I've known Reed Whitlock since Kindergarten. And from the moment he opened his mouth, I've hated him. We may have the same friends, but he is not one of mine, that is for sure.
But, the week before we start our senior year, something changes between...
"I swore, I swore I would be true, And, honey, so did you, So why were you holding her hand?" Linger — The Cranberries
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A QUICK SUCCESSION of car horn beeps scare me from my thoughts as I finish applying my lip gloss.
"Aurelia! Devon's here!" Mom shouts from downstairs.
"Coming!" I answer.
I put my lipgloss back into my makeup drawer before quickly giving myself a once over.
My hair is curled and my makeup looks great, or as good as it's going to get. I'm wearing a black and white top, the darker part just about covering my chest area, and a low waisted denim skirt.
Not wanting to keep Devon waiting any longer, I grab my phone and small purse before running down the stairs.
"Have fun, my love," Mom has the door open, waiting for me to burst through it.
I smile at her, kissing a cheek, "thanks, Mom. I'll be back before twelve."
"Don't worry, just have a bit of fun!"
I'm already halfway down our driveway when I hear another loud honk coming from the grey Jeep parked in front of my house.
I open the passenger side door, giving the driver a stern look.
"What? You were taking forever," Devon smirks as he starts driving down the street.
"No I wasn't," I roll my eyes.
He laughs, continuing down the road and all the way through town until we're just outside it.
Tonight we're off to the old golf clubhouse that is situated between the outskirts of town and the next town over.
People know what goes on during this week before going back to school. It's been a tradition in our town since even before my grandparents were seniors in high school.
My parents just want me to have fun during these next few days, but also be safe and aware of my surroundings. Although I know everyone and have known them all my life, you never know what someone might be capable of.
But with my best friends and Devon around, I know I have nothing to worry about.
As Devon steps on it, driving out of town, I find myself silently thinking about Peyton and her annoying, older brother.
It seems strange that even though I've known Reed for over half my life, I'd completely forgot this other side to him. The protective older brother and loving grandson.
I was old enough to remember the rumors that were whispered around town after his Dad left. At that point in my life I already had a bad relationship with Reed, so it was hard to feel sorry for him while also hating him.
