by Kira Adams
I notice some of my peers already taking shots, and I grab one of the small glasses myself, filling it to the brim with tequila. I’m three shots deep by the time Sophia emerges beside me.
“Shots?” she asks surprisingly, knowing I prefer beer.
I nod. “You want one?”
She grabs a clean shot glass off the counter and hands it to me.
I fill it halfway, knowing she can’t handle as much alcohol as me. I clink my shot glass with hers and down my fourth one in less than ten minutes. She grimaces, quickly grabbing for a lime slice off the counter and sinking her teeth into it.
“So, I’m afraid to ask what happened, man.” Joe slaps me on the back, opening up a Bud Light and taking a swig of it.
I shake my head back and forth. “Can we talk about this another day? Like…any day but today? I just want to enjoy myself after that shitstorm.”
His eyebrow rises slightly, and then he nods, a tight smile forming on his lips. More commotion comes from the front of the house as people continue to arrive. I notice Parker making his way toward us.
“Hey.” He walks around the island in the middle of the kitchen, helping himself to a beer. “So, that was some game…” He treads lightly, his eyes darting between Joe and me.
“Oh hell!” I throw my hands in the air in surrender then march away from the scene. I push my way past the slew of our peers lining the hall and into the living room. Just as I enter, I notice the front door open and Madalynne, Parker’s girlfriend, enters. But that isn’t what stops me dead in my tracks. It’s who is with her. Ciera fucking Nelson.
This day just keeps getting weirder.
What the hell is Madalynne doing with Ciera and why the hell would she bring her to one of our parties? Ciera would never be invited, much less step foot in any of these things voluntarily. My eyes are fixated on the pair as they make their way inside. I feel frozen in place.
I’m still not sure if she saw Sophia and me earlier behind the bleachers or if my eyes deceived me, but when her eyes meet mine, I know something has changed. I’ve never seen her look anyone in the eyes.
She holds my gaze for what feels like an eternity, and then she breaks the stare of her own accord when Madalynne begins to pull her toward the kitchen. Unable to stop my curiosity, I follow the pair. I watch from a distance as Madalynne embraces her boyfriend then introduces Ciera and Parker. He warmly shakes her hand and offers them both a drink.
Joe is eyeing Ciera from head to toe. I can tell he is trying to remember where he knows her from. Funny that someone who has made it their life mission to embarrass the girl can’t even recognize her, even with her makeover.
Sophia is glaring at Ciera, and I know she doesn’t need a refresher course. “What the hell are you doing here?” she exclaims, venom dripping from her voice.
I inch closer, wanting to see how it all will play out.
“I invited her,” Madalynne says sharply, handing Ciera a mixed drink.
Sophia’s death glare turns to Madalynne. “What gives you the right to invite that trash to our party?”
Joe is chuckling from behind his beer, enjoying the drama playing out right in front of him.
“Chill out, Sophia,” Parker warns. “You wouldn’t want anyone to think you’re jealous, now would you?”
I can’t help stifling a laugh. I love that he has no problem putting her in her place.
Ciera has gone back to staring at the ground, and I almost feel sorry for her.
Sophia’s jaw drops in disgust. “Jealous of that…thing? You’re delusional.”
“And you’re a bitch,” Madalynne says, sipping her drink.
Sophia glances at Joe, her eyes pleading with him to do something. “Are you really going to let this happen? It’s your party, for God’s sake!”
“Well, I have to admit, she does have balls walking in here.” Joe rakes his eyes over Ciera once more. “Ciera Nelson…I didn’t even recognize you at first.”
I don’t know what has gotten into me. It could be the buzz I’m feeling, or it could be because I’m bored, but I join the group in the kitchen.
Sophia watches me closely. “Topher! Do something.”
“What’s going on?” I ask in a clueless voice as I help myself to yet another shot of tequila.
“Are you blind?” she shrieks. “Someone let a rat inside!” She’s pointing at Ciera.
Ciera begins to make a few quick strides toward the living room then I notice Madalynne grab her arm. “Remember what I said earlier?”
Ciera tips her head up, and her eyes meet Madalynne’s as she nods. Her cheeks are red, and she appears to be on the verge of tears.
“Don’t let them win,” Madalynne whispers, so quietly I have to strain to hear it.
I have no idea when this friendship started or how it even evolved, but it’s intriguing nonetheless.
Ciera suddenly holds her head up high and stares directly into each one of our eyes, before stopping on Sophia. “I guess I have you and your minion to thank for my awesome new haircut. Cheers.” She raises her glass and takes a long drink.
Sophia looks like she’s just been punched in the gut, and I wonder what Ciera is talking about.
Madalynne’s eyes sparkle, and she breaks out into a wide grin. She throws her arm around Ciera’s shoulder. “See? There’s hope for you yet.”
And then Madalynne and Ciera make their way out to the back porch, Parker in tow.
Sophia and Joe watch with open mouths, flabbergasted.
A smile plays upon my lips, but I shake it off before either of them see it.
“Can you believe that?” Sophia asks Joe, and then she stares at me.
“What was she talking about?” I question my girlfriend.
Sophia’s gaze lowers. “Alyssa spit gum in her hair earlier at school.”
I’ve never had a problem with what Joe or anyone else has done to the girl—but that just seems low. “Seriously?”
She nods amidst Joe’s hearty laugh. “What? She deserves it. She’s disgusting.”
I pour myself another shot, although I know I’m playing with fire. “And how do you figure that?”
Sophia glares at me, her green eyes turning black.
The alcohol is beginning to affect my actions and decisions now. I’m starting to lose my inhibitions. “Seriously. What did that girl ever do to you? And yet, both of you make it your life’s mission to ruin her. For what? Why?”
Sophia and Joe exchange bewildered glances, their mouths hanging open.
“She’s disgusting,” Sophia says, grasping.
“You’re a bitch, Sophia. Madalynne is right.”
Her mouth drops open in surprise. “What?”
I take my shot and slam the glass on the countertop. “You heard me. By the way, I know you two are fucking. I’ve known for quite a while now.”
Both of their eyes widen and they stare at one another with a deer-in-the-headlights look.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, man,” Joe says defensively, taking a step toward me.
“Yeah…you’re drunk,” Sophia chimes in, but her voice is shaky.
“Look, I don’t blame you,” I address Joe. “She’s hot. I get it. Plus, thanks to you, I haven’t had to work so hard to pretend to care anymore.”
Sophia gasps, and Joe clenches his jaw.
“Honestly, I’ve been over her for a while now. Just didn’t see the right opportunity present itself…until right now. So, enjoy fucking her, man, and thanks for taking her off my hands.” I know I’ve overstepped, but I couldn’t care less.
“You son of a bitch!” Joe growls, pulling his arm back and hitting me square in the face. I fall to the ground from the impact. It hurts like a bitch, but ironically, it makes me feel alive.
I stumble back up to my feet and notice Sophia crying hysterically. She is attempting to pull Joe away from me, but he wrestles her off and I feel yet another blow to my face. I’m laughing like a crazy person, but I can’t he
lp it.
“Help! Help!” I hear Sophia shriek as she runs out to the back porch.
A few more punches land, and I feel Parker’s best friend Dylan peel Joe off of me.
“Chill out!” Dylan is barking.
Blood is seeping out of my nose and my mouth, and I’m sure I have a nice shiner to go along with it. I spit bright red blood onto the kitchen tile as I feel hands helping me stand. I look and realize it’s Madalynne and Ciera.
“Get him out of here!” Dylan shouts.
Pretty soon I’m being pulled into the basement bathroom.
“Stay here, I’ll be right back,” Madalynne says, and then she exits the room, leaving Ciera and me alone.
I can sense how uncomfortable Ciera is and how tense her body is. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
She looks at my face, a pained expression taking over hers. “I know that.”
“How could you possibly know that? You don’t know anything about me,” I bite. I don’t mean it to come off so harsh, but I chalk it up to the alcohol.
She winces at my tone and inches away from me. “I know your name is Topher Carlson. We’ve been in the same classes since sixth grade. You’re on the football team and a jock. You’ve been dating Sophia for quite a while, and you’re the power couple of our school. I also know Joe and Sophia have been sneaking around behind your back…”
I meet her eyes as mine go cold. How the hell does she know so much about me?
“Just because I don’t look you in the eyes or talk to you doesn’t mean I can’t observe things. I’m not blind, and I’m definitely not stupid.”
I swallow as her words hit me. If Ciera knows about Joe and Sophia, I can only imagine what the rest of the school must think. They must think I’m a wuss, a coward for not leaving her sooner.
“Why are you even here?” I ask.
Hurt passes across her eyes, but only for a moment. Then it’s gone and her look is hard. “Madalynne is my friend and she invited me.”
I choke on a laugh. “Madalynne is your friend? Since when? Today? I have a news flash for you, kid—she’s only being nice to you because she feels sorry for you. That’s all there is to it. People like us…don’t mingle with people like you.”
She swallows and I notice the sparkle in her blue eyes dim. Something inside of me tells me to apologize…but I can’t.
Madalynne returns with a bowl of water, a washrag, and a bag of frozen peas. “This is all I could find.” She kneels down next to me, applying the washrag to my wounds.
“I think I’m going to go,” Ciera says in a small voice.
Madalynne spins around. “What? No. Let me clean him up, and I can take you home.”
Ciera shakes her head. “No, it’s okay. I’m just going to call my mom to pick me up.”
Madalynne nods slowly. “Okay. I’m really sorry about everything. I honestly didn’t know they were going to react like they did.”
Ciera shrugs. “It’s okay. Thank you for everything today.”
Madalynne stands up and hugs her. “That’s what friends are for.”
Ciera shoots me a quick glance then nods her head lightly. “Yeah…”
I have an urge to say something to her before she leaves, but she’s gone before my mind can register a thought.
8
I made a hasty decision by leaving on foot. I just couldn’t stand to be around those people or continue to have all their eyes on me. Especially him. When he told me Madalynne was just being nice to me because she felt sorry for me, I realized he’s probably right. I don’t want to be anyone’s charity case. Today has been the most conflicting day in the history of days as far as my feelings go. How can the best day of my life also qualify as one of my worst?
I don’t know what I really thought would transpire by me attending one of the A-Team’s parties. I don’t belong there; they made it obviously clear, and I knew it to begin with. I’m embarrassed I let Madalynne talk me into it. I can only imagine everything they are saying behind my back. Soon it won’t matter, but today it hurts.
I look around at the empty road I’m walking on. I have miles upon miles to go. With any luck, I’ll make it home by morning. I’m not exactly in the best shape, and already, within less than a couple of miles, I can feel blisters beginning to form on the bottoms of my feet. This is one of those times a cell phone would come in handy, although I don’t know who I would call if I had the chance.
A few silent tears trickle down my face as I continue down the winding road. I hear a loud car coming up from behind me, so I scoot over to the shoulder to be safe. It drives past me, and as it does, I make my way back to the middle of the lane. I notice the car begin to slow down less than ten feet ahead. My heart begins to race as it is well after eleven and pretty dark outside. I stop walking abruptly when I notice the car stop, its red brake lights shining.
I glance around at my dark surroundings, looking for anything I can use as a weapon. I see a thick stick lying on the ground and quickly grab it, holding it in front of me protectively. I watch as someone exits the driver’s side door and begins walking toward me.
Turn around and walk the opposite way.
I know I should be listening to my inner voice, but my feet feel planted and frozen in place. I feel as if I can’t move an inch, which only increases my heartbeat.
The dark figure makes its way toward me, and I catch a glimpse of his face in the moonlight.
Topher Carlson?
“Ciera?” I hear him speak my name. I’m surprised he even knows what it is.
He takes a few more steps forward, closing the distance between us.
“What are you doing out here?” he asks, his eyebrow rising.
“Walking home,” I reply, meeting his stare. I will never be able to repay the favor Madalynne did for me when she helped me in the bathroom. It is an empowering feeling to lock eyes with someone.
“Joe was right…you have some balls.”
I choke on my surprise. “Excuse me?”
He motions with his hands toward the dark sky. “It’s not exactly the safest thing to be walking home this late at night.”
I stare back at him with a blank expression. Obviously I am aware of this—but he is the exact reason I left the party. Okay, maybe not the only reason, but definitely the deciding factor.
“Come on.” He motions with his hand toward his car. “I’ll give you a ride.”
It’s the second time in less than five minutes that I choke on my surprise. He can’t be serious. Not only is he acting like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, he’s also plastered and shouldn’t be driving in the first place. Unfortunately, because we are so high up in the hills, his car is the first one I’ve seen in thirty minutes.
“Are you coming or not?” he asks, growing impatient.
I look from him to his expensive car and then back again. “I’m fine.”
He looks as if I just told him someone died. Obviously he’s not used to being turned down.
“Don’t be stupid,” he presses. “It’s going to take you hours to make it home.”
“How do you know?” I reply sharply. “For all you know, I live a couple of blocks away.”
He shakes his head dismissively. “No you don’t. I know basically everyone who lives up in this area. I’m going to guess you live on the north side of town.”
His guess is spot-on. I swallow, trying to digest the fact that he suddenly seems to know more about me than I’d like him to.
“You’re really going to stand here until I get in, aren’t you?” I ask.
He nods slightly. “Yeah, basically.”
I sigh loudly, dropping the stick I’ve been clenching onto for dear life. “Fine.” I follow him back to the car but beeline for the driver’s side door. I hop in and press the lock down.
The car is even nicer on the inside than it is on the outside. I’m not great with cars, but I’m pretty sure Porsche means money. I saw the logo on the back before I climbed in.
“Ci
era!” he says, pounding on the window. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he shouts, slurring his words.
“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m driving,” I reply smartly.
He rolls his eyes, looks away, and then drops his head. “If you really think I’m going to let you drive my Porsche, you’re insane,” he says from the other side of the glass.
I motion with my head toward the passenger seat. “Get in.”
He shakes his head. “Get out,” he orders.
Instead, I shift the car into drive and begin pushing on the gas, lurching forward.
“What the—” I hear him cry as he lunges after the car.
I roll down the window slightly. “Get in, Topher.”
He sighs, crossing his arms across his chest, clearly irritated, and then stalks over to the passenger side, climbing in. “No one has ever driven this besides me.”
I shoot him a simple smile. “Well, there’s a first time for everything. Put your seatbelt on.”
He lowers his gaze. “Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack.” I watch as he begrudgingly pulls the strap across his body, clicking it into place.
We drive in silence through town until Topher decides to speak. “So, I was wrong about Madalynne.”
I glance at him. “What do you mean?”
He sighs, rubbing his hand over the stubble on his chin. “I mean, maybe she wasn’t only being nice to you because she felt sorry for you. Maybe she actually likes you as a person.”
My heart dips into my stomach. Butterflies attack my insides.
“What makes you say that?”
He shifts his teal eyes to meet mine. “Because of how disappointed she was after you took off. How worried she was.”
Madalynne was worried about me?
“She said she didn’t know your number, so she couldn’t text you to make sure you made it home alright.”
“I don’t have a cell phone,” I mumble.
“What?” he exclaims loudly. “You’re joking, right?”
