Free Spark by Jennifer Ryder

‘coming out as a couple’ party. It’s kind of exciting.
    I busy myself making drinks, and putting out snacks. Hostess with the mostess type stuff. I chat briefly to a few of the girls, but none of them really have anything exciting to report. Most are studying at uni, and struggling to pay bills, like me. Everyone seems to have a comment about Jon and I getting together—all positive, of course. Their lives must really be boring, if that’s what they want to talk about, but it’s nice to hear the compliments.
    Jon’s been wearing a proud smile all night, and no matter where I am in the room, when I find him, his eyes are already on me. It’s nice to see him happy. Not that he seemed unhappy before, it’s just I’m more aware that he is.
    The way he looks at me has changed, though. There is nothing but adoration. No doubt he wants to see the same look mirrored in my eyes. Can I love him? Can I create romantic feelings for him out of thin air? I shy away from his gaze, praying he can’t see through me, that he can’t see what I’m really feeling: total confusion.
    “Jon finally found the courage to ask you out, huh?” Scott nudges my arm, and winks at me.
    “Yeah, he did,” I say, and give a fleeting smile.
    “I think it’s great. He’s been hung up on you for ages. Years, even.”
    Yes, Jon made me aware of this, but I didn’t know it was common knowledge. How did I not hear the idle gossip?
    I nod and smile.
    “So, was it weird for you being friends, and now going out?” Geez, personal much? How am I supposed to respond to that? I gulp down the last half of my drink in one hit. Still the same wanker he always was.
    “Jon’s a great guy, so I’m lucky if you ask me. If you’ll excuse me, I’m just gonna get another drink.” I smile, and move away. Instead of filling up my cup, I join Jon, who is chatting with a few guys. He puts his arm around my shoulder, and pulls me close. He’s being particularly affectionate tonight. My own life-size teddy bear.
    Everyone seems to be gearing up to go out. Jon’s place is pretty small, and with more than ten of us, it’s overcrowded. Some of the girls are keen to dance, and the single guys are probably looking to pick up. The plan was to have drinks here and then go out to the city, but the way the walls are wobbling right now, I may need a bucket. I think someone spiked the punch with more vodka.
    I pull Jon aside. “I don’t think I can go out,” I whisper.
    “Are you okay?” He frowns.
    “Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve just had too much to drink. I’ll feel better with some water and something to eat. I just wouldn’t wanna embarrass you by throwing up. You go out. I don’t want to spoil your night.”
    “As if you’d spoil my night. I’ll stay. I’d much rather be here with you.” He runs his hand through my hair, and wraps his arms around me. He’d rather be here with me, hey? He seems to have his confidence back from last weekend. I’m relieved that he’s over it. It was just a small blip. No big deal.
    “Are you sure?” I blink a few times, and try to focus on his eyes. It’s not that I don’t want him to stay—I’d rather him be here with me, than be alone at his place. I just don’t want him to regret not partying with his friends. I don’t want to be one of those girlfriends.
    “Yes,” he says, wrapping a protective arm around my shoulders, and marching me to the kitchen. “Now, let’s get you some water.”
    By the time everyone leaves, and we clean up a bit, my vision is almost back to normal, and I’m seeing one of everything instead of two.
    “Come on, I think that’s enough cleaning up for one night,” Jon says, and takes my hand. He walks backwards, and I follow wearily until we reach his bedroom. He flicks on the bedside lamp, and I flop back onto the bed. In an unladylike fashion, I hiccup loudly. Shit.
    I unzip my black knee-high boots, and groan with relief as I toss them on the floor. Much better . My head