The Perfect Witness

Friday Nights

As the weeks dragged on, I noticed Noah's absence more and more. Even in our shared math class, he was nowhere to be seen.

The one thing about Noah was that he came and went as he pleased, oblivious to everyone around him.

Honestly, after he attacked me that second time, I couldn't care less.

If he got hit by a car, would I care?

Absolutely not.

I thought about telling someone about what he had been doing to me, but I worried it might make things worse.

What if he retaliates?

Is it worth the risk?

* * *

Friday nights are my favorite. With the weekend ahead, the possibilities seemed endless. My body itched for a night out so I could put all my stupid Noah stresses behind me.

I headed for the front seat of Caroline's car, only to be stopped by AJ, who's already settled in.

Normally, that's my spot—Caroline always saved it for me.

Whatever.

AJ must've been closer to her when she picked us up.

"So, what's the plan tonight, C?" I asked, hastily slipping into her frigid car.

My ash-blonde hair tumbled into my eyes as I sat down. I quickly smoothed a stray lock behind my ear, annoyed.

"What is there to really do?" Bella proposed, her lips curling into her typical self-conscious half-smile.

Her curly, honey blonde hair lay motionless over her white wrinkled ACDC t-shirt before she pushed a strand behind her ear to busy her hands.

Caroline, who was never short on party ideas, responded thoughtlessly, "Wanna go to a party?"

Bella turned to me, shrugging lightly. "Sure, but... this will be my first highschool party," she added, her voice trailing off as she chuckled theatrically.

"You've never been to a party?!" AJ exclaimed, swiveling around in the passenger seat to stare at Bella. "I went to my first party, um, I think my freshman year!" He ran his hand through his wheat-blonde hair, looking at Bella like she was an alien.

"Okay, it's settled then; we're going to a party!" Caroline squealed, her golden-blonde hair bouncing with her enthusiasm. "I can't wait to party with you, AJ! You're my favorite party animal!"

"Ouch Caroline! I thought I was!" I protested.

"Yeah, uh, you too, Ivy," Caroline added, her tone half-hearted.

I raised an eyebrow at her strange behavior but brushed it off. "Okay, but I'm definitely not going in this," I said, tugging at my gray sweater crop top.

"Shopping time then!" Caroline cheered, throwing her hands up like a child on a roller coaster.

The car drifted towards the curb as she momentarily let go of the wheel.

"Caroline!" AJ groaned, grabbing the wheel and pulling the car back into the lines.

I glanced at Bella, who was giggling at the commotion, her hands covering her bright smile.

Caroline, flustered, took the wheel back from AJ. "Oops?" she said sheepishly.

"Yeah, oops," AJ mocked, mildly irritated by her antics.

As we drove on, Caroline turned onto Maxwell Street, heading toward the mall at the edge of Shadow Hill. I watched the town sign as we passed, its age and graffiti etched into my memory.