- Where are the beers?
- One of my buddies will give you one.
I see Raviere's leaving.
- You're the only one left, Avery.
I don't want to go to this stupid party, but on the other hand, I can't leave my brother. I blow out my breath, turn off the engine and get out of the car. I walk to the party. There are lots of people.
- Here's a beer," Caleb hands me.
- No, I'm fine.
- Come on, Caleb! A beer won't hurt you, Avery.
He opens the bottle and hands it to me. I take the first sip. During the evening, I don't talk much. My brother is having the time of his life. I finish my beer, then a drunk guy sits down next to me.
- Hi, cutie!
He's got a mouth on him.
- Let's you and me get to know each other. Let's go for a walk.
He gets up and pulls me by the arm. I follow despite myself. We move away from the party. I don't feel safe.
- Relax!
He approaches me.
- What are you doing? I ask him.
- I saw how you were checking me out earlier.
He tries to kiss me by force. I push him away and slap him. He slaps me back and I fall to the ground.
- Stop it! Stop it!
- Stop it! Let yourself go. You'll love it!
He tries to touch me but I push him away again.
- Stop it, damn it!
- Come on! Don't be a bitch, I know you don't want to.
- Hey!
Violently, the guy is propelled by Caleb.
- Damn, Caleb, you broke my nose.
- Good for you. She told you she didn't fucking want it. You're a butcher!
- You're one to talk. You want me to remind you what you did to that chick.
- I went to prison for it. I was seventeen at the time.
- Yeah, right. We were just talking.
- Shut the fuck up and get out.
Which he does without further ado.
- Give me your hand.
I recoil.
- Don't be frightened. I wouldn't hurt you.
- And how can I trust you.
- Trust me, that's all.
I take his hand and he lifts me up. He places his hand on my waist. I look at him then quickly push him away. I move away from him and climb up a staircase to the roof.
He joins me a few minutes later.
- What are you doing up here?
- I wanted to be alone.
- And that's why you chose the roof.
Yes, it's stupid. But the roof is a great vantage point for admiring the starry night.
- Can I sit next to you?
- If you like.
He settles down beside me.
YOU ARE READING
The last chance
RomanceAvery and Raviere are forced to flee their home with their belongings. They stop off at a motel and spend the night there. They soon make the acquaintance of Caleb, an ex-con, and his buddies. And then one problem follows another. Avery soon finds h...
