Criminal

Chapter 20

I felt foolish asking what time dinner was, but Claire saved me from embarrassment.

"We don't really eat meals, just snacks." She looked like she was in pain talking to me. Was I that stupid?

I nodded. "Alright," I said and Sarah smiled.

It was just us 3 in the kitchen and Claire gave Sarah a grin and she returned it.

"So Caroline, every Friday night here we sorta have a party," Claire started and I felt my heart skip a beat.

This could either be really great or really bad.

"And we were wondering if you'd be willing to come out with everyone later," Sarah finished for her. Her big hazel eyes searched my face with a worried expression.

I pushed out a smile. "Of course I'll come down," I said and shoved my hands into Harry's hoodie pockets. "How many people will be here?"

Sarah started counting fingers when I noticed Claire roll her eyes.

"About 70 id say," Claire said and my jaw dropped. That's a lot of people.

"Wow," was all I could manage out.

Sarah chuckled, "but were going to lighten it up for you, don't worry." They exchanged glanced and I glared at them both.

I felt like we've all been friends forever.

2 weeks later (Friday)

It was nearly 5:00 in the evening when Sarah called me down the hall into her room.

"Caroline! They will be here soon!"

I rushed out of my room and into hers. "How do I look?" I twirled around and she laughed.

"Like you need reassurance," she said and then she turned to a mirror and pulled out a mascara.

I was wearing a Ramones tank top with black high waisted shorts. I wore my personal hightop converse and then the have me a full makeover and dyed my hair dark brown and then they straightened it. I don't think I've ever looked so pretty.

"You look pretty," I said complimenting her colorful summery outfit. She smiled in the mirror and I smiled back.

"Thanks," she said and she set the makeup down and put her glasses back on. She turned around and snapped her fingers. "Lets go!"

We have had 2 parties so far, but I only came to one because I was dealing with a broken hearted Claire.

We ran down the stairs and people were already filling the backyard. I smiled at Taylor as he whistled at me and walked over.

"Caroline holy," he started but he shook his head. "So... beautiful," he whispered and I felt my cheeks turn red. He smiled at me and patted my arm. "I'll catch you later," he said and he pointed at me as he walked backwards to his group of friends.

I felt my heart bounce around and I just smiled, staring at him. Now, he was handsome.

I turned around to see where Sarah went and I was faced with a few other girls.

"Taylor?" One snorted and I shrugged.

"I'm Caroline," I said with a fake smile. The same girl rolled her eyes and pushed by me. I'm great at making friends clearly. I just shook my head and headed around the backyard.

There was an in-ground pool that some people were swimming in, but most were standing around drinking and moving to the loud music.

I wandered over to Claire and she smiled. "Meeting anyone?" She asked and I realized Id been out here for an hour.

"Not really," I said through a laugh. Its not that I'm not social, I just don't feel right. I feel weird.

"Well come on, it will get fun as it gets darker," she said and we both laughed.

"Great," I said and she smirked at me.

I was walking with her towards a group of people when I thought of someone I was surprised to have forgotten about. Harry. Where was he anyways?

"Hey do you know where Harry is?" I asked Claire as I stop dead in my tracks.

She searched my face. "He should be around, want to look?"

I shake my head. I find him alone, thats for sure. "I'm fine," I say softly and she nods slowly. She walked over to me and rested her hand on my shoulder for a moment before walking away.

I headed West, South, North, and East. There was no sign of him anywhere. I even went upstairs and he wasn't inside of his room.

I was ready to give up when I heard a loud noise behind me. Harry was stumbling onto the stage that was set up and he pulled the microphone off the stand.

"TESTING... TESTING," He roared and I knew he was drunk. "Ladies and gentleman, I am Harry, and I like to write music, get drunk, and fuck sexy ass women," he screamed and my heart sunk while everyone cheered.

Does that mean he had sex? No. Harry really isn't like that. He kept showing off to the crowd and on his way out of the crowd he caught my eye.

"Caroline," he slurred and I nodded. "Come here sexy thing," he hissed and I rolled my eyes. He suddenly made me feel weird... Not in a good way at all.

I stepped back and he grabbed my arm and twisted it in an odd way to force me to twirl into his open arms.

I cringed as his alcohol breath was in my face. The smell was all too familiar. I didn't like it.

"Let me go," I said and his emerald eyes went cold.

"Excuse me?" He growled and I felt my heart beating; I could hear it over the music.

"I said let me go." I talked in a whisper and he glanced around. There was nobody around, nobody really watching.

Harry pushed me onto the ground and I lay there on my side shocked. I lifted myself up onto one arm and he was still standing there.

"What the hell did you do to your hair?" He hissed and I felt a loud noise banging in my chest, it was fear.

"S..S..Sarah and Claire help.. helped me dye it," I stuttered while I scrambled to my feet.

He looked completely disgusted and he pulled me into him by his hair. "I thought you and I were going to do that.. TOGETHER," he screamed and the tears started to escape my eyes. I couldn't deal with this, it was too familiar.

"Get away from me," I yelled and I pushed him off of me. He stumbled backwards, and I ran into the house. I was wiping away the stream of tears when Sarah grabbed my arm.

"Caroline are you okay?' She asked and I shook my head. I felt unstable, I wouldn't be surprised if I passed out. "I saw all of that," she said quietly and I made my sobs into a whimper. "I'm so sorry."

I nodded. She felt bad even though it wasn't her fault, but it wasn't going to change anything.

"I need to go," I said softly and she nodded.

"This is going to all get better," she whispered pulling me into a hug.

No one can predict the future though.