Betrayed

Chapter 1

The sun was still high in the sky when my mom pulled up to Owen's two-story house. I stepped out of the car, waved goodbye to her, and bounded up the driveway. A chime sounded in my pocket as I rang the doorbell. Owen opened the door for me. "Hi, Owen!" I said cheerfully.

Owen stepped back, still holding the wooden door open, and smiled, his blue eyes bright. "Come on in," he said.

I stepped inside and looked around the house. A staircase to my right led upstairs while a sliding glass door led to the large backyard outside. "This is going to be fun," I remarked.

Owen nodded as I walked into the kitchen. My brand-new black sneakers tapped on the floors as I walked around. My phone chimed again and I pulled it out of my pocket. Two new messages, my phone read. "Really, guys?" I clicked on the messages and read them.

Are you coming to the party? the first one read. It was from my friend Andrew. I let out a smile and brushed a lock of dark blonde hair out of my face.

I'm already here, I texted back.

I pulled up the second message, this time from my best friend Sarah. I wish I could come to the party with you, it read.

I started to text her back, but the doorbell rang. "Maybe it's Andrew," I said a little too loud.

Owen glanced at me and I ducked my head to hide my smile. I won't lie: I like Andrew, a lot. Owen opened the door and my smile fell slightly.

Xavior entered the kitchen, wearing a camouflage shirt and pants. "Are you ready to have some fun?" I asked.

Xavior pulled out his phone. "Are Raphael and Andrew coming?" he asked, his green eyes scanning his phone.

"They should be here soon," I told him.

Another chime came from my phone. I pulled it out and read it. Who else is there so far? Raphael texted.

I quickly typed back, Me, Owen, and Xavior.

The reply came with a knock on the door. I rushed to open it and I tried to not smile. "Hi, Andrew, Ashley," I greeted my two friends, stepping away from the door.

As Andrew walked by, I slipped a piece of chocolate into his hand. "Are you excited?" I asked him.

Andrew glanced at the chocolate I gave him. "Yes, I am," he replied, popping the chocolate into his mouth. "Is Raphael here yet?"

I shook my head. "Only Xavior and us."

Ashley cleared her throat. "I was including you," I told her.

Ashley crossed her arms. "Sure, you were, Natalia," she replied with a glance at her brother.

Xavior poked his head out of the kitchen. "Hi, Andrew."

"Hi, Xavior," Andrew said, and he walked into the kitchen.

I watched him disappear from my sight and turned around, only to see Ashley staring at me. "Really?" she asked, pulling out her phone.

"Am I not allowed to watch him leave?" I asked, but Ashley rushed to the door before I could reply.

"Mom!" she exclaimed, and I turned to face the door as Crystal walked in.

Crystal surveyed the room. "How many of my daughters are here?" she asked.

"Just Natalia and I so far, but Hayley is supposed to be here soon," Ashley replied, closing the door.

The sliding door slid open and Owen walked inside. "Good thing you're here, Crystal," he said.

They were going to say more, but a knock sounded. I opened the door to see Raphael, Hayley, and Olivia standing there. "Sorry, I couldn't bring Benny," Hayley said, walking inside and taking a seat on the beige couch, "He's busy." She adjusted the blue-and-purple bracelet, a gift from Benny, on her wrist.