Unexpected

Gabby the Chicken

We're seated in a haphazardly arranged circle with our backs pressed to couches and an empty wine bottle now situated in the center of us.

"Gabby should go first, since it's her first game." Alex proposes, and the others nod in agreement.

"Whew, alright. Let me have a word with my date first." As I lift the bottle of vodka up to my lips, Austin leans over and murmurs, "Zach's not your date?"

I pause with the bottle poised at my lips, glancing to Zach who's watching Austin and I with careful brown eyes. I avert my eyes from his, waving Austin away from my ear with my hand then take a swig. After shuddering from another brief burn to the throat, I lean forward soundlessly and twist the bottle into a spinning motion. It slows until the top is unmistakably pointed at Alex.

I think for a moment, my eyes lifting to the ceiling for inspiration, until I give up and settle for, "When did you and Sarah start going out?"

Robert begins booing to which Zach says, "We play to destroy lives, Gab. The house should be in flames by the time that cup is empty. Think of something juicier."

"You're all are insane." I respond, chuckling. "Okay, let me think."

Austin begins humming the Jeopardy song and I shoot him a glare.

"Okay..." I start, thinking of something up to the room's standards despite the grinning brown haired boy beside me. "Where's the craziest place you and Sarah have done the nasty?"

A couple ooohs echo around and I watch as Alex's face turns red. He glances uncertainly to Sarah, who gives him a nod of encouragement.

"Robert's room."

My hand flies to my mouth as I attempt to hide my shocked grin while Austin lets out a gleeful laugh from beside me.

"Dude, what the fuck. When?!" Robert shouts, causing Alex to go even redder and begin laughing nervously.

"Okay, moving on. Nice one.... Gab." Austin interjects, ignoring Robert as he continues to prod a tomato red Alex.

I'm not paying attention to Austin as he says any of this, instead conversing secretively with Sarah who informs me that her and Alex's rendezvous occurred while everyone was sleeping over at Robert's last year during finals.

"Naughty!" I exclaim almost proudly, diverting my attention to Austin right as he begins spinning the bottle. My thoughts of Sarah stall in their place as I watch the green bottle slow until it's pointed directly at me. I nearly sigh, but hold it back to save Austin the satisfaction.

"Of course. What you got for me then, dingus?" I ask him. His hazel eyes study me, as he undoubtedly contemplates the most damaging question possible. I hold his gaze, waiting. The once rowdy crowd has now fallen silent, and I can only guess they've also got their reservations about this particular scenario as I watch Austin's eyes twinkle with mischief. The corner of his lips twitch upwards, and that's when I know he's thought of what he wants to ask me.

I wouldn't be surprised if the room has stopped breathing as he asks, "What would it take for you to go on a date with me?" His eyes never leave mine, daring me with their focused gleam.

"Ask her a real question, Austin." I can hear Zach say off to the side.

"It's got to be a hard question, right? That pushes boundaries? Seems like a pretty juicy question if you ask me." He states, only momentarily glancing to Zach before resuming our stare down.

"It would take hell freezing over. Robert's turn." I bite back, a sour tone taking hold of my voice.

"That's not a real answer. I can pick to dare you for that." He says matter-of-factly, not seeming at all phased by my reply.