𝐧𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲, 𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞- 𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧

3.

I told my parents I would be out for some time in order to clear my head. They agreed, not that they could turn me down anymore now that I'm 18. The only concern, was my car. With everything going on, the thought of the flat tire never skimmed my mind. Luckily, my dad was more than happy to let me borrow his car.

I didn't argue, nor did I stay long to explain anything or have my parents question my mindset. The thought of that alone practically sent me running for the car. I only prayed that I would be okay by the end of the night, therefore I made a mental note to not do anything too stupid.

I pulled up the address and drove down the empty streets. It was already 10pm and I didn't want to be out any later than midnight. 2 hours would be good enough for me. I was there to have a good time, drink a few beers, then head home. That way I could fall asleep without a single thought buzzing through my head.

Michael, the host, lived 10 minutes from my house. He made sure to let everyone know that his parents were out of town and to be careful with the things around his house. Apparently someone broke a lamp last time and his mom questioned him for days about how he could possibly break a lamp when all he did was spend time in his room.

I turn down a road that was surrounded by nothing but trees. The road was so narrow I wasn't sure how two cars could possibly fit down it. It was also quiet except for the sound of my tires rolling through the dirt and the rattling toolbox my dad left in the back. I checked my phone gps again, wondering if I took the wrong turn. This would be some party if I was only here to get murdered.

Eventually, I saw lights from a distance and multiple cars parked in front of a large house with a large clearing for cars. For a house hidden by trees, I understood why he was always the person to host the parties. His house had to be at least three stories high with dozens of people on every floor. The music was loud already, ready for people to party all night.

I got out of the car, locking it and tucking the keys into my front pocket of my jeans. My phone was in my jacket pocket where I hid my hands as well. I didn't know anyone here, so why am I here?

I didn't ring the doorbell because it would be pointless. The door was unlocked anyways, welcoming anyone who stepped through. The room immediately sent a stench I never wanted to smell again. Sweat, alcohol, weed, and the cigarettes from the people outside not caring to shut the back door.

I squeezed my way through people until I reached the kitchen. I was told to never have someone make my drink for me, so I pored my own drink in my own cup. Similar to arriving, I didn't hesitate to take a sip. I didn't hesitate to step through that doorway, so my body was basically welcoming the next few hours.

I stood there for some time, waiting for the alcohol to kick in. Back then, it didn't take long, but when Sarah started sneaking drinks into her room with Topper, I would rebel and drink some also. She was 16, I was 17. It wasn't that long ago, and honestly it probably wasn't a big deal because half the kids here started younger, but at the time I thought I was unstoppable.

My head was clouded with thoughts that I failed to realize the boy beside me. At first I ignored him, but I saw his lips moving and there was no one beside me. I furrowed, leaning in closer to hear him. "What?"

"What's your name?"

I was prepared to be embarrassed somehow. Prepared that maybe there was someone next to me. The music was so loud that I couldn't hear him the first time.

"Atallia." I responded.

"I'm Trevor." He introduced, holding up his red cup.

"Nice to meet you." I gave him a polite smile.