The only reason

Chapter 1

“Roxy, we are going to miss the bus” Eli calls from outside my room.

“That’s ok” I call from under my blankets. I hear my door open and suddenly I am being sat on.

“Mom’s going to freak out” he mutters. I push him off me as I sit up.

“Let her” I say simply. He gives me his famous ‘Really’ look and I shake my head as I stand up.

“I’ll be down in a second” I groan before walking into the bathroom. I look at myself in the mirror and frown. I sigh as I brush my wavy, almost black hair before pulling it into a high pony. I put on foundation and mascara after brushing my teeth. I pull on my white Rolling Stones t-shirt and oversized plaid shirt.

“Roxy, come on” Eli calls as I button up my jean shorts.

“I’m coming” I say as I roll my eyes. I run to my room and slip on my black Vans before grabbing my bag and heading to the front door. I offer Eli a glare when he smiles at me.

“Let’s go, the Hemming’s are waiting” he says after locking the door behind me.

“Wait, you said we were taking the bus” I whine as I follow him to our neighbors.

“Because of you we missed it now be nice” he scolds. I roll my eyes and cross my arms. I love Liz, she pretty much has raised us since my mom remarried when we were eight, but her son is annoying, and so are his friends.

“Nice of you to join civilization today” Liz calls to me with a smile. I smile at her and shake my head. She’s the only one who gets me these days.

“Hey” Luke mutters to me. I give him a nod as I climb into the backseat with Eli. Liz turns on the radio for the short ride to the school. When we finally arrive I jump out of the car and head straight to my friends. I make sure Liz has left and Eli and Luke aren’t around before pulling my smokes from my bag. I borrow my friend Jon’s lighter and inhale the nicotine greedily. I rest my head against the brick wall of the school as I breathe the smoke out. Mom would kill me right now.

“Can I bum one” My best friend, Candy asks. Candy hates her real name a million times more than me, it’s Candice, it was her great-grandma’s name.

“I guess” I say with a grin. I toss her my pack and look around for any teachers. I make eye contact with Liz and my smoke almost falls out of my mouth.

“Shit” I groan as she starts making her way towards me. Candy raises her eyebrow before glancing behind her, she turns back to me with wide eyes.

“See ya” I mutter, dropping the half smoked cigarette before stepping on it.

“Hey Liz” I say with a smile.

“Roxana” she starts. I roll my eyes and let out a loud groan.

“Liz, please no” I beg with pleading eyes.

“Roxy, I have to tell your mom” she sighs.

“No, I’ll stop I promise” I whine.

“Roxy” she sighs again.

“Here, have my pack” I say, handing her the almost full back. She looks down at it before back up at me.

“How do you get these” she asks. I shrug and look at my feet, I’m not telling her.

“Roxana” she warns.

“Some guy that hangs out with my friends” I half lie.

“No more or I tell your mom, got it” she warns.