulled me into his chest. I felt myself melt into his body. The fall air was getting colder but the alcohol in my system was keeping me warm.

"I mean. Making a girl cry wasn't my intention. But it's an amazing birthday. At my school I didn't have many friends. But the people here are amazing, then I met you and it just clicked." He laughed. "Even if you are a drunk emotional mess."

"I am." I agreed laughed with him. "I am sorry, happy birthday Maverick."

"It's not until tomorrow anyway." He winked at me.

"I want to spend the night with you." I blurted out. My head felt like it wasn't connected to my body. The voice in my head that kept those thoughts quite had lost the battle to the alcohol.

"For real?" He lifted my chin and kiss me lightly on the lips.

"Found you guys!" Kendall fell out of the sliding glass door towards us. "I though you left before I could talk to you Livy!" Her tube top had risen up her abdomen and she was obviously heavily intoxicated.

"Okay!" I stepped towards her. I turned around and wrapped my arms around Mavericks neck pulling him in for a kiss. He smiled while my mouth was pressed against his.

"Oh come on!" Kendall whined. "I need to talk to you and Ashley and Todd already went to bed. They're fighting."

"What's up?" We walked back inside together, Maverick split off towards Jace and a group of boys.

"Are you going to do it tonight? I'm starting to get nervous." She wobbled. Her breath was hot in my ear.

"I don't think so. But I'm going to ask him to stay with me tonight." I leaned into her. "You don't have to do anything Kendall." I slurred.

"Jace is expecting something. I know he is. And you should let him stay with you, have you seen the he looks at you?"She furrowed her brows.

"You don't owe him anything." My tongue was heavy. I decided no more drinks for me tonight. "Also what's going on with Ashley and Todd?"

"Ian." She rolled her eyes. "That boy is trouble, but Ashley really messed up hooking up with him. Then she lied or something and I think Todd figured it out. I don't know they'll figure it out."

"Kendall, I think I need to go home." I burped and blushed. I couldn't process anything she was saying.

"Help me find Jace and then you can go." She took another shot and scanned the room for Jace. I saw Maverick and Jace was right next to him. We walked up and I over heard Jace tell Maverick he was hoping Kendall would put out. Maverick responded with a laugh. I frowned.

"Boys." Kendall launched herself onto Mavericks back sending him falling forward. He lost his balance and fell into a tangled mess of blonde hair and legs. I stood there shocked.

"The fuck Kenny." He stood up and lifted her with him.

"Happy birthday!" She threw her head back and laughed. She stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. "Even though I hate you."

"Hate you too, Jace get your girl." Maverick wiped gloss of his cheek and shrugged at me. I was doubled over laughing. A deep gut laugh that felt so good I never wanted it to stop.

Jace grabbed Kendall around the waist and carried her off, Maverick grabbed my hand and led me towards the stairs to leave. By this time people were scattered around the room, some sleeping some, I'm assuming, passed out.

"Can you drive?" I didn't think of how we'd get home.

"Yah I didn't drink I just smoked." He smiled lazily at me.

"I'm pretty drunk." I giggled and climbed into the truck. "I hope you enjoyed your party." I held my head out the window as he drove us home.

He pushed the top floor button on the elevator. "It's almost midnight, I'd like some fresh air." I followed him to the roof. He grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around me. I pulled it close shivering. He pulled me into his arms. "I'm glad you're letting me in Liv." I sat draped across his lap. My head was heavy. I leaned up to kiss his neck. He shivered. I'd let him think I was letting him in.

"Happy birthday Maverick." I felt the world close in on me as I fought sleep. His hands played with my hair. I wondered if Kendall was going to let Jace have her. I knew it wasn't happening for me tonight, and I felt a smile play on my lips. "Sorry I'm so drunk."

"That's okay, baby." He bent over and kissed my forehead. I gave up the fight and drifted off to sleep.