Always Second Best

Chapter Four

Authors Note: Strong drug scene ahead. Just thought I'd warn you. This story is based on true events that have happened within my group of friends so thanks to them (and Chris) for the good times, and even that one time I got sick. (which I'm using for this story...god damn weed)

4- Meeting Manny

Jacklyn walked as fast as she could out of the room before bumping into someone. And she looked up to see Jay. Of coarse she didn't know who he was, but again she had heard things about him.

"Hey watch where your-" he cut himself off with a, "ooooh". He looked her up and down making Jacklyn feel as vulnerable as she ever had. She could feel his eyes on her but wouldn't look directly at his face.

"Mmm." He said licking his lips before grinning.

"How about me and you go-" Once again Jay was cut off but not by himself this time, it was Manny.

She walked up and placed her hand over Jay's mouth.

"I know that face. Don't even think about it Jay." Manny laughed and Jay just smiled knowing she was just joking around with him.

"Sorry about my friend here, he hasn't gotten laid in awhile." Manny said looking at Jacklyn but directing it at Jay. Jacklyn just smiled, too afraid to laugh.

"Funny." Jay said before walking back over to Sean who was leaned up against the wall a couple feet away.

"I'm Manny." She said putting her hand out in front of Jacklyn.

"My name's Jacklyn." She and Manny shook hands.

"I'm gonna go outside and have a cigarette. Your welcome to come Jackie." Manny said with a smile. The two walked outside and Manny pulled out a liter and her pack of Newports. She slid one between her lips and lit it.

"So what was that back there with Mike?" She said taking a pull of the stoge.

"I've never done any of that before. I wasn't expecting that." Jacklyn replied looking down at the floor.

"Do you go to clubs a lot?" Manny said politely trying to change the subject.

"Nope, this is the first one I've ever been to. I'm trying to change my image a little. I'm sick of being a geek." It felt good getting it off her chest, even if she was telling someone she had just met. Manny just laughed.

"What's so funny?" Jacklyn was starting to get a little nervous thinking she had said something stupid.

"I did the same exact thing. And this is how I turned out." Manny said while slowly spinning. "But I like the change. I was the same way. Sick of being the cute-little-adorable-too young-type. So I did something about it. And you can too." Manny looked her up and down.

"Well it doesn't look like you need my help with your clothes. You've got that down. But with the guys...I think I can help."

The two sat there for almost an hour, they talked about everything. Manny told Jacklyn about her friendship with Emma, her hook-ups with Craig, Sean's past, Jay's stealing and his history, and anything else she could think of.

Jacklyn told her about all the things she had never done, how that was her first kiss back in the club, how she had only had one cigarette in her lifetime, never had a drink or did drugs, no boyfriend, no nothing. And Manny swore to change all that.

Once they had finished all the personal stuff, as if they had perfect timing Sean and Jay walked out of the club.

Manny looked up at them, "Hey guys" she said as she stood up, "this is Jackie. Jackie this is Sean and this is Jay, but then again you two already met."

Jay smirked, "Yea we're old friends."

While Sean shook hands with Jacklyn, she couldn't help but smile. She had finally met some cool people and was willing to do anything to stay friends with them.

Jay reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black bag. "So we're ready to go." he said as he shook the bag in front of Manny's face, "bring your friend if you want." Jay and Sean walked ahead of Manny and Jacklyn, who had hooked arms and were whispering to each other.

"Jackie, you've never smoked weed before have you?" Manny asked with a smile. Jacklyn just shook her head no. "Do you want to?"