Designated Lover

A skinny young lady sighed as she pulled up to the last place you’d ever see her. A bouncing dance club. Exiting her vehicle, she walked up the burly doorwoman.



“Hello, Jasper. Too much to drink or thrown out?”



She pointed to her left.



“Both.”



A pudgy girl with messy hair sat slumped against the outside of the club.



“After her 6th daiquiri and third scuffle, we figured it was time to call you.”



This was an annoyingly common occurrence. Amethyst loved to party. And being her best friend, Pearl was usually called to haul her home. She pulled out her wallet, giving Jasper a $10 bill.



“Sorry for the trouble.”



She marched over, poking her in the cheek.



“Are you coherent enough to get in the car on your own?”



She looked up, a smile spreading across her face.



“Hey, P! You came to have fun with me!”



Pearl rolled her eyes, helping her to her wobbly feet.



“No, I’m taking you home.”



She stumbled slightly, grabbing her arm for balance.



“Home? I was gonna hit this other club across town. You mind giving me a lift?”



Pearl simply huffed, guiding her into the passenger seat of the car.



“All buckled in. And since you’ll pass out in 10 seconds and forget this...”



She looked around, just to make sure no one heard her.



“I love you, Amethyst.”



She groggily looked at her.



“Heh. You said you love me...”



And right on time, she fell asleep right there in the passenger seat.



“One of these days, I’ll tell you that while you’re sober.”



The next day.



“And she should emerge in 3, 2, 1...”



The door to Pearl’s guest room swung open, a badly hungover Amethyst slogging out.



“Pearl? You home? My head is killing me...”



She made her way to the kitchen, where Pearl was already ready with some strong coffee and a pair of sunglasses.



“Thanks, P. You’re the best...”



This was the normal routine. Helping Amethyst nurse her hangover, chit-chatting, then she was off. But the routine was about to be broken.



“Wait a minute...”



Taking a sip of her coffee, one fuzzy image from the night before became clear.



“Pearl...did you say you love me?”



Pearl nearly spit her own coffee out.



“What? That’s...I mean...I don’t...”



Even behind her sunglasses, Amethyst’s curious stare was obvious.



“I mean...”



To Hell with it.



“Yes. I love you, Amethyst.”



She composed herself.



“I always have.”



Amethyst set her coffee down on the counter.



“Is that why you always go out of your way to get me home?”



She had a sudden realization.



“Oh, man. Pearl...you loved me all this time. While I was out getting hammered almost every weekend?”



Pearl nodded.



“I worry about you. I know you’re young. But I always thought if I wasn’t there, something terrible might happen. I don’t want-”



Amethyst wrapped her in a hug.



“No more. I don’t ever wanna make you worry like that again. I’ll stop going out like that and-”



Pearl interrupted.



“No, Amethyst. I know you like going out and having fun. Just maybe...exercise moderation a little. For me?”



Amethyst nodded, releasing her from her hug.



“For you.”



She tried stealing a kiss, but Pearl actually turned away.



“Not until you brush your teeth. Thoroughly.”