LATER AT THE PARTY

Nick, usually never one to really pass up a party decided to play it safe on this one. For one, he was out of his element, and two he wanted to keep an eye on Brianna. At the moment he was extremely glad for the choice he made. As soon as they got to the party John had pushed a drink in her hand and every time she would just about finish one he would hand her another. Nick knew Brianna had never drunk before in her life and was concerned for her.

“Bree, you know, you keep drinking like that and you’re gonna be sick in the morning.” Nick tried to warn.

“Nick!” Brianna threw her arms around his waist. “You know, I thought you liked to party. Have a drink with me.”

“I did earlier, remember?” She tried to think, but things were too fuzzy. Nick just smiled at her, “Ok, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Besides you know your parents aren’t going to like this.”

Just then John walked up, put his hand on Brianna’s hip and pulled her away from Nick and into his arms. “Don’t sweat it Nick. She’s with me now. I’ll make sure she’s ok.”

“See, Nick. Isn’t he so sweet? I knew you two would get along.” She was oblivious to the ice each man was staring at the other.

Oh yes, Bree, he is soooo wonderful. Not! Nick wasn’t sure whether it was this guy’s possessive attitude, his recklessness, or something else, but he just didn’t like this John. He never had any problems with the few other guys Brianna dated, but something wasn’t sitting well with him when it came to John.

John took Brianna several feet away from Nick and started to dance with her. Slowly he was moving her further and further away, and with the crowd Nick was having a hard time keeping her in sight.

“Billy, something’s not right here. I’m doing fine, but I need you to help me keep an eye on her.”

“Nick man, what’s got you so upset? She’s just having fun celebrating her graduation. Relax a little.”

Sigh. “I don’t know. Maybe you’re right. I just can’t shake this feeling, ya know?”

“She’s one of your best friends, like a little sister, of course you worry about her. But, you have to let her grow up sometime. You should know what it’s like for people to try to make you stay a kid and not let you grow up.”

“Okay. I’ll try and relax. She does seem to be having a good time.”

The party was starting to wind down. People were either leaving or settling down into couples, basically a drunken make-out session. Nick had had enough and was ready to leave. He had to get back to the guys in less than 18 hours and wanted to spend some time catching up with Brianna. Getting Billy the two began looking for her and John. It didn’t take too long. When he walked up on them he first noticed a strange smell in the air. But, it only took him a second or two to realize the distinct smell of burning marijuana.

“Come on baby, just try a little. Trust me, you’ll like it.” John was saying to Brianna.

“Brianna.” Nick stated in a stern tone. Really he wanted to yell, but thought better of it. Both John and Brianna jumped.

“Hey, man, wanna join us?” John was trying to play things off cool.

“No thanks. Bree, I think it’s time we get you home. You’re parents are gonna start to worry, ya know.”

“I told you, I can take care of her. I’ll make sure she gets home safely.”

Nick had to laugh at that. “Dude, you’re in no shape right now to get yourself home safe, much less Brianna. Billy and I are taking her home and that’s just the way it’s gonna be. You shouldn’t be on the road. Is there someone you can call to come get you?” Nick’s concern wasn’t really for this arrogant kid; rather it was for the other drivers out on the road. He reached out and took Brianna’s hand pulling her up to stand next to him, she swayed a little then grabbed her head.

“Oh, goodness, I’m.” she had to take a deep breath and blow it out before she could even finish her sentence. “Nick, I’m a bit dizzy.”

Nick put his arm around her waist for support. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Once we get to the car you can lie down in the back, okay?” He wanted to say ‘I told you so’ but didn’t.

“I can drive myself. I’m fine.” John was being belligerent and a bit angry that he had lost control of the situation.

“Dude, let us call someone for you or give you a ride home. You can come back and get your car tomorrow.” I don’t want him in my car. Please let him get someone else to take him home. Brianna was leaning into Nick for support which only made him hold her tighter, noting the disapproving look on John’s face.

“Fine, I’ll call someone, since it doesn’t seem that you are gonna give up until I do. Don’t worry about me.” He wasn’t really going to call anyone; he just wanted to get them out of his sight. He didn’t like the idea of someone having his hands on HIS girl, even if he was just a friend. He’d talk to Brianna about it another day, when Nick was gone.


<~ Chapter 2 or Chapter 4 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003