Living with Trouble

Chapter 49

Stop looking at me with those eyes
Like I could disappear and you wouldn't care why
Now I'm fucked up and I'm missing ya ~ Flume

☆

"Excuse you," rolled that annoying voice I know so well.

I gritted my teeth, looking up at the girl in front of me. My eyebrows creased as dark hair clouded my vision, "Anne?"

She flipped her bra length, bone straight hair over her shoulder. "That's me." The chocolate brown hair that framed her face angelically, enhanced her Mexican features, and contrasted nicely with her tan skin. Way more than the strawberry blonde she rocked since last year.

I stood straight, tucking my books into my arm. "You dyed your hair back to brown," I stated the obvious.

She looked at me as if I was scum on the bottom of her squeaky clean shoes. Her hands went to her hair, swiping stray strands out of her face. "Yup, went back to my roots. And what about it?" She scoffed.

I rolled my eyes, "watch where you're going in the halls." Some of the dye must of seeped into her eyes.

"Trust me I will," she looked me up and down. She walked away from me, down the halls of this miserable school.

"Hey, Aniya!" I heard my name be called. Declan came towards me, sweat dripping down his forehead.

My body stiffened, as I watched him run over to me. The texts still haunt my memories from the other day. When I got back home I sat on my bed in straight denial of his supposed betrayal. It can't be what I think it is, can it? I mean, what reason does one of my best friends have to turn on me like this.

He stopped in front of me, wiping sweat from his forehead. He was in basketball shorts, probably coming back from practice.

"Hey what's up," I asked.

"I wanted to know if you'd like to come to the party I'm hosting this Thursday. Lily and Quinn already said they would come," he panted. "It's kind of like a going away party for you. I invited a few other people as well."

The alarm bells in my head were set on full alert. When doubting your friend played a big deal in your kidnapping should you go to their party? With the possibility of alcohol, dumb teenagers, and drugs?

If Jessie was able to snatch me up sober, just imagine how easy it'll be if my drink were to be spiked. All it took was one good knock on the noggin and lights out.

"I don't know," I scratched behind my ear. "I haven't been feeling very well lately. After recent events with Jessie, I don't feel right going to a party just yet, you know?"

His eyes widened slightly, taken off guard. "Yeah, yeah. I get it, don't pressure yourself to come, although it wouldn't be as fun without you." He leaned into me.

My eyes widened awkwardly as I fumbled for words to find.  "I'll see," I responded before walking in the opposite direction. I know I leave this weekend, but a party on a Thursday?

—

I sat in the kitchen, perched up on one of the island's stools. The front door opens and the click clack of heels made its way in my direction. My mom walked in, placing her purse and water bottle on the counter. "Hey, sweetie." She sighed.

"Hi mom," I nodded towards her stuff. "What were you doing that got you so exasperated?" The crinkle between her brows only appeared when she was super stressed. Makes me want to reach out and smooth it out for her.

"Just finalizing a few things with the restaurant. It's been hard finding a new replacement so far. I let Mikey, the manager, take over for a bit until I find someone."