Very late and hectic

The party lasts until evening. You have a few more encounters with half-naked (and completely naked) guys and girls. You also drink a little, but much less than most of the others. Later a group of girls have a Beach Volleyball competition. Once everyone is full the guys make a fire with a few pieces of leftover coal. You and the other sober guys prepare a bucket of water and frame the fire with stones from the lake.

Later the sun goes down and on the horizon and the moon rises. You remember to talk to your girlfriend and head home. It's already later than usual and you don't want her to get in trouble. Luckily she is easy to find. She lays on the lakeside again and enjoys the sunset. Or at least you thought so. When you are closer, you can see that she is sleeping.

You shake your head seeing this. A few minutes ago you saw Candy (now completely naked) with a permanent marker. Now you see her “art” on your girlfriend's body. There are two arrows on her boobs with the text: MINE, another text on her lower belly, right above her bikini pantie says: Property of Max.

“How nice of her,” Tom, who is next to you, laughs, “can I take a picture?”

You refuse to answer and lean down to your girlfriend. Then you kiss her awake. The sun is still bright, especially for her, so she closes her eyes halfway.

“Hey, my love,” you say and sit down next to her, “slept well?”

“Hi,” Jenny purrs, “I did. I chatted with the girls and we played beach Volleyball. I lost but it was exciting. And exhausting. I slept in the sun like a rock.”

“I see,” you answer smiling and point to the text on her skin, “your friend Candy hasn't missed the opportunity.”

“Damn bitch,” Jenny growls, but still smiles, “when Candy is drunk she is out of control. Well, seems like I'll have to punish her on Monday. Fuck. I have to wash this off. Hope I didn't tan unevenly. What marker did she use? My skin itches.”

“Do you have a sunburn?” you ask smiling, “I could have put sunscreen on you, especially on some of your... special parts.”

“No it's...” she says and suddenly stops in shock, “Max, how late is it?”

“It's evening,” you answer “the sun's gone down, and the moon is rising. It's a wonderful crescent moon as well. I thought I should wake you up because you have to go.”

“Rising moon?” Jenny repeats in terror and jumps up, “that's bad. Very bad. I have to go. Sorry I can't stay any longer.”

“Wait what's up?” you ask surprised, “why so much hurry?”

“Sorry, no time,” Jenny says and runs to her car, “can't give you a lift home. Please ask Tom and call me tomorrow.”

“That was strange,” Tom says, who is still right behind you, “ She didn't even look at me, but that's not a problem. I'll drop you home later if you don't mind staying here a little longer. And stay sober because I don't think I can drive anymore.”

“Thanks, Buddy,” you answer, “I don't really understand her, but I'll talk to her tomorrow. And don't worry, I'm sober.”

You wander around a bit, thinking of dancing a bit with the other people or sitting at the fire for a while. You decide to do the latter. It's a little cold outside but the fire is more than enough to warm you. You sit there for a few minutes and relax. Then Leyla appears.

“Hey, can I sit down here?” she asks unsure.

“It's your party and your mother's lake house, so I have no right to drive you away,” you answer smiling, “get comfy, as much as your ass allows.”

“Don't remind me,” Leyla replies and sits down, “it healed hours ago. It's not the first time I've got my ass spanked. To be honest I like it somehow. I heard Jenny left you here as a helpless prey for my hungry girls. They will try to seduce you because they know you are unavailable for them.”

“I'll survive,” you answer smiling, “did you see what Candy…”

“I did,” Leyla interrupts, “everyone did. Candy is currently in the guest room sleeping off her intoxication. In the end, she was too drunk to have sex with her own boyfriend. But I'm not here for her. I'm here to talk with you about Tom.”

“Tom?” you ask unsure, “what about him?”

“Well, I know you've been his friend for a long time,” Leyla explains, “and I've known him for some years too. An hour ago he asked me if I would want to go on a date with him. I really like him and we don't have much time until we all graduate college. I enjoy my life as a bitchy party queen and I will not change immediately but I thought it would be time for a more serious relationship. Like the one you and Jenny have.”

“Well, it's far from being perfect,” you say, “all the secrets around her are a problem for a serious relationship. But I know what you mean. And I'm really happy for you. It's a great feeling to love someone.”

“That's nice of you to say,” Leyla thanks you, “I don't want to cause trouble between you. And if it doesn't work I don't want you or Jenny to stand between the chairs at some point. So, it's not a problem for you?”

“Of course not,” you say and caress Leyla's back, “I'm really happy for you. You will make a wonderful couple.”

“That's great of you,” Leyla says and hugs you, before she leans back and looks in the stars, “I know we've been friends for years. I just wanted to talk to you and Jenny before I do something stupid. You three are the only people here that would still keep close to me if I were poor.”

You take a deep breath. It would be great for Leyla and Tom to be a couple. Leyla can be arrogant sometimes and Tom acts like a typical college teen who only cares about parties and girls. But you know them for a long time and they are honest people inside. They deserve to be happy. Your thoughts are suddenly interrupted when your mobile phone rings. The number is from your girlfriend's home. You wonder if she is already at home. Leyla shrugs her shoulder but seems curious too. You hope she is not in trouble because it's so late. You increase the sound so both of you can hear the call.

“Hello?” you ask surprised, “this is Max, Leyla is next to me. Who is calling?”

“Hello Max,” says the voice of Jennys dad, “sorry to bother you, but is my daughter still with you? I need to speak with her immediately.”

“No, she is not here,” you answer, “Jenny left the party in a hurry half an hour ago. She took the car so she must be at home in a few minutes.”

“I see,” your girlfriend's father answers nervously, “well, I hope you are right. She is not here and it's already quite dark. But if you say she is on her way everything is fine.”

“Do you want me to search for her?” you ask worried, “I can ask Tom to borrow his car and ...”

“No, no, that's not necessary,” Jenny's father interrupts you harshly, “thanks for the offer but I can do this by myself. Just … enjoy your party as long as you want. I'm sure that's what she would want. But if you see her car somewhere I would be grateful if you call me. You don't have to look after her, just call me. Well, have a good night.”

He hangs up and you don't get a chance to answer. Leyla looks at you unsure.

“Jenny's dad always was a little weird for me but this was strange even for him,” Leyla mumbles with a raised eyebrow. “do you … want to look for her? I heard what he said but if she were my girlfriend I would want to look for her.”