•Hold onto Me•

17

Gabe turned around running his finger through his hair, "Gabe wait.." my voice soft I grabbed his forearm with my hand to get him to turn around and face me and without a chance to say anything Gabe says softly, "I'm sorry Paige.. I want to be here for you, but I don't know how. You're completely closed off to us." I was stunned. He took a breath, "Will you just tell me one thing about you that no one here knows yet..?" My eyes start to burn, the sun is setting so I can't blame it on that. I look at him and turn my head sideways, "you really want to try and get twisted into my life..?" I laugh a little trying to hold it together, "more than anything," his voice sincere.

"Both of my parents passed away." His face stayed calm cool and collect. "What happened?" His voice silent, I began to sort of cry memories flooding my brain. I look up to him I can't get over how tall he is. He looks like a rock solid foundation that I want to cling to from flying away, "my mom died two days after I was born, the rest you'll have to try and pry it out of me another time." I took a breath wiping under my eyes, "I trust all of you guys, but it's safer this way for everyone. I'm sorry Gabe." He nods his head understanding still a look of concern beaming right into my eyes. I had to break the eye contact, "can we invite everyone over? I think James can use all the friends he can get." Gabe nodded without another word and walked into the house.

I shook my head, why does everyone here have to be concerned with my life. I was suppose to just show up and finish high school and be on with my life. That was the plan. Not get myself involved with a guy who is all bad. This is dumb, I'm playing into this game that the world wants me to. But you know what the world is shit, and I fold.

I sent a group text out, "meet at Gabes now. Bring food if ya wanna," Sent. Amy was the first one over considering she lived two doors down. "PAIGE! Omg so much catching up to do!" She looked cute with her makeup all done and she looked very peppy and happy. Ben and Ethan showed up together. I wonder what they were up to. They walk in and Ethan gives me a huge hug lifting me off the ground, "PAIIIIGGEE" my name drawn out extremely long and a high pitch yelling voice comes from Ethan, I laugh at him. I love Ethan being around he's such a light to the mood regardless of what it is, "Ethannnnnn.." my voice up and down from laughing while saying his name.

Ben walked by me, "hey Paige everything alright?" I nod my head, "yes Ben thanks for always asking" I said it in a way that sort of made fun of him he laughed a little.

I look down shaking my head smiling. I really love these guys. There all so great and make me feel so welcomed. I wish I could do something for them.

We all gathered in the kitchen, then without thinking In mid conversation Ethan questions Gabe, "so Gabe when are we gonna have another raging party at your place?" Everyone in unison, "ughhhhh" all very annoyed, "Ethan really? Remember last time?" Amy sounded very impatient with Ethan's mix up. Gabe just stared at the ground, "I decided to take a break on those for a bit. Besides all we did at them was fight Dan and his boys. It's pointless." He seemed disappointed, I remembered when he told me how much he loved seeing everyone from school finally able to relax and be themselves, I stepped forward, "well I think you should throw another. Everyone from school loved them and felt like they could be themselves and that's the whole point of a party isn't it? Have fun and be yourself. Don't deny the students their right to fun Gabe!" Ethan joined in with me, "yeah Gabe you can't do that!!"

Gabe shook his head, "fine next weekend but not here. At the pit." Everyone's eyes went wide with excitement where I was just drawn to a blank. I had no clue what they were talking about, but I had a feeling I was about to find out.

When I looked at James he was the only one with a straight face, not amused by Gabes idea.

"Anyone want to tell me what the pit is?" Gabe gives an annoyed look to James. James speaks up, "It's an abandoned amusement park, people call it the pit like a code name." He looked away from Gabe and right at me, "You're not going. Dan is still pissed about what happened with you guys at Gabes little mixer last time." Gabe looks down guilty. "Bullshit, you can't tell me what I can and can't do. I'm going that's final." James face went cold, but he knew that I wasn't going to give up. His voice harsh, "Fine, but you will be with one of us at all times." I nodded, "who else would I be with?" Mel cuts in, "James let the girl breathe, everyone needs a little fun. And what's better than moving to a small town and experiencing the pit for the first time!" She laughs, "it's a total rager! Everyone from all the schools will end up there. The cops forget the place exists and just assumes they have a quiet night. Everyone loves it, you will too." I smile with excitement, "well I can't miss that. Now can I?" Ethan lets out a whistle of relief when he here's my comeback, "I knew you were little and fierce but damn girl not that fierce!" He put his arm around me shaking me back and forth a little laughing.