safe and sound

Unless it’s real chocolate, no. Hah, you just got funny, Hunter. Where’d you learn that new trick?

It is real chocolate? I only learned from the best.

So no chance of you guys ever getting back together it seems? I’m sure it wasn’t an overreaction, since it’s… you know, it’s something you really don’t want to happen to you. Hell, if anything even remotely bad happens to Wyatt, I’ll be a crying mess but I’m really glad you’re fine now. You sure you don’t want any food?

I, uh'...— no, I don't think so. I mean, she's got a new boyfriend now anyway and I'm happy for her so... That's completely rational though because he's your baby and you look after him. Oh, uh'...— only if you were going to make something anyway, I don't want you to go out of your way or anything.

Yeah, that’s a cool story, Hunter, but I’m not your trash can, okay. Take that shit somewhere else. To Jesse probably. He likes free shit.

I, uh'...— well, I thought you might want one since it's just chocolate. Wait, so you don't like free stuff? Since when?

Not sad, it’s an opportunity, man. The year’s ending and you wanna do something wild and free for a change, right? She’s your chance. 

I mean, I suppose but, you never know, she could, uh'...— she could meet me, hate me and move onto you so I won't be getting my hopes up. I'll...— yeah, it's the end of the year though, time to be wild and free.

Don’t just get to know her, more. Do something. Get with her. Hook up with her. Do something wild tonight since the party’s tonight. 

Oh, I...— no, I couldn't. I mean, I would have only known her for, like, a few hours. Isn't that, uh'...— I don't know, a bit sad?

You and Isla have got the same problem, now that I think about it. Really? So I’m guessing somebody touched you tonight?

I, uh'...— yeah, it was a wreck when we were together. Every other word was an apology for one thing or another. Yeah, it...— it was just some guy on the street pushing past. It...— it was a massive overreaction. I'm fine now.

The fuck am I going to do with an advent calendar, Christmas is in two days, in case you haven’t noticed.

Yeah, I'm aware of that. But my, uh'...— my mom went to the store and got really excited because they were so cheap and brought home about ten so now I need to get rid of them.

If I could get a dollar for every time you apologized, I’d be richer than TJ. Really, it’s okay, Hunter. Here, I’ve got some. Anything else you want? Want to talk about it maybe?

It's probably getting annoying, sor— see, this is an actual problem. Thank you. I, uh'...— it's not a big deal. I'm just not a fan of being touched. It...— it, you know, kind of makes me want to rip my skin off.

Her name’s Maddie. Short for Madeline I think, and her family owns that posh restaurant near 6th Avenue. Total good girl in front of her parents but total wild child when they turn their backs. 

Oh, okay. Well, I'll, uh'...— get to know her? When's her party?

Yeah, but you know me, Evan. Come on, you didn’t come here just to disappoint me, did you?

I mean, I brought an advent calender. Doesn't that make it up to you?

The stuttering, your tone… I take it you’re her ex? What was your name? Spot? No, no, something different. Oh, yeah. You’re Hunter?

I, uh'...— yeah, it's Hunter. It's...— it's nice to meet you. Isla speaks very, uh'...— very highly of you.

You sure, man? Oh, the party’s hosted by this hot chick that I think you’ll like. She’s hot, rich and surprisingly intelligent. Junior in high school. Interested?

I, uh'...— I mean, I'm not disinterested. Do you know anything else about her? Like...— oh, I don't know, her name?

You don’t have to apologize. Really. I was just a little worried. Do you want anything? Some food? Water?

Well, I, uh'...— I'm sorry I worried you. Actually, I would really appreciate some water, if you don't mind.

I, uh'...— I was just saying, you're Ryan, right? Uh...— Isla's new boyfriend?

I’m only letting you in if your eggnog is more alcohol than actual eggnog.

Are...— are you really saying that to me? Hunter? Remember?

No, you don’t have to apologize, Hunter. Just tell me if you’re okay? And don’t bullshit me, okay? I’m a mom. I have a lie detector somewhere in my body. 

I, uh'...— I will be okay in a second. I just needed a minute to relax, sorry.

Something about a party but it sounds stupid now. You sure you’re okay?

No, no, it's not stupid, sorry. I...— I swear I'm fine. What about this party?