Happier With You | ✓

Chapter 4

"Did you clean your room?"

"Did you do your homework?"

"Did you do your chores?"

"Did you let the dog out?"

I shook my head after every question.

Mom sighed, rubbing her temples. "So why in the world would I let you go to a party?"

"It's not a party. It's just a little birthday celebration." I argued, trying to keep my voice calm.

She was already rushing to get out the door, shoving things into her purse while checking the time. "Why? What's the point? And who's driving you?"

"My car's still in the shop." I admitted. "But Sage will take me. Please, Mom, I promise I'll be back on time."

She hesitated, biting her lip. "Fine. But get as many chores done as you can before you go-and the rest when you get back."

Relief washed over me. "Thank you! Love you!"

"Uh-huh. Also, let your father know." She called over her shoulder as she opened the front door.

"Stepfather." I corrected in my head.

"Okay, Mom! Drive safe!"

She was gone before I could hear her reply. I shut the door, ran upstairs, and flopped onto my bed, grabbing my phone. As soon as Sage picked up, we stayed on the line the entire time we got ready.

"Okay, I'll see you in five." She said before hanging up.

Right as the call ended, a knock sounded at my door.

"Come in." I said, swiping on lip gloss.

The door opened, and my stepdad leaned against the frame. "Your mom already left?"

I barely glanced at him. "Yeah? You could've just checked."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "You going out?"

"Yep. Birthday thing."

"Okay. Have fun." He turned to leave but added over his shoulder. "And fix that attitude."

I rolled my eyes the second he was out of sight.

Downstairs, I quickly scooped food into Bubbles' bowl and filled his water dish. But something felt off.

"Bubbles?" I called, scanning the kitchen. He usually came running the second I touched his food.

Sage's car pulled up outside.

"Come on, we're gonna be late!" she called from the driveway.

I took one last glance around the house.

"Maybe Iris took him out back.." I muttered, grabbing my bag and running out the door.

As soon as I slid into the passenger seat and buckled up, Sage shot me a look. "You lose something?"

I shook my head. "No, I was just feeding Bubbles. He probably went outside."

Sage shrugged and backed out of the driveway, the music kicking on as we sped off down the street.

-

"I'm telling you, if I didn't hurt my ankle, I would have rocked that dance." Sage said as we waited at a red light.

"Lies. You barely know how to dance." I laughed.

"Oh well, at least we had fun."

"Some of us." I said, glancing at her wrapped ankle.