CharmSnake
Super-Earth
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2013
- Location
- In the Grass
Ms Catailia & CharmSnake in
Toxic
Toxic
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Toxic (Ms Catailia & CharmSnake)
- Thread starter CharmSnake
- Start date
OP
OP
CharmSnake
Super-Earth
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2013
- Location
- In the Grass
The bottle of jack was buried in the grocery bag as he had stopped at the liquor store before hitting the supermarket. He had some soda pop, some chips and salsa, hot dogs and buns. He would take them to Dave and Debbie's Fourth of July barbecue that evening. He also had some some toilet paper for the house. As he stepped out onto the street he wished that he hadn't thrown the hoodie on when he had set out. It had been cloudy when he left but the sunshine was out now in full force and its brightness made his blue eyes squint.
Four months he had been back. Some of the old faces were still there, some had gone. When he left he had never thought that he'd be back and certainly not like this. He had Kendra and together they had the business, which became the company which had grown so quickly that he had left college to manage it. He had been doing so well for himself and was the pride of the whole family. That was all before Kendra stabbed him in the back. She left him and took everything. He hadn't the knowhow nor the will to fight back. It was a blur and he tumbled into darkness. Then Mom passed. She had been ill for some time, but if she would have died a month earlier (before his separation was final) Kendra probably would have gotten her hands on at least half the estate as well.
Josh was alone in the house that he grew up in, in the town that he grew up in. Stopping to retrieve his sunglasses from his pocket he saw his reflection in the store window. He had always been a skinny kid, teased for it in fact, not too tall nor too short. His blonde hair was disheveled and could have used a trim, although he had showered and shaved when he had got up that day. Today he could explain away his bowed head as avoiding the bright sun, but could not claim that excuse the rest of the time when he was merely diverting any potential eye contact.
Four months he had been back. Some of the old faces were still there, some had gone. When he left he had never thought that he'd be back and certainly not like this. He had Kendra and together they had the business, which became the company which had grown so quickly that he had left college to manage it. He had been doing so well for himself and was the pride of the whole family. That was all before Kendra stabbed him in the back. She left him and took everything. He hadn't the knowhow nor the will to fight back. It was a blur and he tumbled into darkness. Then Mom passed. She had been ill for some time, but if she would have died a month earlier (before his separation was final) Kendra probably would have gotten her hands on at least half the estate as well.
Josh was alone in the house that he grew up in, in the town that he grew up in. Stopping to retrieve his sunglasses from his pocket he saw his reflection in the store window. He had always been a skinny kid, teased for it in fact, not too tall nor too short. His blonde hair was disheveled and could have used a trim, although he had showered and shaved when he had got up that day. Today he could explain away his bowed head as avoiding the bright sun, but could not claim that excuse the rest of the time when he was merely diverting any potential eye contact.
Ms Catailia
Super-Earth
- Joined
- May 19, 2010
Life had gone the way you would expect for someone like her. It was all a blur and she just struggled to keep up. From that first time she drank in junior high, to the time she lost her virginity shortly after, straight to the time she started smoking weed in high school and ending at the time she been raped while high on ecstasy, which had not been anything like the name claimed. People would say she deserved it, she set herself up for it, but why did it have to be her fault? Sure, she liked to party and she wasn't nearly using her brain in the right capacity when she made decisions, but was it really her fault that a man raped her and left her beaten half to death in an alley? She didn't want to become that victim again, she didn't want to see her life, pathetic as it was, flash before her eyes again. So she came home.
Not technically home. Her family was no longer living in the small town. They had packed up and shipped off years earlier, shortly after she graduated, and had never even told her where they went. Her father had been a raging abusive alcoholic so she hadn't really cared when he spat at her how she was a disappointment the day she ran off to New York. It was all a little fuzzy. They had both been drunk that day.
It had been seven months since she came back to town. She had looked like a mess. Busted lip, broken arm, two broken ribs... The day she stepped off that bus and walked over to her friend Kelsey, they both cried. Kelsey cried over Lena's condition, Lena cried over seeing someone who truly cared about her. She had forgotten that existed. People had stared and for a while, she had become the talk of the town. She remembered feeling relieved when Josh showed up, because finally people stopped gossiping about her. By then she was basically recovered, and no longer going through withdrawals. With Kelsey's help she had managed to get clean.
So when she was walking down the street that day she couldn't help but smile when she saw him.
Lena had known in high school that Josh had an interest in her. He would always say sweet things like he wanted to save her. She was never particularly mean to him, she just never really gave him a chance. He was a sweet but scrawny kid and he had no place getting involved with the mess that she had been. She told herself she ignored him to keep him safe, but in all honesty, she was afraid of his concern for her. She had no idea how to accept it. Things were different now, she had grown up, she was sober, she was moving forward with her life. Maybe he was worth giving a chance now, maybe she was worth it. Not that he would still even have feelings for her, but the least they could be is friends, right?
Her black heels clicked against the sidewalk as she made her way towards him, a smile gracing her red painted lips. She felt excited to see him. She had been meaning to drop by and say hello when she heard he was back, but it never seemed like the right time. Now, now was the right time. "Hey Josh," she said as she grew closer to him, raising one hand in a slight wave. Her other was holding some posters advertizing roommates wanted. She stopped before him, barely level with him even in her heels. He was average, but she was short. Her crimson hair cascaded down her shoulders in gentle curls, ending atop her well rounded C cup breasts. She wore a black tank top that was cut low, fitting nicely to her hourglass figure. Black jeans hugging tightly to her slender legs. Her body was littered with tattoos, but nothing too big or cliche. Two quotes on either arm, one on the left side of her chest, a grouping of stars on her right hand between her thumb and forefinger, and more that couldn't be seen at the moment. They all had meaning, they all stood for a memory that helped her survive. Her forest green eyes, brought out with a light layer of dark eyeliner, were no longer clouded with intoxication as she looked at him.
He looked like a mess. She could see it in the way he carried himself, hidden in his hoodie and sunglasses. She recognized it because she had seen it for so many years when she looked in the mirror. She had heard about his troubles, the gossip making it sound terrible, but she wasn't exactly sure what was true or not and she didn't gossip herself. She could see though, that maybe he had had a rough time after all. "Its been a while," she said, wanting to say he looked good but not being able to bring herself to. "I had heard you were back but I haven't really had a chance to come by your house and say hello. I've been a bit busy myself." She held up the flyers for him to see. She had been looking for months for a place to live, her deadline at Kelsey's coming up quicker than she had expected. So far no one would give her a chance, all knowing what a party girl she used to be. She barely had convinced the supermarket to hire her, she couldn't possibly expect anyone to want to live with her. The town made it clear what they all thought of her.
And of him.
The golden child, the one who went off and made something of himself. Everyone had been so impressed by him and now here he was, miserable and back home. She had heard his wife cheated on him for an employee in his company. She had taken everything he had and he had to come home to his mom passing. She couldn't imagine the pain he was feeling. She felt badly for him, but what could she possibly say to make it all better. There was nothing. "Going to a party?" She asked with a smile, gesturing to his bags. Small talk wasn't easy for her. Not when you felt like everyone in town was staring and starting to gossip already.
Not technically home. Her family was no longer living in the small town. They had packed up and shipped off years earlier, shortly after she graduated, and had never even told her where they went. Her father had been a raging abusive alcoholic so she hadn't really cared when he spat at her how she was a disappointment the day she ran off to New York. It was all a little fuzzy. They had both been drunk that day.
It had been seven months since she came back to town. She had looked like a mess. Busted lip, broken arm, two broken ribs... The day she stepped off that bus and walked over to her friend Kelsey, they both cried. Kelsey cried over Lena's condition, Lena cried over seeing someone who truly cared about her. She had forgotten that existed. People had stared and for a while, she had become the talk of the town. She remembered feeling relieved when Josh showed up, because finally people stopped gossiping about her. By then she was basically recovered, and no longer going through withdrawals. With Kelsey's help she had managed to get clean.
So when she was walking down the street that day she couldn't help but smile when she saw him.
Lena had known in high school that Josh had an interest in her. He would always say sweet things like he wanted to save her. She was never particularly mean to him, she just never really gave him a chance. He was a sweet but scrawny kid and he had no place getting involved with the mess that she had been. She told herself she ignored him to keep him safe, but in all honesty, she was afraid of his concern for her. She had no idea how to accept it. Things were different now, she had grown up, she was sober, she was moving forward with her life. Maybe he was worth giving a chance now, maybe she was worth it. Not that he would still even have feelings for her, but the least they could be is friends, right?
Her black heels clicked against the sidewalk as she made her way towards him, a smile gracing her red painted lips. She felt excited to see him. She had been meaning to drop by and say hello when she heard he was back, but it never seemed like the right time. Now, now was the right time. "Hey Josh," she said as she grew closer to him, raising one hand in a slight wave. Her other was holding some posters advertizing roommates wanted. She stopped before him, barely level with him even in her heels. He was average, but she was short. Her crimson hair cascaded down her shoulders in gentle curls, ending atop her well rounded C cup breasts. She wore a black tank top that was cut low, fitting nicely to her hourglass figure. Black jeans hugging tightly to her slender legs. Her body was littered with tattoos, but nothing too big or cliche. Two quotes on either arm, one on the left side of her chest, a grouping of stars on her right hand between her thumb and forefinger, and more that couldn't be seen at the moment. They all had meaning, they all stood for a memory that helped her survive. Her forest green eyes, brought out with a light layer of dark eyeliner, were no longer clouded with intoxication as she looked at him.
He looked like a mess. She could see it in the way he carried himself, hidden in his hoodie and sunglasses. She recognized it because she had seen it for so many years when she looked in the mirror. She had heard about his troubles, the gossip making it sound terrible, but she wasn't exactly sure what was true or not and she didn't gossip herself. She could see though, that maybe he had had a rough time after all. "Its been a while," she said, wanting to say he looked good but not being able to bring herself to. "I had heard you were back but I haven't really had a chance to come by your house and say hello. I've been a bit busy myself." She held up the flyers for him to see. She had been looking for months for a place to live, her deadline at Kelsey's coming up quicker than she had expected. So far no one would give her a chance, all knowing what a party girl she used to be. She barely had convinced the supermarket to hire her, she couldn't possibly expect anyone to want to live with her. The town made it clear what they all thought of her.
And of him.
The golden child, the one who went off and made something of himself. Everyone had been so impressed by him and now here he was, miserable and back home. She had heard his wife cheated on him for an employee in his company. She had taken everything he had and he had to come home to his mom passing. She couldn't imagine the pain he was feeling. She felt badly for him, but what could she possibly say to make it all better. There was nothing. "Going to a party?" She asked with a smile, gesturing to his bags. Small talk wasn't easy for her. Not when you felt like everyone in town was staring and starting to gossip already.
OP
OP
CharmSnake
Super-Earth
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2013
- Location
- In the Grass
It was her. He had heard that she was back but he hadn't seen her around yet. Not that he had gotten out much to afford the opportunity as he'd been quite reclusive, but there she was, and she walking his way. It seemed that he'd have to nod hello, but then she was looking right at him, even smiling. He'd have to stop and chat. He had no aversion to her in particular, just an aversion to people in general these days. Besides, what did Josh have going on that was worth chatting about?
She approached and he made an effort to stand up straighter. Her arms bore new ink but her hair was her natural auburn red. Lena had never had time for him before but then he had never held that against her. She was just in with a different crowd, one that he could never have belonged to, and in fact her refusal to tease or torment him in his lower stature just endeared her to him more. There was something sweet inside that terror child, he had always believed that. Not that any of that mattered. Lena waved and said hi. She was still as hot as ever.
"Hey," he said. "Yeah, been quite a while."
"I had heard you were back but I haven't really had a chance to come by your house and say hello. I've been a bit busy myself."
"That's okay. It's how things go, you know," said Josh as he shifted to his other foot. Even from behind the potential obscurity of the shades he was purposely careful not to let his eyes linger on her fully-shaped chest. "Same old house, same old." Of course it wasn't the same old. Things were very different now for both of them.
"Going to a party?"
"Yeah," he said. "Fourth of July," he gestured across the street to the park where red white and blue banners were being set up around the gazebo in preparation for the town fireworks show. The supermarket, the drug store and a couple of gas stations were pretty much the only things open on the holiday. "Dave and Debbie's place. You remember Dave Stotlzman, always fixing cars?" he asked. "He's got a garage a couple blocks away. Barbecue on the roof, gonna have some drinks, watch the fireworks." As soon as the words left his mouth he realized that the story that had done the rounds was that Lena had apparently gotten herself cleaned up and sobered. "Sorry, I didn't mean to ... are you comfortable with that?"
Now he wasn't sure if he sounded like he was inviting her. Of course Dave and Debbie wouldn't mind, and Josh himself certainly wouldn't mind, but more importantly there was the fact that he was potentially messing with someone's sobriety. Leave it to Josh to fuck things up again.
She approached and he made an effort to stand up straighter. Her arms bore new ink but her hair was her natural auburn red. Lena had never had time for him before but then he had never held that against her. She was just in with a different crowd, one that he could never have belonged to, and in fact her refusal to tease or torment him in his lower stature just endeared her to him more. There was something sweet inside that terror child, he had always believed that. Not that any of that mattered. Lena waved and said hi. She was still as hot as ever.
"Hey," he said. "Yeah, been quite a while."
"I had heard you were back but I haven't really had a chance to come by your house and say hello. I've been a bit busy myself."
"That's okay. It's how things go, you know," said Josh as he shifted to his other foot. Even from behind the potential obscurity of the shades he was purposely careful not to let his eyes linger on her fully-shaped chest. "Same old house, same old." Of course it wasn't the same old. Things were very different now for both of them.
"Going to a party?"
"Yeah," he said. "Fourth of July," he gestured across the street to the park where red white and blue banners were being set up around the gazebo in preparation for the town fireworks show. The supermarket, the drug store and a couple of gas stations were pretty much the only things open on the holiday. "Dave and Debbie's place. You remember Dave Stotlzman, always fixing cars?" he asked. "He's got a garage a couple blocks away. Barbecue on the roof, gonna have some drinks, watch the fireworks." As soon as the words left his mouth he realized that the story that had done the rounds was that Lena had apparently gotten herself cleaned up and sobered. "Sorry, I didn't mean to ... are you comfortable with that?"
Now he wasn't sure if he sounded like he was inviting her. Of course Dave and Debbie wouldn't mind, and Josh himself certainly wouldn't mind, but more importantly there was the fact that he was potentially messing with someone's sobriety. Leave it to Josh to fuck things up again.
Ms Catailia
Super-Earth
- Joined
- May 19, 2010
Ah yes, the fourth of July. A time marked by drinking to prove how patriotic you were. She had planned on staying in, ignoring the fireworks, ignoring the world. Celebrating this holiday wasn't a healthy move for a recovering alcoholic. Kelsey had even tried to convince her to come out to the town square and watch the fireworks with her, but Lena had declined. She just wanted to look for a place to live and head home. Yet now she wasn't so sure about her plans. From the way Josh was speaking, he was inviting her to come with him. She felt conflicted though, she knew the risks. On one hand, she wouldn't mind spending some real time with Josh, getting to know him now after never giving him a chance in high school. On the other hand though...
Dave Stotlzman had been one of the guys she had partied with often in high school. He wasn't as bad as she was back then, but he had been around pretty often. He certainly knew how to party and always enjoyed himself. Lena knew that if she allowed herself to go around drinks again, as Josh had made clear would be there, as well as a former party friend, she was setting herself up for a bad situation. Just because she had been sober for months, it didn't mean she didn't still crave substances every day. There had been many close calls during the last seven months.
Plus, there was that. What Josh just said, about her being comfortable around alcohol, about him even bring it up. One word, drinks, suddenly made for an awkward conversation. Lena shifted her weight some and looked down, feeling a bit uncomfortable as she rubbed the back of her neck with her free hand. "So I guess you've heard. Must be a shock, hm?" She laughed slightly, clearly unsure of herself. It felt odd to know everyone expected to see her fail and fall back into old ways. She had hoped someone would have some faith in her but so far no one expected much to come from her. It didn't really help knowing that. But so far, she had done well, and what really said she would mess up from one party?
She convinced herself. With a smile she ran her hand through her hair, her eyes watching him closely for his reaction of what she was about to say. "I'm perfectly comfortable around alcohol," she lied as she twisted her hair around her finger. "So, aren't you going to ask me to go with you?" She was confident, but teasing. She felt he deserved some positive interaction with her, after all the times she had ignored him before. She wanted to give him a chance now, she wanted to see what it would be like to have another real friend aside from Kelsey, and if he was still interested in her, that was just a plus. She wondered if he was even still interested in spending time with her. Did he still see something in her no one else ever could?
Dave Stotlzman had been one of the guys she had partied with often in high school. He wasn't as bad as she was back then, but he had been around pretty often. He certainly knew how to party and always enjoyed himself. Lena knew that if she allowed herself to go around drinks again, as Josh had made clear would be there, as well as a former party friend, she was setting herself up for a bad situation. Just because she had been sober for months, it didn't mean she didn't still crave substances every day. There had been many close calls during the last seven months.
Plus, there was that. What Josh just said, about her being comfortable around alcohol, about him even bring it up. One word, drinks, suddenly made for an awkward conversation. Lena shifted her weight some and looked down, feeling a bit uncomfortable as she rubbed the back of her neck with her free hand. "So I guess you've heard. Must be a shock, hm?" She laughed slightly, clearly unsure of herself. It felt odd to know everyone expected to see her fail and fall back into old ways. She had hoped someone would have some faith in her but so far no one expected much to come from her. It didn't really help knowing that. But so far, she had done well, and what really said she would mess up from one party?
She convinced herself. With a smile she ran her hand through her hair, her eyes watching him closely for his reaction of what she was about to say. "I'm perfectly comfortable around alcohol," she lied as she twisted her hair around her finger. "So, aren't you going to ask me to go with you?" She was confident, but teasing. She felt he deserved some positive interaction with her, after all the times she had ignored him before. She wanted to give him a chance now, she wanted to see what it would be like to have another real friend aside from Kelsey, and if he was still interested in her, that was just a plus. She wondered if he was even still interested in spending time with her. Did he still see something in her no one else ever could?
OP
OP
CharmSnake
Super-Earth
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2013
- Location
- In the Grass
Back in the day Josh had been the prototypical 120-pound weakling. Since then he had filled out quite a bit but was still slender. He still stood on somewhat spindly legs. Jeans always fit loose, especially below the knee. He pushed the hoodie off one shoulder to beat the heat.
"I'm perfectly comfortable around alcohol."
When he was young he had always had a daydream that he could someday somehow be her stability. It was his little fantasy that he could have been there for her when she needed to turn from her self-destructive behavior, but looking at himself now, Lena was already better off taking care of that on her own. Her statement had affirmed such. Josh hid an inner smirk of sarcasm that the reminiscing had evoked, considering that the shape that he was in these days only went to show that his original premise had been fatally flawed anyways.
Her almost mischievous stance and her playful fingers in her hair would have surely captivated him back in high school, but he remained subdued there on the sidewalk. It wasn't that he didn't find her appealing, in fact she was terribly sexy in every dimension, Josh was just being realistic about the situation. Why would she be interested in him?
"So, aren't you going to ask me to go with you?"
"Of course you can come," he said. She didn't have to be his date to be welcome there. The Stoltzman's wouldn't mind at all. "Just bring something for the grill," he said. "I'll be heading over there about seven or eight myself."
"I'm perfectly comfortable around alcohol."
When he was young he had always had a daydream that he could someday somehow be her stability. It was his little fantasy that he could have been there for her when she needed to turn from her self-destructive behavior, but looking at himself now, Lena was already better off taking care of that on her own. Her statement had affirmed such. Josh hid an inner smirk of sarcasm that the reminiscing had evoked, considering that the shape that he was in these days only went to show that his original premise had been fatally flawed anyways.
Her almost mischievous stance and her playful fingers in her hair would have surely captivated him back in high school, but he remained subdued there on the sidewalk. It wasn't that he didn't find her appealing, in fact she was terribly sexy in every dimension, Josh was just being realistic about the situation. Why would she be interested in him?
"So, aren't you going to ask me to go with you?"
"Of course you can come," he said. She didn't have to be his date to be welcome there. The Stoltzman's wouldn't mind at all. "Just bring something for the grill," he said. "I'll be heading over there about seven or eight myself."
Ms Catailia
Super-Earth
- Joined
- May 19, 2010
Well it certainly wasn't the enthusiasm she had hoped for, but at least he wanted her to come. "Okay, see you there," she said with a smile. She stood there awkwardly for a moment, unsure of how to depart from normal conversations. When you were drunk you just staggered away once you were done speaking, but she felt like that was a bit inappropriate in normal life. "Um, bye then. Maybe wear something a bit..." she bit her bottom lip as she gestured to his whole sloppy outfit. "...less. I guess..." And with that she hurried off feeling incredibly embarrassed. Way to make a fool of yourself, Lena. Just shame the guy and run off, very smart. Foot meet mouth.
She had decided to apologize, for many things, by the time she got to the party. She came a bit late, around 8:30, just so she wouldn't be there as long and she could be less tempted. It didn't help that as soon as she made it up to the roof some guy was already trying to put a drink in her hand. She just forced a smile and excused herself away from him. She set the drink down at some random table as she looked around for Josh. She found the food table instead and set down the kabobs she had made. She had only managed to stab herself once while making them, the bandaid around her finger as proof.
She was wearing the same outfit as earlier when she ran into Josh, figuring it was a decent outfit and the party would be casual. She felt uncomfortable though, already noricing people shooting her looks. Even at a party she couldn't feel like less of a disappointment. Everyone was probably hoping for her to be a trainwreck and at this point, a drink really sounded great to calm her nerves. She made her way to a corner of the roof, away from everyone else so she could try to not feel so uncomfortable. At the same time, it felt nice. The stars were bright, the air was warm but at the same time it felt refreshing to be out at night. She had kept herself so locked up for months, afraid of how tempting the world would be, so it was nice to be out doing something and being around people again. The temptation was definitely there, but she knew she had to learn to control herself, besides, it would be nice meeting with Josh again.
She had decided to apologize, for many things, by the time she got to the party. She came a bit late, around 8:30, just so she wouldn't be there as long and she could be less tempted. It didn't help that as soon as she made it up to the roof some guy was already trying to put a drink in her hand. She just forced a smile and excused herself away from him. She set the drink down at some random table as she looked around for Josh. She found the food table instead and set down the kabobs she had made. She had only managed to stab herself once while making them, the bandaid around her finger as proof.
She was wearing the same outfit as earlier when she ran into Josh, figuring it was a decent outfit and the party would be casual. She felt uncomfortable though, already noricing people shooting her looks. Even at a party she couldn't feel like less of a disappointment. Everyone was probably hoping for her to be a trainwreck and at this point, a drink really sounded great to calm her nerves. She made her way to a corner of the roof, away from everyone else so she could try to not feel so uncomfortable. At the same time, it felt nice. The stars were bright, the air was warm but at the same time it felt refreshing to be out at night. She had kept herself so locked up for months, afraid of how tempting the world would be, so it was nice to be out doing something and being around people again. The temptation was definitely there, but she knew she had to learn to control herself, besides, it would be nice meeting with Josh again.
OP
OP
CharmSnake
Super-Earth
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2013
- Location
- In the Grass
For some reason he had spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up the kitchen. Josh had kept telling himself that he would for the past couple of weeks but had been putting it off. The thought of him actually getting to the task just because he had run into Lena seemed ridiculous, still it felt like quite a coincidence that their conversation had injected a small amount of energy into him that otherwise would not have been there. He collected all the empties that had covered the table and packed them into the trunk of the car. There was quite a few, mostly whiskey bottles and beer cans with the odd bottle of wine. The dishes were done too, although there weren't that many as he had been eating his share of pizza and other takeout.
"Maybe wear something a bit ... less. I guess."
The comment stuck with him, along with the awkward smile that went along with it, as he got himself ready to head over. Perhaps it was subliminal, as he told himself that there was no way that she had been flirting with him, but he changed into his plain black t-shirt and threw his rusty red and copper plaid cowboy shirt open over top. It fit him well, just as the jeans he was wearing that afternoon.
After a couple of Jack and cokes he shut off the baseball game on the TV, tied his hoodie around his waist in case it got chilly later, grabbed the food for the barbecue and left for Dave's rooftop. It was a party and parties were supposed to make you feel good. The sun was setting and many were already there and still arriving. Dave offered Josh a can of Bud and he cracked it open with a nod of thanks. The building behind was one storey taller and formed a wall to lean on. Out across the street the park was bustling mostly with families. Children sat upon the shoulders of fathers. A Bruce Springsteen cover band performed a cheesy rendition of Born in the USA from a flatbed truck on the other side of the park. At the far end to the right, the grass was cleared away and flashpots were being tended in preparation for the evening's pyrotechnics.
When the beer was done Josh went to his own bottle of Jack stashed in a bag next to everyone else's stashes near the grill. and poured himself a plastic cup straight. It was getting dark and the stars were beginning to show. The salty sweet smells of the barbecue wafted about in the still air. There she was. She stood alone off in the corner. He had not seen her arrive. Josh's feet carried him slowly towards her, but when he got close he stopped himself. He was about to drink straight whiskey in the direct presence of a recovering alcoholic. It would be rude to walk up and then just walk away. He thought about downing it really quickly before she noticed him standing there, but then he was interrupted.
"Hey Josh, what are you drinkin'?" It was Greg. He was short, round and rotund with a trimmed beard. They had been friends back in high school as they both shared an interest in computers, although Greg's fix had been rather limited to shooting things on the computer. Josh had moved in to college and Greg moved in to be a hunting and fishing guide. "Cheers, brah," he said. "Been a while."
"Good to see you man," said Josh and he touched his cup to Greg's can of beer. It was a toast. He had to drink.
"Maybe wear something a bit ... less. I guess."
The comment stuck with him, along with the awkward smile that went along with it, as he got himself ready to head over. Perhaps it was subliminal, as he told himself that there was no way that she had been flirting with him, but he changed into his plain black t-shirt and threw his rusty red and copper plaid cowboy shirt open over top. It fit him well, just as the jeans he was wearing that afternoon.
After a couple of Jack and cokes he shut off the baseball game on the TV, tied his hoodie around his waist in case it got chilly later, grabbed the food for the barbecue and left for Dave's rooftop. It was a party and parties were supposed to make you feel good. The sun was setting and many were already there and still arriving. Dave offered Josh a can of Bud and he cracked it open with a nod of thanks. The building behind was one storey taller and formed a wall to lean on. Out across the street the park was bustling mostly with families. Children sat upon the shoulders of fathers. A Bruce Springsteen cover band performed a cheesy rendition of Born in the USA from a flatbed truck on the other side of the park. At the far end to the right, the grass was cleared away and flashpots were being tended in preparation for the evening's pyrotechnics.
When the beer was done Josh went to his own bottle of Jack stashed in a bag next to everyone else's stashes near the grill. and poured himself a plastic cup straight. It was getting dark and the stars were beginning to show. The salty sweet smells of the barbecue wafted about in the still air. There she was. She stood alone off in the corner. He had not seen her arrive. Josh's feet carried him slowly towards her, but when he got close he stopped himself. He was about to drink straight whiskey in the direct presence of a recovering alcoholic. It would be rude to walk up and then just walk away. He thought about downing it really quickly before she noticed him standing there, but then he was interrupted.
"Hey Josh, what are you drinkin'?" It was Greg. He was short, round and rotund with a trimmed beard. They had been friends back in high school as they both shared an interest in computers, although Greg's fix had been rather limited to shooting things on the computer. Josh had moved in to college and Greg moved in to be a hunting and fishing guide. "Cheers, brah," he said. "Been a while."
"Good to see you man," said Josh and he touched his cup to Greg's can of beer. It was a toast. He had to drink.
Ms Catailia
Super-Earth
- Joined
- May 19, 2010
There he was. She felt the normal fairytale romance. Time slowed, his eyes on her, he made his way towards her, soon they would meet in a romantic passionate kiss and everytuing would be happily ever after...
Why did he stop?
She felt a very visible, audible breath escape her as he stopped and started speaking to Greg. So much for dreams. So much for avoidance. It felt like there was a line between her and...everyone drinking. Which was everyone else. She had to break the wall down, she couldn't allow herself to skirt the outline for much longer. After all, there he was, oblivious to her plight. She couldn't hold herself back anymore.
Her feet led her with more confidence then she felt she knew she had. As though Moses parted the people himself, she was at him and Greg without a second thought. She was reaching for Josh's drink, sipping it, downing it, impressing herself and hopefully him. It had been well thought out for the moment...
A regret in present.
Oh shit.
The wave of pure whiskey hit her, rushed through her. She felt it flow to her every fingertip and warm her every bit. To say she felt a rush was an understatement. Whiskey had been her weakness, and there it was swirling in her stomach.
Dear god...
There went any control.
It felt amazing. She couldn't explain it more than that. He body was screaming at her, as though she had kept something life altering from it. But she didn't show it. When the cup was pulled away from her lips, it left a smile, real confidence being left in its wake.
"Hey boys."
What flood gate had she just opened.
If it hadn't felt like such a rush, she might have succumbed to the guilt. She had just spent seven months sober and yet here was one drink tipping the scales. Already she felt the cravings, she needed more. But she couldn't show it. She had to be strong, confident, in front of Josh who had once stood for everything good about the world. And yet, he had been the catalyst. She could no longer say she was so many days sober, she wasn't. The warm alcohol buzzed in her stomach. She wasn't.
She was no longer sober.
Everyone had been right.
She was an alcoholic.
There was no denying that.
Damn, where was that other drink?
Her eyes were glancing around, then fixated on the drink table. She turned her attention back to Josh, ignoring Greg, as she always had in high school when he was around. She handed Josh the cup, her eyes piercing into his.
"Aren't you going to offer me a drink?"
It was all downhill from here.
Why did he stop?
She felt a very visible, audible breath escape her as he stopped and started speaking to Greg. So much for dreams. So much for avoidance. It felt like there was a line between her and...everyone drinking. Which was everyone else. She had to break the wall down, she couldn't allow herself to skirt the outline for much longer. After all, there he was, oblivious to her plight. She couldn't hold herself back anymore.
Her feet led her with more confidence then she felt she knew she had. As though Moses parted the people himself, she was at him and Greg without a second thought. She was reaching for Josh's drink, sipping it, downing it, impressing herself and hopefully him. It had been well thought out for the moment...
A regret in present.
Oh shit.
The wave of pure whiskey hit her, rushed through her. She felt it flow to her every fingertip and warm her every bit. To say she felt a rush was an understatement. Whiskey had been her weakness, and there it was swirling in her stomach.
Dear god...
There went any control.
It felt amazing. She couldn't explain it more than that. He body was screaming at her, as though she had kept something life altering from it. But she didn't show it. When the cup was pulled away from her lips, it left a smile, real confidence being left in its wake.
"Hey boys."
What flood gate had she just opened.
If it hadn't felt like such a rush, she might have succumbed to the guilt. She had just spent seven months sober and yet here was one drink tipping the scales. Already she felt the cravings, she needed more. But she couldn't show it. She had to be strong, confident, in front of Josh who had once stood for everything good about the world. And yet, he had been the catalyst. She could no longer say she was so many days sober, she wasn't. The warm alcohol buzzed in her stomach. She wasn't.
She was no longer sober.
Everyone had been right.
She was an alcoholic.
There was no denying that.
Damn, where was that other drink?
Her eyes were glancing around, then fixated on the drink table. She turned her attention back to Josh, ignoring Greg, as she always had in high school when he was around. She handed Josh the cup, her eyes piercing into his.
"Aren't you going to offer me a drink?"
It was all downhill from here.
OP
OP
CharmSnake
Super-Earth
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2013
- Location
- In the Grass
The cup left his hand, tipped back and drained into Lena's mouth, then she handed it back with a satisfying smile.
"Hey boys."
She had said 'boys' but she was looking right at Josh. There was nothing subtle about her at that moment. then again she was never really known for being subtle. It was just that she had never paid him much attention at all ever before and now here she was displaying such direct interest. It tugged at all of his previous fantasies. Perhaps it was a mirage. If she was nothing but a walking talking interacting illusion, she was a hot one for sure, standing there in the flesh with her waves of soft dark red hair, uniquely hers and most beautiful, he thought, in its natural undyed state. Then of course there was her full bosom packed into her bra and tank forming a most disarming cleft. She was no illusion. She was real.
"Aren't you going to offer me a drink?"
Josh snapped out of his trance of inward contemplation. She was asking him to bartend and after a brief moment of weighing the decision, he settled on her being a consenting adult. Besides, who was he to judge? Perhaps she was recovered, and she was at a point where she could moderate herself. Maybe it was stuff harder than booze that she had really cleaned herself of and a couple of drinks was no big deal compared to where she had been before.
"All right, sure," he smiled and as he looked to Greg, should he want to join them, his friend just nodded as if to meet up later and wandered into the crowd leaving the two of them alone. Josh led her to the side where he had stashed his bag amongst others, grabbing another plastic cup off the stack on the table along the way and poured two shots.
"You take it straight?" he asked and handed her one.
The sky was growing deep blue in the east and vivid orange low in the west. Families milled about in the park down below anticipating the fireworks that were soon to be lit. Children sat perched upon the shoulders of fathers. Josh leaned against the ledge leaving a space for her. Perhaps she would take it. He kept his expectations low to offset the high hopes that he had lost control of, while still not truly believing that she might be interested despite the signs that she was giving.
"I guess we both have catching up to do," he said feeling terribly dorky. Unlike during their youth, they did have things in common now. They had both left home on the up only to come crawling back to little Boonville with their tails between their legs. Her adventures had led her to New York, his had taken him to Chicago.
"Josh," Dave waved him over. "Your hot dogs are ready." Before Josh answered him he turned to Lena.
"Didn't you bring anything for the grill?"
"Hey boys."
She had said 'boys' but she was looking right at Josh. There was nothing subtle about her at that moment. then again she was never really known for being subtle. It was just that she had never paid him much attention at all ever before and now here she was displaying such direct interest. It tugged at all of his previous fantasies. Perhaps it was a mirage. If she was nothing but a walking talking interacting illusion, she was a hot one for sure, standing there in the flesh with her waves of soft dark red hair, uniquely hers and most beautiful, he thought, in its natural undyed state. Then of course there was her full bosom packed into her bra and tank forming a most disarming cleft. She was no illusion. She was real.
"Aren't you going to offer me a drink?"
Josh snapped out of his trance of inward contemplation. She was asking him to bartend and after a brief moment of weighing the decision, he settled on her being a consenting adult. Besides, who was he to judge? Perhaps she was recovered, and she was at a point where she could moderate herself. Maybe it was stuff harder than booze that she had really cleaned herself of and a couple of drinks was no big deal compared to where she had been before.
"All right, sure," he smiled and as he looked to Greg, should he want to join them, his friend just nodded as if to meet up later and wandered into the crowd leaving the two of them alone. Josh led her to the side where he had stashed his bag amongst others, grabbing another plastic cup off the stack on the table along the way and poured two shots.
"You take it straight?" he asked and handed her one.
The sky was growing deep blue in the east and vivid orange low in the west. Families milled about in the park down below anticipating the fireworks that were soon to be lit. Children sat perched upon the shoulders of fathers. Josh leaned against the ledge leaving a space for her. Perhaps she would take it. He kept his expectations low to offset the high hopes that he had lost control of, while still not truly believing that she might be interested despite the signs that she was giving.
"I guess we both have catching up to do," he said feeling terribly dorky. Unlike during their youth, they did have things in common now. They had both left home on the up only to come crawling back to little Boonville with their tails between their legs. Her adventures had led her to New York, his had taken him to Chicago.
"Josh," Dave waved him over. "Your hot dogs are ready." Before Josh answered him he turned to Lena.
"Didn't you bring anything for the grill?"
Ms Catailia
Super-Earth
- Joined
- May 19, 2010
"Is there another way to take it?" She teased as she took the cup he offered. She felt like she was in her element now, confident about everything, no longer worried about the looks or what people expected or saw of her. Right now, all she wanted to do, was enjoy her drinks and enjoy the attention of Josh again. The one guy to ever see anything differeny in her, she wanted to see through his eyes, to relive that worth he once gave her.
She followed him to the ledge, but instead of leaning on it like he had, she handed him her drink. "You have to live sometimes, Josh," she said with a grin as she climbed onto the ledge, swinging her legs over to hang off the front as she sat down. It felt amazing to take such a simple risk, to feel like with a light push she could fall, and yet that outcome was much less likely than just sitting and enjoying the thrill. The ledge was wide enough that she could sit back and the edge would be under her knees. Lena turned to smile at him, plucking her drink from his hands. "Yes, we do have catching up to do."
She was about to ask him to join her on the ledge when Dave called to him. After he turned back to her, she held up her hand, wiggling the finger with the bandaid. "Kabobs. I put them on the table near the grill when I first got here. Go, get food. I'll wait here. Get me whatever you get," she told him before he departed to Dave. She had resolved herself to avoiding Dave earlier, not wanting to relive any of those old party memories.
Now, with a moment by herself, green eyes looked down at the drink in her hand. She allowed herself a moment of guilt. It had taken all of ten minutes into a barbecue for her to fall off sobriety but it could have been worse. It wasn't like she was doing hard drugs, it was only alcohol and she promised herself she wouldn't have much more. Lena brought the cup to her lips and sipped the whiskey, enjoying the feel of it in her mouth and down her throat, the warmth emitting from it and filling her body. She had missed this.
Her gaze looked down at the town square, at all the people waiting anxiously for the fireworks. They families, the kids. Why couldn't she have had a nice simple childhood like that? Why couldn't her father hold her on his shoulders while they watched the fireworks? No, instead he had his own red cup and shooed her away to play with the other kids. It was no surprise, the trouble she found. It was so familiar, so comfortable, so easy. And when you were intoxicated you could convince yourself, for the shortest time, everyone loved you. But the truth was, no one did. Lena was alone, just as she always had been.
She looked over at Josh now, allowing a small smile to come to her lips. Well, maybe there was someone.
She followed him to the ledge, but instead of leaning on it like he had, she handed him her drink. "You have to live sometimes, Josh," she said with a grin as she climbed onto the ledge, swinging her legs over to hang off the front as she sat down. It felt amazing to take such a simple risk, to feel like with a light push she could fall, and yet that outcome was much less likely than just sitting and enjoying the thrill. The ledge was wide enough that she could sit back and the edge would be under her knees. Lena turned to smile at him, plucking her drink from his hands. "Yes, we do have catching up to do."
She was about to ask him to join her on the ledge when Dave called to him. After he turned back to her, she held up her hand, wiggling the finger with the bandaid. "Kabobs. I put them on the table near the grill when I first got here. Go, get food. I'll wait here. Get me whatever you get," she told him before he departed to Dave. She had resolved herself to avoiding Dave earlier, not wanting to relive any of those old party memories.
Now, with a moment by herself, green eyes looked down at the drink in her hand. She allowed herself a moment of guilt. It had taken all of ten minutes into a barbecue for her to fall off sobriety but it could have been worse. It wasn't like she was doing hard drugs, it was only alcohol and she promised herself she wouldn't have much more. Lena brought the cup to her lips and sipped the whiskey, enjoying the feel of it in her mouth and down her throat, the warmth emitting from it and filling her body. She had missed this.
Her gaze looked down at the town square, at all the people waiting anxiously for the fireworks. They families, the kids. Why couldn't she have had a nice simple childhood like that? Why couldn't her father hold her on his shoulders while they watched the fireworks? No, instead he had his own red cup and shooed her away to play with the other kids. It was no surprise, the trouble she found. It was so familiar, so comfortable, so easy. And when you were intoxicated you could convince yourself, for the shortest time, everyone loved you. But the truth was, no one did. Lena was alone, just as she always had been.
She looked over at Josh now, allowing a small smile to come to her lips. Well, maybe there was someone.
OP
OP
CharmSnake
Super-Earth
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2013
- Location
- In the Grass
"Kabobs. I put them on the table near the grill when I first got here. Go, get food. I'll wait here. Get me whatever you get."
Dave had just put her kabobs on the grill and so wouldn't be done for a few minutes yet. Josh had to concede that Lena had better culinary imagination than himself. He looked at her sitting there, smiling carefree with her legs dangling playfully over the edge. She glanced back at him seemingly with a warm fondness. Wouldn't that be ironic if she actually wanted him now?
"Trade you one of my dogs for one of your kabobs," he called. "What do you want on it?" he asked her pointing at the condiments. "There's also fried onions, barbecue sauce, salsa, all kinds of stuff." Josh cut a strip of jack cheese and placed it on top to melt before adding a generous dollop of salsa. Then he dressed Lena's to her order.
He made his way back through the others watching her, silently judging from the corners of their eyes while she sipped her booze, perhaps some with pity, perhaps some with scorn. It was impossible to tell.
"What the hell, might as well," he said as he handed her the food and swung one leg over the ledge. She had those fabulous tits. He snuck glances when he could - like when her attention was across the street or while she was tipping the cup up to her mouth - flitting his eyes down and back up quickly trying not to be creepy. His crush on her had taken root even before puberty, before anyone else had really taken notice of her, but then one autumn she had come back to school filling a brassiere so aptly, as if it were a finely honed skill, and his affections for her had lost all distinction. Suddenly everyone wanted her and if the talk was truer than it was cheap she had not disappointed many of them before venturing forth from Boonville after high school.
Booze went down even quicker in situations like these and he found that his cup was empty. At Lena's pace he figured she was probably ready for another too. Josh reached down for the bottle and poured refills.
"To life on the edge," he toasted her. Then inspiration hit. Lifting himself, he stood up on the ledge. His perspective rose, her auburn locks and inked pale skin below him. The view straight down into her cleavage was impressive before he broke it off to look into the eyes that looked back up at him. Josh cracked a smile, then turned and looked out across the park. From this vantage point it seemed as if he could reach out, pick people up and place them anywhere he wanted, like GI Joe's when he was a kid. The park was vibrant even in the dusk with colored lighting and the little neon wands handed out to children. Balance wasn't difficult as the ledge was at least a foot wide. It certainly was no tight rope. He marched off ten paces, stopped and turned back to face her. Then he raised his cup, tossed his head back and downed the whole thing, grinning as the warm whiskey ran down his esophagus to his belly. He took in a deep breath and walked back. The warmth was in his veins. Soon that fuzzy numbness where everyone and everything is blameless would arrive. He offered his hand to her to help her to her feet. Maybe it would be a good night after all.
Dave had just put her kabobs on the grill and so wouldn't be done for a few minutes yet. Josh had to concede that Lena had better culinary imagination than himself. He looked at her sitting there, smiling carefree with her legs dangling playfully over the edge. She glanced back at him seemingly with a warm fondness. Wouldn't that be ironic if she actually wanted him now?
"Trade you one of my dogs for one of your kabobs," he called. "What do you want on it?" he asked her pointing at the condiments. "There's also fried onions, barbecue sauce, salsa, all kinds of stuff." Josh cut a strip of jack cheese and placed it on top to melt before adding a generous dollop of salsa. Then he dressed Lena's to her order.
He made his way back through the others watching her, silently judging from the corners of their eyes while she sipped her booze, perhaps some with pity, perhaps some with scorn. It was impossible to tell.
"What the hell, might as well," he said as he handed her the food and swung one leg over the ledge. She had those fabulous tits. He snuck glances when he could - like when her attention was across the street or while she was tipping the cup up to her mouth - flitting his eyes down and back up quickly trying not to be creepy. His crush on her had taken root even before puberty, before anyone else had really taken notice of her, but then one autumn she had come back to school filling a brassiere so aptly, as if it were a finely honed skill, and his affections for her had lost all distinction. Suddenly everyone wanted her and if the talk was truer than it was cheap she had not disappointed many of them before venturing forth from Boonville after high school.
Booze went down even quicker in situations like these and he found that his cup was empty. At Lena's pace he figured she was probably ready for another too. Josh reached down for the bottle and poured refills.
"To life on the edge," he toasted her. Then inspiration hit. Lifting himself, he stood up on the ledge. His perspective rose, her auburn locks and inked pale skin below him. The view straight down into her cleavage was impressive before he broke it off to look into the eyes that looked back up at him. Josh cracked a smile, then turned and looked out across the park. From this vantage point it seemed as if he could reach out, pick people up and place them anywhere he wanted, like GI Joe's when he was a kid. The park was vibrant even in the dusk with colored lighting and the little neon wands handed out to children. Balance wasn't difficult as the ledge was at least a foot wide. It certainly was no tight rope. He marched off ten paces, stopped and turned back to face her. Then he raised his cup, tossed his head back and downed the whole thing, grinning as the warm whiskey ran down his esophagus to his belly. He took in a deep breath and walked back. The warmth was in his veins. Soon that fuzzy numbness where everyone and everything is blameless would arrive. He offered his hand to her to help her to her feet. Maybe it would be a good night after all.
Ms Catailia
Super-Earth
- Joined
- May 19, 2010
How strange he must have looked, calling to her through the crowd. Lena couldn't help but laugh at his foolishness. He seemed to not care that he was the only one that wasn't silently judging her, and now him. It felt nice to have him so carefree about associating with her. Nice to have someone who wasn't constantly on eggshells around her. She called out what she wanted, the typical things for a typical hot dog; ketchup, mustard and onion. There was something about hot dogs that gave her that 'at home' feeling, as though returning from a long day's play outside to your dad barbecuing that simple all American meal. Lena had only experienced that a handful of time though, and yet it still had meaning.
Josh was a good distraction from her disappointing thoughts though as he came back with the food. With his agreement to take a chance, she gladly took the food from him as he sat down on the ledge with her. "Look at that. I suppose with age you grew some balls too," she teased as she nudged him with her elbow before handing him his food. As far as she could remember, Josh had never been much of a risk taker, which was one of the many reasons why she never gave him a chance in high school. He had never been a part of that crowd that she was in, the reckless people with no caution to their lives. She had admired that about him but it clearly held him back from so many possibilities. He had done well for himself though, well, until it all came crashing down and he had to return home. She wondered if he regretted not taking more chances when he was younger. Maybe now he was more willing to.
It felt wonderful to spend time with him again. The food was good and the alcohol was better but nothing topped his companu and the way he looked at her. She caught him a few times, gazing at her with those eyes he once had in high school. Lena wasn't sure if it was nostalgia or the alcohol, but seeing that gaze after so long filled her with a warmth and confidence once more. She felt like she was back in the prime of her life, watching Josh, her one man fan club. Maybe things could be different now that they were older. She had been so caught up in having fun with him she hadn't even realized she had a whole new drink. Suddenly keeping it to limited drinking was out the window and she didn't care what the reprocussions might be. She just wanted to have fun with Josh.
Apparently that was all he wanted as well when he toasted her. She merely gave a smile and sipped her drink before watching him stand on the ledge. It wasn't completely dangerous as the ledge was rather wide, but still, she never thought she'd watch him take such a risk. Lena watched with glee as he walked the ledge then turned back and down his drink. "You're crazy," she laughed as he made his way back to her and held out his hand. Quickly she downed her own drink, feeling the light headed tipsiness of the alcohol effecting her once sobered body. It felt amazing to take his hand and stand up on the ledge. She didn't release his hand as she stood though, looking out at the people in the town square down below. Such the thrilling feeling to be so above everyone, to see everyone so small.
"When did you become such a risk taker?" She asked after a moment of silence, looking at him once more. He was so close to her, his hand so warm in her own. The alcohol was making her mind fuzzy, having her think about her own risks she could be taking right now. Like kissing those lips that were just a swift movement away. She saw how Josh looked at her, he still held some torch for her, but did she really want to drag him down with the complication she was? "Hey Josh," she said softly, squeezing his hand to get his attention. "Is it too late for me to let you take a chance on me?"
Such a heavy question. Lena had no idea this morning that this was how the day would end up but she wanted more than anything to give Josh the chance with her he had wanted so badly in high school. She didn't want to be alone anymore and he didn't seem so innocent now. Would it really be so bad to idulge in him? Maybe all they had needed was a little bit of time and age to have a real chance at working.
Josh was a good distraction from her disappointing thoughts though as he came back with the food. With his agreement to take a chance, she gladly took the food from him as he sat down on the ledge with her. "Look at that. I suppose with age you grew some balls too," she teased as she nudged him with her elbow before handing him his food. As far as she could remember, Josh had never been much of a risk taker, which was one of the many reasons why she never gave him a chance in high school. He had never been a part of that crowd that she was in, the reckless people with no caution to their lives. She had admired that about him but it clearly held him back from so many possibilities. He had done well for himself though, well, until it all came crashing down and he had to return home. She wondered if he regretted not taking more chances when he was younger. Maybe now he was more willing to.
It felt wonderful to spend time with him again. The food was good and the alcohol was better but nothing topped his companu and the way he looked at her. She caught him a few times, gazing at her with those eyes he once had in high school. Lena wasn't sure if it was nostalgia or the alcohol, but seeing that gaze after so long filled her with a warmth and confidence once more. She felt like she was back in the prime of her life, watching Josh, her one man fan club. Maybe things could be different now that they were older. She had been so caught up in having fun with him she hadn't even realized she had a whole new drink. Suddenly keeping it to limited drinking was out the window and she didn't care what the reprocussions might be. She just wanted to have fun with Josh.
Apparently that was all he wanted as well when he toasted her. She merely gave a smile and sipped her drink before watching him stand on the ledge. It wasn't completely dangerous as the ledge was rather wide, but still, she never thought she'd watch him take such a risk. Lena watched with glee as he walked the ledge then turned back and down his drink. "You're crazy," she laughed as he made his way back to her and held out his hand. Quickly she downed her own drink, feeling the light headed tipsiness of the alcohol effecting her once sobered body. It felt amazing to take his hand and stand up on the ledge. She didn't release his hand as she stood though, looking out at the people in the town square down below. Such the thrilling feeling to be so above everyone, to see everyone so small.
"When did you become such a risk taker?" She asked after a moment of silence, looking at him once more. He was so close to her, his hand so warm in her own. The alcohol was making her mind fuzzy, having her think about her own risks she could be taking right now. Like kissing those lips that were just a swift movement away. She saw how Josh looked at her, he still held some torch for her, but did she really want to drag him down with the complication she was? "Hey Josh," she said softly, squeezing his hand to get his attention. "Is it too late for me to let you take a chance on me?"
Such a heavy question. Lena had no idea this morning that this was how the day would end up but she wanted more than anything to give Josh the chance with her he had wanted so badly in high school. She didn't want to be alone anymore and he didn't seem so innocent now. Would it really be so bad to idulge in him? Maybe all they had needed was a little bit of time and age to have a real chance at working.
OP
OP
CharmSnake
Super-Earth
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2013
- Location
- In the Grass
"Look at that. I suppose with age you grew some balls too."
Josh just kind of smirked it off. It was funny. He knew it wasn't meant as an insult, but what struck him as even funnier was the fact that back in school if she had randomly told him that she had thought he had no balls he would have been crushed. None of that mattered anymore and the irony of that had slapped him in the face.
He looked down at her, then past her, two storeys down to the sidewalk cement and certain death. A few people stood at the side of the street. A couple more walked to and fro behind them. A youngster scooted across the street to the crowd in the park. He knew that the odds of falling were slim and none. Josh looked back at Lena. His odds with her were the same once upon a time.
"When did you become such a risk taker?"
"Just now."
"Is it too late for me to let you take a chance on me?"
The band struck up the first notes. It wasn't actually a band it was taped music through the loudspeakers. The crowd let out a cheer and began to sing along.
America the beautiful ...
The show had begin and there was a crackle and sparks as the first fuses were lit. A moment later red and blue rockets began to launch skyward. Was she really saying what she was saying? All the torture that he had endured over her seemed so trivial now. Maybe she could find him a new kind of torture. Torture was better than the emptiness that he was alone with now. He deserved pain anyways.
Josh let go of her hand and put it around her waist. Their bodies now close, he felt her chest brush up against him. His lips found hers as the fireworks exploded above and the crowd cheered and sang below.
God shed His grace on thee ...
Josh just kind of smirked it off. It was funny. He knew it wasn't meant as an insult, but what struck him as even funnier was the fact that back in school if she had randomly told him that she had thought he had no balls he would have been crushed. None of that mattered anymore and the irony of that had slapped him in the face.
He looked down at her, then past her, two storeys down to the sidewalk cement and certain death. A few people stood at the side of the street. A couple more walked to and fro behind them. A youngster scooted across the street to the crowd in the park. He knew that the odds of falling were slim and none. Josh looked back at Lena. His odds with her were the same once upon a time.
"When did you become such a risk taker?"
"Just now."
"Is it too late for me to let you take a chance on me?"
The band struck up the first notes. It wasn't actually a band it was taped music through the loudspeakers. The crowd let out a cheer and began to sing along.
America the beautiful ...
The show had begin and there was a crackle and sparks as the first fuses were lit. A moment later red and blue rockets began to launch skyward. Was she really saying what she was saying? All the torture that he had endured over her seemed so trivial now. Maybe she could find him a new kind of torture. Torture was better than the emptiness that he was alone with now. He deserved pain anyways.
Josh let go of her hand and put it around her waist. Their bodies now close, he felt her chest brush up against him. His lips found hers as the fireworks exploded above and the crowd cheered and sang below.
God shed His grace on thee ...