The Moonlark

Part 5: The Party

As soon as I get home, I rush straight to the bathroom and put bandaids on my burns. I then march into the kitchen and notice a note on the counter. It reads: 'Hey Sophie! Grady and I are at the sanctuary, but feel free to join us whenever!'

I sigh, and grab a granola bar, before sitting down to do my homework. I hear a knock on the door, and yell, "Yes?"

Keefe's head pops in the door. "Hey, Foster!"

"I didn't say come in!" I jump up from my seat. "For all you know, I could've been naked!"

He awkwardly coughs, but then brightens up again. "So Biana and Fitzy are having a party, and they decided they wanted to see how much fun you are."

I groan. "I don't think that's a good idea. Grady would be pissed."

Keefe grins. "Nah, Edaline's cool, so she'll calm him down. C'mon, Foster! Don't be boring!"

I sigh. "Whatever- fine, I'll come on one condition."

"What is it?" His eyes brighten up.

"Don't open your windows in the morning." I grin at his amused face. "That was NOT my fault, Keefe."

"Hey- if your window was closed it wouldn't have happened either," he points out. "And how was I supposed to know that you would be shirtless too?"

I groan. "Don't say it like that- I had a bra on!"

He grins. "Ok whatever- how about I text you before I open my window?"

"Wait- how do you have my number?" I glare suspiciously at him.

"Biana, duh." He gives me an innocent look. "What, did you think I hacked your phone or something?"

I laugh. "Yes, actually. You're smart enough to."

Keefe's face softens. "Thanks, Foster." He coughs, then motions towards the door. "So... you in?"

"Wait- right now?" I scramble to grab my book bag. "I haven't even done my homework yet!"

"It's alright- just tell Edaline you're sleeping over at Biana's, and I'll let you copy mine tomorrow on the drive to school."

"Wait why are you driving me to school tomorrow?"

"Foster, I hate to be the one to tell you, but Grady took your car to the shops today. My dad told me. He said it wouldn't be ready for a week." He shrugs.

I groan in annoyance. "Then, yes, can you take me please?"

"Of course! Now let's go or Biana'll be pissed at me for taking so long." He turns to leave.

"Hang on I have to change!" I sprint up the stairs. "Stay right there!"

I quickly change into a black t-shirt, but keep the shorts, and take my hair out of the braid. I hurry back downstairs, and grab Keefe's arm.

"Let's go."

He quickly slings my bag over his shoulders, but when I try to grab it, he shakers his head at me. "I got it."

I roll my eyes at him. "Okay Mr. Muscle Man."

He laughs as we enter the Vacker's mansion. He leads me upstairs to Biana's room, and sets down my bag. We then go in search of the party.

"I think it's in the ballroom," Keefe says as he pulls me down a random hallway. "But I'm not sure."

"Well I'm completely lost, so I sure hope you know where you're going."

We enter a giant room that is packed with people. I yelp and grab onto Keefe's arm as he pushes his way through.

He pauses, and his eyebrows press together. "You okay, Foster?"

I manage to nod. "I just... don't like crowds."

People grabbing my arms and legs and bringing me towards the edge of the roof.

I stumble and fall against his chest as flashbacks start hitting me.

"Stop, please!" I yell. Everyone laughs and are about to drop me when HE shows up. They all scatter. I scoot away from him. "Don't touch me! Don't!"

"Foster?" His voice seems far away. "Foster, walk with me. We're leaving, c'mon."

"Come on, Sophia~" he reaches towards me. I snap my hand back. "Don't call me that!" I get up and run down the stairs and down the street. I gasp as a car comes hurtling out of the darkness. I barely have time to register my mom's terrified face before she swerved the wheel, and crashes into a lamppost.

I wake up in a dark room, Keefe sitting next to me. I realize I'm grabbing onto his shirt, and pry my fingers off. He gently wipes my face, and I quickly stand up and move away.

"Are you okay?" Keefe reaches towards me, but stops when I flinch. "You said something about how something was your fault, and started to hyperventilate. So I got you in here."

I start to cry again, and turn away, wiping furiously at my face.

"Don't worry," he says, completely misunderstanding. "Nobody saw you, I made sure."

I finally get my breathing under control. "Thanks. How long have I been out?"

"Only about 15 minutes."

"Wait then why aren't you out there?"

"Foster I'm not going to leave my friend alone while she's upset." He shrugs. "That would make me, like, the worst friend ever."

I laugh. I can't help it. "Well... I'm good to go now if you want."

"You sure?" He asks, searching my face. "I don't want to make you nervous."

"No- I'm okay. It's fine. Let's just... maybe not mention this?"

"Of course." He stands up, and we both walk over to the door. The room floods with light, and I have to blink a few times before recognizing Biana and Dex's faces in the hallway.

"Sophie!" Dex says. "We were just looking for you!"

"What we're you guys doing in there?" Biana asks.

"Uhh..." Keefe glances at me.

"Drugs!" I blurt. Keefe looks at me with an incredulous look, and I mouth 'couldn't think of anything else'.

Biana raises an eyebrow, but just nods. "Well, we put out food if you're hungry?"

I gasp, and drag Keefe all the way back to the ballroom, Biana quickly snatching my other hand. Dex trails beside her, and laughs when I head straight for the buffet.

The rest of the party, Dex and I mainly talk, with Keefe dropping in whenever he has breaks from dance requests. I'm glad when Biana finally shoos everyone out, and we head up to her room, with only 1 worried glance from Keefe. I fall asleep in record time.