Andrew

The callow sun could be seen in the far distance when the restless teenagers sitting on the platform called it a day. Andrew Curtis, however, was still awake. He let out an exasperated yawn and looked at his Rolex; it was nearly six o’clock in the morning. Julian was passed out on his left side and Deb was stirring on his other side. He had no clue where Stevie was, but Ella was smoking a cigarette and staring into the eyes of the blaring headlights of cars, looking entirely remorse.  He wiped his glittery green eyes and grunted. His loosely curled golden brown hair was a mess and his veined muscular arms felt dirty. He was wearing a powder blue collared shirt and gray shorts that exposed his perfectly sculpted legs. He was pale with numerous freckles that coated his button nose. He was tall and thin; the perfect size for any woman. He was kind to everyone despite their differences in shape and size and all he wanted was for everyone to get along. He was gentle, bold, and wild, and he had no idea that anyone knew. 

He heard sudden footsteps come from behind him and when he looked to see who it was he wasn’t surprised whatsoever. It was Lana, her left hand placed over her right arm. Her gray eyes were shifting over her friend’s heads. A low, frustrated grunt escaped Andrew’s mouth. He was completely infatuated with her, but he could never disclose what she was thinking.

“School starts soon,” she said, “And Miles is passed out on the dance floor. He’s not looking too well.”

“Where’s Stevie?” Andrew asked, slipping his right hand as softly as he could from underneath Deb’s head. School started in a little less than two hours, and he did not want to ruin Deb’s day by announcing that Miles had possibly OD’d.

“She’s in there helping me,” she said impatiently, “Now will you please come in there and help us?” she pressed.

“I’m coming.” Andrew rose to his feet as fast as his body would let him and without excitement he shook Julian to consciousness. “Miles is passed out on the floor again” he whispered loud enough for only Julian to hear him. Ella began to rise, but Andrew motioned her to stay back. “Keep Deb company” he said, “Come in when she’s awake.” Ella nodded in understanding terms.

“God damnit” Julian groaned, rolling over and blundering to his feet. He was in pursuit of Lana before Andrew’s mind could  think of what to do next. He followed quickly into the club and saw the place was vacant. Andrew grew sick with the realization that no one had bothered to help Miles to his feet, but he quickly concluded that half of the people were just as intoxicated as he was. He suddenly felt grief for not being there for him when he fell. Off from the center of the dance floor he saw Stevie, Lana, and Julian crowded. Andrew picked up speed and towered over Miles’s unmoving body.

Moments later a paramedic’s team in white jackets rounded up around Miles. The teenagers scattered, desperately awaiting their friend’s fate. Stevie and Julian were talking quickly, but as quietly as they could manage. Andrew considered on grabbing the girls outside, but decided against it when he saw Lana’s pained  face.

“I’m not crying,” she said coolly, noticing him from the corner of her eye.

“I know,” Andrew said, “But I know you’re worried.” He moved closer and smelled her mint scented hair.

“Yeah, I’m **** worried” she said, drawing away from him, tears threatening her eyes.

By now Ella and Deb had entered the room; sleep in their eyes and confusion spread across their mouths. Stevie pranced over to them, explaining what had happened. Andrew saw Deb’s ocher eyes soften with sadness and Ella’s blues enlarge with surprise. She drew her hand close to her mouth and attempted to see past the men in white jackets. It was no use.

Andrew looked at the floor that was once occupied by people. It was still a wonder to him why no one had bothered to help the kid up from his collapse. He then looked at his friends, all their faces long with sadness and worry. He contemplated just how much longer they would be able to be there for one another, and knew the time on his Rolex was ruthlessly ticking away.