There’s Always an End
Song: Lonely People—America
1:00 AM
The night was coming to a close as The Matches worked with Jesse to add their influence to the song.It reminded me of how “Dive In” sounded.Even though I was a fan of their newer album, it was different.Their latest album told one person’s perspective, making it limited.The song was beautiful.It was how bands should work together.It was up for debate whether Jesse behaved so well because we were there or if the alcohol was wearing off.Nevertheless, I was happy everyone was getting along, and music was being made in my presence.
Ronny and the woman came out of the airstream to see what Jesse was doing.The woman kneeled to my level.“Isn’t he wonderful?”she asked, enchanted by his talent.
“He definitely can be,” I replied.I was unsure what to think after he threw the bottle at The Matches and us.He made Darren’s song into a masterpiece.He couldn’t be that bad if he was so great at making music.
Ronny said, “Once Jesse sobers up, he kicks the girls he parties with to the curb.”
The woman huffed.“I knew he wouldn’t keep me around very long, but a good time is a good time.He’s not the first famous person I’ve been around.”
I wouldn’t be able to spend time with someone without getting attached.I was already struggling not to make any mistakes with Darren.I applauded the woman’s ability to live without the thought of consequences, and how she surrounded herself with famous personalities.
My eyes drooped, and my vision became hazy.My arms were heavy spaghetti noodles.I wasn’t used to staying up so late.
The woman was ushered and pushed out of the campground by Ronny.
“Well, safe travels, I guess.It was nice meeting you.Hey, I never caught your name,” I said, yawning.
“Thanks, beautiful baby.I am off to find another band to follow around.I know one that’s going on tour soon and they will let me stay with them.Have fun with these people.Don’t get too stuck on them.There is much more out there.My name isn’t important,” she said, sashaying away.
I didn’t know where she disappeared to.It wasn’t like there were taxis in Moose Creek.I think that woman would have followed the wind if she could.
“You look like you need a nap,” Betsy told me.
“I know I do, but I can’t fall asleep here.I probably should go home.My mom and James will be worried sick.”
Betsy nodded.“Yeah, at least your parents will be happy for you and won’t mind.I don’t know what Darren will do when he has to go home.I can just tell my parents I fell asleep at your house, and they won’t question it.Or I could crawl through the window and pretend I was never gone.”
The song needed to be polished more thoroughly, but the Matches were also losing steam.Eventually, Mason said, “Hey, Jesse, why don’t we drop these kids off back in town and pick this back up tomorrow?”
“I don’t want to quit, but we should take them home.They are starting to look bleak,” he said with respect.
Keith looked at him as if he had turned into a different person, but the band began packing up their stuff so we could leave.
“Hey, Darry!Can I drive you and your friends home?”Jesse asked.
“Uh...”
“I can drive them.You can tag along.It's better if we take a back road.I would rather not run into that comically sad sheriff again,” Mason said.I was thankful that Jesse was going to tag along, and it was good he wasn’t driving after he drank.
“All right.Ron fetch Mason the keys.”
Mason got into the driver’s seat.Jesse called shotgun, so Tonya and Keith sat with us in the back.Thomas and Betsy rode in the row before us, leaving Fawn to lay on my shoes, bone tired.Darren looked so cute next to me.He was slouched over and his eyes had bags under them, but even then, he looked handsome.
That night proved Darren was worthy of being my boyfriend.He was kind and considerate, could play music, and didn’t push my boundaries.I couldn’t believe I had not seen Darren in that way before.
My only concern was if he would stay with me.How could we be together when I only saw him in the summer months?We were only going to be sophomores and had a couple more years of school.He would get bored and call it quits before next summer.It wasn’t a good idea.Then, our friendship would be over for nothing.I also thought about James and how he was hurting.I knew that for James to feel better, we would have to go home.Even though we did not talk to each other as much as we used to, I owed him.I owed James everything.
I wrapped my arm under Darren’s armpit to cuddle up to him.His irises dilated, forming big black holes.I scooted closer to him.The leather seats made the hair on the back of my calves stand up.I leaned my head onto his shoulder and rested my eyes.He followed my motion and tilted his head onto mine.His warm skin was comforting, and his shirt smelled like baby powder and cotton.I wanted to savor the moment.It would be the last time I would get to be romantic with him.I couldn’t jeopardize our friendship.He would be a good boyfriend to someone, just not me.The next day, I would have tell him it was a mistake, that I wasn't ready for a boyfriend, and that I couldn’t take the risk.Even if Darren disagreed, he would accept my decision because he wanted what was best for me.
Mason drove on the backroads until he crept into town.It was agreed that they would drop Thomas and Betsy off first.Betsy’s parents would be upset if she came home late, so I was anxious to see if they would believe her story.The bus spilled into her driveway.Mason turned off the headlights to avoid being noticed.
Betsy smiled at us as she gathered her purse and belongings.“It was a treat to meet all of you!It’s not every day that you get to meet someone famous.I doubt I will see you again, so thanks for the fun night!Don’t forget to try out your new 8-track, Penny,” she said before she kissed Thomas and told him she would see him soon.
