The Party Scene Saga: Stories Yet To Unfold

Part 11

September 2004 - Age 16

I awoke to my mother stood at the side of my bed and yelling at me. My arm was still stinging from last night's cutting session, so I couldn't flip her off like normal without her seeing my new scars. It took me a minute or so, but I finally tuned in to what she was saying.

"Lily you'll be late! Move your ass!" she shrieked, throwing her arms around.

She walked out of the room, puffing and panting as she went back downstairs. I pulled my hair into a slightly loose pony tail and threw on a Green Day shirt and my favourite blue jeans. I had at least 20 minutes until she returned, so I decided to have a cheeky smoke before school. Luckily, my room was at the back of the house looking out over the garden surrounded by trees, so the neighbours wouldn't see me doing smoke rings. Pushing the window open, I stood there for a minute to let the fresh morning air fill my lungs. I stepped out onto the roof and took my usual perch next to my window. I lit it, took my first drag and I was gone. After a few drags, I was a bit light-headed and had a mild case of the giggles. I was in the middle of blowing smoke rings, when I heard my window being opened a little wider. I tried fanning the smoke away, but it was no use. Dad's head suddenly popped out, and I was about to freak out because he'd caught me - he just smiled and sat next to me.

"Hey kiddo." he smiled, punching my arm gently.

"Hey daddy." I sighed, resting my head on his shoulder.

"Still a pothead I see?"

"Yup." I said, taking another drag.

"I would yell at you for getting high before school, but I know what you'll say back to me. It's what you always say back to me." he chuckled.

It was nice having moments like this with dad, because he was just so genuine and nice and didn't give a shit. He knew this was only one of two things that made me happy, so he allowed it...although if I got caught by anyone else he'd fucking kill me.

"Come on, squirt...I'll drive you to school."

I nodded, finished my joint and headed back inside with dad. I slammed my window shut, then walked over to my dresser and drenched myself in various sprays and perfumes. There's no way in hell I'm walking past mum smelling of pot! I ran down the stairs to find dad stood by the door, swinging his keys on his fingers. He smiled as I jumped off the last step and headed out to the car. I was about to follow him when mum pulled me back by the arm.

"This can't happen again, you hear me?" she murmured.

"Mom just chill, it was one day." I sighed, trying to get out of her grip.

"All I'm saying is don't let it happen again. Or there'll be trouble."

She stared me straight in the eyes before throwing my arm away. I pulled a face at her as she walked away and I flipped her off, and finally joined dad. He was already sat in the driver's seat, with the stereo blasting out a tape that Zack had made him of the guys' songs - he was such a fangirl! They had chosen a name at last; All Time Low. They were listening to Head On Collision by New Found Glory, and the words just jumped out at them, and it was the best band name they could think of. So they just settled with it. As dad pulled out of the street, still head banging slightly to the tape, Running From Lions came on. I instantly squealed: it was definitely my favourite song they'd written! As soon as the drums came in, I instantly air drummed along. In my mind, I thought back to the day the guys first performed it, back when I was with Jack. It was awesome.

*le flashback*

"You stoked for practice?" Alex asked us.