The Pain of a Middle Child

IV

When I arrived at my house, I quickly changed into my white tank top and skirt, putting on more makeup while I was at it.

When I was done getting ready, I texted my mom that I was over at my Heather's to study and raced out the door to catch the bus over to Macey's.

_____

The bus was packed with students, mostly high schoolers heading to their after-school classes. I nodded to a few friends from school before texting Liam to ask where he was.

Babe, where r u?

He took a few minutes to answer.

Halfway there, u?

Me 2

See u there, Ly

Pressing the stop button, I got ready to get off. Macey lived a little bit away from the main roads, so I had to walk the rest of the way, which I didn't like, especially since I had to walk for seven minutes straight on heels.

But it'll be worth it, I reminded myself. Macey had told us she would arrange a surprise for us, promising us that it we'd love it.

I saw Liam looking at her with knowing eyes, and knew, she was telling the truth.

_____

I arrived at May's house. Even though I'd seen it a number of times before, I was still amazed at it. Her household was on the rich side, and her ancessters had left them a lot of things, passing it down from father to son, mother to daughter.

In front of the garage, Liam was waiting with his hand halfway in his pants pocket, and the other holdin his phone. He looked up from it when I neared him and smiled like an angel.

"I like your outfit, baby," he whispered into my ear while wrapping his arm around my waist. I giggled and kissed his cheek.

"I love yours better, mind if I borrow it later?" Liam raised an eyebrow.

"That's something I've never saw in you before, Ly," he grinned. "I love it,"

From above, May yelled at us. "Hey, you lovebirds! Come on! The party's up here, not there!" she then slammed the window again and the music stopped seeping out.

I looked up at Liam and we entered the house together, side by side.

____

"Took you guys long enough!" Heather said over the music. She had been chatting with Jamie and Katie when she saw us. She made her way through the groups of people in Macey's living room. "I was here for a solid twenty minutes!"

"Not my fault I live waaaay over there," I muttered under my breath. Liam patted my back reassuringly.

"Okay, guys! We're all here, so let's get started!" May announced and opened her fridge doors to reveal packets of beer. "We've got enough for everyone!" May popped one and drunk a big gulp from it.

Liam helped me find the way through all the guests to the fridge and popped my can for me. I gave him a thank you kiss before taking a sip. The alcohol burned it's way down my throat, but I didn't care.

It muted the pain inside. The pain I felt ever since my big realization.

We played truth or dare, me avoiding the worst of the blows by luck. I checked my phone for messegaes and calles from my parents from time to time, but I didn't worry much; I'd told them I was sleeping at Heather's.

"I need some fresh air, wanna come with?" Liam grunted as he stood up. He was stumbling a bit, but he was doing better than the others who were swaying dangerously.

"Sure," I grabbed his outstreached hand and followed him out to the verandah.

The air was a little sticky, but it was cool enough to clear my fuzzed-up mind. It seemed to do the same to Liam, because his heated face cooled up a little.

Then he pulled a packet of cigarettes from his pocket and lit it. I studied him as he puffed the smoke out.

"Can I try?" I asked. I was surprised by my sudden confidence, and Liam was too. But he held the cigar to my mouth, letting me drink in the adictive gas. It was a foreign feeling, choking me, but I liked it, it was similar to what alcohol did to me.

In fact, it was better.