~~~
“I am never ever drinking again.” Eva mumbled from beside me as she struggled to stand on her feet.
I giggled at her. “Me too.”
“Me three.” Simone groaned. She had consumed way too much alcohol, even more than us, and seemed to be in regret mode now.
Ira, the only mildly drunk one rolled her eyes. “Go on, why don’t you challenge the guys in another drinking challenge?”
I scowled as I remembered the challenge and how pathetically we had lost. After 30 minutes into the party, Alex and his friend whose name I don’t even remember now, challenged us to drink alcohol. Of course, none of the girls agreed until Drew rolled his eyes saying ‘Girls are such losers’.
And that did it. It soon became girls versus guys. We were 7 girls and there were about 10 guys. Ira was sensible enough to excuse herself saying she needed to take a dump. But now we all were drunk above the neck and definitely over our capacity, I could swear I see two Simone’s and three Eva’s, or was it, Ira?
“Having fun?” Some guy teased, flopping down besides Nicki. She immediately giggled, fluttering her eyes at him.
I grinned with mild amusement. Time to play Cupid!
Just then Colton came from behind, thrusting a bottle of cold water into my hands. “Drink up.”
I opened the bottle happily, chucking the cold water down my throat. Too much water content in the body made me get up. “I need to pee.” I muttered, jumping on my feet.
Colton pointed his hand at the stairs. “Third door to the left.” I nodded and instantly stumbled as I took a step. Colton’s arms wrapped around me, stopping my butt from touching the floor. “Do you need help?”
I exhaled at the intimacy. “No,” I whispered, staring into his grey eyes. “My Prince Charming.”
He smiled, clearly amused but didn’t comment and helped me stand up. “Go on then.”
I grinned placing a wet kiss on his lip and walking to the stairs before he could react. My vision blurred with every step and I just hoped I didn’t fall flat on my face.
Finally successfully reaching the washroom, I sighed with relief as the excess water left my body. “This feels good.” I muttered, closing my eyes in content.
My eyes suddenly darted open when I heard an extremely furious male voice. “What the fuck are you doing?”
Colton’s POV: (Who’s excited about this?)
I stared with amusement at Eva who was groaning and giggling and then groaning again. Nathan was sitting beside her, trying to make her drink cold water before she could faint. I shook my head, he was so whipped.
Instantly my mind darted to the brown-haired girl who had just walked away to pee. Somehow unexpectedly she crashed into my life and hasn’t left since. I clearly remembered the day we had first made the deal. I was sitting near the window when I saw her drive and curse as she saw the parking spot taken and minutes later she had crashed into our bikes and drove away with fear. I had of course followed her and I still don’t know what made me make a deal with her. It was instinct, one I am glad about.
Probably because I was tired of Monica Moore following me like a lost puppy and I knew Racheal Smith could help me with it. Though we were in the same batch we rarely talked but now it was difficult to imagine a day without talking to her. Drew said I was whipped, I said it was just a phase.
Once these two weeks are done, we’ll separate for good. She’ll forget me and I’ll forget her. She will no longer mean anything to me. Right?
Right.
“Colton fucking Hastings! You mofo!”
I turned with a glare at the sudden booming of my name. Troy, the owner of the house and party was glaring furiously at me. He stomped towards me almost punching me but Alex held him back.
“Hey Ty, what’s the matter?”
Troy was still fuming, his fists clenched. I frowned at that. I don’t even know this guy. What’s his problem? I voiced my thoughts.
“My problem?” he fumed. “My problem is that your girlfriend just peed in my Grandma’s biggest pickle pot!”
My mind only registered one thing. “You watched my girlfriend pee?”
He froze before narrowing his eyes at me. “I was behind and it was dark. But she fucking peed in the pickle! What the fuck do I tell my Grandma? How can we even eat it now?”
By this time the music had stopped and everyone had heard Troy’s words. They were all clutching their stomachs and laughing heartily even I didn’t care to hide my snickering. Serves him right for peeking at my girlfriend.
Finally, Alex patted Troy’s shoulder, a lone laughter tear in his eyes. “Dude we are sorry but she’s drunk. She probably thought it was the toilet.”
A guy snorted from behind. “Yeah at least she didn’t poop, that would be worse.”
Troy shot a glare at the guy, not appreciating the joke. “Party’s over. Get the fuck off my property!”
An array of groans and complaints filled the room. “C’mon man! We just got started, don’t be such a sore bitch.”
“I said. Fuck. Off. Now.”
And within minutes everyone had shouted profanities and scattered outside. The only people left were us, even the girls had sobered up a bit but still looked dazed. Only Ira was sober enough to actually understand what was going on and now looked a little scared. Drew had an arm around her waist and seemed pretty happy with the intimacy he got.
I didn’t understand them at all. Ira made my buddy grovel more than any girl ever did, even I couldn’t believe the things he had done for her. And even though he knew Simone liked him a little, his attention was solely on the Indian girl with a fierce passion of saying ‘no’ to guys. Honestly, Megan Trainor’s NO song was inspired by her.
“We should see how Racheal’s doing.” Nathan suggested and I instantly nodded. “Let’s go.”
I was actually worried for her, she was drunk way beyond her capacity and I was sure there were still some drunk guys lurking around. I clenched my fists at the thought of another guy touching her, it’s just two weeks and then we’ll probably never talk again. My heart gave a jolt of sadness but I ignored it. The deal was only so my parents would get off my back about having a proper girlfriend and Monica would stop calling every hour. Now that I was successful, I would soon break up and act heartbroken to avoid any more relationships.
Colton Hastings and a serious relationship? The possibility of Ryan Guzman fathering Mila Kunis’s child is higher.
As soon as we entered Troy’s grandmother’s room, I froze. Racheal Smith was crying, no wailing. Her shoulders heaved as she hid her face in her hands crying. In a blink, I was next to her, completely worried and furious. How dare someone make her cry!
I caressed her shoulder tenderly. “Racheal, babe?”
She looked up at me with those captivating blue eyes which were now tear-filled. Something twisted in my gut and I felt the urge to protect her and make her happy, possibly forever. I shook my head, focus Colton, focus. “What’s wrong baby?”
She sniffed, looking miserable. “They left Colton, they left.”
I gulped fearing the answer. “Who?”
“They blocked it and then they left.” She cried, resting her forehead on my shoulder.
I sent a quick helpless glance to the guys in the doorway. Even they looked worried. I patted Racheal’s hair. “Who babe? Who left?”
She pointed at the open cupboard. “The people of Narnia. They blocked the entrance and left. I wanted to meet Aslan, I want to talk to him about politics.” She hiccuped. “But now I can’t.”
I was speechless. Utterly speechless.
Troy was the first to recover and hiss. “That is my grandmother’s cupboard jeez. Who the hell gave her drinks?”
Everyone pointed at me and I chuckled nervously. “I didn’t know she went shit crazy.”
Suddenly Racheal jumped away from me, her previous misery forgotten. I watched as she ran to the corner of the room where there was a small table. She picked up the large yellow sponge hugging it delicately. “My gosh Sponge-Bob, why are you naked?”
The curiosity was so real that everyone was clutching their stomachs as they went to into a laughing fit. Softly chuckling I went near her, trying to pull the sponge away but she clutched it and glared at me. “He’s naked, don’t look!”
I mentally rolled my eyes, mildly captivated by her blue eyes. “I’ll close my eyes.” I closed my eyes and lightly tugged at the sponge. Her hold loosened and I finally got the sponge and kept it on the table.
When I opened my eyes she was staring at me innocently. “Shouldn’t we put him in Bikini Bottom?”
I shook my head. “He’s getting a tan.”
Racheal’s lips turned into an O and I couldn’t help but think about the way they had felt when we kissed. Something hit my gut and the urge to feel her lips and more on me was undeniable. The tiny kiss she had planted on me minutes back didn’t suffice at all.
I blinked away not wanting to sport a hard-on in here. “Let’s get you some water.” I put my hand on her back, pushing her ahead. She tumbled and turned to give me a sour look. “I don’t want water, it’s so plain. The world should stop drinking water.”
“We can’t live without water Racheal.” I muttered, shaking my head.
A cute frown settled on her face. “Why not? There is sweet water, peach water, coconut water, and so many waters. Yet we drink tasteless water. Why?”
Drew sniggered as we went down. “Because Mufasa said so.”
Racheal gazed at Drew as if realizing his presence for the first time. She grinned brightly. “Drewy! I missed you. Where were you?” She left my side and pulled my best friend into a big hug. A sudden green demon enveloped me and I wanted to pull them apart but held the urge.
It’s just a phase, Colton, remember it.
Drew seemed shocked by the sudden confession but then hugged her back. A scowl made its way on my face.
When they didn’t pull away for five seconds I got peeved. “Okay, that’s enough touchy for today.” I pulled Racheal away giving Drew a glare, he simply grinned and winked back.
Racheal pouted. “But I was enjoying it.”
Gritting my teeth I yanked her into the kitchen, filling a cup of cold water and shoving it in her hand. She frowned at my behavior but took a sip of the water before spitting it out, right on my t-shirt.
I glared at her. “What the fuck? What’s wrong with you?”
She twisted her lips. “I told you I don’t want plain water.” She placed the filled cup on the counter and turned to go. Just then she spotted a bottle of beer. Her eyes brightened up. “Colorful water.”
And before I could stop her, she had tilted the bottle and had emptied half of the alcohol down her throat without wrinkling her nose. I almost felt proud of her but then sympathized because of the horrible hangover she would have tomorrow morning. I would hate to be in her place tomorrow.
I grabbed the bottle away from her. “Enough Racheal, go out.” I ordered with a strict tone and she pouted but skipped outside, literally skipped.
I leaned back on the counter with a sigh. What was she doing to me? Just two weeks that’s it. This was starting to mess my head. I glanced at the half-filled bottle and blew a breath. Hell, I really needed a drink now.
“What is going on?” I squinted my eyes staring in bewilderment at all the people sitting Indian-style on the floor with their wrists on their knees.
Nathan turned with a heavy sigh. “Your girlfriend thought it’d be great to explain the history and importance of Yoga.”
Ira smirked. “Yeah, we discovered it.”
Drew rolled his eyes. “Technically your ancestors.”
Ira copied his gesture. “For all you know I was the one who started it and was reborn now.”
Drew snorted. “Looks like you never got moksha.”
Eva let out a loud laugh, slapping her knee.
Racheal scowled at us from her position at the front. “Please maintain silence. I will not tolerate any form of disobedience in my class.” She then narrowed her eyes at me. “Colton Hastings, you are late.” She pointed to the corner. “Go and do frog dance for five minutes.”
Everyone sniggered and snorted, masking their laughter by pressing lips. I gave my girlfriend a flat look. “Frog dance?”
She nodded eagerly. “Yeah hop, skip, jump, tongue out, repeat. Go now.”
Rubbing my forehead I walked to the corner. Adrian who was near the corner pulled out his phone, ready to film me. I shot him a glare. “Don’t even dare.”
He pouted innocently. “Aww come on. YouTube needs some good shit.”
I sent him a flat look. “Maybe I can upload the pic where you are sleeping and cuddling with a big white fluffy cat named Minnie.”
His narrowed at me. “I thought you deleted it.”
I smirked. “Think again.”
“Asshole, just remember-” His words were cut short.
“Why is my phone not flying??” Racheal’s voice boomed. She was staring at her phone in complete and factual stupefaction.
Drew got up, dusting his butt. “Guess the yoga class is over.”
Rolling my eyes, I neared Racheal, glad that I didn’t have to perform the stupid dance. I was sure someone would shoot it and it would go viral on YouTube. “Why would it fly?”
“Because it’s on airplane mode.” She replied in a duh tone.
Troy rolled on the floor with laughter. “Man she’s awesome. Can I have her?”
I gave him a death glare. “Never.” My voice sounded possessive even to me.
He lifted his arms in the air. “Cool down.”
I just scowled and turned to face Racheal again, who was listening intently as Nathan, the dumb fuck, explained what airplane mode actually meant in phones.
She blinked twice her mouth forming an O, “So you’re telling me that my phone isn’t secretly a Transformer?”
Nathan slapped his forehead, stepping back. “I give up manh, she’s all yours.” He patted my back returning to a giggling Eva.
I took her phone. “No Racheal, your phone is not a Transformer.”
She hung her head in sadness. “Shame. I wasted money on this stupid thing then.”
Pressing my lips to prevent laughter I patted her hair. “It’s okay. Let’s get you home.”
Her lips twisted. “Home? Me no go home. Me go Walmart and buy clothes for SpongeBob.”
“She’s still stuck on that.” Ira mumbled from behind me. She touched Racheal’s shoulder lightly. “I dressed him up okay? And I dropped him in Bikini Bottom too. Now he’s playing poker with Patrick.”
Racheal’s eyes brightened at that. A huge grin decorated her face and I was momentarily stricken by it. Her curled hair fell onto her shoulders and made her face look more angelic. I vaguely wondered how it would be to be with her even after two weeks are done. We have gone through so much in such a short time, even solved a case. I knew I would miss her. A lot. But I wasn’t ready to give her hopes until I had sorted out my feelings.
Sighing I stared at Racheal. What you do to me, Smith?
As if sensing my thoughts, Racheal turned her eyes on me, staring deeply into my eyes. I squirmed, it felt like she was searching my soul. Apparently finding something good, she smiled softly. “Colton.” She breathed out. My name a mere whisper and yet it rang into my body like the Krakatoa.
I gulped, feeling pathetic at my reaction to her voice. “Racheal.” I whispered back.
Her smile widened. “My boyfriend.”
My heart gave a jolt at the notation. Instantly a delicate smile made its way on my face. “My girlfriend.”
“I think I am f-” She started but Adrian’s voice cut her off.
“We should leave. The girls are not getting any better.”
I have never wanted to smash someone’s face so much before. Groaning to myself, I pulled Racheal towards me. “You were saying?”
She blinked. “I was saying?”
Leaving a heavy breath I knew she had no clue what she was going to say. And although I think I did, just the thought terrified me. Maybe I was just selfish and wanted to hear those words.
“Hey, manh! If you two ever break up, giving her my number okay?” Troy said as we left. He was staring and chuckling at Racheal who was talking to his pet frog asking if he was secretly a prince. The frog stared at her, jumped, and then dived back into the tiny pond. Racheal frowned, “Hey where are you going? Are you a prince or not? I need some cash dude.”
Holding back a chuckle, I shook my hand in front of his face. “She’s off-limits.” I warned.
He grinned cheekily. “I said an IF, I doubt she’ll put up with your sorry ass for long.”
My eyes narrowed on him. “Don’t test me, Troy. I’ll kill and bury you where no one will ever find you.”
He didn’t even flinch, just rolled his eyes. “I could say it was nice meeting you but I’d be lying. You’re a girl, on the other hand, damn that ass though.”
My fists clenched and I almost punched him but Drew came in between. “Woah there enough testosterone for the night.” He smiled grimly at Troy. “Thanks for having us.” and then glared at me. “We need to have a talk.” And walked off.
Rolling my eyes and ignoring the amused snickers I followed my stupid best friend. “What?” I asked in disinterest and a bit peeved at him for stopping me from punching that asshole.
“You’re in love with Racheal Smith.” Drew Roy stated in a flat voice that made my heart stop.
“Woah what?” I muttered in confusion.
He just stared back at me.
I gazed at him, trying to figure if he was serious. Finally realizing he was, I laughed. Hard. “Are you crazy or something? That was hilarious.” Slapping my knees I rested my back on the wall for support. “You’re crazy dude, seriously crazy.”
Drew smiled unamused. “Really? So maybe I should give Troy Racheal’s number, huh?”
Instantly I sobered and straightened, shooting him a pointed look. “Don’t.”
“Exactly.”
“She’s a close friend now. I care for her and Troy wouldn’t love her the way she deserves.” I tried to reason.
“And you would?”
I blinked. YES! “No?”
Drew shook his head. “You had no reason to start fake dating with her alone, it could have been any girl. You talked non-stop about her the day after the bike accident, telling us about how she taps her thighs when nervous and blinks repeatedly when confused. You left our Saturday night game so you could be there for her. You helped her solve the case when you could have just said no. You introduced her to your parents and begged them to approve of her. You couldn’t sleep the whole night thinking if Kevin and Racheal actually did have sex. You get jealous and possessive over her easily. Figure it out dude, this is the max I can do. You are smart, I don’t need to say anymore here. And when you do figure it out, I’ll be there saying ‘I told you so'”
And with that I was left standing alone in the night, the only thing I could hear was Drew’s words. Talked non-stop, Saturday night, helped her, introduced her to your parents, Kevin and Racheal, jealous and possessive.
Closing my eyes, I leaned on the wall. Her pretty face instantly flashing, her eyes, her smile, her innocence, her playfulness, her rolling eyes, her lips, her kisses. And I finally accepted a fact that tilted the axis of my world.
I, Colton Hastings, the bad boy, the guy who doesn’t give two fucks about others had developed feelings for his fake girlfriend, Racheal Smith, the sweet sarcastic girl.
I am so fucking screwed!
~