Chapter 10

“Are you coming to the party tonight?” Jessie nearly shouted as I pressed the phone to my ear. I blinked away whatever plans of sleep I had after this phone call. Instead I let out a low breath.

“No, when do I ever go?” I questioned, sitting up in my bed and letting out a silent yawn. I walked over to my closet and started thumbing through possible outfits. I grabbed dark sweatpants and a gray and red shirt as I began walking towards the dresser, grabbing my undergarments before heading towards the bathroom.

“You went last week and you had fun, right? I really don’t want to go to this one alone, please. It’s even going to be fancy! It’s like a bonfire. They’re even ordering an ice cream bar.” Jessie said, catching me by surprise at the last sentence.

My eyes widened in delight and I felt an indecisive smile come onto my face. She continued to encourage me. “All the different types of ice cream, dancing, the beautiful lake…” She said in a hypnotic voice. I was going to say ‘Yes’ until I heard lake. There was one problem: I couldn’t swim.

“I can’t swim,” I informed her. “You had me until you said ‘lake.’” I muttered unhappily.

“Well, you don’t have to swim! I mean- you could always put your feet in the water or avoid the lake all together.” Jessie countered. I rubbed my chin, humming lightly.

“I guess I’ll go…” I earned an excited squeal from Jessie.

“Thank God for Aunt Cherry. It starts at 9.” Jessie informed before hanging up. It's only 11 and I’ll start getting ready at 7. After showering and getting dressed, I dried my hair as I went downstairs in the mood for some breakfast.      

“I want breakfast.” I muttered as Aunt Cherry came into view.

“Breakfast passed. It’s 12:28, babe.” She laughed. I tossed a glare in her direction before I walked over to the freezer. I was in the mood for ice cream. That talk of the ice cream bar caused me to have a craving. My Aunt watched me with an amused look on her face.

“So, there’s a bonfire later.” I nodded casually. She shook her head.

“I’m sorry. But I’m not going to be home just in case something happens to you.” My Aunt apologized. I frowned slightly.

“When are you leaving?” I asked, frowning. She sighed as she turned to me.

“I have an appointment at 5 and I have a date at 8.” My Aunt said, smiling. I laughed.

“What are you doing on this date?” I giggled girlishly.

‘We’re seeing a movie and then we’re going to the dock; they’re having a carnival there.” My Aunt smiled widely. I nodded, slightly confused.

“But the dock is an hour drive.” I gave her a nervous look. She shrugged.

“Yeah, 2 hours for a movie, the hour drive there, we stay there for a while, the hour ride back. I know, but you’re older. You can be home alone until 2 or 3 right?” She asked.

“Yeah, or you might stay the night; if you know what I mean.” I winked, nudging her as I scooped the ice cream into a bowl. My parents would never allow this; eating ice cream for my first meal. Aunt Cherry let out a bark of laughter.

“Yeah, but no. And I’m sorry about the bonfire. Next week is my last weekend and then I have to go back.” She frowned. I furrowed my eyebrows. “But I’ll be seeing you soon; you know your parents and their trips.” 

I walked upstairs with my ice cream as I walked over and sat down on my bed, picking up the phone before I heard mumbling. I looked over to see Adrian mumbling as he stretched awake. When he stretched, his shirt went up and the bottom of his abs started to show. I gasped as he went to go take off his shirt. He turned to me and smiled as he rubbed his eyes.

“You’re such a Peeping Tom.” He muttered, smiling. Did he not forget what I did last night? Instead of reminding him, I just rolled my eyes.

“You’re the one changing with your window wide open.” I pointed to his window as I spooned another bite of chocolate ice cream into my mouth. I wasn’t a big fan of plain chocolate but it works.

“Are you eating ice cream?” I nodded. “I haven’t had ice cream in a very long time.”

“Why not? I mean, I’d offer you some- but I’m not that nice.” I ate another bite of the chocolate goodness. He smirked before telling me.

“I’m lactose intolerant.” He smiled as I crinkled my nose. I looked at my ice cream before putting it down. I’ve lost my appetite.

“I feel bad for you. There is going to be an ice cream bar at the bonfire tonight. Are you going?” I asked him and he groaned.

“That’s tonight?” He asked and I nodded. “I guess I’m going.” He muttered, shrugging. “Are you?” 

“I was but my Aunt said I can’t because she won’t be home.” I explained. He offered me a flat look.

“Why don’t you just sneak out?” He asked me. I bit my lip, shaking my head. I know that’s not a good idea.

“It’ll give you and Ethan some bonding time.” He muttered with a sour expression on his face. I gave him a flat look.           

“That’s a bad idea.” I bit my index finger’s nail. Why was my mind still contemplating the idea if it was automatically giving off warning signals?

“A little rebellion won’t hurt.” He shrugged carelessly. “Besides, you’ll most likely be home before her. And if not, I’ll help you up this contraption.” He pointed downwards to his makeshift ladder. I felt my hands begin to sweat at the thought of disobeying not only my parent’s orders but my Aunts. I nodded. His eyes lit up.

“So you’ll do it?” He asked and I nodded my head which was completely blank. He grinned.

“You’re such a bad influence.” I spoke as I let out a sigh.

“But you love me.” He winked and I rolled my eyes.

“But I love Ethan more,” I sneered and he glared at me. “I was kidding.”

I rolled my eyes as he closed his windows with a mocking look on his face. He closed his blinds and his curtains. I was sneaking out tonight; and technically I was sneaking out with Adrian Easton, the school’s bad boy.

---

As I walked downstairs with my phone in my hand, I swallowed the guilt that was making its way up. I already planned it out with Jessie. She knew that I was sneaking out but she would pretend to be upset so that I could prove to my Aunt that I wasn’t going.

“Hey, Jessie.” I spoke into the phone, a slight sadness to my tone.

“What’s up?” Jessie asked, faking enthusiasm. It was pretty obvious to me but I’m sure that my Aunt couldn’t hear her; at least I hope she couldn’t.

“About the bonfire, I can’t make it.” I announced, letting out a low breath as I sat on the couch which was diagonal from my Aunt.

“What? Why?” Jessie asked. At least she was sounding more realistic now.

“My Aunt isn’t going to be home and doesn’t feel safe with me leaving. But there’s always next weekend.” I shrugged.

“When do your parents get back?” She asked. This sounded like a question that was natural. We hadn’t gone over this in our script.

“Next Monday.” I sighed as I tossed my head back in annoyance.

“That gives us one more weekend to be able to go to a party before your curfew goes back to a strict 8:00 PM.” Jessie snorted and I laughed dryly.

“I know; but I’ve got to go. I’m seeing Aunt Cherry out to her appointment. Then she has a date!” I giggled as my Aunt gave me an annoyed look. Hanging up, I slid the phone into my jeans pocket before I gave my Aunt a hug.

“I should be back around 6:30; then you could help me get ready?” She pleaded with a shining smile on her face. I nodded, shrugging as she kissed the top of my head before exiting the house, locking it behind her. I felt the guilt trickle through my body as I sighed loudly.

What was I doing? I never sneak out or even rebel, for the matter! Why was I doing it now? Is it because I’m under the influence of Easton? I raced upstairs in an attempt to watch my Aunt drive away.

“Hey Peeping Tom, this is for the other night!” I heard a familiar voice say along with the slamming of a window as I locked my door. I looked over to see the spray cans with rubber bands around the nozzles and a fog of the rancid air making its way towards me. I began coughing as I inhaled it accidentally. The unpleasant smell of gas and rotten eggs greeted me strongly, causing me to retch. I made my way towards the window and swung it open, pulling the rubber bands off of the cans and sticking my head out of the window.

I heard laughing as I saw Adrian doubled over, his laughter emanating through the closed windows.as I glared at him. He looked up and saw me before he doubled over again.

I couldn’t close my window because I’d suffocate; Instead, I plugged in my fan so it’ll blow the dirty air out and fresh air in. I decided to change my clothes and take another shower in the guest room. I’m scared that the air tainted the clothes I was wearing now.

I put on a navy blue shirt that said ‘Nerd’ in white letters and a pair of my many navy blue jeans. This was what I was planning to wear to the party but if my Aunt asks, I’m just going to say that I wanted to be warm. Sounds believable, right?

After crawling onto the couch with a book, I waited until I heard my Aunt’s car pulling up noisily into the driveway before I walked over to the door and opened it to greet her with a smile. She grinned widely before checking the mailbox and entering the house.

“Ready to help me get ready?” She smiled as she opened the door to the guest room she was staying in. It technically was her room; she is the only one who ever stays in this room. I simply nodded before she tore apart her closet.

---

Once she finished, she turned to me and pulled me into a warm hug.

“I’m so proud of you for not getting angry; when I was your age- I would’ve left the house." She said, smiling as I felt myself become encased in a thick layer of guilt. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I nodded and gave her a forced smile. “And do you think I could use your keys? I lost my house keys and I need to get inside later.” She asked as I nodded.

“They’re in the key tray at the top of the stairs, just take them.” I admitted. She nodded as we walked downstairs. She thanked me before grabbing them.

“It’s no problem.” I admitted before we walked downstairs and she got into her car as I waved her off. I sighed as I leaned against the door before I locked it and walked up the stairs. Hopefully my room was aired out.

I plugged in my straightener to let it heat up as I thumbed through my makeup case. It was small; I never wear makeup so its pointless to buy a ten gallon bucket for the supplies when I had only 10 beauty items tops. As I was applying mascara I heard a familiar noise- the sound of a window opening. I looked in my mirror towards the window where I saw Adrian staring at me with pure interest.

“Why do you guys do that?” He asked. He sounded curious. I raised an eyebrow, as if telling him to be more specific.

“The whole mouth thing when you put on mascara. Why?” He asked, forgetting the name for mascara as he ran his hand through his hair stressfully in an attempt to remember the name of it. The action itself was adorable and I had to avoid his gaze so I wouldn’t blush. I shrugged.

“Some stupid reason, it helps.” I shrugged again as I switched eyes.

“What does mascara do?” He asked, leaning forward slightly. I applied the last bit of mascara before I blinked and capped the small bottle.

“It gives the illusion of longer eyelashes, it thickens them up.” I explained as I tossed it back onto my dresser. I got out my liquid eyeliner. I swished it around in the little capsule for a moment before unscrewing it.

“What is that and what does it do?” He asked, watching as I lightly slid it across my eyelid.

“It’s eyeliner and it does exactly what it's named after- it lines your eyes.” I informed him as he nodded, watching me do a slight cat eye to each of my eyes. I capped up the product and shoved it into my pocket along with my mascara.

“Are you putting on anymore makeup?” He asked as I approached my closet. I searched for my navy, high top shoes. I climbed out with my shoes and walked to my dresser, grabbing socks as I answered his question.

“Do I need more makeup?” I asked, sliding on my socks before putting on my shoes. He shook his head, ‘no.’ I was surprised he didn’t make some slick comment but if he did, I wouldn’t have been able to get mad. I did set myself up for it.

Walking back over to my hair straightener, I brushed through my hair once before grabbing a few strands and running the straightener over it. Pushing that hair aside, I continued on my hair until I finished. It was 8:40 PM. and I looked over to see Easton watching as the straightener glided across my hair. I sprayed my hair with hair spray before I ran my fingers through it and styled it. When I finished, I sighed in content before sitting on my bed and texting Jessie that I was ready.

“You’re done getting ready?” He asked me. I nodded, placing my phone back onto my bed before he got up and walked over to his dresser. He grabbed clothes and walked towards his bathroom, smirking at me while he entered the room. He changed and exited rolling his eyes at me.

“Feel bad that you couldn’t peep?” He smirked. I rolled my eyes and snorted.

“Didn’t you notice that I stop you every time you start stripping?” I gave him a flat look.

“No, you stop me a few minutes after I take off my shirt.” He smirked. I felt my face heat up but I ignored it. That was just a coincidence!

“Yeah, whatever, you need to get ready.” I muttered, looking at my phone again.

I realized that Jessie called me and I answered with a smile on my face. I hadn’t talked to her since convincing my Aunt that I wasn’t going anywhere. That was a few hours ago.

“Hey.” I sung.

“We have a slight problem.” She spoke, not even bothering greet me. I furrowed my eyebrows.

“After we hung up earlier, my mother dragged me to my Aunt’s house and she lives here in Mount Riot and she told me to bring my clothes and get ready there so I did. And the party is a 10 minute ride from here but a 40 minute ride to your house and knowing my mother, she's going to drive me to the party because I was stupid and didn’t bring my car. And if she picks you up, then she’ll want to talk to Aunt Cherry and she’ll eventually tell your parents.” She informed. I sighed.

“I can just drive myself there.” I shrugged. Then it hit me- Aunt Cherry took my keys. My car keys, my house keys, and my locker keys were on the same set. I exhaled loudly. “Never mind, I can’t. I let Aunt Cherry use my keys.” 

“What are you going to do?” She asked. I ran my hand through my straight hair.

“Not go, that’s what.” I lay on my bed. When I actually want to go to a party, I can’t.

“What? You have to go.” She encouraged. “This is a bonfire! You can’t make me go alone!” 

“There’s no other way. Taxi’s stop running after 9 and I won’t be able to get back home. If I ask anyone else, Aunt Cherry would find out.” I explained. She sounded on the verge of tears. “There are always other parties and maybe Aunt Cherry will come home earlier and I’ll be able to make it. Don’t be upset, Jessie.”

“Okay.” She said, I told her to call me later. I also asked her about Nicholas to cheer her up and it worked. After hanging up with her, I groaned into my pillow before I heard laughter. I looked up and saw Adrian sitting there with a smirk on his face.

“What do you want?” I asked, annoyed.

“I can take you to the party, since I’m going, too.” He shrugged. I gave him a suspicious look. The evil was evident as he tried to hide it behind his smirk.

“What’s in it for you?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. He shrugged.

“I don’t know yet; I’m still unsure of that right now. But are you accepting the offer or not?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. I thought about it. What are the odds that he’d remember after a night of drinking? 20/80. I nodded, getting my bag and stuffing my phone and an extra outfit inside of it after sending a text to Jessie telling her I got a ride but not including from who.

“We’ll have to pick up a few of my friends first.” He informed as I began closing my window. I nodded, walking out of my room as I left the television on and the light to make it seem occupied. I couldn’t fight the smile on my face.