Change My Ways

Zach pulls up into a drive way, and turns the engine off. I don’t recognize the house, but as soon as we step inside, I can tell it belongs to one of the band guys. There’s a blonde coming towards us that I’ve never seen before, but she looks happy to see us.

“Zachary, you’re back! And you brought her. I’m so happy to finally meet you, Elody. I’m Valerie, Matt’s fiancé.” She greets us, happily. I had no clue Matt was even engaged.

“It’s nice to meet you.” I say, with a smile. She wraps me in a quick hug.

“Sorry, but I already feel like I know you. I’ve heard quite a bit about you. I feel like you’re part of the family.”

“Oh great, I can only imagine the things you’ve heard… but thank you.”

“Oh honey, you don’t have to be ashamed. I’ve had some past experiences that I’m not exactly proud of, but I don’t let that stop me from enjoying the present! C’mon let’s get you something to drink!” She grabs my arm, and pulls me towards the kitchen, leaving Zach in the entry way. On the way to the kitchen, we pass the living area, where most of the crowd seems to be gathered. I spot Brian, sitting with some girl on his lap. He looks up, as we pass by, and we lock eyes for a short time. As soon as he looks away, he pulls the girl on his lap into a deep kiss, I’m sure, to make me jealous. I look away, in disgust, and let Valerie drag me to the island, where there seems to be every liquor under the sun. “What will it be? We’ve got about everything your heart could desire here.”

“Umm… I can’t decide. There’s so many options.” I say, looking at all of the alcohol displayed in front of me.

“Do you like root beer floats?” She asks, suddenly.

“Uh… yeah, I do.”

“Good. Give me just a second, then.” She grabs a bottle of Rum Chata, and a can of A&W, and grabs a cup, pouring them in together. She hands it to me, when she’s done. “You may have to drink it quickly, it gets very frothy, and will start to overflow.” She smiles at me. “I hope you like it.” She says, as I drink.

“I’ve never had Rum Chata before, but this is delicious, girl. It tastes almost identical to a root beer float, delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it. Would you like another? Or do you want to try something else? I know of many mixed drinks, all very good.”

“I’ll be okay, for now, but thank you.” I smile, throwing away my cup. Suddenly, there’s a loud sound from the other room, followed by what sounds like something shattering. Valerie’s smile turns to a frown.

“Not again.” She says. “I better go check that out, but help yourself to anything you want!” She leaves the room, leaving me alone. I look around at all the liquor, and debate on trying something else, when I hear someone behind me. I turn around, and see Brian, standing in the doorway.

“Hey.” He says.

“Hey.” I say back, in a not so enthusiastic tone. The last time I saw Brian, he punched Zach in the face, and said some not so nice things after the fact.

“How are you?” He asks.

“Great. How are you?”

“I’m doing okay.” He steps closer, as I turn back around, grabbing a bottle of Jack. I’m going to need something stronger, now.I can feel his breath on my neck, as he comes closer. “How’s it going with your new boyfriend?”
“He’s not exactly my boyfriend, yet, but we are doing great, thanks for asking.” His hands grab my waist, as he sets his chin on my shoulder.

“You know he’ll never be able to fulfill your desires like I can.” I can smell the alcohol on his breath, as he talks. “I can please you in ways you’ve never dreamed.”

“Get off of me.” I say, shoving him away. He stumbles backward, into the wall. “You’re drunk, Brian. Not to mention, you were just shoving your tongue down another girls throat not even five minutes ago, why don’t you go please her, instead.”

“She doesn’t mean anything to me, not like you do.” He says, stepping closer to me, yet again. Suddenly a girl appears in the doorway, behind him, the same girl he kissed earlier.

“Is that true, Brian?” She asks, and he turns around to face her, with a surprised look on his face. She doesn’t wait for him to answer. “You’re such an asshole. I can’t believe I ever thought you liked me.” She throws her drink in his face, and walks away.

“Wait! Michelle!” Brian calls, following her out of the room. Thank the Lord, he’s gone. I can hardly handle Brian’s shit when he’s sober, I really don’t want to deal with him drunk, too.

“Hey, sexy.” Zach says, walking into the kitchen. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Of course you’d find me near the alcohol, and the drama.” I laugh.

“Yeah. What was that all about?”

“No clue.” I decide not to tell him what just happened. I could do without Zach and Brian fighting again.

“Whatcha drinking?” He asks, coming up behind me, and wrapping his hands around my waist, as I turn back around to the island to make my drink.

“The usual.” I say, holding up the bottle of Jack.

“You sure do you like your whisky.” He laughs, and kisses my cheek. “I like a girl who can hold her liquor.”

“Is that so?” I say, twisting the top off the bottle, and taking a swig from the bottle. I don’t normally drink from the bottle, especially when someone else provides the liquor, but there’s not much left, so I decide to just finish it off.

“You dare devil.” Zach laughs, again, and takes the empty bottle from me, throwing it away. “Wanna go join the party, now?” He asks, as I turn around.

“Just one more thing.” I say, planting a kiss on his lips. “Now, I’m ready.” I take his hand, and lead him into the living room.

“Elody!” Jimmy yells, coming over and wrapping me in his arms. “I’m glad you’re came.” He smiles, as he pulls away.

“Well thanks, what am I, chopped liver?” Zach asks.

“Don’t be such a drama queen, Zach.” Jimmy laughs. “You guys joined in at just the right time, we were about to take this party outside to the pool.”

“Pool?” I ask.

“Of course. What kind of person owns a huge house, and doesn’t have a pool?” Jimmy says, like it’s cliché.

“You’re right. Why would I ask such an absurd question?”I laugh.

“I hope you’re wearing your swim suit under that costume!” Jimmy yells, throwing me over his shoulder.

“Noooo! No! No! Jimmy, put me down!” I slap his back, as he carries me outside. “Zach save me!” I say, looking back at him, as he follows us outside, laughing. What help he is. Before I can speak another word, I feel the cold water rush around me, as Jimmy jumps into the pool, still holding onto me. As soon as we are underwater, he lets go, and I swim back to the surface. I see him resurface, seconds later, laughing. “You’re such a jerk.” I say, splashing him.

“It’s part of the initiation. Whenever a new person comes to the house.” He laughs, as everyone gathers outside, around the pool, some jumping in, as well.

“He’s lying.” Valerie says, from the side of the pool. “There is no initiation, he just likes to torture people.” She laughs.

“You’re next, Val.” Jimmy says, pointing to her.

“Oh, no.” You guys got me at the last party.

“I’ll just wait until you least expect it.” He cackles, evilly.I sneak up behind him, and push him under water. “Oh, you’re sneaky.” He says, as he comes back above water. I laugh, and swim over to the edge, where Zach is standing.

“You mind helping a girl out?” I smile at him, innocently, holding my hand out to him. He reaches out, and grabs my hand, ready to pull me out of the water, when I suddenly pull, hard, sending him into the pool, behind me. I laugh as he resurfaces, giving me the stink eye.
“You’re more evil than I thought.” Jimmy laughs, and comes over to high five me. “You’re good, girl.”

“Thank you very much.” I laugh, as Zach swims over to me. He grabs ahold of my waist, and kisses my forehead.

“I’ll admit it, you got me.” He laughs.

“Hey, now! No funny business in the pool, you two!” Matt yells, from where he sits on the pool deck.

“Mind your business, old man!” Zach flips him off.

“You better watch it, Zachary. I’ll have to have my security guards escort you out.” Matt smiles.

“Wouldn’t be the first time tonight!” Zach laughs.

Notes