One Last Prayer

Part 8

Tessa is sitting on my floor applying her make up when she jumps up and claps once, like she often does. "Alright time to get to the real fun." She grabs her bag and pulls out a water bottle full of bright blue liquid. I tilt my head looking at it and she laughs. "I know, UV isn't great but it's cheap and doesn't really require a chaser.

"Oh." I say in a high pitched tone. "I actually don't drink."

She gawks at me for a second. "Like, never?"

I shake my head and chew on my lower lip. "No, never."

She looks at her bottle then back at me and holds it up slightly. "Well. Want to try? Just a sip?" Before I can answer she opens it and takes a drink.

I shake my head and walk to my closet for something to change into. "I don't think so."

I expect her to try to pressure me into it, or make me feel like a loser for not wanting to try it, but instead she shrugs and takes another drink. I smile, thankful that she drops it and I pull out a light grey colored off the shoulder sweater. I walk to my dresser and feel adventurous. I grab some high waisted shorts and change while Tessa goes back to playing with her make up. Earlier she had tried to get me to let her do my make up, but I reminded her that it was likely she would be able to take full advantage of what I look like next weekend. "Just to let you know, I'm actually not having a party next weekend, but I'll find one just because of our bet." She had said.

Tessa has finished a little more than half her bottle by the time we get to the beach. I start to wonder what percent of alcohol is in what she's drinking. For a second part of me craves to just taste it, but then I decide against it. We approach the crowd that's already there and I'm surprised to see the amount of people.

Brielle approaches us immediately and her grin spreads across her face. Her cheeks are rosy and she slings her arm around her twin sister's shoulder. I can tell she's been drinking by the smile and the show of affection, but she's carrying herself well. She whispers into Tessa's ear and Tessa smiles brightly looking back at her.

"They're here?" I hear her quietly respond. Brielle only nods and Tessa pulls away from her twin, fixing her hair, and I realize Tessa must be interested in someone. Something we haven't talked about but I am not surprised.

"Riley I'll catch up with you later." Tessa winks at me and I smile and nod, wondering how I'm going to entertain myself alone at my very first party.

I'm wandering into the crowd when David runs up to me from behind and embraces me in a tight hug, lifting me to spin me in a circle. I squeal and squirm trying to get loose once he sets me down. I turn around smiling, thankful that I'm with someone I know.

His smile is infectious and he rubs his hands together in excitement in front of him. "Riley made it to a party! What does this mean? Is Hell about to freeze over?" He chuckles and I sigh looking around at all the people.

"I guess so. Better start saying your prayers before the world comes to an end." I say dryly.

"Stop. You're just a late bloomer." He pats my back but then lets his hand linger there for a second too long.

"Where's Trey?" I ask as I step away, making it seem like it isn't on purpose.

"He's around here somewhere. Probably finding a chick to nail." I push him playfully even though I know he's not joking.

"Riley, you're here!" Another voice that sounds surprised to see me, but this one isn't as familiar. I turn around to see Aaron smiling, holding two cups. He extends one to me and I open my mouth to say something when David interrupts.