Bikeriders Serenade

A Call For Help

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood as Lori arrived at her friend’s house for the sleepover. Excitement buzzed in the air as laughter and chatter filled the living room. She greeted her friends with a smile, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. It was supposed to be a fun night filled with games, snacks, and giggles, just like any other sleepover.

After a while, the group settled into a cozy circle on the floor, surrounded by pillows and blankets. They shared stories and played games, the atmosphere light and carefree. But as the night wore on, Lori’s heart sank when one of the girls, with a mischievous grin, pulled out a bottle of alcohol from her bag.

“Let’s get this party started!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Lori’s stomach twisted as she watched the bottle pass from hand to hand. Memories of her father’s struggles flooded her mind—Austin’s journey to sobriety, the late-night conversations they’d shared about the importance of making good choices, and the pain that came from addiction. She felt a wave of discomfort wash over her, knowing how hard her dad had worked to overcome his own battles.

Taking a deep breath, she picked up her phone, her hands trembling slightly. “Hang on, I need to make a phone call really quick,” she said, trying to mask her unease as she stood up and slipped out to the front yard.

Once outside, the cool night air hit her, grounding her. She dialed her dad’s number, her heart racing as she waited for him to pick up.

“Hello?” Austin’s voice came through, calm and steady.

“Daddy, can you please come pick me up?” Lori’s voice trembled, the weight of her feelings spilling out.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Austin asked, concern lacing his tone.

Lori took a shaky breath, gathering her thoughts. “One of the girls brought alcohol, and it makes me feel really uncomfortable. I don’t want to be here anymore.”

Austin’s heart sank at her words, but he kept his voice steady. “Okay, Lori. I need you to send me your location.”

She quickly sent him her location, her mind racing as she stood alone in the dim light of the yard.

“Everything is going to be okay,” Austin reassured her. “Daddy’s coming.”

Lori felt a wave of relief wash over her. Knowing her dad was on his way gave her the strength to stand her ground. She returned to the living room, trying to act casual, but her heart was still pounding.

The other girls were laughing and passing the bottle around, but Lori stayed quiet, feeling like an outsider in her own friend group. She glanced at the door every few minutes, anticipation building inside her.

Just a short while later, she heard the familiar sound of her dad’s car pulling up outside. Relief washed over her, and she stood up, ready to leave.

“Hey, where are you going?” one of the girls asked, noticing Lori’s sudden movement.

“I’m going home,” Lori replied firmly, her voice steady despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface.

“Why? We’re just getting started!” the girl protested, but Lori didn’t waver.

She stepped outside, where Austin was waiting, his presence instantly calming. He opened the car door for her, and she climbed in, feeling safe as he shut the door behind her.

“Hey, kiddo,” he said, glancing at her with a mix of concern and pride. “You okay?”

Lori nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. “I just felt really uncomfortable. I didn’t want to be around that.”