Chasing Nikki

PART ONE: Chapter One

PART ONE

   Chapter One 

    

    I took a deep drag from the joint before passing it to the girl next to me. She clasped it easily, lifting it between her plump lips. I watched her inhale deeply before I looked away, turning back to concentrate on the fire dancing in the dirt ring before me. My eyes wouldn't adjust though, and it kept swimming in and out of focus. 

    Man, I'm cross-faded already, I thought. Then again it would probably be more surprising if I weren't, considering how much I'd been partying lately. If I were being totally honest, my days were starting to run into one another. My life was definitely not what it had been before . . . everything . . ., but I didn't want to think about that. 

    I reached for the bottle of beer sitting on the ground and lifted it, taking a heavy swig. I didn't even notice the bitter taste anymore. I was feeling numb, and that's exactly the way I wanted it.

    "Hey, Chase." The girl leaning against me nuzzled the underside of my jaw line, placing a little kiss there as she traced a finger down my chest. "Wanna get out of here and go someplace we can be alone?"

     "Maybe later . . . um . . . ," I chuckled as I pushed her away slightly with my elbow.

    "What's so funny?" She stuck her bottom lip out in a pout as she stared at me.

    "The fact I can't remember your name," I replied bluntly.

    "You're a jerk!" she said, shoving me and walking away.

    I caught myself before I fell to the side. "Yes, I am!" I shouted at her retreating figure, and I tossed back another long swallow of beer. I did feel sort of sorry. I really should remember, seeing as we'd been dating for weeks now.

    I glanced to where my friend, Connor, was making out with his girlfriend. It was funny, but I could remember his name fine. I gave another chuckle and leaned against the large rock behind me, closing my eyes. I must not be blitzed enough yet.

     

    Someone shook me, and I woke with a start, not realizing I'd fallen asleep. For a moment, I was unsure where I was. 

    "Hey, buddy. Where are your keys?" Connor's voice broke into my hazy thoughts.

    "Keys?" I questioned, confused.

    "Yeah. You're too drunk to drive, and my mom is threatening to send my dad looking for me if I'm not home in the next thirty minutes."

    "Not cool."

    "Yep. Party's over, bro." 

    I grabbed my beer and slowly got to my feet while Connor hollered over his shoulder for the two girls to get in the truck.

    He turned toward me, narrowing his eyes a bit before letting out a laugh. "Feeling a little unsteady there?"

    "Maybe," I replied with a grin.

    My friend offered me an arm, and I leaned heavily against him for support as we made our way to the vehicle. I briefly handed my drink to one of the girls in the truck so I could reach into my pocket to drag out the keys and hand them to Connor.

    He helped me inside and closed the door before going around to the driver's side.

    "Be careful with my truck. It's my baby," I joked as we started off down the bumpy road.

    "It's in better hands than yours right now," Connor ribbed back.

    "I thought I was your baby," the girl beside me said, squeezing my thigh with her fingers.