Teach Me How to Dougie

I could tell from the second I opened my eyes that I was hungover. I didn't really have much recollection of what had happened last night, but all I knew was that I felt absolutely awful. I was lying on my back, staring at the ceiling, my head pounding like a bass drum. The light that trickled through the window, around the edges of the curtains, felt like a spotlight pointed directly into my eyes.

I slowly realized that I was in Dougie's bed, but had no idea how I got there. Last thing I remembered, I was at the frat house with Holly.... Oh, shit.

I sat up, way too fast I soon realized. Dougie walked in just then, as my head filled with excruciating pain and tears flooded down my face. I felt like I had been hit by a truck. Dougie ran over to me, holding me close.

"Oh my gosh, are you okay? I'm glad you're awake."

I nodded slowly, not able to speak in fear that I would get sick or that the sound would make my head hurt. I couldn't stop the tears as they flowed.

Dougie scooted us both back so that we had our backs against the headboard, pillows behind us. He pulled me into his side and handed me a water bottle and a few Advil off of the table next to his bed. I took them, carefully sipping the water, which felt amazing against my dry, sore throat.

Dougie ran his fingers through my hair, soothing my tears away as my head raged on.

"So, do you remember anything from last night?"

I shook my head slowly, sipping the water again.

"Well, I guess I can fill you in."

Dougie proceeded to share the details of my adventures last night, and bits and pieces of what had happened flooded back into my memory. My heart dropped as I remembered the reason I had been so upset.

"Dougie, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have put you through that", I quietly croaked out, my head still pounding and my throat slowly becoming less dry.

"If anyone should be sorry, it's me. I didn't realize that picture had been taken and didn't check my Twitter all day. I should've known it would look bad and I just feel awful for making you think I had cheated on you."

"I appreciate your apology, but I guess I'm just overreacting again. I guess I just get nervous when I see pretty girls like that around you. It's-" Dougie cut me off, turning to face me a little more.

"Pretty girls? Chloe, you're prettier than any of those girls. Scratch that, you're not pretty, you're beautiful. Why don't you see that?"

I sighed, trying to stay calm although my headache had subsided a little.

"How can I feel good about myself around girls like that? They all have perfect bodies and perfect hair and perfect smiles. I'm not perfect at all, so it's hard to feel adequate next to them."

"You're right, you're not perfect. But I don't want someone who's perfect. I want someone real, someone who can make me feel happier than I ever had before. I want you!"

I sighed, cuddling closer into Dougie.

"I don't know why you'd want me, after you had to put up with all my shit last night."

Dougie covered his eyes and shook his head.

"Seriously, Chlo?" He stood up and walked over to the door, pacing back and forth before finally turning to me. "I love you! I love you more than I have ever loved anyone! Why don't you see that? I don't know what else I can do to prove that to you."

He shrugged his shoulders after a few moments of silence.

"Maybe I can't."

He stormed out, slamming the door. I winced at the sound and buried myself under the covers, letting the tears come.
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I woke up a few hours later, my headache barely a dull pulse. I still felt a little off, but overall felt like I was only hit by a bike as opposed to a semi. I pushed myself off the bed, noticing that I was wearing one of Dougie's shirts. I grabbed one of the extra blankets off of the end of the bed and wrapped it around myself, opening the door and quietly shuffling into the living room.

Ryan was sitting on the couch, and looked up at me, a shy smile on his face.

"Good morning Chloe. How are you?"

I faked a smile and shrugged my shoulders, assuming that he had probably heard Dougie storm out earlier. I walked over and sat on the couch next to Spoons, leaning my head on his shoulder. He put his arm around me and patted my arm, as we sat in silence. Ryan always knew when to push a conversation and when to just relax. I was thankful for the relationship we had developed since I had started seeing Dougie. He was definitely a nice balance to the craziness of Reilly's personality.

Reilly walked out of the bathroom then, towel around his waist. I shielded my eyes as he walked towards the couch.

"What, don't want to get a chance to look at the best body on the team?"

I groaned and shook my head, as Reilly walked into the kitchen.

"Hey, I'm assuming these are for you." I felt something land in my lap, and uncovered my eyes to see the flowers that Reilly had tossed to me from the kitchen counter.

They were peach colored roses, which were my favorite. Attached was a note that read:

Sorry for storming out earlier. It's just hard to see someone I care about so much not realize how amazing they are. I would never do anything to jeopardize our relationship or hurt you. I hope you can learn to accept that.

Love, Dougie

I smiled and put the flowers on the table, standing up off of the couch and starting to walk back to Dougie's room. I left the blanket where I sat and heard a whistle as I walked away, whipping around to stare down Reilly. He put up his hands in defense and pointed at Ryan, who sat on the couch oblivious to the whole situation.

"HA! Yeah right, Reilly. Grow up."

Reilly laughed as I walked into Dougie's room, picking up my phone to call him. After a few rings, he picked up.

"Chloe-"

I cut him off.

"Thank you so much for the flowers, Dougie. And the note. I guess I've just always had a tough time with my confidence and I question everyday how I have someone as great as you in my life. The whole jealousy thing is just something I'll have to work on. I know that you'd never do anything to hurt me but, I dunno, it's just hard sometimes to remember that. I love you so much, though."

"I love you more than anything, Chlo. I'll bring you flowers everyday if it's what it takes to make you believe that you're the most beautiful girl in the world."

A smile broke across my face as I responded to him.

"You're the best. Where are you, though?"

"I'm just out for a walk. I grabbed some coffee and am headed back to the apartment. I got one for you, too. Figured it could help wake you up from your hangover."

"Thank you! I'm feeling mostly better, but I'm never, ever going to drink again. Ever."

Dougie's laugh filled the phone.

"Alrighty, then. I have to admit, you were pretty funny last night. I had to convince you that I was your boyfriend, and even then I wasn't sure you believed me. But, yeah, maybe slow down from now on."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

"Alright, I'll be home soon."

Dougie hung up and I laid on his bed, playing on my phone.
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We spent the rest of the day lounging around the apartment, as my hangover (thankfully) faded away. I was happy to have started studying earlier in the week, so I didn't have to cram this weekend. It would be nice to have a chance to see Dougie before I entered the crazy time that was finals week. I had four tests, and was not looking forward to it. My last final was on Wednesday, and the B's had a home game that night, so thankfully I could go celebrate the start of winter break by watching. I would be heading home on Friday morning, so Dougie and I planned to spend as much time together as possible in those few days.

Notes