Chasing Astrid Malone

22. LOSING INNOCENCE

This chapter contains some mature content. You've been warned!

Brenda and I slid into the Uber, and both started laughing. I know I'm sitting here in nothing but Tristan's T-shirt, barefoot, and with only some knowledge of what happened last night. I looked at Brenda in her prom dress, she looks better than I feel. Wait, what is that on her neck?

"Brenda! Is that a hickey?" I poked at her neck, and she smiled at me devilishly.

"Who gave you that? What happened last night, I can't remember much more than Daniella showing up." I waited for answers.

"Promise not to be mad?" Why would I be mad? I nodded, rubbing my temples.

"I had sex with Josh last night." WHAT? HOW? WHY?

"You know I've been in love with him for years, please don't be mad. You look mad, are you mad?"

I'm trying to process, I know Brenda wasn't a virgin but I don't know how to respond. Molly had her tongue down his throat last night too. "Better you, than Molly." I felt uneasy about how I woke up, I needed answers.

"Did I have sex with Tristan last night?" I always thought when I did lose my virginity, I'd at least get to remember it.

"If you did, you would know. Even if you can't remember last night, you would feel... sore this morning. Besides, there's no way Tristan would do that to you." That was a relief to hear.

"Did you help me change, or was that Tristan?" My face flushed just thinking about him undressing me and seeing me in my white thong.

"Oh, that was Tristan! He brought you up to Josh's bed last night but you puked on yourself. The smell was gonna make me puke, so he brought you to his room. Tristan took care of you, Astrid. I like him, and by the way you kissed him last night, I know you like him too."

My mind is so fuzzy and what I do remember about last night seems to be a bit out of order. I don't want to think about it right now. I want to shower, put on Brenda's PJ's, and take a nap in her king-size bed. My phone vibrated.

Tristan: Why did you leave?

Me: Pants are important. Thanks for the shirt, and for taking care of me.

Tristan: You remember that? Did someone pick you up?

Me: No, Brenda told me. We took an Uber.

Me: Can you let Josh know I'm going to Brenda's house, and I'll be home before dinner?

Tristan: sure thing, Rocky.

His nickname for me, still made me smile. I was backing out of his text and noticed a text from Cameron, from last night. I don't remember talking to him but I guess I did. I read through them.

Cameron: Beautiful, I'm outside. Will you come out and say Hi so I know your okay?

Cameron: Josh is making me leave. Please text me back, I can come back for you if you want to leave.

Cameron: I won't be able to sleep till I know you're ok, please Astrid.

Me: I'm okay.

Cameron: Can I come get you? Josh said your pretty drunk, you shouldn't be spending the night at a frat house. You can stay with me at Dan's.

Me: I'm fine, Cam. I'm going to sleep.

Cameron: Who is this? Astrid never calls me Cam.

Me: Drunk. Tired. Goodnight.

Cameron: I'll call you in the morning, I'll drive you home. Goodnight Beautiful.