The guys were right on time & we piled into the 2 cars. I ended up in Kevin's car with A.J. next to me on one side and Jera on the other in the back and Howie in the front. Nick and Jessy ended up together in Brian's car with Renee and Melissa with them putting me in a glum mood.

I was amazed by the club when we went in. It was incredible. Being the gutsy girl I am, I decided to walk up to Nick to ask him to dance but as I started he pulled Jessy onto the dance floor. That was the last thing I needed. I walked over to the table with the rest of the group and ordered a coke. Eventually though, everyone paired off with a dancing partner, except for A.J., who was momentarily in the men's room, and, of course, me. Howie was with Melissa, Kevin with Renee, and Brian with Jera. All I could see when I looked around was Nick & Jessy roaming each other's bodies.
I noticed a stray pitcher of beer and thought what the hell. Just as I was chugging it A.J. walked up.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" he asked.

"Hmmm.. that's a toughie. Putting an end to my misery? Just leave me alone." I said all but slurring every word. I guess it didn't take much to get me drunk since it was my first time.

"Girl, If this is about Nick, deal with it! He's into Jessy not you!" A.J. said.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, playing dumb.

"Oh, Come off it Laura. Quit this lying." A.J. said.

"God. How'd you know? Is it that obvious?" I asked.

"Yup. You never pay attention to us when we are talking. You're always staring at him. I can see the jealousy in your eyes when he pays attention to her. He's not worth it. He's only 15." A.J. said. I am though. Oh how I want you to look at me the way you do him. Just once is all I ask. How I wish I could tell you what I feel.

"I think I'm gonna be sick." I said as the reality of it all hit me. But oh how I want Nick. I need him or so I thought.

"Here sit down." He said holding out a chair.

"I want to go back to the hotel."

"Alright, I'll go tell the others we are leaving and we can call a cab." A.J. said.

"You don't have to go with me. Just stay and have fun." I said.

"I don't think so. It wouldn't be very hard for a guy to take advantage of your situation. Come on let's go." He said.

Thankfully he just told Kevin that I didn't feel well and he was going to take me back to the hotel. It wasn't a total lie.

******In the cab the way to the hotel--A.J.******

God, Why does she have to like him. She's so beautiful. Why doesn't he see it? Great, she's gone and passed out on me now. I could take this opportunity to...... NO! What did I just tell her I would make sure wouldn't happen if I took her. Right now she just needs a friend.
I guess I'll have to carry her to her room. I hope she has the key.
I carried her to her bed and put a cool washcloth on her forehead. I can't leave her alone I guess I'll have to call mom and tell her what's going on.

******back at the club******

Nick and Jessy were extremely tired after dancing for such a long time so they decided to head back to the table to chill for a little while. Everyone else was there when they arrived.

"Hey, where are Laura And A.J.?" Jessy asked.

"A.J. told me he was taking Laura back to the hotel b/c she didn't feel good." Kevin said.

"Yeah, Right. Why do I doubt that is the reason." Renee said smirking.

"You two were certainly grinding on the floor tonight." Jera said.

"Oh well it was fun." Jessy mumbled

"I'll bet." Mel said.

"Oh shut up. You all were too!" Jessy said.

"Well who's ready to head back?" Howie asked.

"I am." Mel said. "Come on girls we all need to get back. We have an early start tomorrow."

"Alright let's go" Renee said.

******Laura's hotel room.******
I woke not quite sure where I was and with a wet forehead.

"Oh my head." I said. "Where am I?" I asked when I saw A.J.'s lying form on the other side of the room.

"You're awake." A.J. said. "You got drunk at the club and told me you wanted to come back to the hotel so I brought you and her we are."

I suddenly remembered everything that happened.
"Oh God. I acted like such an ass to you. Why did you stay with me?" I asked.

"I couldn't just leave you here passed out." he said.

"Thank you A.J." I said just as I felt the need to throw up. "Excuse me." I ran into the bathroom.
I didn't here the door open or notice that he came in until I felt him pull my hair back behind me as he sat down next to me. I finished and couldn't help but lean back into him as he washed my face with the washcloth.
That night something connected between us as far as friendship and we got really close after this experience. I couldn't thank him enough for staying and taking care of me all night.