Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2006 20:50:04 +0000
From: Confidential Confidential <quistis15646@hotmail.com>
Subject: Just Life Series Chapter 3

Author's Note: Thanks for feedback. All feedback can be sent
to quistis15646@hotmail.com. Don't forget to check out my
story "Night of the Ceremony" in the Sci-Fi and Fiction
section.


Chapter 3

     The sun was starting to set. I knew I should call Zack.
I had to call him, but the place we were going was a large
barn and Taylor was talking how they needed generators to
power everything so I figured there weren't any phones I
could just pick up and use. Zack and I didn't have cell
phone because we can't afford to have them. I'd have to find
a phone somehow. Several people had already arrived and it
seemed the party was really getting started. I hear the
music clearly over the music and noise of the car. This
place really was in the middle of no where. I started to get
nervous, starting to regret coming along.

     Taylor pulled the car up next to someone else's and we
got out. I could see people all around, talking or dancing.
Some were even playing hacky sack or card games. Well, maybe
it wouldn't so bad after all. We met with Jay and other
`Jock Lackeys' I had come to call this little group because
they always seemed to be hanging out. A few spilt off and
went to do other things. Taylor and I made our way inside
the bar. It wasn't packed or crowded, but there were a lot
of people around. Unlike most teen parties you see or hear
about, this one seemed calm and under control but knowing
teen parties, there was alcohol and drugs somewhere.

     There were refreshment tables set up and Taylor got
himself a Budlight from a cooler on the ground. He grabbed
another one and offered it to me. "No thanks, I don't
drink," I declined. He shrugged before dropping the Budlight
can back into the cooler and grabbing a Pepsi. I took the
Pepsi and opened it, taking a big gulp. Not knowing anyone
that was around, I was quiet and followed Taylor around as
he made his way around to everyone he knew. I spent most of
my time looking around. I found someone had set up a few
dart boards and two pool tables. I noticed someone familiar
at one the pool tables and made my way over. He was just
setting up the balls for a round when I picked up a cue and
stood across from him.

     "Need a partner?" I asked. Axel looked up and grinned.

     "Yeah, sure, you can kick Leo and Josh's asses." The
other two guys at the table scoffed and rolled their eyes in
a typical male fashion when someone said they were better
than them. I grinned and twirled the cue in my hand as Axel
positioned to take a shot. I heard the smack of the white
ball collide with the solids and strips and watched as they
raced around the table. He sunk a stripe and it was my turn
to hit.

     I surveyed the table, looking at what stripe ball I
could hit with the white one and sink it. I lined up my cue
and smashed the white ball into a stripe and smiled when it
when in the pocket. The game continued at a close match. It
seemed the four of us all had equal talent for the game.
Axel and I won by only one point because of the other guys
sunk the eight ball and white ball at the same time. I was
around at the beginning when they had placed bets and we won
a hundred dollars. Axel offered all the money to me, but I
said we should split it fifty-fifty but he still insisted,
saying he didn't really need it anyway and that it was a
friendly gift. I was still reluctant to take it, but I did
with a smile and thank you.

     We were starting a second round of pool against two new
people when Taylor came on by, looking for me. "What are you
doing here?" he asked me like I had been told not to be
around here.

     "Just playing pool," I said with a slight shrug of my
shoulders.

     "Well, come on, there's better things to do," he said,
taking my arm but I didn't budge.

     "What's wrong with me simply playing pool, it's not
gonna kill anyone," I told him, putting my free hand on my
hip.

     "Yeah Caid, fuck off, he's not your bitch," Axel said
and a few people around us laughed. I watched as Taylor
became enraged.

     "You're walking on thin ice West; better watch your
back," Taylor threatened, pointing at him before storming
off. I watched him as he went before rolling my eyes and
turning back to the game.

     "What did he shove up his ass that died?" I asked to no
one in particular. People giggled as I lined up my next shot
and sunk the ball.

     I didn't see Taylor or the `Jock Lackeys' the rest of
night. Without having a ride from Taylor, I asked Axel if he
could give me ride home. He said that he didn't have an
extra helmet but was able to get one from one of his buddies
for me. With the sun setting so early during this time of
year, I checked my watch to see it was only 7:00 and figured
I could stick around here for at least a half hour before I
had to head home. Axel and I ended up challenging each other
at poker. We also did a little Black Jack and I ended up
winning. Zack always said I had a knack for winning at poker
games.

     When 7:30 rolled around, Axel and I left the barn and
walked to his bike. I thanked him again for being able to
give me ride home and he said it was no problem. He mounted
his motorcycle and started the engine before putting his
helmet on. I slid on my helmet and mounted the motorcycle
behind him. "Hold on!" he yelled and I wrapped my arms
around his waist as he took off.

     I slid off the bike and took the helmet off. "Wow; that
was a fast ride. I've never been on a motorcycle before," I
stated as Axel turned off the engine.

     "Really? You've never been on a motorcycle before at
all?" he asked, looking strangely at me for moment. I felt
my cheeks blush.

     "No, there are lots of things I haven't done yet," I
told him, handing him the helmet I used. He took it and laid
it in his lap.

     "Really, what kind of things?" he asked, a twinkle in
his eyes.

     "Ha, ha, wise guy. Well, thanks again for the ride,
I'll se you tomorrow." As I turned to leave, Axel grabbed my
arm and pulled me to him for a kiss. My eyes drifted shut as
his lips moved against mine.

     "There's something you can check off the list," he said
softly. I laughed lightly at his comment before slowly
pulling away. "See you tomorrow then," he said before he
started his motorcycle and drove off. I stood on the
sidewalk, running a finger over my lips before I smiled and
turned to go inside the apartment complex.