When we pull up outside of Courtney's house, there are already a hundred cars parked on her driveway and along the road while the steady thump of the music can be heard. I can only imagine how loud it really is if it's so loud here and we're still a decent distance away from her house. I rub my sweaty hands on my legs and Alex switches his engine off. I stare at the mansion a few meters before us and reminisce over everything I ever did in it. Every party I ever went to, every argument we had, every time I went against what I knew was right. Suddenly, crashing a party doesn't sound so appealing anymore.

"Hey," Alex says, grabbing my hand and giving it a light squeeze. I look over at him, the street lamps giving him an almost ethereal glow and making him seem like he was carved by the Greek Gods themselves. He gives me a small smile and I return it although mine is nervous.

"You look incredible," He says, his eyes sliding over my outfit and I blush, giving him a grateful smile.
Today I threw on a black dress that cuts deep into my chest- not showing too much cleavage though- and reaches mid-thigh, with a pair of black lace up heels. I then put my hair up into a high ponytail, curling the ends and letting a few strands hang loose to frame my face. Nothing special really.

"Thank you. You look handsome." I say, not lying one but. Alex is wearing a pair of black jeans, a navy blue button up shirt and boots. His hair is left messily but that somehow makes him look even hotter. He chuckles before leaning over and pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"If you need anything, let me know, alright?" He says, resting his forehead against mine.

"Alright," I respond. He smiles one last time, pecking my lips and saying the three words that continuously make my heart thump harder.

"I love you."

All the nerves drain from my body and I'm left with pure ecstasy.
"I love you more," I respond. Alex grins goofily.

"I'll never get tired of hearing you say those words."

I giggle as I blush and he opens his door, climbing out as I follow his lead.

The humid Miami breeze sticks to my skin and I am grateful I decided to leave my hair up today.
Alex and I join up with the rest of the Rebels- Thalia and Dylan included, mind you- with linked hands.

"You guys ready?" Martin asks all of us and Nina grins deviously.

"Fuck yeah."

I laugh nervously and we all walk towards the Smith Mansion. Courtney's house- mansion, I mean- was one of those typical ones plucked out of a home magazine.

It has large windows, neat cut grass, many rooms lit up, a huge swimming pool that is hardly used and furniture that you don't want to sit on because it looks so fancy. The broad and tall black gate intimidates you the minute you walk up to it and the two marble pillars that are by the door make you want to run away. I never quite understood how Courtney threw her parties due to the fact that her parents are not very laid back. I mean, they are extremely wealthy and have a successful business- how could they be laid back? I met them twice and I came to the conclusion that I liked neither of them. Courtney's mom looked just like her: tan, tall, brown hair and eyes, defined features, beautiful all in all. Her dad however had blue eyes. Both Mr and Mrs Smith came across very cold and stoic, getting down to business regarding everything. Perhaps that's the reason why Courtney only hosts parties when they're not home, which is quite often since they're always traveling. I don't know how she covers up the destruction after the party from her parents like the broken vases and ornaments but then again, if you're as rich as her you could probably just buy new ones.

Once we reach the door, passing wasted teenagers along the way, we knock and when James opens up the door, his smug smile stays attached to his face . My teeth start vibrating in my mouth from how loud the music is and I remind myself to take an aspirin later because I'll definitely have a headache.

"Rebels," James nods in our direction and Alex smirks but doesn't say something as we push our way inside. We walk pass the dance floor where everyone seems to be grinding against each other to the music. When we reach the kitchen, kids are doing body shots in one corner while we all head to get drinks. I grab a cup and pour tap water into it, not in the mood for alcohol or trusting what is laying out for selection. The Rebels don't seem to mind though. Nina grabs the tequila bottle and Martin grabs a beer. Alex grabs a beer too and pops it open, taking a swig.

"Of course," a voice from behind us catches our attention. When we see who it is, Alex's face contorts into a scowl and I follow suite.
"The Rebels always head for the alcohol first."

"Don't you have somewhere else to be? Like in a bedroom, I don't know, fucking around?" Nina asks incredulously and Logan chuckles.

"Well, if it was you up there then maybe."

Martin pulls Nina behind him protectively and sneers at Logan.
"I have taste, Ross. I'd rather kill myself than do shit with you." She quips. Logan lets out a low whistle, rubbing the slight stubble on his jaw.

"Enjoy the party. But don't have too much fun." He says, his eyes twinkling. He doesn't seem the least bit shocked that we came. Obviously Courtney told him that we said no but it's like he expected us anyway. Then again, they probably know the Rebels like to do what they please. Logan's eyes then snap to mine and he winks. I roll my eyes and Alex wraps an arm around my waist.

"Fuck off, Logan." Alex spits and Logan sneers at Alex before walking away. Something about Logan always makes me feel on edge.

Alex drags me outside where people are swimming- naked, might I add- and vomiting in the bushes. However, theres slightly- and I mean slightly- less people out here. We take our place at one of the statues, standing in a circle and passing around the bottle of vodka that Martin stole from the kitchen. I don't have any.

"That was the most disappointing reaction we could have gotten," Nina pouts and Martin grunts in response.

"Well we're here, that'll probably piss them off alone." Thalia pipes up.

"Plus, we haven't seen Courtney yet." Christina adds. I snort.

"If Logan wasn't mad, I doubt Courtney will be." I respond.

Alex shrugs, "Lets forget about all that bullshit and try to at least enjoy ourselves, alright?"

Nina grabs the vodka bottle from Cole and holds it up with a grin.
"Way ahead of you," she then takes a long gulp and I shake my head at her antics. Typical Nina.
After the bottle of vodka has being finished and Nina is already tipsy, we make our way to the dance floor.  Thankfully, a decent song is now being played so we cam actually dance instead of just grinding. Alex pulls me to the middle of the dance floor and he grips my waist, pulling me closer to him. I sway my hips to the beat and ignore the sweaty bodies surrounding me and the lack of oxygen in the room. Strobe lights start going off and I raise my hands to the music while Alex dances with me and I laugh. At one point I grip Alex's neck and pull him closer, smashing my lips against his and relishing in the feeling of how soft they are before I break away and he holds me, me laughing in the process.

He twirls me around and I squeal, hitting into his chest afterwards and linking our hands, moving them around in the air. Three songs later and I'm panting from the workout. I walk to the kitchen with Alex intending on getting a glass of water. Along the way, a bunch of guys call Alex over and he looks at me as if asking permission to go.

"Go. I'm just going to go get water." I tell him.

"You sure?"

I roll my eyes. "Yes. Now go,"
He chuckles before kissing my forehead and walking towards the group of boys, giving them a pat on the shoulder. I turn around and continue on my journey to the kitchen. When I enter though, Kelcy is seated by the kitchen island with Tyler busy laughing at something he has said. When I stumble in, they both look up and Kelcy's smile drops instantly and her gaze becomes slightly nervous. Tyler purses his lips and turns back to Kelcy before whispering to her in which she cracks a smile. I ignore them and head to the tap, pouring more water. Of course I stay clear away from them which isn't too difficult considering Courtney's kitchen is huge so if I stand as far away from them as possible, there's a meter or two between us. That's what I do as I drink my glass of water. Kelcy giggles loudly and Tyler rubs his hand on her thigh.

Ah.

That's why he's here with her.

I roll my eyes and wash my hands under the stream of water that flows out of the tap. I really wish party hosts would have better dance floors because dancing with sweaty bodies is definitely not my thing. Just then I hear a sharp intake of breath and a chair scrape back.

"Kelcy? Are you okay? Kelcy? Kelcy!" I hear Tyler say in a panicked voice and I whip around to find Kelcy holding her throat and leaning over, trying to catch her breath while Tyler hovers over her, trying to get her to look at him. I rush to her side, people in the kitchen around us watching in annoyance or curiosity. I rest my hand on her back and try to make her sit up straighter.

"Kelcy?" I ask and she shakes her head at me as if telling me something as her eyes water and her face turns a ghostly pale. Suddenly a force of panic embeds itself in my stomach and I find my senses on high alert although my hands are beginning to shake.

"Tyler! Go get help!" I yell at him and he sprints out of the kitchen in search of help. I grip Kelcy's hand as she gasps for air. I don't know what to do. I don't know what's wrong. Fifteen seconds later and Logan is being dragged inside, Courtney not far behind. The minute they see the state of Kelcy, they rush over basically knocking me out of the way.

"Kelcy!" Courtney yells in panic.
"What's wrong?" She asks and Kelcy tries to choke out a response but it isn't understandable.

"Call an ambulance!" Logan yells at Tyler.

"An a-ambulance?" Tyler stutters, wide-eyed. Logan picks a convulsing Kelcy in his arms.
"Didn't I fucking stutter?!" Logan yells and Tyler reaches in his pocket for his phone in a rush as Logan drags her out the kitchen just as Chris, Ashleigh and James come stumbling in, their eyes widening when they see Kelcy.

She begins shaking more vigorously in Logan's arms and they all rush out of the kitchen while I trail after them.
Courtney whips around, finally noticing me.

"Go away, Sophie." She tells me as she grabs a bottle of water and everyone rushes out with her.

"She's my friend too! You can't expect me to just sit here!" I yell and Courtney walks backwards.

"She's not your friend anymore."

When she leaves the kitchen, I don't stay though because Kelcy needs me. I need to be there for her even if Courtney doesn't want me to be. I rush after them as they make their way towards the door.
I hear Logan yell "Move out the fucking way!" To a bunch of kids and I struggle to get pass the mass of dancing bodies. When I finally reach the door, they're all already filing out the house as the ambulance arrives which causes a stir amongst my fellow peers, but Kelcy is shaking so much now that Logan is struggling to hold her. I push my way to her as the paramedics rush out.

"Kelcy!" I yell, and Chris turns around, stopping me in my tracks as he blocks my way. By now everyone has filed out of the party and the music is turned off as everyone watches the paramedics take Kelcy, in confusion.

"Move!" I push at Chris's chest but he doesn't budge. I need to see Kelcy. I can't let her go.

"Chris! Move! Please! Please, Chris!" I plead as I thrash in his grip and watch them load her at the back. He hesitates for a moment and I take that as my chance to rush forward.

As they strap her onto the stretcher, I run towards her and look through the window.

"Get away!" Courtney yells, pushing me away from the van and climbing in the back.

"No! I should go with!" I say.

"You've done enough!" Courtney yells as she climbs in the ambulance. They close the door and I stare at it not knowing what else to do. They take off in the direction of the hospital and I chew on my lip in nervousness.

Ashleigh, Chris and Tyler climb into their car and follow the ambulance to the hospital while James tries to start the party back up again. It seems to be working to an extent because a lot of the people head back inside to continue dancing. However, I can't seem to do that. It's as if all the oxygen in the atmosphere has been sucked out and I have nothing left to fill my lungs.
I lean over and try to steady my breathing.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

I repeat the same words over and over but they don't help. In fact, they actually make me realise how much I'm really struggling to breathe. I lean against a wall and try calm myself down. My vision becomes blurry and black dots start forming on the corner of my eyes.

Is this what a panic attack feels like?

I feel my name being called somewhere in the distance but I can't focus on it. I can't seem to focus on anything. I stand up from the wall and try stumble my way inside but the dizziness that overwhelms me makes it impossible.

I lean back against the wall and close my eyes, readying myself to try again but I start feeling slightly nauseous.

Did someone spike my drink?

No. I didn't drink any alcohol.

This time, when I stand up, I almost fall as my vision goes completely black and my legs buckle underneath me.

The last thing I remember is falling into someone's arms.

****

My eyelids feel heavy like lead and I struggle to open them. When I do, a stream of light is left in my room from the small gap between my curtains. My throat feels dry and I feel like a mariachi band is playing in my head as it pounds.
Not only that but my body feels so lethargic as if I ran twenty kilometer marathon. I sit up with much effort and run a hand over my face trying to remember the nights events but I come up blank.

I frown and look around my room trying and trying to rattle my brain for an answer. However, when I look down to see my black party dress still stuck to my body, my memory comes rushing back and I gasp. I throw my blankets off of me and run out of my room, downstairs.

I need to know if Kelcy is alright or not.

I head to where I can hear the soft clatter of utensils in the kitchen.
"Mom?" I croak, my voice dry. She turns around from where she's cooking on the stove to look at me. The minute her eyes see me, they flash in worry. She rushes over to me and her eyes scan over my body, checking to see if I'm hurt.

"Are you okay?" She asks but continues rambling on, not giving me time to answer. "I was so worried about you. When Alex brought you home, unconscious, I nearly had a heart attack but then he told me that you had a panic attack because of what happened and I didn't know what to do. Should I take you to a hospital or... or-"

"Mom," I say, cutting her off and she stops talking before looking at me with worried creases.

"I'm okay, mom, really. But Kelcy?" I ask. "Have you heard anything?"

My mom gives me a sad smile.
"No, I just know that she's at the Miami Lakes Hospital."

My eyes light up. "I'm going there now." I say, turning around and heading out the kitchen. My mom is hot on my tails.

"Sophie. Are you sure you're feeling well enough to go?" She asks from the bottom of the staircase. I turn around and give a small smile.

"I'm just a little tired, but I need to go visit her, mom. I need to know if she's alright." I explain. Maybe saying I was 'a little tired' was a bit of an understatement because I feel exhausted; I just want to climb back in bed and go to sleep but that is not my priority right now. Kelcy is.

For all I know she can be... be... No. She has to be okay. Maybe it was just a mild case of alcohol poisoning.

My mom purses her lips before nodding. "Please take it easy, sweetie." She says and I nod.

"I will,"

As I finish my ascend to my room, I call Alex and it doesn't take more than a second for him to pick up.
"Soph?" I hear him ask in panic.

"Alex," I respond, going through all my clothing to pick out something to wear.

"How are you feeling? I almost pissed myself when you passed out in my arms." He confides in concern. I smile at the thought of him worrying about me.

"I'm okay. Just tired and really, really sore." I answer, rubbing at my head.

"Take an aspirin."

"I will. Can you do me favor?" I ask.

"Woah, you just woke up and you're already asking for favors?" He chuckles and I roll my eyes.

"Shut up. Can you please pick me up?" I ask hopefully.

"Where do you want to go?" I can basically hear him frowning before he mutters: "I'm not making macaroni, Lily."

I laugh lightly.

"Sorry," He apologizes and I shake my head.

"Can you take me to the Miami Lakes Hospital? Kelcy's there." I say. I hear a few bangs over the line.

"I'll be there in ten." He says.

"Thank you, Alex." I say soflty.

He chuckles. "Anything for my princess. I love you."

I grin, "I love you too."

After ending the call, I rush to my bathroom and do all the necessities. After throwing on a plain shirt and jeans, I rush downstairs to where Alex and my mom are talking. When Alex sees me, he stops mid-sentence and grabs me in his arms, resting his head in the crook of my neck.

"I hardly slept last night." He murmurs into my hair and I begin to feel a bit guilty.

"I'm sorry," I mumble and he pulls back, giving me a charming smile before kissing my forehead.

"Don't be. I'm just glad you're alright."

I grin up at him briefly before remembering why I really called him down here.

"We should go." I say, dragging him to our porch. I stop to hug my mom goodbye before we climb into his car and begin the journey. Miami Lakes Hospital is only about fifteen minutes away, not too far from the mall. When Alex switches his car on, music starts blasting from the speakers at full volume and my hands immediately go to my ears as I try to block the sound out. I wince as I feel my headache start throbbing harder. Alex fumbles with the button before muting it completely.

"Sorry," He says sheepishly and I shake my head with a small smile.

Once we're finally on the road, I rest my head back and stare out the window. I hope that I won't be receiving any bad news. I don't know what I'd do if I did. I've never gone through this and to say I'm anxious is an understatement; my nerves are coiled tightly and I don't know if I'll be able to hold down any food the whole day.

"Do you remember what happened last night?" Alex wakes me from my reverie of thoughts.

My eyebrows draw together.
"I do, but it's a little blurry. I specifically remember what happened with Kelcy."

Alex nods. "I'm sorry I wasn't there when it happened. I was with Martin, watching a game of beer-pong. As soon as I heard the sirens though, I tried to find you. That's when I caught you stumbling outside. When I got to you, you passed out. A girl who watched everything told me what happened and I knew you just had a panic attack. At first, I was going to take you to the hospital too but after you started stirring I realized you were okay."

"It's okay. Thanks for catching me- that would have been a hard fall if you didn't." I chuckle and he joins me, intertwining our fingers and resting it on my thigh.

"I know you're scared, Soph, but I just need you to know that it's going to be fine. It'll work out in the end." Alex encourages me while giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. He stares at me sincerely and I let out a shaky breath.

"I know."

He nods, satisfied with my answer before lifting my hand to his and pressing a kiss on top of it. Before I can even say anything, we pull up outside of the tall, white building. The parking lot is fairly full but Alex doesn't go through too much of a hassle trying to find a spot.

As we make our way inside, a strong smell of detergent hits my nose and my face scrunches up in disgust automatically. Here's the thing about hospitals: everyone hates them. Especially those that are staying here as either temporary or permanent residents. The thing is that so many people get rushed in here but some stay here to not actually recover, but rather to be monitored while they slowly say goodbye to life. It's a morbid thought, but I can't help but think whether Kelcy falls into that category or not.

We walk up to the information desk and a dark lady with black hair and thick eyeliner looks up at us with a fake smile.
"Hello, what can I do for you?"

How can she be so happy in an environment where numerous people die?

"Uh, we're here to see Kelcy Winters." I say. She quickly types something into her computer before she looks up at us again.

"What is your relation to her?"

"Family friends." I respond.

The lady purses her lips.
"I'm sorry but Dr Frederick has requested that no one see her as of yet, except for immediate family members." She informs us in an affirmative voice.

"Can we please just find out if she's okay or not?" I ask pleadingly, gripping the counter tightly. My knuckles turn white from the force but I don't focus on that.

"I'm sorry but that's confidential information reserved for family members of Miss Winter."

Does this lady actually mean her apologies? Because it sure seems like her default answer.

Alex steps forward intimidatingly and the lady sighs.
"Look, my girlfriend here has know her for the last four years. They were like sisters. That's got to count for something."

"I'm sorry," Here she goes again "But unless you are relatives you aren't allowed to see her or receive any information regarding her condition."

"Can't you phone her parents? They'd give you permission." Alex snaps harshly and the sweet facade of the receptionist drops, a scowl taking place on her chubby face.

"Listen here, boy, these are the rules. If you don't like them then phone management but don't-"

"Oh trust me I will because they're pathetic." Alex scorns the lady. I rest my hand on his chest and he looks down at me.

"It's fine, Alex. C'mon." I say, pulling at his hand. He glares at the lady who smiles smugly before I pull at him again. "C'mon,"
He sneers at her before following after me.

I can't believe they won't let us see her. What am I supposed to do now?

We turn down one of the hallways when I bump into somebody, knocking my head hard. "Fuck," I hiss in pain. I already got a damn headache!

"Watch where you're going," A masculine voice scolds.

"Watch it, bro. It was a mistake." Alex defends me, pulling me towards him before I look up to see a familiar set of brown hair and eyes. His eyebrows raise in surprise.

"Sophie? I'm so so sorry." Nathan apologises. "What are you doing here?" He asks.

He has blue bags under his eyes while his hair is in a mess. His clothes are wrinkled which give the slight presumption that he stayed the night here. Overall, he looks drained.

"I came to visit Kelcy but they won't let us in." I say dejectedly.
He nods but gives me an exhausted smile before taking a sip of his coffee. He then casts his gaze to Alex.

"Who's this?" He asks me.

"Alex Rosewood, Sophie's boyfriend." Alex introduces himself while sticking his hand out to Nathan to shake.

Nathan returns the gesture,

"Nathan Winters." He responds.

Alex frowns. "I didn't know Kelcy had a brother."

Nathan shrugs.

"Nathan, is there any chance you know what's going on with Kelc?" I ask hopefully. He sighs, running a hand through his already messy and disheveled hair.

"They said she had a stroke," he says and I suck in a breath.

"Is she okay though?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "I don't think so. She can't feel anything from the waist down." He informs us with his eyes trained to the floor. I gulp.

"You mean s-she's-"

"Paralyzed? Yeah. Kelcy can never walk again."

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