Chase & Adrienne

32

ADRIENNE

SATURDAY NIGHT

A familiar pop song blares through the colossal speakers as I press myself between overwhelming throngs of sweaty teenagers. I can't find Luke anywhere. I want to figure out what just happened back there. We've both had time to cool off, and I want to make things right. He was just caught up in the moment, that's all. Guys are like that sometimes, right? Besides, he's kind of my ride home. 

I leave the dance floor, not knowing where else to look. I decide to check and make sure his car is still here. Otherwise, I'm wasting my time looking. Maneuvering around the cars in my heels is nearly unbearable. Why did we park so freaking far away?

Relief washes over me when I spot his car in the spot we parked in. He didn't leave me here. Maybe he will want to make up. This relief is short-lived, unfortunately, when I step a little closer and look inside. 

Luke is in it. With another girl. 

They are in the backseat, him on top of her, kissing. My jaw drops, and I gasp before I can stop myself. The tears spring up immediately. She's helping him unbutton his shirt. I guess this is the kind of girl he took me for. They are both too engrossed in each other to realize I'm there. That makes the blow so much harder to tolerate. 

What. The. Actual. Hell.

I gave up everything for Luke. Everything. I gave up my lunch table, the trust of my friends, and most tragically, the only person in my life I cannot live without. 

God, I am an idiot.

I walk back inside like a zombie, completely numb to everything. I can't bring myself to go back into the gymnasium. I stand in front of the doors like an idiot, frozen in place. My tears fall freely, but I just can't bring myself to wipe them away. 

I see Carmen and Renee walking out of the bathroom together, bound for the dance floor. They are erupting in giggles, and they almost don't see me. They look absolutely beautiful, and it hurts me to realize that I missed out on getting ready with them. That used to be one of my favorite part of school dances. I bet their pictures were awesome. Luke and I didn't take any, and for that, I am so, so thankful. 

Renee spots me first. Initially, she gives an acquaintance-type smile, a quick, polite, noncommittal thing. She does a double take and turns to face me, stopping Carmen. They both stare at me, taking in my tears and shaky knees. Before I know it, they're throwing their arms around me, supporting me from both sides. Once I'm in their arms, I have no idea how I was able to stand without them. They lead me into the bathroom. Thankfully, it's empty. 

"What is it, baby girl?" Renee asks me, looking me in the eye intently. I open my mouth to speak, but I can only choke out sobs. My voice has been robbed from me. 

"What do you need?" Carmen tries. "What do you need us to do for you?"

"I--I need you guys to k--kill Luke."

"You got it," Carmen says, her eyes dead serious. "What else?"

I swallow my tears, I swallow my pain, and I swallow my pride. These are hard pills to swallow, leaving my throat dry and burning. 

"I need you guys to call Chase."