The Universe Put Us Here for a Reason- Part 1/2
I don’t think I ever really enjoyed clubs. The loud music and hoarding strangers always had me leaving with a headache. But there was always a fear of missing out that whispered behind every objection. It's what motivated me to sit at my vanity in front of the hundreds of products that crowded the surface. It’s what made me change my outfit ten times and carried me to sit in the front seat. I sang, danced and drank thinking that it would make me miss the comfort of my bed less. But when I saw how much fun my friends had, I stayed. What kept me from running was the pure joy radiating from the people who I loved most. Sawyer, Sebastian and I all had a full course load with jobs and if partying is what got them through their stressful weeks, who was I to stop them.
Sawyer had pulled Sebastian on the dance floor. Sawyer glowed under the colored lights as she swayed her hips to the beat of the bass. She was happy any time she wasn’t forced to wear the stiff collared uniform enforced at the restaurant she waitressed at. Sawyer always took pride in expressing herself outwardly and gained confidence when wearing heels and a mini skirt. Sebastian followed her lead, trying his best not to spill their drinks. He was finishing his first beer and his sobriety showed in his slightly stiff movements. Sebastian stood tall with deeply tanned olive skin and full dark brown hair. Anyone of the females here would have gladly occupied his time but instead he chose Sawyer.
I stayed on the sidelines. Finding myself perched on a barstool as I kept an eye on my friends. I never drank as much as everyone else. Not because I had any strong beliefs against alcohol I just didn’t like being hungover in the morning. I kept myself entertained by people watching. I like watching the shifts in the crowd as the music changes. I sipped on a vodka cranberry that was more juice than anything else. My attention was stolen by two girls in hysterics coming out of the bathroom. I was trying to see the guy they were pointing and yelling at when Sawyer snuck up on me. She ambushed me from the side, nearly knocking me off the stool as her arm wrapped around my waist. She was panting with a smile on her face and glassy eyes. Sebastian was on her heels and sidled up to my other side.
“Mars,” Sawyer whined, her head coming to rest on my shoulder, “Why are you sitting here all alone?”
Sebastian had his arms crossed while he leaned back on the bartop. His olive skin glowed and the blacklights made his pearly white teeth glow blue. Sebastian had started to feel the effects of the room’s growing humidity as he fought with damp curls to stay in place and out of his eyes. “You’re not hot right now?” He asked.
I had to crane my neck to look up at Sebastian. “Thankfully no. It’s not too bad over here. This spot is perfect for people watching, might just take up residency here for the rest of the night.”
Sawyer huffed, the alcohol on her breath made me crinkle my nose. She lifted her head, still keeping her hold on me. “Oh no you’re not. I wanted us to jam out together. And who else is going to sing all of the throwback songs with me.”
“Sebastian can dance with you,” I volunteered, “He might not know all the words but he can make sure you don't start a mosh pit.”
Sebastian shook his head, “Nope can’t do it by myself. I’m going to need back up.”
“Marzipan,” Sawyer’s eyes widened, blue and round, when she used her nickname for me, “Please I need my favorite dance partner.”
I patted her arm, the best comfort I could provide in our awkward position. “If this is you trying to guilt trip me into dancing, know that it’s not going to work.”
“I already know I have to get you inebriated for you to dance. Please, you act like we haven’t been friends for the last five years.” Sawyer rolled her eyes.
I groaned, “But I already got comfortable.”
Sebastian hummed in amusement at Sawyer and I bickering. “She’s not going to let up Mars. Chronic Believers are supposed to have a set tonight.”
I should have known why Sawyer had insisted on coming to this specific club. Phazed was an older establishment that profited on it’s tradition alone. The alcohol was cheap and there were a lot of people we knew here but the overall atmosphere was so overwhelming. I would have preferred the bonfire that we had been invited to. Chronic Believers helped me understand what felt like the endless sea of people that seemed to fill in the already packed space.They were a band that held most of their celebrity status on campus but still earned a decent online following. Their sets were entertaining from the few I could actually pay attention to. Most times the roaring audiences drowned out the songs. The only time I’d seen their faces were quick glances as I scrolled through social media.
“Fine,” I agreed and hopped off the stool. Sawyer detached herself from me to cheer and even clap. “But you're coming with me. Both of you.”
Without objection she followed, only stopping to refill her cup before we made our way to the side door. Sebastian let us lead him, never complaining as Sawyer and I pulled him by either hand. We had to bob and weave to avoid dancing bodies and scattered chairs and tables. The outside air had an early fall chill. I wished I hadn’t left my cardigan in Sebastian’s car but it wasn’t cold enough to deter me from finding a secluded spot at the back of the designated smoking area. Having come here so often I knew rounding the corner if the building brought you to a pocketed corner where a cluster of bushes separated the space from the back employee parking lot. It was away from the stench of the dumpsters and not a lot of people knew about it. Lucky for us we were the only ones back there at the time. The music turned to distant thumps and the only voices we heard were whispers in the wind. We dropped down to sit on the concrete bench provided, the freezing stone seeped a chill to my thighs and backside through my jeans. I couldn’t help but admire the sleepless streets of the city. In the daylight it held a quaint charm but now it was littered with cigarette buts and red solo cups. Sawyer was unbothered by the change of temperature with the alcohol warming her from inside. Sebastian in contrast had goosebumps forming on his forearms.
Sawyer produced a disposable vape pen and cell phone from her cleavage. WIth her first pull we were surrounded by a strawberry scented cloud. The street lamps provided us enough light that I could make out the varying expressions of my friends, but still far enough away to keep the gnats and mosquitoes from bothering us. Sebastian sipped from Sawyers cup, frowning at the burn of the vodka. Sawyer had a lazy smile and leaned back on one arm. The spot wasn’t ideal but it was a nice break to the constant stimulation of the club.
“So are we all in agreement that tonight was much needed?” Sebastian asked, his voice breaking the comfortable silence that had settled. Sawyer hummed in agreement and cocked her head to the side in the same wonderment.
I had been lighting one of the pre rolled joints I kept handy at all times, almost choking on the thick smoke when I tried to laugh. “After a long week you look forward to watered down drinks and cold alleys,” I managed to choke out between ragged breaths. The musky scent didn’t mix well with the strawberry smell. “We could have had fun and been a lot warmer if we had stayed at my place. I would have even cooked.”
Sebastian hummed with a shrug of his shoulders. Sawyer huffed, her eyes rolling, “We can stay in any night. Tonight offered us an opportunity so we are taking it.”
“Listen to Sawyer, Mars. There might be something to her fate written in the stars spiel. Maybe her crystals told her something magical is going to happen tonight.” Sebastian quipped as he took the joint I offered him.
I was starting to feel my body relax and welcomed the haziness that clouded my brain. The stillness of the nighttime might have been unnerving to others but it brought comfort to me.
“I’m not trying to make a psychic prediction, I'm just saying everything happens for a reason.” Sawyer said, making herself giggle.
“Or,” I countered with nudge to Sawyer, “You know that you're pretty enough for the frat boys to buy your drinks all night.” We all laughed now. Sebastian going into a coughing fit, wheezing to catch his breath.
Sawyer threw her head back, her silver septum ring flashing in the yellow light. “Oh no,” She said suddenly, her face twisting an undisguisable expression, “I laughed too hard and now I have to pee. Damn you vodka.” Her declaration only made us laugh harder until Sawyer squeaked and crossed her legs.
“Go to the bathroom,” I told her, trying to put some authority in my voice. A fleeting attempt as I still couldn’t hold back laughter.
She sighed, her fringe bangs fluttering against her forehead. “Hold on,” She said with reluctance. In one swift motion Sawyer had plucked the joint from between Sebastian’s lips while managing to rattle her cup enough and the red liquid sloshed over the sides. After two consecutive lung fulling pulls she gave it back to him. Sawyer pulled herself up, taking a moment to fix her skirt. Turning to me said, smoke spilling with her words, “I totally respect that you don’t like alcohol but I’m feeling pretty good right now.”
I rolled my eyes and used one hand to poke her hip. “Go to the bathroom,” I reminded her.
Sawyer swatted me away while she was inhaling from her vape pen. “I’m going. Stop being so pushy.”
I reached for the joint, Sebastian placed it between my middle and index finger. He was standing up and dusting off the seat of his pants. “I’ll go and make sure she doesn’t get lost. Are you good here.”
“Yeah I’ll finish this and meet you guys in there.” I said
Sawyer looped her arm through Sebastian with a theatrical salute. “Randevu in ten minutes,” She confirmed, “Then we will be dancing our pants off.” I knew I could deter her from her plans. I knew one way or another Sawyer would have me in the middle of the dance floor with her even if it meant dragging me by my hair. When I didnt respond immediately she held out a ring adorned hand and said, “Pinky promise.”
Begrudgingly I hooked my pinky on hers in the wordless promise. Sawyer, pleased with me, turned on the balls of her feet and bounced away. Sebastian fell into step Sawyer as they made their way back inside and I was thoroughly impressed that Sawyer was able to keep her balance in the six inch heels that she wore.
“I’m gonna time you,” Sebastian called over his shoulder, “And text me if you need anything.” I gave him a thumbs up, not feeling like yelling after having to for the past two hours with the blaring music. Even in the limited light I could see Sawyer lifting the red cup and finishing what was left in her cup.
As their silhouettes disappeared into the darkness I was left in silence and I was not bothered by it. I pulled out my cell phone, starting a cycle of scrolling through Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, really only paying attention to every other post. The trill of the nocturnal birds kept me company as the minutes ticked by. The will to focus on the screen lessened as the high set in. The words and pictures started to blur together and gave me a headache. I abandoned my phone on the empty space of the bench and closed my eyes, allowing myself to lean in to the high. Until the chirp of my phone cut through the peace. A text message from Sawyer, why I expected something different is a question for another day. What I couldn’t predict was the series of text that came after, one right after another.
OMG I am going to start screaming any minute!!!
Chronic Believers have entered the building
Our friend Seb apparently knows one of the guys helping out with merch and got free tshirts
I’m not gonna lie but I kinda took advantage and got one in every design
I immediately sat up ready to take off sprinting to the club and shut the whole establishment down before reading the second text. The playfulness of it told me that she wasn’t about to end up on the internet for the next viral drunk girl fight. However with Sawyer, that didn’t eliminate the suspicion that she was up to something. A beat of silence passed before the next text message came in. It was her need for theatrics and dramatic timing. As a film student Sawyer often translated her skills into other aspects of her life. Then a picture popped onto the screen. The bright flash lit up Sawyer’s face and she wore the biggest smile I have ever seen her have. In her arms She held her loot of t-shirts and looked as if she was on her way to the laundromat with the amount she had.
My joint died as I waited for Sawyers ext. I set my phone back down in the grass beside me and went to work relighting it. When I didn’t answer right away Sawyer texted again. I didn't pick up my phone until I had a steady burn and the tip of the joint glowed red. The newest text message made me laugh out loud.
Call my parents and tell them i wont be home for Christmas because I have decided to dedicate my life full time to be a groupie lol
I was thankful for Sawyer's company even if it was through text messages. While I could do without the claustrophobia and the pounding in my ears that never failed to carry in to the morning, Sawyer and Sebastian were the only thing that made it tolerable. And that could be said for life as well.
I dont think admissions gives out refunds on tuition
Also I dont think a touring bus is as glamorous as you think it is
The three little dots appeared in the bottom left hand corner of the screen. I waited for Sawyer's response as I continued to take drags from the considerably shrinking joint. My face was starting to get warm and my lips felt numb. I felt as though I could float away like an unattended balloon. The buzzing in my brain was like a white noise machine, soothing but pushing most of my thoughts to the four corners for another time. My phone dinged again, startling me in my stupor.
Also I need you to hurry up because I need you to make sure im still cute incase I see Gibby
I wished I knew which one Gibby was, as much as Sawyer expressed her love for Chronic Believers on a daily basis I was guilty forgetting a lot of the specifics. The guilty only subsided when Sebastian was around and had ro get clarification as well.
Is gibby the base player or the drummer
I just ask that you tell Sebastian to record it if you have to resort to Blair Wood’s patented bend and snap
If it somehow worked out that Sawyer would get her chance the live out her fantasy of meeting, and surely charming, Chronic Believers it would also be the closest she has come to meeting a celebrity. It was even funnier to imagine Sebastian, standing stoic as ever as Sawyer lost her composer. So I refused to sabotage her excitement. I prayed that Sebastian would at least translate for her, knowing Sawyer got tongue tied when excited. I typed out my next message double checking for spelling error, not trusting that my first attempt would be mistake free as my motor skills felt like they lagged.
Sawyer sent a laughing face emoji followed by a fingers crossed emoji. I tapped out of Sawyer’s message thread and clicked in to Sebastian’s. The clacking of my nails on the glass screen seemed louder than ever in the still air.
Almost done outside. Meet you guys by the bar?
Sebastian’s text was almost instantaneous.
Will do. Let me know if you need us?
I sent a thumbs up and locked my phone, letting it fall into my lap. I relished in what could be my last peaceful moments of the night. My eyes closed and I fell into an impromptu meditation. One arm supported my weight as I leaned back and stretched my legs out. I focused on the muted sounds, letting them ground me in the moment. The scraping of tumbling leaves, a car horn on the main road a few streets over and footsteps. Then I recognize the distinct thump of the heavy industrial door leading into the club swing shut. When I opened my eyes I expected to see a stumbling couple in search of privacy. Instead I saw a lone figure rounding the corner.
When they passed under the street light I saw it was a guy. His focus was on his cell phone as he walked. He didn’t notice me until I sat up. Both my hands got busy, forcing me to balance the joints between my teeth. One unlocked my phone and pulled up Sebastian’s contact option as the other unhooked my mace from it’s place on my belt loop.
“I didn't mean to scare you,” The stranger spoke first, “I thought I was the only one who knew this spot.”
I hid the mace in my palm, he still had potential to not be creepy. Raising an eyebrow I took the joint from my mouth holding it with two fingers behind my phone. “It’s okay. I don't usually see anyone back here either. Unless they are going behind the dumpster.”
He chuckled, breathy and sinful. “Oh the infamous dumpster. Nothing sexier than spiders and trash.”
Maybe it was the weed or maybe it was the way he dropped his already deep voice an octave to make spiders and trash sound salacious. Either way I awarded him a smile. “Well it sounds like you know from experience,” I teased.
“Never been, but I have enough friends to hear the stories.” He took a few steps forward. Not enough to ring any alarm bells but close enough to let me know he was engaged in the conversation. I could now make out his strong features that casted jagged shadows on his dark jacket. He had a face that seemed vaguely familiar but I couldn't place it to a specific name.
“I’m Hudson,” He introduced himself. It fit him. Hudson was tall with wide shoulders and a lean build. His dark hair was styled just messy enough to be on purpose. Along with a denim jacket he wore black distressed jeans and a black t-shirt underneath. His outfit was clean and well fitted, however the classic high top vans he wore had seen better days. The tattered laces and scuff marks told stories of past adventures.
I disarmed the trigger of mace but still kept it in hand as I began to gather my things. “I didn’t mean to monopolize the only quiet hiding spot,” I said bracing my feet so I could push myself up.
Hudson put a hand up to stopping me. “No stay. Don’t feel like I’m running you out,” He said before quickly adding, “I mean if you want to of course. Besides this might be the only quietude you have for a while.”
“Are you hiding from the chaos too?” I asked, recognizing the need for clarity when everything around you felt like a riot.
“Hiding is a strong word,” His eyes flickered to the ground before returning to mine with the rest of his answer, “I’m having a conversation with a pretty girl.”
I would have never admitted it out loud but I was blushing, grateful for the cover of darkness. “Well who am I to stop you.” I hoped my voice was even and projected a false confidence. Hudson didn’t seem to notice as he didn’t hesitate to collapse on the bench next to me. My taser was returned to my belt loop and I reminded myself of the quick release latch that it hung off of. I offered what was left of the joint. “I promise that it’s not laced.”
A beat passed before Hudson accepted, his smile growing wider when he did. Never taking his eyes from me Hudson brought it to his lips and took a generous inhale. On the exhale he coughed a few times but not the chest rattling ones I had expected. He grinned as he tilted his head back to watch the smoke dissipate above us. “Wow, that was smoother than I thought.”
“The weed or the fact that your lung almost collapsed.” Hudson laughed and offered the joint back. I shook my head and said, “I’m good for now. You are more than welcome to kill it.”
We sat in a comfortable silence as Hudson took pulls. I unlocked my phone to find two text messages from Sawyer.
Did you get eaten by a coyote? What is taking you so long
Text me you are okay. I need my dancing partner
Are you doing okay? Sawyer is ready to send out a search party and will be very upset if she loses her ‘front row’ spot
I responded to both of them in the group chat that included all three of us.
I’m good, just got caught up talking to a guy
I sent the message then turned to Hudson. He spoke first catching slightly off guard. “Is gibby the base player or the drummer I just ask that you tell Sebastian to record it if you have to resort to Blair Wood’s patented bend and snapIf it somehow worked out that Sawyer would get her chance the live out her fantasy of meeting, and surely charming, Chronic Believers it would also be the closest she has come to meeting a celebrity. It was even funnier to imagine Sebastian, standing stoic as ever as Sawyer lost her composer. So I refused to sabotage her excitement. I prayed that Sebastian would at least translate for her, knowing Sawyer got tongue tied when excited. I typed out my next message double checking for spelling error, not trusting that my first attempt would be mistake free as my motor skills felt like they lagged.
Should I only refer to you as ‘pretty girl' or can I know your name?”
“I think it’s only fair,” I paused, the light from my phone screen glowed in the space between us, “But only if you do me a weird favor.”
Hudson only continued to grin almost as if he was on the verge of laughter, “I will only participate in your weird favor if you take my jacket. You look like you need it more than me.”
Before I could object Hudson was already shrugging off his jacket and I was surrounded by the warm denim. The exchange was quick as Hudson held the joint with his lips, the tip red and crackling. He draped his jacket over my shoulders and retreated back to a friendly distance. Hudson’s cologne clung to the fabric. I used the jacket as an improvised cloak. The scent was sharp and fresh yet warming.
“So what is the weird favor?” Hudson asked. Even sitting down, Hudson was taller than me. I found myself lifting my chin so I could study him. Fear ached in my stomach at the thought that this might be the only time I would have to spend with Hudson. I memorized the small things like how his jaw clenched to hold back a giggle that threatened to bubble out. Or how he would lick his lips each time the wind would pick up. I couldn’t tell if his eyes were green or brown but I could imagine them warm and inviting in the right lighting. Again he laughed, a sound I would not mind hearing on repeat. “I’m starting to worry what this favor is.” Hudson’s eyebrows raised in question.
That’s when I noticed that I had been staring. Wide eyes and slacked jawed, I was proud of myself for not literally drooling. I lagged at myself, the sound breathy and forgin to my own ears. “Sorry, I completely blanked,” I was painfully aware how my voice faltered. I was also newly conscious of how my hair had been slowly escaping the confines of hair tie and fell at odd angles. “It’s not too weird,” I promised, “Would you mind taking a picture with me. It’s for my friends, in case you are a serial killer.”
Hudson didn’t flinch. He gave a heart melting smile, one that was lopsided and toothy but full of charm. “How should I pose?”
“Here,” I said shifting closer to him, “Behind me is okay, nothing too crazy.”
“Is it cool if I put my arm around you,” Hudson asked, leaning forward.
THe butterflies that erupted in my stomach surprised me. There had been plenty of guys who had put their arm around me, a gesture innocent enough. However none had ever asked. Yet here was Hudson, patiently waiting for my permission. And when I did he gently draped his arm over my shoulders, letting me relax back into his embrace. I held up my cell phone, angling it so our faces were center. We shifted until what we saw on the screen wasn’t so blatantly awkward. I found myself completely comfortable in Hudson’s embrace. His chest was flush to my back with his forearm secured across my chest. I was surrounded by the warmth that radiated off of Hudson.
“Ready?” The question came in a squeak.
“Hold on,” Hudson turned his head, bringing the joint to his lips and taking one last long pull before the glowing tip faded. I felt his chest expand, balloon for a moment then compress. Not once did he loosen his hold. On the exhale he crushed the butt under his sneaker. “Ready,” Hudson confirmed as he settled back.
I gave a countdown before clicking the button and the shutter went off, blinding me as the flash pierced the darkness. Hudson ducked his head down to inspect the picture and awed. I agreed with his praise. You would have never guessed we’d only met less than ten minutes ago. Both Hudson and I wore stupefied grins. “Wow we look good together.” I blurted out and immediately regretted it.
Hudson chuckled and took his arm back. He didn’t fully pull away from me. In the absence of his arm, Hudson still stayed close. I missed the warmth that he surrounded me with, even with the jacket I wanted Hudson’s embrace again.
“I was thinking the same thing. But-” His pause was punctuated by a wagging finger, “We can talk about how cute we are together later. You still have to hold up your end of the deal.”
I was typing out a quick message to go with the picture while I was listening to Hudson. When the message was sent, before I could lock my phone, Sawyer's message appeared underneath mine. It was a series of drooling emojis. I felt a surge of confidence from her support.
“What about the mystery?” I asked when I put my phone down.
Hudson shrugged and a sitcom worthy sigh pushed passed his full lips. “By all means uphold the mystery but I think it might get a little old if I call you honey the whole night.”
I wouldn’t have minded at all. The word sounded like it was made for his voice. “I’m sure you can think of other pet names,” I joked with the hope that it would deflect how flustered I truly was.
“Yeah there’s baby, sweetheart, sugar and darling,” He listed off on his fingers, “But I’m not really a fan of those. I hope this isn’t our only meeting for the night and it might not be effective if I’m looking for you and I shout one of those into a crowd of people.”
“So you’re a man of efficiency. I can appreciate that,” I paused watching Hudson’s brows raise, my teasing intriguing him. “For efficiency's sake of course, I’m Mars.”
“Mars,” He repeated back as if testing the sound on his lips. The question was obvious in the way he tilted his head.
I laughed, used to the questions that followed every introduction. “My mom is an astrologer. Certified hippy and fortune teller.”
“The planet of energy, action of desire. Do you live up to your name?”
I raised my eyebrows in genuine surprise. “Impressive. Was it Seventeen Magazine or Cosmo?”
Hudson rolled his eyes, “In my defense my sister had a monthly description to both and I’m an Aries.”
“You know they just recycle horoscopes right?”
Hudson mimed himself being stabbed in the heart. “Why would you tell me that. How will I know to watch out for great financial opportunities each month?”
I laughed at his dramatics, “Oh I’m sure their on staff astrologist isn’t just another overworked intern using a computer generated tarot card application they found on Google. Have you ever had a genuine tarot reading?”
“Well there was this one time when I went to New Orleans with my friends and-” Hudson was interrupted by the chorus of a song from Papa Roach. He apologized and fished his phone from his back packet. There was a second of hesitation, his eyes bouncing from me back to the phone before he pressed talk and brought it to his ear. Hudson didn’t bother with a greeting to who ever was on the other line. He listened for a few seconds before saying, “I know, I just got distracted. I’ll head back now,” A pause, then he smiled looking back at me, “A good distraction I promise.” I could hear what sounded like a round of cheering on the other side. “Everything ready? Alright cool. I’ll be there in five.”
Hudson hung up the phone and returned it to his pocket. A pout tuned down the corners of his mouth. Before he could explain I stopped him, “It’s okay. We’re at a party, can’t sit in a frat house lawn forever. But I will hold you to your early promise of finding me later.”
“Scouts honor,” Hudson promised, holding up a three finger salute, “If Mars doesn’t work then I will be shouting Honey all night.”
I giggled a girlish sound I wasn’t used to. “It’ll be like Cinderella, except instead of a glass slipper it’ll be a pet name.”
We fell into a comfortable silence. I was well aware of Hudson’s gaze on me. So desperately I wanted to tell him to forget the party and just stay in the solace of darkness with me. But we were truly only strangers with our own priorities for the night. As supportive Sawyer could be when it came to her friends' love lives I still made a promise to her well before Hudson stumbled for my attention.
“I heard that the Chronic Believers are playing the club tonight so it’s probably gonna get crazy in there,” I said, an attempt at stalling, “Don’t get sucked into the pit.”
Hudson sat up a little straighter and grinned a little wider. “Do you go to Chronic believers’ shows often, like a fan.”
I shrugged, “Not really, their whining emo boy band style isn’t for me. I come to a lot of their gigs for my best friend Sawyer. She’s the real fan. Most of the time I get pushed to the back -” It was my turn to be interrupted. The ringing was the familiar beeps that signaled Sawyer was calling. I tugged my phone from where it was tucked under my thigh. If I had the option to decline her call without the risk of Sawyer immediately going into a panic, I would have. So I apologized as best as I could to Hudson, before sliding the accept button. Hudson was far from bothered, nodding to me with understanding.
I was greeted with the static of booming speakers and Sawyer shrieking before it dissolved into a giggle. “Sounds like you’re having fun,” I questioned.
“Do you know how much I love you right now,” She said, the vodka obviously taking its toll on her speech. Between her slurring and the party raging around her I could barely understand Sawyer when she asked, “I could totally kiss you right now. Wait, Are you with Hudson, can he hear me?”
I giggled and stole a peek in Hudson’s direction. He busied his hands with a stray piece of thread but his chuckle gave away his poor attempt to hide a curious ear. “You're yelling into the phone so yeah he can hear you, keep it PG-13.”
“Well, I proud of you and dont fuck it up.” Her voice faded for a second like she was covering the speaker, then another loud giggle. “Don’t worry about going to the bar, make your way to the front we’re right in front of the stage. I’ll have a fresh drink waiting for you when you get back.”
“Okay I promise, five minutes.” I said. She made a vague threat before telling me she loves me and hung up. Turning my full attention back to Hudson. “I think we have to stop stalling and go back in.”
He groaned and it melted into a laugh, “I figured, just didn’t want to.” Hudson stood up and stretched, his shirt raising to expose solid muscles underneath. I made one last check that I had all of my belongings before taking Hudson’s extended hand. He pulled me up, assuring I was steady with a gentle hand on my hip.
“Maybe if we walk slow we can have another minute or two?” I said when my feet felt heavy taking the first steps.
“I’ll go as slow as you want me to,” Hudson said, offering me his elbow for me to hold on to. I gave no second thought to placing my hand on his bicep, the rigid muscles flexing under the thin cotton of his shirt. I was thankful for the continued warmth that Hudson provided as the wind picked up. We walked in a comfortable silence for most of the way back to the house. The rest of the world slowly came back into existence as the voices from other patrons came out the door, bringing the pulsating soundtrack with them as the door swung open. Hudson and I stepped out of the way to allow them to pass. His arm flexing protectively around mine as he paused to look down at me.“How long are you staying after the set?”
“Not really sure,” I told him, “I usually just go with whatever my friends decide to do.”
“Well I plan on keeping my promise to find you. So maybe you might be able to convince them not to leave right away.”
“I’ll see what I can do. Some say I have a talent for persuasion,” We separated from each other but like a pull of gravity Hudson and I stood face to face with barely two inched between us. He leaned against the brick wall with one shoulder, his hand balled in the front pocket of his jeans. Hudson’s eyes moving to my mouth as I bit my bottom lip did not go unnoticed by me. I rode the wave of confidence that flipped in my stomach. “But if you can’t find me with all the dancing drunk people. Take my number.”
Hudson’s eyebrows shot up and for a passing moment I braced myself for rejection. It was quickly soothed by Hudson grin growing even wider. “Would you believe me if I told you I was trying to work up the courage to ask you. I thought I missed my chance after we took the picture.”
I laughed at the fact that we were both adults and still held onto the same consternation that highschoolers did. Hudson produced his cell phone and handed it to me in a matter of seconds, the dial pad at the ready. “You should have just asked,” I spoke while I keyed in my phone number, “I was here thinking that once we went back in we would lose each other for the rest of the night.”
When I handed his phone back Hudson typed out a message to me and I felt the notification buzz before he had it back in his jeans pocket. With his attention back on me I realized how much more I could clearly see of him in the new light. His hair was a deep brown and had a softness that made me want to run my hands through it. But what captivated my attention was the faintest of scars that connected from his top lip to just under his left nostril. So badly did I want to reach and trace the thin pink line.
“I hope you know I mean it Mars,” Hudson spoke, full lips still curled into a half smile, “I want to see you again.”
Before I could express my absolute delight in his statement a whistle cut through the humming noise of whispered conversations. Hudson recognized the sound immediately, his eyes rolling and he mouthed an apology to me before spinning me back around.
The guy was coming towards us in a light jog and held an expression of annoyance. As he came up the side street I realized he looked identical to Hudson, save for the fluorescent green hair and paler skin. “We have been looking for you for the past thirty minutes, where the hell have you been. Smoking a cigarette doesn’t that fucking long.”
Hudon sighed and stepped aside so the guy with the green hair could see me. “J this is Mars, Mars this is my brother Julian.”
Julian’s head tilted down, eyeing Hudson’s jacket still around my shoulders. The annoyance melted instantly and Julian’s eyes lit up in intriguement. “Well Mars you fit my criteria as a plausible distraction. I wish I could leave you kids to,” He paused, his lips puckered as if trying to find the words to say, “Further distraction but my brother and I have an entire club to entertain.”
Hudson groaned, and I could only imagine them as children egging each other on. “No worries, I was just giving Hudson his jacket back.”
Julian moved between Hudson and I turning his back so he was facing the heavy metal door. He didn't have to be facing us to know Julian had been grinning as he spoke. “Not blaming you at all,” A pause, just long enough for Julian to pull the door open, “Just the way your jeans are fitting you tonight.”
Hudson shoved at his brother’s shoulder eliciting a boisterous laugh from Julian. Hudson was less than amused, “J, just go inside, I'll be there in a second.”
“You said that last time. At least get her your number.” Julian teased.
Hudson bit back the retort. Instead raising the middle finger to his brother’s retreating back. The hiss of the Pneumatic controls above the door punctuated Julian’s retreat. “He’s an asshole. I promise it’s a personality thing and not a trait passed through genes.”
I smiled, genuinely amused with Hudson’s brief regression to boyhood. “Here,” I said shrugging off the jacket, “I promise not to hold it against you or him.”
“Hey if your still cold-” Hudson spoke with fidgeting hands.
I interrupted him with a shake of my head, “Hudson you’re stalling. I’m going to keep my end of the deal and stay after the set so you can keep up your end. Besides, both my friends and you friends are looking for us. I have to let Sawyer know that I didn’t fall down a well or got kidnapped. You don't need to give up your jacket for insurance.”
Hudson made a face that I could only describe as awe but he was quick to replace it with a smile that made my heart race. “Pinky promise so I know it’s real.
My first reaction was to laugh, not remembering the last time I had made a pinky promise with someone other than Sawyer. Her firm belief that breaking one would result in a missing appendage. But I was brought to an abrupt silence when Hudson extended his in the closing space between us. My eyes moved past the black painted nail and locked on to the black line work that curled under his cuff. I silently cursed the cooling temperatures that October brought.
“I’m not kidding. I need reassurance. Say what you want about a pink-” He was expecting to have to win me over. He was surprised, adding a sparkle in his eyes. They were brown, I noted.
“I don’t break my promises. It’s kind of offending that I would give the impression of a person that would,” I chewed my lip to hide the smile.
Hudson tucked one of my rogue curls behind my ear, static ignited where the pads of his fingers grazed my cheek. “I’m holding you to it.”
