07

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Warnings: drinking, partying, mild cursing.

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Caleb Chartier

I walked over to the table. It was crowded but people had already gotten their drinks.

Suddenly I heard Grace's voice approaching. "CAL! I lost you!" she exclaimed, hopping over to me. She looked over at the table and raised a brow, a smirk appearing on her lips.

"You're really doing it, huh?" she asked.

I rolled my eyes and gave her a look, "you already know the answer."

"Which one do I choose?" I asked. There was a variety of drinks. I couldn't even pronounce the flavors.

Grace shrugged. "Depends. What do you want?"

I thought about it for a second. I just wanted something to get him off my mind. I came to my conclusion.

"The strongest one."

Grace laughed. "Funny joke! Now seriously, what do you really want?"

I gave her a bored look. "I told you the strongest one."

"Okay.. but don't regret it. I tried it once and the next day I couldn't get up."

I shrugged. "Whatever."

She reached for a drink and red plastic cup. Slowly but carefully, she poured it all the way. As soon as Grace was done she looked me up and down. "Since you're an alcohol virgin, let me know if you feel off or anything, okay? This will 100% get you drunk!"

I nodded and snatched the drink. "Ugh whatever!"

My lips touched the rim of the cup and cold liquid entered my mouth. It was a sharp— nasty taste but nonetheless, was kind of nice.   I felt it tickle my throat and burn my tastebuds. It was like flavored sparkling water.. but without the sparkles and nice taste.

I swear I could feel smoke coming out my ears with that one sip. Still, it got my mind off of Glint.

"Yuck." I gagged.

Grace giggled. "Take it easy!"

She watched me sip a couple of sips before frowning.

"..are you okay, Cal?" Grace asked. "You've been acting weird. N-not in a rude way or anything, but all of a sudden you want to go to a party and drink? And you haven't really been texting me as often either. It just feels like our friendship is a little one sided right now.."

I tried listening to her words, but nothing in my brain was working. Was this the alcohol?

"I'm also the one you approach's you first every day. For some reason, it feels like you're focused on something else entirely when we talk. I have asked you if everything's okay but you never respond—"

"Sorry Grace.. can you say that again?" I asked, giving her a weak smile.

Grace pursed her lips. "Nevermind." Was all she said before storming off.

I watched her as she walked away and shrugged. Whatever.

A couple of sips later, the cup was completely finished. I had long forgotten about what Grace's warnings and reached for another cup. Was this drink even working? I felt normal. Sure, a little more lighter than usual, but that was it.

A few more sips later, the cold drink in my hand felt hotter than normal. I groaned and stumbled back, accidentally bumping into someone. Wait was that someone or was it just a wall? I couldn't tell as my vision blurred and split into two.

My body was lighter than normal and with every step, I felt like an Angel walking on clouds. Do angels walk on clouds? I wouldn't know anyway.

All I felt right now was bliss. Absolute bliss.

Until I bumped into another person and was sent backwards into a wall. Atleast I could tell it was a person this time— progress, right?

"I wouldn't have expected to see you here." a familiar voice said. I looked up to see Sam, one of my friends.

He stood at 5'9 with brown hair and curls I so desperately would love to touch. Glasses rested on his nose and a white nose piercing shined in the dim light. Sam usually wore contacts so seeing him with glasses was just so much more intriguing. They looked good on him and highlighted his sharp face well.

"Are you drunk?" Sam asked.

"What gave it away?" I countered with another question. I was surprised to hear how slurred my words were but lacked the will to really care.

"I thought you weren't the type for parties or drinking." he said, smiling.

"'m not. Just wanted to come."

Sam hummed and I could probably listen to that all day. It wasn't like I liked him or anything.. he was just.. satisfying?

I felt strong hands lift me up. When had I been on the ground? I hardly remember falling. "Up you go." Sam said. "How are we supposed to have a conversation when you're sitting and im standing?"

I tried to keep my balance but stumbled forward and landed on Sam. I heard him huff out a laugh as he put his hands on my hips and pulled me closer to him. I could feel his strong stomach against me. He undeniably had abs underneath there.

"We haven't talked to each other in weeks and when I see you again, you're drunk? Just my luck." he joked. "Just hold onto me. I'll take you home."

"But I don't wanna go home." I whined.

"Fine. Then we'll go outside and sober you up. I don't want you vomiting all over me."

I still didn't like it but obliged. He turned me over and latched one of his arms around my waist, giving me support to walk.

He took me outside on the patio.. or porch. It's the same thing! Why do we need different words?

Sam sat me down then laid right next to me. A water bottle was pushed towards me and slid in my hand. I looked down at Sam who gave me a twitch of the brow.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Can I touch your hair?"

"What?"

"Can I touch your hair?"

"No I heard you the first time.. but why?" his voice sounded amused. It was almost as if I was a little kid being funny to him. It wasn't a nice feeling.

"It looks fluffy and soft and I really want to touch it."

Sam chuckled but slowly nodded. "Alright, go ahead." he said.

I reached for his hair and ran my fingers through it. It was soft and smelled nice, most likely from products of some kind.

I continued to brush my hair through it as Sam's eyes closed. This way, he looked relaxed.

I looked down at him and realized I never knew how long his eyelashes were. Gosh, he was like everyone's dream prince. No wonder girls loved him so much. If I were them, I'd love him too.

"It's really soft." I said, lifting my hand up. Sam latched his fingers around my wrist and pulled me back down.

"I know." he said smoothly.

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Chapter 07 and we finally get to find out more about Sam's character! I've mentioned him in the previous chapters a bit but nothing in depth. I hope this shows what kind of person he is..

Anywayyy I'll try to post another chapter today (4/30/24)! Hopefully I'll be able to, but if I don't, I guarantee they'll be one posted tomorrow!

QUESTION: Sam or Glint?

Words: 1220