In his grasp

Beach party

I packed up my bag with all the essentials that I would need. Towel, make up, spare clothes, brush, food and of course I sneaked in alcohol I found in my mum’s garage. I placed that one at bottom so no one would see it along with the outfit Molly bought for me when we went shopping. I shouted goodbye to my mum and walked out the door. 

“Come on, get in!” Molly was standing by a car that had people inside. I felt confused but trusted her so I did as I was told. I got in the car to find our friends. However the person driving was Grey, now that scared me. I thought that Ryan was driving unless he isn’t coming as I couldn’t see him in the car. 

After driving for a while we made it to the beach. There was a fire going and everyone was huddled in groups. Everyone set up their tents but of course I didn’t bring one as I had to be with Joe tonight. I unpacked the bottle of alcohol from my bag and my outfit fell out from the bottom. My stomach churned as embarrassment rushed through me. Before I could grab it all I heard was “what’s that?” Oh no. Ryan was standing above me smiling as he already could tell what it was. I shoved it back in my back and smiled back at him nervously. 

“Nothing”. He laughed and said “you planning something tonight?” I shook my head.

“I forgot to take it out when we went shopping the other day” I lied. There was a moments silence.

“You drinking tonight then?” He said pointing at the bottle and changing the subject. I shook my head again.

“No, just didn’t want to come empty handed, me and Molly are the hosts you know” I stood to my feet. He showed his teeth through his smile. The air became awkward as I didn’t know what to say. Thankfully Molly came over and broke the tension. 

“So... we got a few drinking games to get everyone in the mood then we are gonna get the music pumping and the food flowing” she said taking authority. 

“Soo...” she grabbed my arm. “I’m going to have to steal her away Ryan” I was so relieved. 

“Of course” he grinned at me reminding me of my embarrassment. 

We walked to the fold up tables leant up against the wall and set them up with beer pong. Everyone got involved but I didn’t as I didn’t want to get into trouble with Joe. Hours past and it was beginning to get dark. The sun was touching the water in the distance and the sky turned into a darker shade of orange. I was standing by the water, arms folded and deep in my own thoughts. I wish that Joe would show me a bit of affection, he is very touchy feels but when he touches me it is just pure lust. He has never kissed me, laid on the bed holding me, hold me gently or make me feel like he sees me any more than just his pet. I felt my eyes welling up with tears as I watched the low sun glisten in the top of the waves. 

“Hey, why are you over here?” Ryan asked me placing his palm to my back. I blinked quickly to get rid of my tears so he didn’t see them. “Oh I just wanted to take a minute to appreciate this beautiful picture” I forced a smile. He looked at the water and the corner of his mouth slanted as he took it all in.

“Yeah, it’s beautiful”. The sun was reflecting in his dark brown eyes and I found myself staring for a moment. Stop it Lauren, this is Ryan, don’t even go there. He’s a great friend and he has a million girls who want him. 

“You know, you and Molly have done a really good job with this party” he looked back towards the fire with a crowd dotted around it, all socialising and laughing. I felt warmth shoot through me as I realised that it was thanks to me and Molly that everyone was here making memories. Ryan stepped closer to me and my breath got caught in my chest. 

“You know Lauren, I...” 

“Hey mate, are you coming or what?” Grey shouted to him, stopping him from finishing his sentence. 

“Yeah mate, I’m coming” he shouted back at him before facing me again. Please finish your sentence, please tell me what you were going to say in that beautiful moment.

“You...” I reminded him. He pressed his lips together. 

“I am going to miss you all” he said “when we go to college, I’ve got so use to spending all this time with you I don’t want to go to different colleges and split the gang up” he finished. I felt a rush of disappointment as I looked down at the sand. 

“Yeah I know, we will see each other though, we made a promise” I looked back up at him smiling. 

After we had finished our conversation he went back over to Grey and I started walking towards Molly. 

“Come dance with me!” She yelled tripping over her own feet and grabbing my hands. We danced for a while and I went to get a cold drink. I checked the time on my phone. 11pm. I need to leave soon if I am going to get to Joe in time. I really don’t want him to punish me for being late.