The parties Matt threw were always fun, but it was obvious what was going to happen most of the time. Beer drinking, cooking, joking. The usual fun stuff, of course. In all honesty, I didn't really feel like being here. I wanted to sleep for a long time, but I knew I had to be here. Talia needed to feel normal again. So much drama had been circling in both of our lives since we met, especially for her. I just wanted her to feel like the world was going to be fine and that all of this crap would go away eventually, with the right amount of time.
Talia seemed to be having a blast, talking with the women and drinking, holding my hand. I tried not to drink too much tonight, considering she was drinking vodka like it was the drink of life and someone needed to drive my fourwheeler back. I'm sure Matt would let us stay, but I rather sleep in my bed, not a couch.
Holding Talia's hand, I listened as Matt introduced the guests to his party. Jeff decided to do a few tracks with his band. The music started playing. It sounded like a trippy rock sort of deal and, for some odd reason, I liked it alot. I bobbed my head a little and chuckled as Beth took Talia from me and started dancing with her. Talia was shaking her butt, squealing "WOOOOHOOO!" at the top of her lungs. Oh yeah, she was drunk. I just chuckled and watched my girl dance provacatively with Beth, who was also hammered. I grabbed my phone and recorded it, sipping a beer and laughing at how embarrassed Talia would be in the morning. Not to mention hungover.
The burgers and chicken were almost done, which gave me a minute to go outside. I walked out the door without anyone noticing, stretching and looking up at the sky. The sky was completely vacant of any stars, the only light being a half moon.
"Beautiful night isn't it?" said a voice I never expected to here, especially not out in the street in front of Matt's house. I turned to my side and saw, out of all people, Karen Jarett. I rose my eyebrow at her.
"Yeah it is...what are you doing here?"
"Jeff bought a house nearby. He passed out after an arguement we had. So, I thought I'd take a walk."
She looked weak and pale. All I responded with was "Oh."
"No cute little remarks, Shane?"
I scoffed, looking at her, "What's the point?"
"Well, usually you hate me. You make smart remarks at me. I do it back. That was always our relationship."
"That, and that one night.." I trailed off, chuckling.
"Ah, well that...that was a mistake."
"I agree."
"Shane, I'm sorry..." she said, steam coming out of her mouth. It really was cold out here.
"What are you sorry for?"
"For giving you and Talia a hard time. I shouldn't have."
"It's okay, but, Karen why are you saying all of this out of nowhere?"
She sighed, taking out a cigarette and smoking it, "I've opened up my eyes to alot of things, Shane."
I half smiled, "Something terrible happened, didn't it?"
"What makes you say that?"
"I know people, Karen. It usually takes a very horrible thing to happen before a person actually opens up their eyes. People usually stop being assholes when they realize all that negative shit they pass on comes back to bite them in the ass."
"That makes sense. And here I thought you were some immature, dimwitted asshole."
"I've changed." I said, looking back towards Matt's house. I smiled when I saw Talia in the window, laughing and talking with Reby and Beth. Karen followed my eyes and chuckled.
"You're in love, eh?"
"Yeap...in love hard."
"Good for you," she said, smiling lightly when I looked at her.
"Yeah. So, what terrible thing happened?"
"I lied. Jeff and I didn't just have an arguement. We're having a divorce and I bought a new house not far from here. I'm taking a walk to enjoy the snow."
"Jesus, may I ask why?" I said. Even though, for the most part, Karen got on my nerves, she looked upset right this moment. I didn't really feel any negativity towards her anymore.
"I found him screwing some blonde knockout bimbo. The TNA knockout, Angelina Love." Karen sighed, puffing on her cigarette.
"Well, he's an idiot." I said, stretching in the cold air. That Angelina chick just fucks everyone, doesn't she?
"So is she. Apparently she's with this Asher guy. I hate that son of a bitch. I can't believe he's joining the roster."
I froze completely and looked over at her, "He's what?"
"Jeff signed him the other day, saying he needed 'some better talent' or some bullshit...I don't even-Shane are you alright? You look pale as fuck."
"Hm? Uh no I'm not alright. Karen, could you come by the house tomorrow?"
"What for?"
"I need to talk to you. Plus, you can bury the hatchet with Velvet."
"Um, okay Shane I'll come over tomorrow. What time?"
"Preferably the morning. It'll be a weekend so Talia doesn't have to go in. See you there?"
"Yeah, see you." she said, walking back to where she came.
He just can't leave her alone, can he? He has to keep pushing and pushing her. I watched Talia laughing, deciding to join the party once again. I enjoyed this night with her, because once again drama was headed our way. A part of me wondered if it was better just to let Talia be, save her from all of the grief. The other part wanted me to hold on to her as tight as possible.