𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗗𝗔𝗬, 𝟮𝟰/𝟳

Chapter 3

 The next day, my father was sending me off with Sarah to do this Youth Bible Group. We weren't even Christian, or religious, but this was his form of punishment for me. After I'd run off during mid–shift, stolen a Deputy's car, and pretty much ignored every single call from him all day, he'd been furious.

I hadn't even returned the cop car, I had left it at John B's, forgotten it really after JJ and Pope dropped me off at Kildare Sheriff County.

At least Sarah would be there, I thought. I'd have Sarah.

When I arrived at the beach Kooks my age were milling around, holding trash bags, picking up pieces of garbage all along the strip of the beach. I stood there for a moment, watching his Sheriff's car drive off, and wondering why I even agreed to this stupid Youth Bible Group. Right. Because this was Dad's punishment.

"Mercedes!" Sarah tugged me over to where Topper and Kelce were standing.

"You in?" Topper handed me a water bottle filled with what looked like piss.

"Hard pass," I wrinkled my nose.

"I promise, it tastes better than it looks," Sarah giggled. "See?" She took the bottle from Topper and took a big gulp.

"Makes this thing way easier," Kelce said.

God, what a douche.

"Pass me that," I ordered. I would definitely be needing a little something to get me through a full Youth session with Kelce.

They cheered as I took a sip. Sarah had lied; it tasted just as bad as it looked.

Suddenly, Ward Cameron appeared, and I quickly shoved the alcohol inside a cooler.

"Heeey, dad!" Sarah subtly kicked the cooler away.

"How's everyone doing? Enjoying this beautiful day?" Mr. Cameron chuckled.

"Yessir," Topper and Kelce nodded violently.

"Yep. So beautiful," I echoed.

"You all continue doing a fabulous job! I think I'll go and help Wheezie out there," he said, and then left.

We all looked at each other, and then burst out laughing. Sarah and I wheezed, holding on to each other while Kelce and Topper just rolled their eyes. That's why I loved Sarah so much—we could laugh looking like we were dying, but we both would get it.

Suddenly, I felt that this whole Youth Bible Group session would be just fine. Sure, Kelce was a noob. But at least he didn't deliberately push me away, at least he didn't treat me like crap.

At least he didn't treat me like JJ did.

↬——✾——↫

A couple of days later I was at the country club with Rafe and Topper. Rafe, being a couple of years older than us and best friends with Topper, who also happened to be dating Sarah. It was a little strange, but I didn't comment. I was there because as Sarah's best friend, I was always designated a spot.

The boys said they were heading off to do a couple of shots (golf ball shots not drinking shots), Sarah went to the wash room and said she would join us back out, so Topper, Rafe, and I headed out by the golf park.

"Man, that party was insane." Rafe ignored me and he and Topper started to talk about the Kook party that'd happened last night. I'd skipped out, of course. A couple of times Topper had tried to drag me back into their conversation, but I was happy walking behind them alone. Mostly, I kept checking back for when Sarah would come back. What was taking her so long?!