Party Girl

Chapter Four.

Six days later, Spring break was over, and school was back in session. This meant less partying for Bre and I, but more steamy makeout sessions in the boiler room when we should be in class. So, it wasn't a total loss. B still gave me the cold shoulder about the Ben thing sometimes, but she had stopped with the dirty looks and the constant screaming, which was a relief. Ben hadn't talked to either one of us since that night, and I wasn't sure what that meant.

I practically lived a B's place, but her parents were back from their extended vacation to the Caribbean, which meant we weren't as free as we normally were. Her parents were almost never home, but after leaving for three weeks, they felt they needed to have "quality time" with B. So, I was mostly crashing at home, or at whoever else's that was willing to let me take over their couch for a night.

Today was Wednesday, and I was in my friend Jewel's car taking a cigarette break. Jewel was a senior, and I was really gonna miss her when she left for college like a goody two shoes, but she drove me places and bought me cigs occasionally. She also gave me permission to use her car during school hours, as long as I promised not to wreck it or get caught. I'd had plenty of practice avoiding cops and trouble -- anyone that wasn't as slick as me would be in jail by now -- so it was an easy promise to make.

I heard three quick raps on the window, and turned to see who it was. Mason Centers. We hadn't talked much since our last make out session, so I was kind of surprised. But he probably just wanted a smoke, so whatever. I rolled down the window. "Yeah?" I asked, blowing a puff of smoke right past his face.

"Got room for one more?" He inquired. That damn smirk of his got me every time.

"Door's unlocked," I said, gesturing towards the passenger side. He walked around the front of the car, and settled into the seat next to me. He reached for the open pack of cigs on the dash.

"May I?" he questioned, although he was already pulling one from the pack.

"Whatever," I shrugged, taking a giant hit. It didn't even faze me; I remembered way back in seventh grade when I'd started, and I could barely take a five second hit without coughing up my lungs. What a rookie I was.

"This your car?" Mason asked. I was already in a bad mood, and stupid questions just made it worse. Yes, because fifteen year olds can drive, dumbass, I thought.

"No, it's Jewel Hammond's."

"Oh," he said awkwardly. He took a couple more hits, and I sensed he was done with small talk. Whatever it was that he was here for, he was about to ask for it. Probably sex. Oh well.

"Wanna skip class? I didn't do my essay for Dennison, so there's not really a point in going to class . . . " he trailed off. We had fifth hour together, and I just realized I hadn't done my essay either. Not surprising, really. 

"Shit, I didn't even know that was due today. Yeah, I'm definitely skipping," I laughed. I took one final drag and threw my cigarette butt out the window. I started the car and headed for the road.

"Thought this wasn't your car?" Mason said.

"It's not, but I have full permission to use it," I informed him. He gave me an appreciative look, because I obviously didn't have my license. I was a badass, and I knew it.

"Can we go to the cliffs out by the lake?" he asked after a few minutes of silence. Well, except for the Nicki Minaj on the radio. 

"I guess," I told him. I figured why he wanted to go there. But whatever, I knew this amazing little spot right on top of a specific cliff. It was covered with these awesome-looking purple flowers and the trees were taller than any others I'd ever seen. Not that we'd be paying much attention the scenery, but still. It was nice.