S A R A

Ch 10

10

I woke up in a bed with a splitting headache.

Not my bed, but definitely my headache. The effects of the alcohol were starting to wear off, but the hangover was still very much there.

This didn't feel like a regular hangover though. I went back to my old self again and started panicking:

How long has it been? What were my parents going to think? Where was Haden? Did he put me here, did he see me; who saw me?! As I attempted to come to my senses, I saw that I was covered with a blanket, clothes still on. I must've been in one of the numerous spare rooms in the house. The curtains were drawn, I get up carefully and peered out the window, it looked like the middle of the night. I looked for my phone, but I couldn't find it, nor my clutch.

I got to the mirror where I could just make out my reflection faintly through the light pouring through the window. Though it was dark, the party was still going on. I could plainly see my hair a mess, makeup around my eyes and my dress twisted to all sides. Next to my reflection was a note pinned to the mirror, slanted but attractive handwriting, undoubtedly Haden's.

You're spending the night, use whatever you need. x

I looked around the room and made my way back to sit on the bed.

I saw a glass of water on the bedside table. The water helped to clear my mind a little, and I realized that though this wasn't the master bedroom, it must have been the second biggest room in the house, thank the lord it had a connected bathroom. I just wished there was a clock or something so I could have seen the time. Should I go back out to the party? Should I escape through the window and never face him again through all my mortification. Should I switch schools, leave the state, evacuate the country?

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the room, out in the hall. I didn't want to step out, but I was curious as to what was going on, so I leaned my hands against the door, bringing my ear closer.

"One more thing, one more time and I won't be able to forgive you." An angry voice boomed, unmistakably Haden's. Oh no, he was angry for real now. He was talking to someone already, but I was afraid maybe it was me who had done something wrong.

I heard footsteps approaching the door, so I quickly got away as quietly as I could and had just enough time to sit on the bed, and grab the glass of water in my hand when Haden knocked.

"Come in," I tried to sound my best but instead my words came out sounding more like a croak.

I was worried that he'd be angry, but when he opened my door his eyes were soft and concerned.

"How are you feeling?" He kept his distance.

"I admit I'm a little embarrassed. I mean, I've only known you for two days and already I passed out twice. I swear this doesn't happen a lot, at all actually, I..." was at a loss for words. I put the glass back on the bedside table, and looked down at the floor, then it hit me. I stood on my feet.

"Haden, was I, drugged?" I raised my eyebrows looking at him for the answer, half fear-half amazed at my own stupidity.

"I didn't want to alarm you." Haden took a few steps closer, concern not leaving his eyes. "But yes, Jack is an asshole, mostly. I was watching you the whole time you two were talking because I know his history, he's not exactly the nice type guy. In short, he takes advantage."

"But I thought you were friends."

"Used to be friends. When we first started out, I got famous before he did, he got bitter until he stumbled on his fortune and it turned him into...an animal. Listen, Sara, I'm so sorry. I should have interfered earlier."