When Cole and Julien found Hollyn, they were immediately alarmed. The girl was stumbling around, obviously very intoxicated. And clearly didn't want to be with Ryke. When Julien went over to the boy, the two ended up in a brawl. Julien won, leaving Ryke in a bloody mess. He would be fine but was going to have a very nasty black eye and bruises. Julien had a couple of bruises and bloody knuckles, the boy having put up a good fight.

They had left, going to find Hollyn's friends. They were, of course, very worried and even more so after seeing Julien's injuries. The girls had been very upset and worried and were relieved when Julien assured them he would be fine and when the boys had reassured them that Hollyn was okay. After that, the group decided to go home. Cole had to take Jackie and his siblings home since they all went together. Areli and Lillian left with Hollyn, taking her home since they came together. Hollyn was passed out by the time Cole had put her in Areli's car, the girl curled up in the backseat.

Areli dropped Lillian at home first and then went to Hollyn's house. After parking in the front, she went to the back to wake Hollyn up. "Come on, Holl. Time to wake up. We're at your house."

The girl mumbles incoherently, her eyes fluttering open. Her eyelids were heavy, her gaze unfocused. "Hmm?"

"We're at your house. Time to wake up." Areli repeats, helping the girl out of the car. She wraps her arm around her waist, keeping her steady. "Let's get you inside."

Hollyn nods, stumbling a little. "Mkay." She leans heavily on Areli, her legs unsteady. Her eyelids were heavy, her feet shuffling on the ground. "'M sorry. 'M a mess."

"Don't worry about it. It's not the first time I've seen you drunk." Areli smiles reassuringly, helping the girl up the steps of the front porch. "And it won't be the last. Come on, let's get you to bed."

The door opens before they can reach it. James Bellwood, Hollyn's father, steps out, a worried expression on his face. "There you are. Areli, thank you for calling ahead to let me know what happened and bringing her home. Thank you for everything."

"No problem, Mr. B. Here, take her. I have to get going before it gets too late."

Hollyn mumbles, her eyes fluttering open as she feels herself being transferred. "Dad?" She mumbled, realizing who was holding her.

"Hey, kiddo. Time to get you to bed. You're pretty drunk." James chuckled, adjusting her carefully to get a better grip on her. He sent Areli a thankful look and bid her goodnight before he stepped inside, kicking the front door closed as quietly as he could. Carolyn was already asleep so he didn't want to wake her up.

"Not drunk." She argues. "Jus a lil tipsy."

James chuckles, shaking his head. "Right, of course. How silly of me." He teases, knowing how stubborn and feisty his daughter could be when she was drunk. And when she was sober. "Come on, let's get you in the shower and in some fresh pajamas."

Hollyn whines, squirming to get out of his hold once they reached her home. "I can do it myself. I'm not a baby." She huffed.

"You can't even stand up without almost falling, pumpkin. A bath would probably be easier." He decided, carrying her to her bathroom and setting her down on the toilet seat after putting the seat down for her. She had trouble sitting up straight and almost fell off the seat but he caught her before she could, keeping her steady. "Okay, I'll get the bath started and get your pajamas ready. Stay put, okay? Lean against the wall."

Hollyn pouted but obeyed, leaning against the wall. She suddenly felt heavy, like her limbs are limp. Her vision was unfocused and blurred, her head spinning. Her eyelids were heavy, her whole body feeling sluggish. She tried to focus on the wall, her vision clearing a little.

After a few minutes, the bathtub was full of water and bubbles, the scent of lavender and vanilla filling the air. He had helped her get her clothes off and into the tub, letting her soak for a while to help her relax. The hot water helped wake her up a little more and she was able to wash herself. He left her alone for a few minutes, telling her to yell for him if she needed him. He waited outside, keeping the door open just a crack in case she did call for him. He got some pjs for her to change into and set them aside on the counter.

Soon, Hollyn finished her bath and was dry and dressed, wearing an oversized t-shirt and shorts. She was sitting on her bed, her hair damp and brushed. James sat down next to her, brushing the stray strands of hair out of her face. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired. Dizzy." She mumbled, leaning against him. Her head was still spinning a little and her body felt heavy. She was trying to keep her eyes open but they were drooping.

"I bet. You had a lot to drink tonight. Do you want me to get you some medicine and water?"

She shakes her head, her eyelids drooping. "Mm, no. Wanna sleep. G'night, dad. Love you." She slurred, her head resting against his shoulder.

"Good night, kiddo. Sweet dreams."

Within a few minutes, she was sound asleep, curled up under the covers. He chuckled, pulling the covers up to her and kissed her forehead. He got up, placing the towel in the hamper. He smiled a little at seeing Lottie enter the room and the dog jumped up on the bed, curling up by the girl's feet. The pup looked up at him and barked quietly, wagging her tail.

"Keep an eye on her, okay, girl?"

Lottie barked again and James chuckled, patting the dog's head before he left the room. He closed the door and headed downstairs, deciding to get some water and painkillers in case Hollyn woke up and needed it. He was sure she was going to have a nasty hangover and wanted to be prepared.

After making sure he had everything he needed, he made his way upstairs, making a stop in the kitchen to fill a bottle with water. He placed the Tylenol and water on the nightstand and pulled over the trash can just in case she needed it. He looked down at his daughter, the girl snoring softly, and couldn't help but smile. His little girl was growing up and was becoming a beautiful young woman. It was hard to believe she was sixteen already. He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Love you, kiddo."

He stood up and turned the light off before he left the room, closing the door behind him. He hoped she had a good sleep and didn't wake up too hungover. Of course, he wasn't mad. She was a teenager and was going to be drinking and having fun. She was going to make mistakes and get drunk. It was a part of life. But, he was there to help her through it and that's all that mattered.

****

First thing Hollyn noticed when she woke up the next morning was the pounding headache. Oh, yeah. She got drunk last night. Ugh. She groaned, rolling over and pulling the covers over her head. Sunlight was streaming in through the window, making her head hurt more. It was too bright. Too early. She didn't want to be awake yet. She didn't want to leave her bed. But, unfortunately, her bladder had other plans.

She sighed and reluctantly got out of bed, rubbing her eyes as she stumbled into the bathroom. She relieved herself and washed her hands, grimacing at her reflection. Yup, she looked like s***. Her hair was a mess, her face was pale, and she had dark circles under her eyes. Great. She felt like s*** too. Her stomach was queasy and her head was pounding. Everything ached. The world felt like it was spinning and she was afraid she was going to vomit. This was the worst. She never been this hungover before.

She took a couple of deep breaths, grabbing the edge of the sink. Okay, she just had to focus on breathing and staying upright. And hopefully not vomit. Her eyes close as she takes slow deep breaths, trying to focus on something else other than the pain. After a few minutes, her nausea subsided and she opened her eyes. Okay, that was a little better. She remembered seeing some pills on her nightstand and decided to get some. Hopefully, they were painkillers.

She made her way back into her room and grabbed the pills and water, popping two into her mouth. She chugged the water and sighed, feeling a little better. Now, time for coffee. And food. She was starving. The sun was still too bright and she still had a pounding headache, but at least she didn't feel like she was going to puke anymore. Lottie had been awake the whole time, tail wagging when she came out of the bathroom.

"Hey, girl." She greets, rubbing the pup's head. "Want some breakfast? Let's go eat." Lottie yipped and trotted downstairs, her tail wagging. Hollyn followed and walked into the kitchen, smelling the familiar aroma of her mom's famous pancakes. "

Good morning, sunshine," Her mom says cheerfully, placing a plate of pancakes on the table. "Your dad told me you had a rough night, I'm sorry. I'm glad you're okay. We can talk if you need to."

"You're not mad or disappointed in me?" Hollyn asked nervously, expecting a lecture or getting grounded. She continued to rub her eyes, still adjusting to the light and the remnants of her hangover.

Her mom smiles gently, shaking her head. "No, honey. I'm not mad. I was a teenager once too, you know. I understand. But we will need to talk about making safer choices in the future. For now, let's just focus on getting you to feel better."

Hollyn nods, a wave of relief washing over her. She moves to sit at the table, the smell of pancakes making her stomach growl despite her queasiness. "Thanks, mom. I'm really sorry." She apologizes, looking guilty. She really hadn't meant to get drunk and didn't mean to upset her parents. She hadn't expected it to get that far and she didn't even know how much she had drank.

"I know, honey. It's okay. You're safe and that's what matters. Eat up, you'll feel better."

They ate breakfast together, Lottie begging for scraps. Her dad came downstairs soon after, giving her a kiss on the head. The other two dogs greeted him before going back to their food bowls. James pours himself a cup of coffee, sitting at the table. "Hey, kiddo. How are you feeling?"

"Hungover. Like s***." She replied honestly.

James shares an amused look with his wife, the two chuckling at her blunt honesty. "Yes, well, that's to be expected. I left you some medicine and water in your room last night, did you take some?"

"Yeah, I did. Thanks." She smiled at him thankfully, glad he had thought ahead.

"No problem. I thought you might need it. So, you were drunk and had a few drinks. Are you going to be a responsible young lady and tell us what happened?" He questioned, sipping his coffee.

"I didn't plan on getting that drunk, honest. I only planned on having one or two drinks but I don't remember how many I had." She admitted, her cheeks reddening. She didn't even know where her friends had gotten the alcohol. "I-I didn't know. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Next time, try not to drink that much. Or at all. If you do, be smart about it." He advised, a concerned frown on his face.

"We're not mad, Hollyn. We're just worried. We don't want anything bad to happen to you. Thankfully Cole and Julien had found you when they did." Her mother reassured, her voice soft and gentle.

"Yeah, I'm glad they found me. I don't know what would've happened if they hadn't." Hollyn agreed, the thought making her shiver. "But, I'll be more careful next time. Promise." She promised, holding out her pinky.

Her parents smiled and linked their pinkies with hers, promising the same. After breakfast, she helped with taking the dogs outside along with the cat before she drove to school. She was dreading going to school after the bonfire that weekend and her hangover wasn't helping.

"Holl!" Areli's voice rang through the air as soon as got out of her car and closed the door behind her. The older girl ran over to hug her tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay." She pauses, pulling back to look at her with concern. "You are okay, right?"

"A little hungover, but I'm fine." Hollyn reassures, hugging her back. "Thank you for bringing me home and getting me into the house. I really appreciate it. It was a little hazy after the bonfire, so I'm really grateful."

"No problem. I'm just glad you're safe." Areli says, relieved. She knew Hollyn was a responsible girl, but sometimes things can happen when you're drinking and hanging out with the wrong crowd. "So, tell me everything that happened after I dropped you off. What happened with your parents? Are you grounded forever? Have you talked to Cole or Julien yet? What-"

Hollyn laughs, shaking her head. "Slow down, Ari. I'll tell you what happened. Thankfully my parents didn't ground me or even lecture me. I don't know why, but they were super chill about it." She explained, starting to walk to the front doors with Areli, who linked her arm with Areli.

"That's awesome! I'm glad. Your parents are great. I'm surprised. I was worried they would've grounded you or something."

"Me too."

They continued to chat, walking through the hallways until they reached Hollyn's locker. She was glad she had Areli and was relieved her parents weren't upset. She didn't think she could handle them being disappointed in her.

"Well, I gotta head to class. I'll see you at lunch?"

"Yep! See ya later." Hollyn agreed, opening her locker and grabbing books she needed.

A few moments later, she jumps, startled when someone suddenly leaned against the lockers by hers. "Sorry, ma chéri. Didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to check on you." Julien apologized, a soft smile on his lips.

"Oh, hey. I'm fine, thank you. How are you?" She asked, closing her locker and turning to face him. Her heart fluttered at seeing him, his gaze was intense but comforting. His smile was charming and his dimples made her heart race. He was wearing his usual outfit and had his bag slung over his shoulder.

"Better now with seeing you." He replied, his smile widening. He moved closer to her, his arm propped up on the locker behind her. His eyes twinkled with mischief and amusement, a teasing grin on his face.

Hollyn blushes, looking down and biting her lip. Julien's smirk widened at her reaction and he moved his finger under her chin, lifting her head up to look at him. "Don't be embarrassed. I find it quite cute. It makes you even more adorable."

Hollyn's blush darkens, her face burning. Her heart was racing and her breath caught in her throat. They were close, almost touching, and she could smell his cologne. "T-Thanks. Um, how did you and Cole find me the other night? What happened?"

Julien's hand pulls away and she was surprised by how she immediately missed his touch. "I noticed I couldn't see you anywhere near the bonfire so I asked Cole if he knew where you were. I figured you'd be with him 'cause you're best friends. When he said he didn't know where you were, we got worried and went looking for you. Cole spotted you first with that Ryke kid." He shakes his head and shrugs. "I don't know much about him, but I've heard he's not the kind of person you should want to hang out with. But, what matters is that you're okay."

"Thank you. For looking for me and caring." She thanks, her voice soft. She felt relieved knowing that he and Cole had looked for her. She was lucky to have such great friends. "You guys saved me from him. Are you okay? I-I mean, I didn't see all the fight but I faintly remember seeing you tackle Ryke to the ground and I'm worried about you." Her gaze fell to his hand where she noticed his right fist was bruised and a little swollen.

Julien glances down and chuckles, shaking his head. "Aw, don't worry about me, ma chéri. I've had worse injuries than this. And Ryke had it coming. I wasn't going to let him hurt you. Cole and I are fine, we took care of him." He assures, a soft smile on his lips. "I'm just glad we got there before he took you away." He frowns at the thought of him or anyone else taking advantage of her while she was vulnerable. It made him angry. "You deserve better than that. You deserve the world." He said softly, reaching his hand over to brush a damp strand of her hair that fell out of her braid to hook it behind her ear.

Hollyn's breath hitched, her heartbeat quickening. Julien smiled softly at her, his blue eyes gazing at her tenderly. He brushed his thumb against her cheek, his skin soft and warm against hers. She shivered slightly, her body reacting to his touch. They were still leaning against the lockers, their bodies almost touching. She could smell his cologne again and felt dizzy. Not because of the hangover she still had. Because of Julien.

Julien smirks, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief and amusement. "Are you feeling alright, ma chéri? You're looking a little flushed. Perhaps you should sit down and I'll grab you some water?" He suggested, his voice teasing.

Hollyn shakes her head, snapping out of her trance. Her face turns a deeper shade of red and she quickly looks away. "N-No, no. I'm okay, really. Thank you, though. For checking on me. It means a lot."

Julien's smirk widens into a smile, his dimples appearing. He takes her hand in his, kissing the back of it. "Anytime, ma chéri. If you need anything, let me know. I'll see you around, okay?" He smiled at her, squeezing her hand before he let go and turned to walk down the hall. Hollyn stood there, staring after him. Her cheeks were burning and her heart was racing. She could still feel his touch, his lips on her hand. It sent shivers down her spine and made her whole body feel hot. She could barely breathe. Julien had that effect on her and he knew it.

"What is wrong with me?" She groaned, her forehead falling against her locker. She knew she was screwed before since she was falling in love for two guys, but it kept getting worse.

"I know you had a rough weekend, but hitting your head against your locker isn't how you're gonna open it, Shortcake." Erin's teasing voice brought her out of her thoughts. She looked over and saw her friend grinning at her.

"Shut up." Hollyn rolls her eyes playfully, a smile on her face. "I'm fine, thanks for asking." She said, earning a small chuckle from Erin. "I'm just tired, Rin. Didn't get much sleep this weekend. Head still hurts too." She admitted, rubbing her forehead as she turned to lean against her locker.

"I figured. Are you okay, though? What exactly happened? I only saw Areli helping you walk away from the bonfire. You seemed pretty out of it. Are you sure you're okay?" Erin asked, her smile fading and replaced with a look of concern.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just had a few too many drinks. Don't really remember how much. Most of the night is a little fuzzy. Especially after heading home. I do know that Cole and Julien took care of Ryke. They were the ones who got me out of there and got me back to my other friends." She responded, rubbing her head as she sighed. 

Erin nods, frowning. She was glad they got her out of there and was concerned that something might've happened if they hadn't found her. "I'm glad they found you. So, did anything else happen after that? What happened with your parents? Were you in trouble?"

"No, surprisingly. They were super cool about it. They were worried, but they didn't ground me or give me a lecture. I'm still not entirely sure why." She confessed, her forehead furrowing.

Erin smiles, patting her friend on the shoulder. "Well, I'm glad they were chill about it. Hopefully, you learned a lesson, right?"

Hollyn nods, smiling back. "Yeah, yeah. I know. Don't drink as much and don't hang out with Ryke." She mumbled, leaning her head on Erin's shoulder.

"Speak of the devil." Erin murmured to her, noticing Ryke walking down the hallway with his friends. He had a black eye and a busted lip, along with a bruised jaw. He looked pretty banged up. He was glaring at a group of students who were whispering and pointing at him.

"Wait, do people know what happened?" Hollyn asked with surprise, noticing the group whispering.

"Yeah. Apparently, Cole and Julien gave him a beatdown. Word has gotten around school and everyone knows that they saved you from him. He's been getting crap all morning and the girls keep flocking to Cole and Julien." Erin replied, her eyes widening as she watched two girls wouldn't leave Julien alone while he walked down the hallway. He kept politely trying to shrug them off but they kept touching him and flirting.

Hollyn watches as well, a frown on her face. Her heart twisted and a pang of jealousy rushed through her. She clenches her jaw, watching as the girls continued to try and get Julien's attention. "Can't they see he's not interested?" She asked, suddenly irritated.

Erin looks at her with amusement, her brow arching. "Hollyn, are you jealous?"

"No, of course not, Rin. I-I don't know what you're talking about." She denied, shaking her head.

Erin chuckles, nudging her friend playfully. "Don't lie. You're jealous. It's written all over your face. It's okay, you don't need to hide it from me. But, it's funny to see."

Hollyn rolls her eyes and elbows her in the ribs. "Shut up."

"Hey, I'm not judging. Come on, let's get to class." Erin suggest, wrapping her arm around Hollyn's shoulders as they turn to walk down the hallway. "But seriously, are you going to do something about it?"

"I-I don't know. I like them both. A lot. Like I'm falling in love with them." Hollyn frowns, sighing and leaning into her side. "I'm not sure what to do. I told them I'd give them an answer soon, but I still don't know. I can't choose. What do I do?"

Erin pauses, pulling her friend to the side to avoid colliding with another student. "That's tough, Shortcake. I can't tell you what to do. Only you can make that choice. It's up to you."

"I know that, Rin. But, I'm torn. They're both so wonderful and caring. I've never felt like this for anyone before. How can I choose between them?" She asked, her voice soft and pleading. She was desperate for some sort of answer or advice.

Erin gives her a sympathetic look, sighing softly. "I'm sorry, Shortcake. I wish I could help, but I can't. This is something you have to figure out yourself. I know it's hard, but maybe you should take some time to think about it."

"I've already been thinking about it. It doesn't help. All I'm doing is driving myself crazy and making myself miserable." Hollyn complained, frowning. She knew it wasn't easy, but she wanted a little help.

"I know. Trust me, I do. You have to make a decision. You can't put it off forever." Erin reminds, squeezing her shoulder. "Come on, let's get to class." They made their way to class, Hollyn lost in thought. She wasn't paying attention as they entered the classroom and sat down at their desks. She kept thinking about Julien and Cole, her heart aching.

"Hollyn?" Erin's voice brings her back to reality and she looks up. The taller girl was watching her with a worried expression, her eyebrows furrowed. "You alright?"

"I'm fine." She mumbled, her head resting on her desk. She didn't feel like dealing with this.

"Are you sure?" Erin pressed, reaching over to rub her friend's shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Thanks." Hollyn muttered, sending her a small smile. 

"If you say so." Erin shrugged, turning her attention back to her notebook.

Hollyn stayed like that, her head on the desk. She didn't pay attention as the class went on. She couldn't concentrate. All she could think about was Julien and Cole.

The rest of the day was a blur, she barely paid attention in any of her classes. All she was thinking of Julien and Cole and who she felt more feelings to. Who she could see herself with for her whole life. Who she wanted to grow old with. Who she wanted to be with. It was driving her crazy. She tried to focus in her classes, but she couldn't stop her thoughts from going to the boys.