Without You

3

Everything happens for a reason.

It keeps chanting in my head. like a song being played on repeat.

"Amore," My mom says from the kitchen. "We're going out for dinner tonight are you coming?"

I shake my head. "I can't, I have things to do."

I look at Ella who rolls her eyes while staring at her phone screen and then at my Auntie Cassidy who's smiling widely at me. "What 'things' you have to do?" she asks. I shrug. "Just some things, you guys have a great time though."

I walk up to my room and flop down on my bed pulling my phone out.

Me: I'll be at the party tonight
Me: Please answer

I drop my phone on my bed and close my eyes.

When I wake up It's from my phone ringing, I look at Taylors name flashing on the screen and suppress a groan.

"Hi," I answer.

"Are you on your way?"

I roll my eyes and stretch. "Yep, I'm in my car right now."

"Oh great, I can't wait to see you there."

"Yeah." I hang up and put on a black bodysuit with a cream denim jacket. afterwards I take my hair out a ponytail letting my natural curly hair down.

I don't bother putting makeup on as I rush downstairs and out the door. I hear my sisters voice call after me.

"Where are you going?" she asks raising her eyebrows at me. "To a party," I mumble. she shakes her head. "You don't even like parties." I sigh, "I do now, can I go now?" she stares at me for a moment before nodding. "Just, stay safe, ok?" I nod. "When do I ever get myself in trouble?" she gives me a 'do you really want me to answer that?' and then walks away.

I pull out of the driveway and head straight to the shitty party.

I walk inside the house the smell of alcohol instantly hitting my nose. "Everything's going to be ok," I whisper. 

"Oh my god you made it!" Taylor's overly cheery voice meets my ear, and I frown as she pulls me into a hug. "You look so good babe!" 

"Thanks," I mutter. Daisy walks up to me and kisses my cheek while assessing my outfit, followed by Tanner and Lewis.

"Have you guys seen Azriel?" I ask.

"Nah," Daisy says. "We're about to go get a drink," she grabs my arm and leads me to the kitchen where various of different alcohol bottles scatter the counter and red solo cups.

"We're getting drunk tonight," Tanner whispers in my ear making me jump in surprise. He holds his hands up in defense. "Sorry, didn't know you were so jumpy." I eye him suspiciously as he walks behind Daisy and puts his arms around her waist. 

"Here," Taylor hands me a cup and I take it from her. "Thanks, but I can't stay long." 

"Sure, you can," Daisy says while taking a shot. "It's going to be fun, live a little."

God, I hate when people say that

I sigh and take a sip of the drink. Taylor shakes her head and puts the cup back to my lips making me down the whole thing. "Great, isn't it?" I cringe at the strong taste. "What even is this?" I inspect the cup.

"Vodka," Lewis answers. "You like?" I place the cup down. "Not at all."  I look around the kitchen. "Got anything a little less strong like maybe a soda?" Lewis snorts and Daisy rolls her eyes. "Who comes to a party to drink soda? you come to get wasted."