the first time

I laughed, molasses giggles accompanied by a stuttering hiccup.

I burped and apologized, wincing at the after taste of the vodka.

The kitchen tiles were sticky from spilled soda,

A single light illuminating footprints on the floor,

I clasped my friend's fingers to mine, erupting into laughter once more.

She handed me her cup and I drank,

Soda fizzling like TV static,

Burning alcohol scorching my throat.

He walked in smiling and I reached my hand out to hold his,

And we swung,

Two drunken pendulum attempting to dance.

He dipped me and planted a peck on my lips,

Giddy with whiskey,

"I love you."

"What?"

The pendulums stopped, rocked,

Stumbling for footing on the ground,

And he walked away, back to the room he had just left.

My friend was the only constant, sipping her drink from across the counter.

"You want another shot?"