Happier With You.

Chapter 1

I had exactly 45 minutes before my boyfriend arrived.

We had planned a picnic by the lake to watch the sunset and feed the birds.

I had lost my volleyball game-our third crushing defeat of the season. My teammates' glares bore into me; they blamed me for the loss. My parents didn't show up to the game, and neither did anyone else I knew. I felt utterly abandoned and worthless.

I dressed in my white gown with its delicate, puffy sleeves and slipped on my sandals, hoping to mask my pain with beauty.

An hour later, I was sitting on the grass beside Cody, the golden hues of the sunset painting the sky.

"How was your game?" Cody asked softly.

I tore at a blade of grass, my voice barely above a whisper. "It was awful. We lost again."

"It's alright. Maybe next game will be better," he murmured, his fingers gently stroking my hair. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it. I had to help my dad at the car shop; you know how he gets."

I leaned my head on his shoulder, seeking solace. "As long as you're here now, that's all that matters."

He kissed my forehead, and together we watched the sun dip below the horizon, the world around us fading into darkness.

-

I turned down the radio as we pulled up to the driveway. My mom was waiting outside, arms crossed.

"Oh gosh, why is she out here?" I muttered as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

"Want me to come in?" Cody asked.

I jumped out of my seat. "No, it's fine. I love you. Bye! I'll text you when I can!"

I ran up to the front door.

"London, it's almost 10 p.m.," my mom said angrily.

"I know, Mom, but the sunset was at 6, and then we went to grab something to eat. We lost track of time."

My mom stared at me, her eyes boring into mine for what felt like an eternity.

"I said you needed to be back by 7:30 at the latest because we had plans. You can't just do whatever you want."

I hung my head. "Mom, you know that's not what it is. Why do you always make me feel like the bad guy in every situation? I just wanted to get out for a while."

"Well, maybe you should spend more time studying and practicing volleyball instead of going out with your boyfriend. You've lost all your games. Do you know how embarrassing it is to show up and watch you lose?"

I glared at her and stormed inside. Slamming my bedroom door, I let the tears blur my vision. "When is it going to get better?"

My phone started to ring with my coach's ringtone. Great.

I cleared my throat and answered. "Hi, Miss Amy."

"Hey, London. I've been going over our season-our winning games and losing games. I'm sorry to tell you this, but we've played much better without you."

My heart dropped.

"I'm not saying you're horrible. I know you have a lot going on right now, and maybe you need a break to practice more. Your grades aren't improving, and neither is your playing. I'm sorry, London, but you're on the bench until further notice."

"Oh, I understand," I lied.

"Thank you. Have a good night." She hung up.