High Hopes

Twenty Seven - The Ceremony

I wake up to two snoring bodies on my floor. At first, I have no idea who they are until memories of yesterday flood back. I sigh and walk into my bathroom to get ready for the day. It's Saturday but apparently the ceremony that we missed is rescheduled for tonight. I chucked that dress out the second I was out of it. It's only the day after the accident yet it feels like it was a week ago.

"Alyssa!" I hear Tanner calling me from outside my door. I roll my eyes and slip into a Hollister dress before opening the door for him.

"Hey." I smile and grab a bag to put some money and phone in.

"Where are you going?" He sits on the edge of my bed and eyes the two bodies on the ground. "Should I ask?"

"I'm going to get a new dress for tonight and there was a party last night." I slip on some Sperrys and write a quite note for Kendra and Kayla. "Do you want to come?" I probably should be with someone all the time for awhile, at least until everything settles down.

"Absolutely. I drive though." Tanner winks.

I laugh and hand him my keys. "leggo."

We walk down the stairs and I head into the kitchen to have a snack before we leave. It's not even that early. The clock reads 10:33.

"Alyssa!" My aunt smiles at me, then to Tanner. "Where are you heading?"

"I'm going to the mall to get another dress for tonight. I have Tanner and I promise not to be alone at all." I grab a granola bar out of the cabinet and throw the wrapper away.

"Okay. Be careful. I still have to talk to you when you get home. We need to have this conversation." She folds her arms and nods.

"Thanks. Hey where's Uncle Lucas?" I take a the last bite of the granola bar and wipe my hands on a napkin.

"He had to go into the office with Mr. Varden today. Things aren't good, which I also need to talk about."

"Oh. Well I love you and if the girls don't find my note tell them where to find me." I hug her and walk to the door.

"Love you too!" She calls before heading to the living room.

"I'm surprised she even let you out of the house." Tanner laughs as we get in my car.

"I think she's stressed about something." I buckle my seat belt and lean back.

"I'm glad you're okay, you know." He smiles at me before turning onto the road.

"I'm glad too." I put my hand on his leg and smile.

"I have something to tell you." He shifts uncomfortably and I furrow my brows.

"What is it?"

"Well first of all, we got a house."

"That's great. Where?" I grin at him. It's good that my best friend will be nearby.

"Just a bit down the road. But the second thing is the important thing." His voice gets serious, for once in the many years I've known him.

"Okay."

"I, um, have a girlfriend."

"O-okay. Why was it so hard for you to tell me?" I turn a bit in my seat to face him.

"I can't let you break your other hand."

"Why? Tanner just fucking tell me." My patience is majorly disappearing.

"It's Victoria." His voice is a whisper.

I slap him with my cast and instantly regret it. "Ow." I whine and clutch it to my chest.