cruel summer

Chapter 2

Athena

Yesterday when I ran out of school after my bump in with Logan. I hated myself for being so weak.

I saw his mum as I was going into my house, Grace Keery had always been a second mother to me and I missed her but it's not like I could pop round for a catch up. Not with Logan there. I had given her a small wave and gone into my house trying not to dwell on it for the rest of my day. She's just been a friendly neighbour. She's knows Logan and I aren't close anymore, right? I hope not I don't want her to start ignoring me because of whatever I did.

Today is Saturday and I haven't seen my dad since I left for school on Friday witch I guess is a good thing but it makes me more nervous than happy. I know he's probably been out drinking with his buddies I just hope he doesn't bring any of them home again.

I'm completely lost in my dreaded thoughts when my phone rings by the side of my bed and I roll over to answer it. I see it's my best friend Beatrix, Bee Skies. She was a beautiful girl, she had blue eyes with long blond hair. I'd always been a little jealous of her, she was drop dead gorgeous honestly if she wasn't my best friend I would definitely make a move on her. I had always loved her straight hair compared to my curls but I learned to love them.

I'm honestly so grateful for her. I truly don't know where'd I'd be with out her. She became my best friend as soon as we met in freshman year we've been inseparable ever since. Even though she doesn't know the full extent of my home life she's knows enough not to ask questions and let's my stay at her house whenever I need.

I quickly pick up, "hey Bee" my morning groggy voice going through the phone. "Thena? Are you only just waking up? It's past mid day lazy!"

I roll my eyes and laugh a little, I'd never been a morning person, she knew that but liked to taunt me sometime. "come on, you need to get ready we're going to a party later!" She spoke again.

I mentally panicked for a few seconds before snapping back to reality. A party? Don't get me wrong I like socialising but typically not around a bunch of drunk teenagers. Mainly just the drinking. It reminded me too much of my dad, I know all too well what happens to people when they drink.  and that will instantly ruin my mood.

"I can hear you overthinking babe" she shouted down the phone making me jump, I had forgotten she was on the phone. "Umm...you know I'm not a big partier B" I spoke. "I know Athena but come on please, I'll be next to you the whole time and you don't have to drink. I just don't want you to miss out you know." She paused, "Plus's it's one of the last ones before summer!" I knew I probably didn't get out as much as maybe I should, I don't know why it's not like I like to stay home. But I like to be back home before my dad so I can lock myself in my room before he can find me. "Who's party is it?" I ask with a sigh. "Aiden Ross" she spoke quietly. Crap.

Don't get me wrong I had nothing against Aiden, I had spoken to him a few times and he was always nice, plus I'm pretty sure Beatrix has a thing for him. I get it he's cute with his soft blond hair, brown eyes and tan skin but I can't help but be a little cautious. Him and Logan are apparently both players when it comes to girls, I just don't want her to get hurt.

I contemplated what I was going to do before speaking again, "If I agree to go you have to promise me you won't leave me without telling me first" the squeal that left her mouth pierced my ears down the phone. "AHHH THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU" I couldn't help but smile a little hearing how exited she sounded witch made me a little excited, I'm glad she could always put a smile on my face.

"You won't regret this I promise, ok. Come round later to get ready? The party starts at 8, we're going at 9." Of cause Bee always had to be fashionably late, Plus the first hour of parties are always dead and awkward. "Do you have anything I can wear Bee?" I really hoped she did cause I have nothing, Bee was a hoarder though so I knew she probably would. "Yeah of cause Thee don't worry I got you babe" she paused again the clicks probably going if in her head of what she would give me to wear.

"Ok I'll see you soon Bee, I love you" I spoke gently. "I love you to Thena, thank you for this" I smiled to myself before hanging up the phone.

This was going to be interesting.

Logan

"A party really, again?" I sighed looking over at Aiden who was sat sprawled across his bed. "Yeah man it's not like my parents care what I do" he chuckled to himself. He used humour to cover his damage, which I think is what drew me to him honestly he wasn't afraid. I know his parents are both not really in the picture but he doesn't ever talk about it and I won't push.

I was usually down for a party don't get me wrong. I had just been feeling a little anxious recently, after my bump into Athena everything had made me nervous, every phone call thinking it was her, every knock at the door. I really couldn't get her off my mind. It was pathetic.

"Ok Aid whatever, what time?" I don't know why I asked that, it's not like I give a shit what time it starts, I'll be here anyway. I'm just to scared to ask who's coming.

I know Aiden recently has a little thing for Athena's friend Beatrix, witch is fine she's pretty, kind and smart, whatever but I knew if he invited her the likelihood of her bringing Athena is strong and I really didn't want to bump into her again.

Well I wasn't sure if I didn't or not. Truthfully I probably did want to. Badly. But I couldn't, I had to keep my distance.

"Dude just ask the question you really want to know" I hate that he could read me so well. Aiden and I had been best friends since the start of freshman year. He has helped me through a lot since he found out about my anxiety, I'm very grateful for him. Everybody needs someone to talk to, even if it's a bit uncomfortable at time because if this stigma that has been built up about mental health especially in men, I'm not saying it doesn't go both ways but I think men struggle more to talk about there feelings because of years of taught toxic masculinity.

But yeah, he's always been there for me and I love him like a brother.

I sighed knowing I should ask but I didn't really want to know. I let out a shaky breath and asked, "Is she going to be there?" He knew who I was talking about, he doesn't know why I avoid her though, he doesn't know everything. No one does, I'd like to keep it that way.

"I don't know bro, I invited Beatrix. I said she could bring a plus 1 to make her more comfortable so probably" he said that last part a little quieter than the rest not wanting me to hear.

I can't avoid her for ever, I won't even see her with all the people Aiden invites to these things.

"Fine bro. It's fine I won't even see her. It's not a big deal" I rush out. He looks over at me suspiciously raising his eyebrows slightly. "Whatever helps you sleep at night Logan" he said. I rolled my eyes and went back to overthinking about the girl who won't get out of my head.

God Athena what are you doing to me.

[AN- I hope you liked the little introduction to Bee and Aiden, what do we think of them so far? thank you for reading if your here ily -Tess]