If Only

Chapter Twenty-Two: A Night of Liberty

JADE

I peered out my bedroom door into the hallway, cautiously closing it behind me to ensure my mom wouldn't spot me leaving the house. Tiptoeing down the stairs, I finally reached the imposing front door.

I was determined not to make a sound as I slowly turned the knob, and though it emitted a slight creaking noise, I persevered, gently pulling the door open until I found myself outside.

I jogged toward the gate, and through the vines clinging to the fences, I could see Jared leaning on his bike, arms crossed over his chest.

Most people would simply open a gate, but I couldn't risk any metallic creaking noises alerting my mom to my departure as I was halfway through opening it.

So, I stuck to my usual method and started to climb over the fence until I dangled my leg over the other side. Jared walked toward the opposite end, waiting for me to jump down. I did, and he caught me just in time. A giggle escaped my lips as I tucked a stray hair behind my ear before locking eyes with Jared.

A warm smile graced his handsome features, accentuated even in the dimly lit night, illuminated only by lampposts and occasional passing car headlights.

"Are you ready?" he asked after releasing my waist, securing the helmet above my head, and playfully tapping the tip of my nose, eliciting another giggle from me.

"Never been readier," I replied.

He clicked his tongue and swung his leg over the bike. I followed suit.

"So, where are your friends?" I inquired as I wrapped my arms around his torso, hugging him from behind.

"I heard it's Dave's turn to host a party this week, so... off to Dave's house we go," he replied, kicking the bike into gear. The engine roared to life, prompting me to hold onto him even tighter.

Before I knew it, we were cruising down the highway, the cool wind caressing my face, and I was relishing every moment of the experience.

*****

We slowed down as we reached the end of the street, an unusual sight considering we were expecting a raucous house party—loud music and a house packed with intoxicated revelers.

Instead, we found ourselves facing an empty, dimly lit house.

"What?" I heard Jared mutter under his breath as he removed his helmet, clearly perplexed. He gazed at the vacant house with a furrowed brow, reaching for his phone in his pocket.

"I thought they'd be here?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Well... maybe there was a last-minute change of plans?" I suggested, watching as Jared scrolled through his phone, the screen casting an eerie glow on his face.

"You might be onto something. Natalie just texted me the address. It's not a house party after all. They've headed out to the woods," he explained, and I couldn't help but feel a sudden knot tighten in my stomach. Sneaking out late at night for a house party was one thing, but a gathering in the woods?

"W-what?" I stammered.

"They're probably going to trash the place and might even attract a few cops for underage drinking, but... who the hell cares? Let's go," Jared declared, donning his helmet again and revving up the bike.

I admired this side of Jared, the one who didn't seem to give a damn about the consequences, as long as he was having a good time. I wished I had the same courage to be carefree and reckless.

But the truth was, I wasn't Jared.

As we approached our destination, we noticed a large number of cars parked haphazardly along the road, and the distant sound of party music emanated from beyond the trees.