The Truth In My Lies

07

MADISON

KAIDEN stares at me like I'm some kind of ghost or unusual creature. I don't like it. I cross my arms to seem more intimidating. It doesn't help considering he's a hole head taller than me.

"I'm here with my friends." He looks around the room, gesturing to the few people that are in here. "Where's Andrew?"

"Home, I guess. I don't really know." I tried calling him earlier and he didn't answer the phone. I get that he's mad at Kaiden for whatever reason, but that doesn't mean he gets to take it out on me.

"Are you mad at him or something?" Kaiden brushes past me and takes a seat on the couch next to Cameron.

I spin around so I'm facing him. "No. What happened last night? Why did he get so mad at you?" If Andrew won't tell me, maybe Kaiden will.

Kaiden brings the red solo cup to his lips and tips it back. "I don't know. He has a stick up his ass. You should help him pull it out. I'm sure it's painful."

I glare at him. "I'm not stupid."

He chuckles. The lights in the room are a dim blue and the smoke haze isn't making the situation any better. My eyes are starting to burn. "You look stupid right now. Why don't you take a seat?"

I realize I'm the only one standing up, so I join him on the couch. Kassie and Cameron are totally in their own world and so is everyone else in the room.

"So, this is what you wear to you a party?" He pulls a joint out from behind his ear and a lighter from his pocket.

"What's wrong with it?" I ask defensively. I know it's not slutty or revealing, but it's not like I'm dressed like a nun.

"Nothing. I like it." He shrugs and brings the lighter's flame to the end of his joint.

I lean back on the couch. I'm not exactly having a great time, but it could be worse. I'm definitely going to have to wash my clothes tomorrow or else I'll smell like weed and smoke.

I watch as Kaiden brings the joint to his lips, inhaling and then carefully exhaling. His eyes flutter shut, and he leans his head back against the couch. He looks so relaxed.

When he notices me staring, he extends his hand out to me. "Want a hit?"

I shake my head. "No thank you."

"Why not? Afraid Andrew will have your ass?" He taunts.

Truthfully, I've never smoked weed. I've gotten drunk plenty of times, but I've never smoked. I tried a cigarette once and almost coughed my lungs up. I know weed is much different, but I don't want to embarrass myself in front of everyone.

"Andrew's not my dad."

"Then why not? What's the worst that could happen?" He smiles at me.

Everyone in the room looks so chilled out. Maybe he's right. What's the worst that could happen?

I take the joint from him and bring the end to my lips. I slowly inhale, feeling the burn in my lungs. I fight back the urge to couch and slowly exhale. I do let out a couple coughs, but nothing too embarrassing.

After a few more hits, I'm laughing so hard there's tears streaming down my face. Kaiden and I can't look at each other without laughing. I feel so relaxed, so free.

"Watch this." He takes some smoke in his mouth and blows it out in an O shape.

"Woah." I'm mesmerized. "That's astounding."

He busts out laughing, which in turn makes me laugh. My stomach hurts from laughing so hard. I look over at Kassie, but she's gone. The couch where Cameron and her previously were sitting is now empty.