The Split Paths (Owens POV)

Chapter 1: The Funeral

I was seated in the third pew from the back at my mom and stepdad's funeral. Hope was plopped down beside me because her parents were killed at the same time as mine. Ever since my dad dumped Brandy my life has been Hell. That was four years ago. I'm 16 and I'm bawling like a baby at my mom's death. My dad married some bitchy blonde named Karen. That is why I don't want to go with my dad. The Preacher at the event talked about how none of Hope and my parents died but were in heaven.
"Bullshit." I whisper to myself. I get a strange look from Hope.
CPS told me I had two choices. Either I go with my dad or go to get a foster family. I was done with CPS telling me my choices. After the funeral Hope and I met up at the Starbucks down the street.
I was usually pressured to make a decision and wasn't the most happy about it. Going through foster care would suck because there would always be crazies and drug addicts and fuck ups. I am not accustomed to those kind of people.
"Hey." I whisper to Hope.
"Hi," she responded trying to cheer up the situation. You could tell she was crying when we were walking. She had the puffiest eyes. They looked as if they were filled with cotton. Then she looked up and saw a cute brunette girl walk through the door to the café.
"Shit..." I mutter under my breath.
"What?" Hope answers.
"That's my crush." I mumble in reply.
"What's her name?" Hope asks in a whisper.
"Alice Evans, she is a friend of Mackenzie's so I know her."
She walked over to our table and looked at us with a concerned look on her pretty as hell face. "What's wrong Owen?" She asks in her cute pouty voice.
Hope answers for me because I'm scared to talk to her,"Just got out of both of our parents funerals."
"Oh. That's sad. Do you want me to call your Bro?" I nod. She called Mac but of course, No answer.
' Probably having sex with Trenton' I thought.
Then she was called back to her friends with a shake of the hand and I was with Hope alone. We got our coffee and left the awesome girl with her group of friends.
"You wanna ride home Owie?" Hope offers.
"Nah I'll ask Mac for a ride."
"Okay. Love you."
"Love you too. Bye." And Hope sped off in her Subaru. I texted Mac "At SB need a ride."
She replied "You ruined my makeout session. Fine. You are lucky I luv u." Then 15 minutes later she pulled up and I got in the back. The modern music was annoying me so I popped in my earbuds and listened to P!ATD and looked out the window. When we returned to my house it looked lifeless and lonely. It was very gray and I questioned myself why should I go in? I just got back in the car and we drove to Mac's house. I came in and sat on the couch in the living room. Mac came in.
"You want to talk about it?" She asks. I shake my head. "There is a party at Jonathan Perry's tonight. Wanna come? Alice is gonna be there..."
"Is there alcohol?" I respond. She nods. "Then yes I will go."
"Get ready then it starts at 8," she smiles and gives me some of my party clothes."Get dressed dammit it's already 7:45!"
She went into her room and came out with makeup and a short skirt on. "That enough ass?" I nod.