She's With Me

by Jessica Cunsolo

  But ever since that horrible, life-altering event I endured, and everything that followed, I can’t stand Halloween. It’s turned into a day when kids glorify murderers and serial killers, where the gorier and more horrifying the costume, the better. When kids take joy in being able to scare the crap out of one another. Now, ever since that day, I just can’t go through Halloween without thinking of him.

  “Probably just going to watch a movie at home or catch up on some homework,” I say honestly.

  “No you’re not,” Noah states.

  “I’m not?”

  “Nope, because you’re coming to Noah’s party.” Mason smiles at me triumphantly.

  Me. Going to Noah’s house. Surrounded by drunk teenagers. On Halloween. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “You’re coming, k-bear. No way to get around it.”

  “No, seriously, guys. I can’t.”

  “We’re not taking no for an answer,” Noah states.

  “You probably won’t even notice if I’m there or not!”

  “Amelia, seriously. You’re coming. It’s for your own good.” Mason stands his ground.

  “Who will give the children candy?” I say.

  Noah shrugs. “Obesity in youth is a growing problem.”

  “Aiden, tell them I’m not coming,” I say, hoping he’ll back me up since he probably doesn’t want me there anyway.

  Aiden looks up from his book at me, then looks behind him at Noah and Mason.

  He shrugs. “It’s Noah’s house.” Then he turns back to his textbook.

  The one time I depend on Aiden’s hatred for me he doesn’t come through . . .

  “You can bring Charlotte! Chase invited her anyway, but you guys can come together!” Mason pushes.

  “Yeah, Chase will be there!” Noah adds.

  “I don’t know,” Maybe if I can convince Charlotte to come with me, it won’t be so bad.

  “Amelia, if you don’t come, I’ll follow you around making obnoxious siren noises all day at the top of my lungs. And believe me, I’m incredibly annoying and I know how to make quite the scene,” Noah says with a spark of mischief in his eyes.

  “He wouldn’t actually do that would he?” I look at Mason for confirmation, but he just smiles triumphantly.

  I look back at Noah as he takes an audible inhale of breath before: “WEE OU WEE OU BEEP BEE—”

  “Okay, okay! Stop! You win—I’ll come!”

  A few students look over at us quizzically before returning to their work, and the teacher gives us a disapproving glare. I wait a minute before I turn back to the boys.

  Noah and Mason high-five in victory and grin from ear to ear. “Being the most annoying person in the room never fails.”

  “I don’t know what’s worse: the fact that you have no shame or the fact that it doesn’t seem like it’s the first time you’ve done that in order to coerce your friend,” I say to Noah.

  “Hey, no pain, no gain.” He winks.

  4

  Today is Friday. Meaning it’s been almost a full week since I made my return to school. Also meaning it’s Halloween, and Noah’s party. It wasn’t as hard to persuade Charlotte to come to the party as I thought it would be. With Chase and I both pestering her, she gave in pretty quickly.

  My phone chimes and I read a text from Charlotte: Be there in 5 :)

  I take a calming breath and try to push my mom’s words out of my head. When I told her what I was up to tonight, she did not take it well.

  You promised, Amelia, she lectured. You’re not supposed to be out partying and drawing attention to yourself.

  It’s just one night, Mom. I’ll be on my best behavior.

  She shook her head, not believing me. Fine, go, but this is a bad idea. You need to be more responsible. People around you get hurt, and it’ll be your fault if they do.

  Pushing her warning out of my mind, I grab a small purse to put my keys, gum, and phone in, then run downstairs.

  At 9:34 p.m. Chase’s car pulls into the driveway. My mom is at work, so I send her a quick text, knowing she probably won’t even respond until later. She’s a flight attendant, so not answering is nothing new. Tonight she’s on a long haul to from Seattle to Australia, so I won’t see her for a couple of days.

  Here, now, in King City, I’m going to do things differently. I may have already screwed up my plan to keep my head down all year, but I am going to have friends. I want to have friends. I want to live through a normal school year. I want to finish my senior year at one school and one school only—King City High.

  I lock the door and head toward the car, where Charlotte is getting out of the front seat so we can admire each other’s costumes.

  “You look hot!” she says with a smile.

  I’m dressed as a ’20s flapper, in a black dress and dangling beaded necklaces.

  “You too!” I smile back at her.

  Charlotte’s dressed as a Pink Lady from the movie Grease. The look is complete with her curly, mocha-colored hair tied in a high ponytail and a small black scarf tied around her neck.

  “Um, hello?” Chase interrupts us as he walks around the front of the car from the driver’s side. “Why has no one commented on my hotness?”

  Chase is wearing black cargo pants, a tight navy-blue T-shirt, and a black hat with the word SWAT on it in white block letters.

  “Very creative, Chase.” I roll my eyes as we all get into the car.

  “Yeah, never seen that one before,” Charlotte adds sarcastically.

  “What? Like a Pink Lady and a flapper are any more creative,” he replies as he pulls out of my driveway. “Besides, I figured almost every other girl is going to be dressed as an army/SWAT team girl, a nerd, some superhero, Thing One and Thing Two, or a Minion. So I figured if I dressed to match one of them it’d be easier to get laid. I took my chances with the SWAT team.”

  Charlotte looks back at me from the front seat and we share an eye roll.

  “Very strategic, Chase.”

  Missing Charlotte’s sarcasm, he smiles and continues driving.

  “Are you drinking tonight, Chase?” I ask. “If you’re drinking, I do not want you to drive us home.”

  “Duh, it’s no fun being the only sober person at a party.”

  “But alcohol makes you do stupid things, Chase. Remember last Christmas when you tried to do a backflip from the roof into Mason’s pool?” Charlotte points out.

  “Hey, in alcohol’s defense, I’ve done some pretty stupid shit sober as well.”

  “Can’t argue with that,” Charlotte mumbles.

  I feel anxiety bubble up in my chest. “Come on, guys. If Chase is drinking, how are we getting home?”

  Charlotte looks back at me. “Chase is crashing at Noah’s with the other guys. My brother is going to pick us up when I call him.”

  I breathe out a sigh of relief, and Charlotte and I go back to talking about our costumes.

  About ten minutes later, we pull onto Noah’s street. His house is easily identifiable from the teenagers loitering around the front, and the loud music pouring out of the open door. There are a lot of people here already. It’s almost ten—clearly this is the time when most people show up.

  Chase parks the car a couple of houses away on the street, and for late October, it’s not that cold out. Walking up the driveway and saying a quick hello to the few people outside, we head up to the open front door and walk into the awaiting Halloween-themed pit of drunken, hormonal teenagers and the imminent promise of making bad decisions.

  The music is a lot louder inside, and I start moving my hips a little in automatic response. As we follow Chase through the house, we see that he was right about what girls would be wearing. The crowded house is full of Thing Ones and Thing Twos, army and SWAT team girls, devils, angels, and lots and lots of cats.

/>   Many of the guys aren’t dressed up, and those who are, are wearing creepy masks, or are dressed in last-minute costumes like doctors, and there are lots of Federal Boobie Inspectors. Ew.

  “Booze!” Chase exclaims when we enter the crowded kitchen, and makes his way over to the counter stocked with different types of alcohol.

  “Don’t overdo it this time!” Charlotte chases after him, leaving me standing awkwardly in the doorway.

  I’m not quite ready to drink just yet; maybe I’ll have a shot after I check out Noah’s house, looking for exits and familiar faces. The house is big, but not so huge you’d get lost in it. For my own sanity, knowing the fastest way to get out of here in case something happens or someone shows up is a good thing.

  With all the teenagers packed into the dimly lit house, it makes it hard to really appreciate the beauty of Noah’s home. It’s modern, and each room is painted white.

  There are fewer kids downstairs in the basement, and the music isn’t so loud that you have to yell. A lot of rooms are closed off, but the large open area includes a bar filled with more alcohol, couches, and a pool table, which is what Mason is leaning against, holding a pool stick in his hand.

  I take a second to check him out, and all I can think is damn. He’s wearing an olive-green tank top, silver dog tags around his neck, combat jeans in army print, and black combat boots. He’s finished the look with a strip of black cloth tied around his forehead and two black lines drawn under his eyes, across his cheeks. Overall, he looks hot.

  Mason says something to the guys he’s playing pool with, gives his stick to another guy, and walks over to me with a smile.

  “Hey, k-bear! You look good.” He leans in and gives me a tight hug, causing me to blush.

  “Thanks, you too,” I say as we pull away. “I really like your jeans.”

  “Yes, my chromosomes have combined nicely.” He runs a hand through his hair seductively, striking a model pose.

  I laugh. “I meant your pants, not your DNA. But sure, that too.”

  “Amelia!” I turn just in time for Noah to run up and pull me into his arms.

  I pull back a little “Ow, Noah. Watch the ribs—they’re still sensitive.”

  “Oh man, I’m sorry. It seems like forever ago that you hurt them again, but it’s only been a few weeks. Still, that costume suits you. You look great!”

  “It’s okay, and I know.” I flirt with a wink, causing both boys to chuckle.

  Noah’s wearing jeans and a white T-shirt, and has a black envelope attached to his shirt.

  “What are you supposed to be?”

  Noah looks down at his shirt and smiles at me. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m blackmail. Get it? Blackmail?”

  “That’s extremely fitting,” I tease. “Seeing how you blackmailed me into coming to this party.”

  “Hey! Maybe blackmail can be our thing!” He smiles triumphantly.

  “Maybe we should keep looking for a thing.”

  Annalisa waves from across the room, and we all walk toward her. She’s with Julian at the bar. I give them both hugs and we all start talking.

  Annalisa and Julian are adorable in their Barbie and Ken costumes. Annalisa looks extremely different, having swapped out her normal black, slightly goth clothes and heavy dark makeup for a bright-pink dress, light makeup, and even a blond wig—I almost didn’t recognize her.

  Noah pours ten shots and we take two each, downing them quickly. I slam my second shot glass down and scrunch up my face—the first ones always taste the worst. As Noah starts pouring us another round, a boy with dark hair I vaguely recognize comes up to him and says something. It must be important because Noah’s normally carefree expression turns deadly serious. He gives Mason and Julian a stern look with knowing eyes, and they both seem to tense up slightly.

  Mason sighs and downs his shot, then turns to face me. “Sorry k-bear, gotta handle something.”

  He turns and follows Noah and the other guy up the stairs. Julian gives Annalisa a quick kiss on the temple, then follows Mason, leaving the two of us alone at the bar.

  “What’s going on?” I ask Annalisa.

  “It’s either something with Aiden, party crashers, a fight, or maybe all three.” She sighs.

  “Will they be okay?” I suddenly realize I’m a bit nervous for the Boys; well, the ones I like, anyway.

  “Yeah, they’ll be fine. Shit like this always happens when one of them throws a party.” Annalisa and I down our third shot, and some other girls come up to the bar and start talking to her.

  “Anna, I’m going to see if I can find Char; I’ll see you later.” I turn and head back up to the main floor where the music is much louder. The house has grown even more packed with people I don’t recognize, presumably from school.

  I check my phone and see a text from my mom: Just got off my flight. Be careful tonight. Try not to attract any attention. I’ll try to call you later when we’re at the hotel.

  “Love you, too, Mom,” I mumble to myself as a rough hand closes hard around my arm.

  My heart automatically goes into overdrive as my brain realizes that someone is stopping me from walking. I turn around to face a broad chest, and tilt my head up to look into the dark eyes of a boy I definitely know doesn’t go to King City High.

  He’s rugged and huge, like a linebacker, and is holding a beer in the hand that isn’t holding my arm. He creeps me out. I don’t get a good vibe from this guy at all, and the fact that he’s still holding me in place is making my panic worse.

  He pulls me close and gives me what I’m sure he thinks is a charming smile. “Hey, sexy, what’s your name?”

  “Not interested.” I twist my arm out of his grip, then turn around.

  He grabs my arm again, rougher this time. “Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?”

  “No, because I dug my way up from hell,” I say.

  He blinks at me.

  I blink back at him.

  Then he breaks into a grin. “Feisty. I like it.”

  He pulls me closer to him, setting his beer down and wrapping his now-free arm around my waist, grabbing my butt. Oh no. No, no, no. I do not like this at all. Bringing my arms up, I push at his chest.

  “Sorry, I have a boyfriend,” I lie, trying to calm my racing heart and keep my panic at bay. “A big one, and he’s waiting for me, so I really have to go.”

  He now has both hands on my butt, and crushes me against him. “Oh come on. Live a little. I’m sure your boyfriend knows it’s a crime to keep someone like you all to himself. He won’t mind sharing.”

  I’m having trouble breathing. He’s holding me so tightly against him, his hands groping me, and—

  His gross, slimy lips are on me. I turn my head quickly, my skull hitting his face. Taking advantage of catching him off guard, I shove him, getting enough room between us to allow me to drive my knee up into his groin.

  He reacts and bends down clutching himself in obvious pain, but I’m still pissed. I knee him in his stomach, and when he bends down even lower, he gives me access to his back. I bring my arms up and interlock my fingers, then drive my straight elbows into his back, causing him to tumble to the floor.

  “No means no, asshat!”

  I drag my arm across my lips to wipe away the memory of his kiss, and then look for Mason or Noah to kick this piece of trash out. But two other linebackers standing with their arms crossed block my escape path. Looking up at their pissed off faces, I see that they don’t go to my school, either, and they are as huge and intimidating as asshat number one on the floor.

  The one on the left grabs me, forcing me back toward the guy I just escaped from. The other guy follows him, blocking us from view. The asshat stands up, looking seriously pissed off.

  “You gonna let this bitch get away with that, Dave?”

  “I’ll show you what happ
ens to rude bitches,” Dave snarls.

  He lifts his arm and backhands me across the cheek, and I end up leaning against the wall for support. My rising heartbeat rings loudly in my ears, and the panic claws at me, up my stomach and into my throat, almost suffocating me. His hand closes tightly around my throat, but almost as quickly as I feel it, the pressure is lifted, and I hear a body hitting the floor—hard.

  With my hand on my throbbing cheek, I force air into my lungs to calm my racing heart. I move my hair out of my face so I can see what’s going on.

  Dave’s lying bloody on the floor, and his two friends are fighting a guy whose back is to me. One of Dave’s friends joins him on the floor, groaning in pain, and as the other guy is tackled by my defender, I see his face.

  Aiden.

  My eyes widen as if to make sure they aren’t playing tricks on me.

  Yup, my defender is Aiden, and he looks murderous. I can practically feel the anger radiating off him in waves.

  Someone cuts the music and the crowd thins quickly while those who are left watch Aiden beat the shit out of these guys. He and Dave’s friend circle each other, the other guy already dripping blood from his nose. Aiden’s opponent suddenly relaxes his tense pose and smiles slightly, looking over Aiden’s shoulder with a victorious look in his eyes. Four boys advance on Aiden from behind.

  “Aiden!” I yell.

  But I’m too late. All four boys charge at Aiden at the same time, tackling him to the ground. My heart stops. The edges of my vision tinge black as Aiden disappears under the pile of boys.

  Determined to help Aiden, since the wimps we go to school with are clearly more intent on watching the action unfold, I rush up to the nearest guy and swing my arm out, expecting to hit flesh, but a blur of olive green tackles him to the ground.

  Mason punches the guy in the face as Julian pulls a guy off Aiden, who was doing fairly well for taking on four guys—he managed to break someone’s nose, forcing him to run out of the room.