My Friend Liv

Chapter 7

****The day of the party****

Ryley woke up wondering what she should do today. There was no way she was going to Liv's party. She didn't really know why, but she didn't want to go. She just wasn't feeling it anymore. She hasn't hung out with many of her friends lately, but she could text them to see what they were up to. She pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts. She saw Liv's name and stopped. She started to delete it, but she couldn't bring herself to. She texted one of her old friends instead and put her phone down while waiting for a reply. A few minutes later Ryley's phone vibrated. Ryley rushed to pick up her phone, hoping that her friend responded with something good to do today. Instead, it was a text from Liv:


Liv: Can't wait to see you today! The party is going to be so much fun!!!

Damn- Ryley thought to herself. How could she reply to this? Should she ignore it? No, she already read it- she couldn't do that. Should she lie? She could say she was coming, not show up, and then make up an excuse later as to why she couldn't come. Fuck. She didn't know what to do.

Ryley: I can't wait to see you too. It's going to be great, babe!

Well... now what. Ryley decided that she would make up an excuse later as to why she couldn't come. She could say she had bad cramps or got sick or something. It would be fine. Ryley threw her phone on the bed and went to take a shower and get ready for the day- even though she didn't know exactly what she'd be doing today.

**** Later that night****

Ryley ended up meeting with her friend- Chloe. They had been best friends since kindergarten. The friendship had been on and off for the past few years. Things changed a little after they went to separate high schools. However, they still hung out as much as possible, and every time it was as if they were little kids again. They decided to drive to the beach and catch up.

The two were sitting in the sand and Chloe asked how Ryley had been.

"Pretty good I guess" Ryley said as she dug her feet into the sand

"Hmm.. You sure about that?"

"Yeah, I mean...I met a new friend. She has a birthday party tonight, but I don't want to go"

"You not go to a party- what's wrong?"

"Nothing"

Chloe stared at her with a facial expression as if to say yeah, right

"What? I'm serious"

"Tell me"

"It's nothing"

"Well... how did you meet?"

"Umm... on this app"

"That hookup app?" Chloe said laughing

"Shut up" Ryley said laughing as she pushed Chloe on the arm

"But we're just friends" Ryley continued

"Riiiiiggghhhhhhhhhht"

"Seriously"

"So you love her?"

"No. Stop"

"Well something happened. You need to make it right because I can tell it's bothering you"

"Yeah, maybe. Anyway...what's going on with you?" Ryley asked eager to change the subject

******Later that night******

Ryley gets a text from Liv. It's already 30 minutes after her party started

Liv: Hey... are you still coming?

Ryley didn't know how to respond. She imagined Liv's hurt face and she knew she didn't want to have to deal with that. She knew if she didn't go she would have to never talk to Liv again. She didn't really want that.. But then she imagined having to meet her parents and seeing her new "friend" there. She didn't want to be bothered with all of that. While trying to make a decision, Ryley got another text from Liv

Liv: My mom is getting on my nerves :( I'm ready for everything to be over

This made Ryley feel a certain way. She didn't want Liv to have a bad time. Maybe if she was there, she wouldn't feel that way

Ryley decided to reply

Ryley: Sorry, I fell asleep babe. I'm on my way

Ryley decided to quickly put together a nice outfit. She decided on some skinny leg dress pants, a glittery silver top, and some flats.

Ryley was rushing out, but as she walked through the kitchen she decided to stop and have two shots of Tequila before she left. 

"Oh-kayyy. Let's do this!" Ryley said out loud as she slammed the shot glass down and headed for the door

Ryley got in the car and drove to Liv's house. It was bigger than she remembered. She parked on the street and walked up to the front door. She was about the ring the doorbell when she saw a sign that said party in the back. She walked around to the side of the house, opened the side gate, and slowly walked through. The back of the house was gorgeous. There was a large pool, tall trees,  a barbecue area, a large tent, and a section for games. She had no idea Liv's parents were this wealthy.

Ryley decided to walk around to find Liv. It couldn't be that hard to find her, right?

She stumbled around for a while, but she still couldn't find her. She walked into the tent hoping to find Liv. There were a lot of people here. How does Liv know so many people? Ryley thought to herself.

Ryley stepped out of the tent and pulled out her phone to call Liv and tell her she was there, but as soon as she looked down Liv came running up to her and gave her the biggest hug- almost knocking Ryley down because it was unexpected

"I'm so glad you're here!!! Follow me. I'll show you around"

Liv grabbed Ryley's hand and led her inside the house. They walked into the kitchen. It was huge.

"When you said show me around I thought you meant the outside"

"I know- but it's quieter in here. I don't know most of those people anyway" Liv laughed

"Then why are they here?"

"My mom invited them" Liv said as she rolled her eyes

"Are you thirsty? Can I get you something to drink?"

"Uh, sure. Water is fine"

Liv opened the refrigerator and passed Ryley a bottle of water

"I had no idea you came from all of this" Ryley said as she turned around in a circle. "You're rich babe"

"I'm not rich. My parents are. And I hate it here"

"Mmmmm so you much rather stay over my dull apartment. Gotcha"

"Hey. I don't think it's dull. It's fun over there"

They both laughed

"You look beautiful" Ryley said

"Thank you"

"It must be the dress. Whoever bought it for you has good taste"

They both laugh again and Ryley took a step forward- closer to Liv. She looked down at her lips and noticed her smile. She loved seeing Liv smile and laugh. Weirdly, it made her feel better. No other person had ever been able to make her feel that way.


As soon as Ryley stepped closer- the kitchen door slid open and two older adults walked through. Liv immediately stopped smiling and her face turned serious.

The adults came in and stood next to Liv

"Um, Ryley... These are my parents"

"Nice to meet you" Ryley said shaking both of their hands

"Likewise. My daughter has told me so much about you" Liv's mother said nicely

"Oh really?" Ryley said as she shot a glance at Liv as if to say what did you tell them?

"Mmm yes. Apparently it was you who encouraged her to wear this contraption of a dress..... Right?" The dad said as he sipped something from his cup

"Dad!!! Stop!!! I like this dress" Liv said sternly

"Of course you do sweetie. Only because someone else told you it looks nice. When will you start to have a mind of your own?" The dad whispered to Liv although it was still loud enough for Ryley to hear

Ryley couldn't believe he really said that. The situation became awkward and Ryley felt like she should find a way to remove herself from this conversation

"Um..Can I use your bathroom?" Ryley asked

"Of course Ryley. It's down the hall.. Second door on the left" Liv replied

"Thanks" Ryley said as she turned to walk away

Ryley closed the bathroom door and locked it behind her

What the fuck? Ryley thought to herself as she looked in the mirror. I hate parents and this is exactly why. I should say goodbye to Liv and go.

But on the other hand, she was having fun. Liv seemed to be happy she was there. Maybe Ryley could stick it out for her.