I stand in my corner of the room, sipping down punch. I look at all the people dancing vigorously. Upbeat music, a sad girl in the corner. It’s not like I wanted to show up.
“It’ll be fun,” they said. “It’ll get your mind off of him.”
Yeah, then why am I still thinking about him?
I sigh to myself watching my friends dance around the room, having the greatest time of their lives. I look up and around the room, scanning the crowds for him. Nowhere to be seen. He’s most likely in the middle of the crowd with her.
I see someone walking my way, so I look away, pretending that I don’t notice. It’s Jaxson. My best friend since the 7th grade. Once he finally reaches me, he extends his arm and opens his palm.
“Shall we?” He was always the dorky type to say such things.
“Eh, I’d rather not,” I mumble to him.
“Why not, it’s your favorite song!” He says smiling and before I know it, “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” is playing. I try not to smile as I take his hand.
“You told them to play it, huh?” I already know he did, but still ask to make conversation.
“Indeed; so, I thought ‘Oh, why not?’” He laughs softly. “Don’t forget, I love this song too,” he smiles, his blue-green eyes sparkling in the darkness.
“Thank you, Jaxson. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen someone look at me so sincere. It means a lot.”
“Anytime.” We dance, slowly swaying back and forth to the beat, letting the song flow around us, inside us. We slowly get closer to each other with each step. I lay my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes. I don’t want to ever forget this moment. It’s been so long since I was last this happy.
“Jaxson?”
“Yes?” he says softly.
“Don’t let me go…”
“I won’t ever.”
Before I know it, everyone is gone, and it is just me and him. I’m not thinking about Oliver anymore. I’m just thinking about this moment. This safe place that I never want to leave. I hold my grip on him tighter.
“I will be with you through the thick and thin.”
“I’ve missed you,” I whisper.
“I’ve missed you too, Lianna.”