Evangeline Lawrence has a secret. A big secret. One involving her birthday, the player, August Griffin, who's (almost) like a brother to her, and a kiss the night before he ran away. No one else knows about it, aside from August, of course, and Evan...
I guess you learn from mistakes. At least, I really hope you do, for Ben's sake.
As we hug the two remaining boys at the airport, I can see that Ben is still feeling awful for all this. He shouldn't. It's not his fault, he didn't know.
"Ben, you should come to Cali soon."
"Why?"
"You're sure to find a ton of people hotter than Mark."
"And you'll find a lot of people better for you than August," he replies.
"Maybe, but if you think that, you haven't been to Cali," I joke. He hugs me.
"I'm really sorry, Angie."
"It's not your fault. Don't beat yourself up."
"I...I won't."
Next it's my turn to hug Nathan. We stand there awkwardly for a moment. It's been kinda strange between us, but I'm starting to understand why Nathan didn't want me near August. And I'm kinda starting to forgive him. After all, he is my brother.
"Hey. Um...thank you."
"For what?" He's really confused.
"For trying to protect me. I mean, you might not have gone about it the right way, but I know why you did it."
"Yeah. I thought he would hurt you. I guess I wasn't really wrong, but...Angie?"
"Yes?"
"August has some shit to sort through."
"I know."
"He's really a good guy underneath. He just...well..."
"I get it." I don't want to talk about him anymore.
"No, listen. He's scared to love people. You have to keep an eye out for him. This is not going to be good. He was my best friend, Angie, and I think he's gonna try to drown out the pain."
"I think so, too. I don't want him to develop an issue, but I don't think it would be a good idea for me to call him."
"Okay. I'll left you know if I hear anything." I nod, my throat closing up.
"Nathan?"
"Yeah?"
"I like him. A lot. But I don't know if I can deal with all this crap."
"Okay." He hugs me.
...
"Get in that dress."
"No! You know I hate it. It shows off...everything way too much!"
"Angie, get your ass into that dress before I have to make you. We are going to a party."
"But...party..."
"You can't get over a fear of you never try. Besides, it might be good for you to get drunk and hook-up with someone."
"But I-"
"He isn't going to be there and I'll be with you the whole time. If anyone gets too close to you, I'll just hit them with my shoe." She shows me her very high stilettos. I would hate to be on the receiving end of that.
"I guess..."
"Yes! Now go put it on. I'm gonna be the driver tonight, so I won't get too tipsy."
"Lisa!"
"It was just a joke. The place is less than a half a mile from here. We'll walk."
"In those heels?"
"Yes! Now go get changed!"
A few minutes later, I step out of the bathroom wearing a tight wine-ish colored dress. It has straps that cross in front and it shows off a lot of cleavage. It is also so short, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to walk without it riding up. But when I look in the mirror, I get a major confidence boost. (See picture of dress)
"Wow, girl. You look amazing."
"Thanks."
"It's the truth," Lisa shrugs. "Now, it's time for the makeup."
...
A half an hour later, we arrive at the party. It's already in full swing, and I can feel my stomach churn at the sight of all these drunk kids.
"Hey, Angie." A girl walks up to me.
"Hi, Lauren," I respond. The fact that this girl is even talking to me is suspicious. In fact, I don't think she's said one word to me since 5th grade.
"I heard they found August." And there it is. I guess my parents did inform the police. Apparently word spreads very fast around here.
"Okay. I'm glad you're still able to hear."
"Shut up, bitch. I don't know if you remember, but that guy is mine. So stay away from him." And she's calling me the bitch
"Look, there are so many things wrong with what you just said. A. He's not yours and never was. And don't tell me that you hooked-up with him six times or some shit. That doesn't make him even close yours. B. He isn't even coming here. In fact, I'm pretty sure he's staying as far away as he can from this town. C. Why do you even feel threatened by me? I mean, I was just his best friend's sister. If your really as close to him as you say you are, there's no reason to be so bitchy to me."
"Oh, don't you dare deny it. Everyone could see you guys had chemistry."
"Well then, I'm flattered and you should be threatened by me. See you later, Lauren." I walk off.
"That was awesome!" Lisa whispers.
"Thanks. I just channeled my inner you."
"Aww. Thank you!"
"What are best friends for?" A gurl bumps into us.
"Whoopsies," she giggles. "Do you seeeeeeee that guy? He's sooooooo into me."
"She is way too drunk," Lisa mutters as the girl stumbles away.
"Yup."
"Come on." She shakes her head. "Let's go party!"
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