Absent

Chapter 14

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"Pajamas, extra underwear, tooth brush, pillow," I bit my lip, peeking into the small bad I had filled completely to the brim. I seemed to have everything that I needed, but I couldn't help but feel like I was still forgetting something.

Stella was waiting for me at the front door. She was far more excited about the night than I was. She'd prepared me, reassured me that I had everything I needed, and demanded all details upon my arrival back the next morning.

I wanted to share in her excitement and look forward to the night, but I was just dreading the inevitable mistakes I'd make. I took a deep breath in and picked up the bag.

Downstairs, Stella smile was so bright I couldn't help but return it. "Isn't this so exciting?" She practically squealed.

"A little scary." I said with a weak smile.

"Honey, you've got nothing to worry about." She placed a comforting hand on my cheek. "They already like you. If they didn't, you wouldn't have been invited."

I nodded, knowing she was right. In all honesty, I wasn't worried about whether they liked me now. The problem was I didn't want to do anything to change that.

I followed Stella to the car and got in. Overhead, it looked a bit cloudy. It was late August and, though the weather was still mostly warm, I could see the seasons start to change. Leaves weren't as green as they used to be, and days were becoming shorter.

The nights were getting a bit colder, so I had my hoodie on. I got out of the car when Stella stopped in the driveway. I looked back, sending her a nervous smile.

"Have fun, okay?" She told me.

I nodded, grabbing my overnight bag. As I approached the house, I could hear the light thump of music through the walls. I pressed the button for the doorbell and waited a moment or two. When no one answered, I rang it again.

The door clicked and swung open. I flinched when a high-pitched squeal sounded. Cynthia, a girl from the squad, stood in front of me. She reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me through the door before I could wave goodbye to Stella.

"Rowan, you have to tell me everything!" Cynthia said excitedly.

"About what?" I asked her. Not even a second passed and I was surrounded. The rest of the girls had gathered right after Cynthia's exclamation.

"How long have you and Charlie been together?" Someone else asked.

"Does this mean Dom is available?" Another questioned.

"Girls, chill." Aimee called out. "Let her get all the way in the house first, yeah?" Aimee sent me a smile and gestured for me to follow her.

I walked through the girls toward the pile of pillows and blankets in the living room. With each step, my heart beat increased. A buzz of nerves laced with excitement traveled through my veins. The attention was scary, but I still felt a smile tug at my lips.

I took off my shoes and found a spot on the blanket pile, and the squad found spots all around me. How I was the center of attention for even a second, I'd never understand. The sheer insanity of it was making me giddy. I took in a deep breath, looking around the group.

"First of all," I began. "I'm not dating either of them."

"So, Dom is single?" Mia asked with wide eyes.

"Probably." I shrugged with a laugh.

At least 3 of the girls began to squeal and I leaned onto a pile of pillows next to me. They erupted into a storm of chatter and I looked around with a smile, feeling comfortable.