Possessed by Love

Jason.

My alarm beeps next to me, and I hit the snooze button, wanting the extra few minutes. The chill in the air makes me want to pull the covers back over my head.

On the second beep of the alarm, the cool October air seeps in through the crack in the window as I stretch my arms above my head and yawn. I had taped it up, but it really needs replacing, and I’m the one who has to pay.

My mom is still mad at me for throwing a boot at my younger brother, who was standing in front of it at the time. He knows I am in love with Abby, but she has been with Kyle for the last three years. She is my dream girl in my eyes, but she is also a friend. My brother loves to tease me about it.

Last week Kyle dumped her out of the blue, and Abby came to me crying. I was ready to punch his lights out because of how much he had hurt her, but she held me back, said he wasn’t worth it.

Secretly I was glad he’d broken up with her, but Tank, who is supposed to be a friend, has been hovering around her as well.

Tank’s personality can be rough around the edges, yet our passion for cars at the garage has made us friends.

With women though, we are completely different. Tank is a guy who likes to fuck and fuck around. I, on the other hand, am still trying to pluck up the courage to ask Abby to be my girlfriend.

The pain of consoling the woman I love, as she cries over another man’s actions, is almost unbearable.

I’ll see you at about 6pm?

I sent her a quick text just to confirm that she is still coming. I couldn’t let her sit alone, dwelling on Kyle; besides, I wanted to be the person who made her smile. When I receive a smiley face, I grin. I really hope she turns up.

During the day, we complete several easy car repairs, and then one turns out to be more time-consuming. As we work, we throw the usual banter about the garage.

Richie is the guy who owns the garage, and a decent one at that. He isn’t out to screw anyone over. We fix what needs to be done and advise customers if we find additional issues.

With the shift over, I get cleaned up before I head home. Tank is on his phone talking loudly to whom I can only guess is Liam — his best friend.

“You are joking? Yes, I’m in!” Tank is grinning from ear to ear; excitement pulsing through his body. “That’s a fucking outstanding idea; we will have all the girls screaming.” He laughs loudly, and I wonder what the hell they are planning.

Puzzled, I hang about until he finishes the call. In only catching one side of the story, I knew they were planning a party of some sort.

“Well, this is gonna be a blast.” Tank slaps me on my back as he finishes the call.

“So, what are you planning with Liam?” I run my fingers through my hair and wait for his response.

“You know that old house? I sent Liam, who took Ben with him, and they checked it out. If we bring a couple of generators and stuff, we can rig it up with lights and music. We’re going to throw a Halloween party there.” Tank is rubbing his hands together; I can tell more ideas are flooding into his head.

I cover my face with my hands and groan. There is a reason no one goes near that house. Because of its seclusion and I’d consider it unsafe, I cannot imagine how they will convince a group of girls to go there; especially since it is located in the woods.

Tank slaps me on my back. “Just imagine everyone dressed up. We will have spooky lights throughout the house, booze flowing, and music pumping through a speaker system Liam has from his car outside. We can have music players in different rooms, games set up. Shit, imagine the fun we can have scaring the girls who come; they will be leaping into our arms.” He licks his lips, and I know exactly what he is thinking.

I shake my head at him and grab the keys to my car. I have work tomorrow, so I’m not drinking too much tonight. Tank, as much as he loves cars, he doesn’t own one. Reason: for being a dickhead and losing his licence two years ago for DUI. He was lucky not to get banged up.

I arrive home, and Mom is busy in the kitchen. “How was work, honey?” She turns as I walk in.

“Good, I’m going to grab a shower as I’m meeting Abby later on.”

“You should invite her round; it has been ages since we last saw her.” Mum gives me a sad look.

I know she hasn’t been around, as Kyle has made things difficult for us, and I also found it hard to sit and listen to my mom go on about Kyle all the time. Unfortunately, my parents are friends with Kyle’s parents, and they act as if nothing has happened. I sigh as I had previously told mum about why I don’t speak to Kyle anymore.

“Mom, I told you, Kyle broke up with her. This will be the first time Abby has been out since then.” I huff out at her.

“No need to get moody with me; I only asked that you invite her around.” Mom snaps back at me. “And don’t you roll your eyes at me Jason, you may be 25 years old, but I can still tell you off.” Mom waves the spatula she had in her hand at me.

“Okay, I’ll ask her.” I give Mom a kiss on her cheek and head upstairs for a shower.

I chose my blue faded jeans and a black t-shirt to wear, topping it off with my boots and leather jacket. I slick my hair back with some gel and dab a bit of my favorite cologne.

Bouncing down the stairs, I meet Mark, my younger brother, sitting and eating his dinner already.

“Oh good, you have come to join us!” Mom grabs a plate and puts it down for me.

I was just going to have a sandwich from Archie’s before I met Abby, but with the trouble Mom has gone to, I sit and eat with the family.

“Thanks, Mom, that was lovely.” I rinse my plate and slot it in the dishwasher before I put my jacket back on and pick up my keys. “See you later.” I call out as I leave the house.

I am only a ten-minute walk away from the pub, and it gives me a chance to walk off some of the food. I check my phone to see if there have been any messages.

Several on my Facebook Messenger, all from the guys who have all been included in the Halloween house party idea.

Tank - Jason, you better start telling the girls!

Ben - I’m sorting out the lights; how many do we need?

Liam - Jason, can you sort out some pumpkins as well?

Tank - I’ve got two generators organized; we just need to go organize decorations in the house. Can you gather some girls to do that, Jason?

Harry - If we tell everyone to bring some booze each, then we will have plenty, but I can get a couple of kegs of beer as well.

“What the fuck has Tank been telling everyone?” I haven’t even agreed on anything with him, and here I am getting messages to do stuff. Yeah, I know I’m more likely to talk the girls into coming to the party, but it would be nice just to be asked properly instead of it being shoved in my face as usual.

Being five minutes early, I go inside and look around, hoping that Abby has already arrived. I don’t see her, so I lean on the bar and ask for a small beer while I wait. I hope she shows up.