Ink (Book 1 of the Ink Series)

Party crashing

Waking up to sunshine at one time would have made me happy. But today it was just a reminder of the new day. And a reminder that I was still pretty furious with all that happened last night.

I walked across my bedroom floor, opening up my blinds. I turned around to my desk. My computer showed a new instant message.

Where are you? it read. It was from Karsen, she was the only one I knew with the screen name of GenocideZombieGirl7.

I pulled up a seat, letting out a sigh. It had been a while since we had spoken. I flexed my fingers before I started typing back to her.

Oh, so much to say... where have you been? Since when don't we talk all the time?

The instant message showed she was typing, so I took the time to check the house phone for any missed calls. I was pretty confident I hadn't heard anything while I slept. I needed to find out what happened to Slade.

You know how it is. School. Rents. Still trying to get to Cali to see you. she replied back.

I rolled my eyes. It hurt to think we were growing apart. And it hurt even more to think she was making up excuses.

Yeah, for sure. Well, super busy day ahead of me. Call me sometime, XO.

I held back my tears, lingering long enough to see if she said something comforting. Something normal Karsen would come up with.

Morgan is having a big bash at her house tonight. I thought I would go check it out. I'll see ya.

I huffed, snapping my computer off in frustration. Morgan. The snootiest girl in the school. The one Karsen always swore she secretly despised. They were now friends.

I quickly forgot about it. I had more important people to worry about. I was going to shower and go down to Henry Park to find out if Slade had been released. And I was going to apologize for my family and for Tucker sending him on a ride downtown.

Well, I wasn't really sure if it was downtown, but back home that's where the bad guys usually went. Maybe Cherry was a little more trendy and preferred to house their criminals in luxury uptown somewhere.

I let out a long sigh as the water rained down on my head. Running my fingers through my hair, I hurriedly worked the shampoo to the ends like I did every time I showered. I quickly rinsed and repeated and then started on shaving my legs. I was in a hurry but I was still possibly going to see Slade, so I wanted to look my best.

I ignored Elliot and Easton as they pounded on the bathroom door.

When I was finished, I opened the door to find Elliot waiting impatiently on the other side. "It's about time you're done." Jeez, never can have any peace around here since this Slade guy has been around. You worry more about your looks now then some of those girls at your school," Elliot griped as I pushed past him.

I swatted him. "You're just mad you don't have a girlfriend," I told him.

"Please. I could care less about dating any of these high dollar hookers." He looked at me as if I was the pathetic one. I couldn't believe his language, he was barely a teen.

"High dollar hooker, wow, wait until Dad hears that one," I said, heading into the kitchen. Easton sat at the table devouring a giant bowl of cereal.

"Dad said the police hauled him off to jail last night," Easton threw out as I came into view. "Way to pick 'em. I think it's kind of cool you're dating the town criminal," he said with a laugh.