| Ephemeral |

twenty-four

Alex

Grayson and I walked in the house together, and I felt both of us halt for a second. Hazel really outdid herself, I mean I thought prom was good? This is insane.

There were people everywhere in this massive house. She spotted me and immediately ran over to us. "How's everything look?" She half yelled. In order for me to hear her over the music, she had to. 

"It's-" I started to complain, but I couldn't when I saw the smile on her face. "Perfect, Hazel. Everything looks perfect," I responded nicely, making sure to add a smile for emphasis. 

"Yay! Let's go get a drink," She yelled, grabbing my arm and dragging me towards the liquor counter. 

-

All of my friends were in the same place for once, it was nice to see. Landon and Hagen even made it. I took a sip of the drink in my cup, Hazel isn't aware that it's soda and not vodka. 

"Happy birthday baby sister," I heard my brother's voice beside me, causing me to turn around. "Or can I even call you that since your legal now?" He smiled sarcastically, making me shake my head.

"Elena says happy birthday too, and she wishes she could party with you." He added. "Is she doing okay?" I asked. 

"She's pregnant. That's for sure." He joked, causing me to smile. "Baby is due soon, I'm excited!" I smiled, bumping his shoulder. "I'm nervous as absolute hell." 

"Ry, you're going to be a great father!" I reassured him. I've seen how he acts with Paisley, he knows what he's doing. 

"I hope so," He smiled faintly at me before walking away. "Look who decided to come home," Theo arrived in front of me with a bright smile on his face.

"I was forced," I lied, making him roll his eyes playfully. "Well for whatever reason it is, I'm glad you're here." He smiled at me excitedly.

He was the first to call when he heard about everything that happened at prom. He kept beating himself up for not being there, even though I was the one who made him stay home. I'm glad I did. If he would have gone Larce would have known he was alive.

"Okay birthday girl, let's dance!" He spoke enthusiastically, grabbing my hand before I could say anything. He's definitely drunk right now, or else he would never dance. "Theo-" I tried arguing but he pulled me into the crowd anyway. 

-

Grayson

"Stop staring at them, it's creepy." Jackson arrived beside me, referring to the way I was looking at Alex and Theo. 

"Friends dance," He reassured me, causing me to turn away from them. "I know, I know." I defended myself. "I need some fresh air," I fake smiled at him before walking outside.

The air was refreshing, as was the night sky. I walked off the porch and down the driveway to put space between me and the party.

I sat at the end of the road, looking up at the stars that were shining vividly. I thought this would help me clear my head, it's not doing much.