Free The Falls by Eric Walters

was only a dozen feet away, but he was invisible to me until he waved his hand. I walked closer but kept some distance to let him have his privacy.
    â€œMan, this feels good,” Timmy said. “I was just about to bust a kidney.”
    â€œThat’s what happens when you drink a two-four.”
    â€œI didn’t drink it all. I shared, including with that Candice girl you like.”
    â€œYou did?”
    â€œI did.” I heard him doing up his zipper and he turned and walked to my side. “I figured your best chance was if she was at least partially drunk. You know, the more she drinks the better you’ll look.”
    â€œThanks for the vote of confidence. I still would have liked more than one beer for me,” I said.
    â€œAnd that’s why you can have more than one. I stashed two beers.”
    â€œYou did!”
    â€œI did. Even put ’em where they’d stay cold ’cause I know you don’t like ’em warm. Put ’em in that little creek, just by the big rock.”
    â€œThanks, Timmy, I really appreciate it.”
    â€œI told ya, I take care of my friends. You should go down and get ’em . . . but not alone. You should take somebody with you.”
    â€œHaven’t you already had enough to drink?” I asked. I wasn’t grateful enough to want to split the last two beers with him.
    â€œNot me, you idiot! Take somebody you want to share things with,” he said. “How about, like maybe, that Candice girl? Wouldn’t you like to share a few things with her, man?”
    I didn’t answer.
    â€œAsk if she wants another beer. If she says yes, then the two of you go off to get ’em. Just think, a cold beer, a girl you like, privacy, and darkness. Darkness may be the only thing that makes you look better than alcohol.”
    â€œShut up, Timmy.”
    â€œAfter everything I’ve done for you, you’re telling me to shut up?”
    He had been pretty thoughtful. I mumbled an apology.
    â€œThat’s better. Sounds pretty good, don’t it?”
    â€œI don’t know.”
    â€œWhat don’t you know? You like her, right?”
    â€œI don’t really know her.”
    â€œWould you like to get to know her?” Timmy asked. “’Cause that would involve you having to talk. So go.”
    â€œI will. I’m just waiting for the right moment.”
    â€œThat moment better be right now before somebody else hits on her.”
    I spun around to face the clearing. She was still sitting there, talking to that girl. “I don’t see anybody. Who’s going to hit on her?”
    â€œMe.”
    â€œYou?”
    â€œYeah, look at her . . . she’s hot.”
    â€œI thought we were friends,” I gasped.
    â€œWe are. And that’s why I’m giving you a warning, a head start, and a push all at once. You want her, you go and get her. If you don’t, then I’m gonna put a move on her and you can have her friend.”
    â€œHer friend? You mean the girl with her?”
    Timmy nodded.
    â€œBut she’s . . . she’s . . .”
    â€œUgly?” Timmy asked.
    â€œI didn’t say that.”
    â€œBut I bet you were thinking it. She’s all yours.” He paused. “But if you want that Candice girl instead, thenyou’ve got the next two minutes. Use it or lose it, man.” Timmy smiled. “It’s now or never.”
    We walked back into the light, and I felt open and exposed, like every eye was on me. Every eye, of course, except for Candice’s. She hadn’t seen me go and she hadn’t noticed me return.
    â€œGo on,” Timmy said as he gave me a little push. He went and sat back down while I slowly circled around the fire until I stood in front of Candice, between her and the fire. She was still lost in conversation, unaware I was there until her friend looked up at me. Candice looked up and smiled. Thank