FACT: Strobe lights were a big deal in the 1960's. Yes, there were strobe lights in the 1960's.
"Another drink, young lady?"
I looked up, a funny expression upon my face. "Sure, why not?" I slurred slightly, and hummed as he poured the whiskey into my shot glass.
"Tessi, Tessi!" Chris called out next to me, a little too loud in my ear. "How many 'ave you drank?"
"Two," I screamed back over the loud music that was blasting through the speakers. Looking him straight in the eye, or was that his nose, or forehead, I asked, "You?"
"Four," he moaned and turned to Gordie, who was just finishing up his last bit of whiskey.
"I got three man," Lachance laughed beside us, and slightly choked. I gave him a clumsy thump on the back, which only caused him to choke even more. Chris was so drunk he started imitating Gordie's choking noise, and gave his friend an extra hard thump to the back for good measure.
How did we get here again? Oh yeah, we were driving all day, stopping for lunch and dinner, and then Teddy decided to get a little hyped up (like he isn't already). At first, we objected, already tired and wanting to crash, but then he wouldn't shut up and pestered us none stop. So we complied; driving half asleep, bored, and trying not to crash we took thirty minutes down the freeway just to find a freaking midnight club that Duchamp so badly wanted to go crazy on.
Now, we were here; in a club called Chaos or something like that.
Teddy, who sat beside me, was so drunk he wobbled on his feet. How many drinks he had, I didn't know for certain. "Tessi, take your blouse off!", he shouted, and held onto the bar's ledge for balance. "We all wanna see 'em!"
Giving him my best glare (or was that my drunkest), I slapped him hard but laughed aloud at his priceless expression. "Stop calling me Tessi!" My stomach was hurting, it's muscles needing a rest, yet I couldn't help it and kept on laughing.
Wait, wait, wait, hold on. Teddy's not funny! So why're you laughing?
I snorted at my own amusement, ignoring the funny looks I got from sober strangers.
"Tessi, come dance with me," Gordie slurred, stumbling over his own stool as he stood up. "This song is amazing!"
it was funny when he said that, because the song playing, was Young Ones, by Cliff Richard, and it was just ending.
Crazy Teddy cackled his ass off, almost falling over. "What a laugh you are, Lachance," he gasped,and cracked up once more when Gordie feigned a punch his way. "Stepping out the door, huh?"
"That jokes too old," Chris defended his friend, but he was grinning like a fool.
Once Gordie was fully facing me, he held out a hand, saying, "Come on, Tessi, you'll love it."
"No way, Gordie Boy," I grinned at the made up nickname, "not on your life."
A wicked gleam appeared in his eyes. "You didn't protest much last night."
Though it was too late, I quickly slapped my hand over his mouth, looking wildly at Chris, who was scowling. "You danced with him?" he glowered my way, and at first, I was so sure a drunken lecture was rolling my way. But instead, a stupid grin spread across his face. He turned towards Mr. Kiss and Tell, smirked, and said, "Did ya cop a feel?"
Jaw dropping, my fuzzy brain worked for about a minute as I processed what my brother just said.
Gordie raised a suggestive eyebrow. "Almost."
I gave him the bird. "Bullshit, he was a totally behaved," I spilled, then smacked my hand across my mouth. I could feel the heat rise to my face.
Boy, how much more embarrassing could this night get? Stop being stupid!
Chris and Teddy were leaning against the counter, their chests heaving with laughs. I felt like crawling into a corner, but then a familiar song came on, and all humiliating thoughts were dismissed as the song's lyrics filled my brain.
Love is a burning thing,
And it makes a fiery ring.
Bound by wild desire,
I fell into a ring of fire.
Wobbling just slightly as I stood, my hand snatched Gordie's arm and pulled before I could think up a reason why I shouldn't be pulling him onto the dance floor. Chris and Teddy barely seemed to notice our absence.
"Woah," Lachance gasped out, making me stop near the club's side wall, "what are ya doin'?"
I turned and looked up at his bewildered expression, the scene blurry and hazed. I stepped closer, our noses possibly brushing, and immediately his hands grasped my waist. "Dancing silly," I laughed and tried moving to the music's beat. But I found myself grounded to the spot, the strength in his arms freezing me into place.
Glaring, I said, "Gordie let go," trying to be as serious as possible but the whiskey made it almost impossible. All my senses felt sensitive, yet at the same time incredibly numb.
Suddenly he yanked my waist forward, so I was pressed up against him. "Not a chance," he whispered and pressed his lips on mine.
My head swirled.
A dull warning bell rang out somewhere in the back of my mind, but I decided to ignore it this time, and responded to the boy's kiss. It was harsh yet passionate, tasting like the drinks we had moments ago and we pulled apart to catch our breath, only to lean in once more. My hands raked through the strands of his brunette hair and felt him clutch the back of my neck, pulling me so close that I felt almost trapped.
Then I felt my back press against the wall.
Well now I'm really trapped...holy shit I'm TRAPPED!
"Gordie. Gordie!" I pulled back, pushing him away, thoughts transitioning from pleasure to panic.
A betrayed look crossed his features. "What? What happened?" he slurred, breath hot against my face, and leaned in, catching me in another kiss, but the warning bell was ringing loud and clear, emotions running high.
Escaping his grasp and taking a few steps away, I felt guilt pool in my stomach. "I'm sorry, I just can't," I pleaded, feeling my eyes water, and left him standing there, confused, frustrated, and breathing hard.
"Tessi! Where ya goin'?" I heard the familiar shout and slur of my twin, but dodged his reach and ran straight for the doors, yelling over my shoulder, "It's not Tessi!". My sight became fuzzy as I tried to choke down the wet ball in my throat. To make matters worse, the strobe lights had flickered on, my destination now harder to find as I blinked with every blinding flash and weaved through as many people (possibly knocked into a couple) as possible.
I burst out into the open, the fresh air cleaning my head just a smidge as I stumbled my way towards our parked car. It was only parked a block away, but it felt like a good fifteen minute walk in the crisp dark night. When I reached our junk of a car, I pulled at the passenger door, only to stupidly realize it was locked. I rushed around and pulled at each handle, and my heart rate slowed as the back door opened, and judging by the smoky scent that filled the spot, I knew it was Teddy's seat.
In a matter of minutes, I fell unconscious.
I woke up to the jerking motion of the car cruising down the freeway. I whined, and snuggled up closer to my pillow. The pillow beneath me moved, I was lying across someone's lap.
"Hey sis," Chris's voice cleared the foggyness from my head and I opened my eyes, only to groan as a sharp pang stabbed my brain.
A tender hand gripped my shoulder, rubbing it reassuringly. "Careful Tess, you had quite a night." Chris stroked my hair, soothing some of the pain. "Go back to sleep, we'll wake you for dinner?"
Okay, I thought drowsily. Wait. Dinner! How long has it been?
I began to sit up, but was forced back down.
"Theresa, rest, please," Chris demanded. But I refused. Reaching up I pinched his arm — hard. "Jesus Christ, Lady!", he jumped, throwing his arm away, I used that as my chance to sit up.
"God my head," I moaned, leaning heavily on Chris's side. He handed me a canteen full of water and I drank it, parched. Handing back the canteen, I just rested there against the back seat, allowing the car's rumbling to sooth my headache. Fifteen minutes later I asked, "How long was I out for?"
Teddy turned in his seat, and I realized he rode shotgun, with Gordie at the wheel. I quickly moved my eyes downward, the night's activities resurfacing. "Days Tess, you've been out for days," Teddy howled, and slapped me on the knee, I jerked back in disgust.
"No way man," Chris chuckled and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry," he mumbled to my ear, "it's only been about a full day."
I glared at the farm lands that sped past my window. "Feels like I woke from the dead," I grunted and fidgeted in my seat, stretching out muscles and snapping bones into place. As I watched the corn and berry fields slide by, I thought back to the intoxicated night.
We had kissed.
Still shocked, I ran the pad of my thumb across my lips, trying to recreate the feeling of Lachance's lips on mine. I closed my eyes, care and guilt rushing through my veins.
If it wasn't for the whiskey, would I have let him?
Or to be accurate, would I have pulled away?
The answer was easy — of course — I would pull away. Not because I wanted to, but because I hated the way my skin would seem to flare up under his touch.
But I loved it. I hated it, though I didn't.
Glancing Gordie's way, I wondered if he was as shocked as I felt. His face, focused on the road, gave nothing away as he made sure to watch the cars before him. I suddenly wanted him to react, I earned to know what he felt.
"Gordie?" I asked as nonchalant as possible, not looking his direction, "what happened last night?"
There was a heavy pause, and I dared another glance to his face. To my annoyance, he wore a hard mask, only glancing up once or twice to the review mirror and back again. "Nothing happened," he said in reply, voice carefully guarded. "Chris and I just dragged Teddy back to the car. He passed out."
Said boy snickered beside his friend, glancing amusingly at the others before looking out his window. "We all woke up in the club, and they got Chambers and Lachance here sober wnough to drag me out," Teddy cackled. "Ain't they nice?"
"Uh hu," I replied.
"Why'd you leave so early?" Chris asked, nudging my ribs.
Despite his worried scowl, I turned my head back to stare out the window. "It's not something I wanna talk about right now."
"Was it the strobe lights? Are you sick? Did someone hurt you?" my brother pushed, and I saw Gordie fidget at his last guess.
Setting a reassuring hand on Chris's arm, I lied, "I'm fine. I'm okay."
He didn't seem convinced, but didn't push it.
Dinner came around again and this time we just took some fast food with us and drove to find a small hotel nearby. Once we found one, like last time we only took two pairs of clothes, and our cosmetics. To my relief, they had four singular rooms. I was glad I didn't share with anyone, even Gordie for that matter, because I was fatigued and not in the mood to deal with anybody that night.
"I'll be right around the corner, kay?" Chris said as we settled into our own rooms. "You're invited if you need anything."
I yawned. "Thanks man," I said and pulled him into an embrace, needing comfort.
"Hey, you okay, for reals?" my brother pried, and whispered, "Is there something bothering you?"
For a second, I considered voicing what happened at the Chaos club, but decided against it and just nodded. "I'm fine, just tired."
He pulled back, disappoint reflecting in his green eyes, so much like mine. "I know you," he reminded me and frowned. "But if you won't say then I'll leave you to it for the night." Closing the door behind him, he left me sitting on the bed, almost falling asleep right then and there.
Pulling out a random pair of shorts and a t-shirt, I went off towards the bathroom in hopes of quickly washing off the scent if whiskey from my skin. Once I stepped out, I analyzed myself in the mirror. Ebony hair fell soaked around my shoulders, and my eyes had bags under them. Shrugging, I changed into my night clothes I set aside on the counter, and climbed into bed, my brain shutting off like a light.
I don't remember dreaming, but I woke up all sweaty and shaking, my limbs trembling from whatever scenario my mind had created. I checked the time; three twenty-eight. Longing to be by Chris's side wrenched my heart, so I silently sat up and stood on wobbly knees as I grabbed the keys to my room before opening the door to face the dark and silent hallways.
I'll be right around the corner.
I walked down the small hallway, passing the public restroom (some rooms didn't have toilets), feeling along the walls until my fingers felt a rough edge. Turning the corner, I faced three doors. Chris told me where he was, not which room he inhabited.
Which one? Room 223, 224, or 225?
Suddenly, a dark form appeared from behind the edge, and my heart jumped, almost cursing out loud. The form was tall, and it stalked forwards slowly, as if taunting me yet warily.
My heart beat so hard I was sure whoever accompanied me in the hall could hear it. It moved forward, slowly, carefully, skillfully, and I felt my back press against the first door. In a panic, I rapped my knuckles against the hardwood. "H-help!" I stuttered but froze upon noticing the form looming over my shoulder.
This is it, I thought, I'm gonna die in a roadside motel.
How pathetic.
The form drew a hand up and cupped my shoulder to slowly spin me around. I frantically looked anywhere but at the shadowy form. Then a hesitant touch tapped my chin, forcing me to look up.
Shit.
"You're blocking my door," Lachance said.
Relief swept through my stomach like a strong breeze, but still tensed. Turning away and embarrassed, I muttered, "Sorry," and stepped aside. Normally, if it were any other day, I would have punched him a few times then stalk off. But now, since the Chaos club incident, I wasn't sure how to act.
Entering the room, Gordie pivoted on his foot, hand on the doorknob. "Can I help you with anything?" he offered. I couldn't make out his expression through the dark, but his eyes sparkled amusement.
"No," I spoke, my voice weak.
He didn't blink. "Okay, night Tess," and began to close the door.
"Wait," I said, without even thinking.
The door opened a little wider. "Yes?"
"Uh," I started, and paused, "The club...just...well...you know." I just about huffed in annoyance, for he wasn't moving or showing me he knew about what I was clueing at and still wore the impassive mask to avoid showing any emotion. But it was the perfect time to discuss last night's events. Breathing in, I asked, "Um, can I come in, you know, for just a bit?"
He seemed to contemplate the request before opening the door a little more and stepping aside for me to pass. Sitting on the edge of his bed that was up against a wall, I looked around, noticing his room was a little bigger than mine. I scowled, jealous.
But the feeling quickly dissolved as Gordie plopped down beside me. The silence was deafening, and my thoughts were racing so fast I wasn't sure where to start.
"I know what you're here for," he sighed, breaking the tension. "And before you say anything, I want to apologize for my unexpected behavior, it was out of line and being drunk is no excuse. So..." He went silent, and I wasn't sure if he was done speaking or not. "I'm sorry."
It wasn't until I spoke when I realized I wasn't breathing. "Y-you're," I stopped, and cleared my throat, thankful for the shadows that hid my burning face. "You're forgiven."
He smirked. "That quickly huh?" I cuffed his shoulder. "Ow! Sorry."
I laughed, more out of nervousness. "In the club," I began, getting serious, "I was also pretty tipsy, and — sort of lead you on."
I saw his head nod, indicating for me to proceed.
"I-I regret pulling away," I choked, stomach squirming. "Actually, I feel terrible for just running off like that." Scenes from the night before flashed through my head, and I felt my eyes begin to water, my breath catching. "I was scared, God I was terrified but I know I shouldn't have been because the kiss was actually wonderful yet it frightened me and —" I stopped rambling, my heart beating brutally against my chest. I froze, feeling hot tears roll down my cheek.
Some things couldn't be helped. So many foreign emotions would surface when my guard was lowered and left me vulnerable.
I was intimidated and embarrassed, yet happy and relieved.
Slowly as to not frighten me off once more, Gordie brushed a few tears away before sliding back until he hit the wall, and gently, pulled me to him, his hand tugging mine as he curled against my back, setting us in a position we've been in so many times when I would invade his room at night. "Don't feel stupid," he said, voice muffled by my hair as he breathed in the fruity scent leftover by the shampoo. "I shouldn't have frightened you, and I did. Shit I'm sorry, I'm so fucking sorry." He continued to whisper apologies as his mouth grazed my ear and shoulder.
I couldn't help the small smile that spread across my lips. Lachance was such a gentleman, but his use of colorful language revealed his true lower class self.
Before I knew it, my head was lying on a soft pillow, the covers up to my waist as to not suffocate from the heatful night.
No they didn't do it!
Well,this was a rollercoaster to write. To be honest why I didn't update earlier was because I had writer's block for a bit.
Sucks right?
thanks for all who reviwed, I love ya all!
