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The X games were a week ago. I started therapy. I’ve only had one session so far but it’s already helped a lot. Especially in making amends with Tank and my other gamma members. Tonight the boys wanted to take me out to the club to celebrate my progress. Unfortunately, it’s some crappy punk club; the kind that have cages around the stage. With my casual button up and slacks, I stick out like a sore thumb.
“Babbbbbyyyy, you need to try thisssss”, Tank shoved some green Halloween themed drink my way. With a grimace, I pluck the gummy eyeball from the drink and take a bite. Alcohol was never really my thing, too many chances to slip up in front of others. Can’t have Bradley Uppercrust the third making a bad image for the very prestigious Uppercrust family.
“THUNK”, Tank was already swaying back and forth, but now he's fallen on top of Slouch. With an eye roll I walk away. I enjoy their efforts but my gamma brothers tend to be stupid and lack self control.
“Okay, folks! That was “my sister Emily is pissed again” what a band name! Heh. up next is “ The bloody hounds”! Please welcome them to the stage!” some announcer screamed above the crowd. All the noise seemed to blend together in one big blur. That is until the voice on stage started to sound familiar.
“It’s one hell of a view, you made me an offer I can't refuse, I got it bad for you.'' I made my way to the front of the crowd, eyes going wide. I don't believe it, it’s none other than Max Goof! He was singing with Bobby on the guitar and P.J. on the drums. I didn’t think they were capable of anything other than skating. I grasp the cage links with my hand in disbelief. Max was in black, ripped jeans and a leather jacket. His snake bite piercings glistened in the club lights.
“Pretty please, come on over and ruin my life, take my hand as we dance on the edge of a knife.” He made direct eye contact with me as he sang the line. Goddamn this Goof! First I lose to him at the games and now he's everywhere! I can’t escape him! That’s it! I can’t stand this. His stupid smirk. I storm away, screw this place. I’m out of here! As I walk out of the building I can hear the freshman’s band leaving the stage. The door slams behind me as the biting cold hits. I hate weather changes like this. I make it a block away until I hear that handsome nuisance. Handsome? Never mind, I shake my head to erase the thought like I’m an etch-a-sketch.
“Hey, Brad.”, Max jogged up to me and shoved his hands down his pockets.
“Bradly.”, I corrected him, grumbling, continuing to walk.
“How’d you like my band? We did a cover song tonight but soon we'll be writing our own songs!” I roll my eyes.
“ I didn’t know you could actually read well enough to sing.”
“Oh, Brad, to impress you? I’d do anything, even learn to read.” I’m glad it’s dark out, otherwise he’d see how bright red I am.
“What? No come back?” Max barely contained his grin.
“Why would I feel the need to dignify that with a response?” It took all my willpower not to punch him in the face then run away. A gust of wind hit causing me to shiver. I wrap my hands around myself. Why is it so damn cold? I hear some rustling on the side of me.
“Here, you look cold.” Max plopped his giant jacket on my shoulders.
“ Ew. It smells like sweat and delinquents.” I scoff as I pull the jacket tiger around me.
“I’ll take that as a Thank you.”, Max laughs.
“What happened to your band members? Shouldn't you be helping them pick up instead of walking me home?” I try to change the subject with a snide remark.
“Nah, they told me it’s fine. So you get me all to yourself.” When we round the corner the gamma house is on, a street lamp illuminates us. He looks so at home even without sleeves on this cold ass night. I’ve never been able to rile him up with my insults and that’s what pisses me off about him the most. But, looking at him right now, I can’t even muster anger. Something about being near him makes me feel comfortable, and that makes me uncomfortable.
“ Take your sorry excuse of a jacket back.” I move to shrug off the jacket but Max holds up his hand.
“ Keep it for now. I run hot, and anyways, it’ll give me a reason to see you again.”
“ You know we see each other everyday, right? We share history. “ Max was already starting to leave.
“ Can’t let me pretend to be smooth, huh?” Max called back while walking away. I head into the Gamma house. All the other members are still out so the house is silent. I like the silence. It means there's no one to impress or to have to prove my worth to. Closing my bedroom door behind me, I take a deep breath. This jacket smells just like that freshman.
“GAHHHH!”I rip off the jacket and throw it on the floor, my face as read as a fire hydrant.
“How dare he! How dare he- he- AHHHH!” I don’t even know what I'm mad about, I kick the jacket as far as I can, which is not very far because the jacket gets caught on my foot causing me to trip and fall. Finally getting the jacket to release my foot, I toss it on the foot of my bed. After showering and switching to my set of maroon, silk pajamas, I slide into bed. I feel so frustrated I can’t fall asleep. I sit up in frustration. It’s past one am, everyone is back and sleeping soundly, but me. Looking side to side, as if I’m committing a crime or being watched, I snatch Max’s jacket from the foot of my bed. The smell almost makes me relax instantly. It’s not weird to cuddle someone else’s jacket. Not at all. It’s very normal. In fact if he didn't want me doing it, he should’ve kept his stupid jacket. That night, I dreamt of Max on stage, singing to only me.