broken home - j.f✔️

twentytwo.

It was finally Friday night, Zach had been raving about the party every class she had with him and every lunch. She had gone home, showered, calling Justin. After a few rings, he'd picked up.

"Hey, El." He cheered. "What's up?" She pulled out various outfit choices, holding her phone between her ear and shoulder.

"I plan on drinking, are you?"

"Probably not, why?"

"Maybe you could drive? How far is Bryce's house from mine?"

"About a 20 minute walk." He replied. "And I don't mind being your designated driver."

"Thank you, sweet boy."

He blushed as she called him 'sweet boy', ending the call and preparing himself for the party. She had chosen a summer dress, and some sneakers. Her hair was in one of its rarer days, where it was manageable. And she had used some lip gloss and mascara, to make her features more prominent.

She waited for Justin, finally hearing the doorbell ring. He stood there, glancing at her body. It was a light, accentuating summer dress, which gave her legs the chance to show off.

"You look... amazing. Even with your busted lip." He whispered. She blushed, handing him the car keys as they both got into the car. "I feel underdressed."

"You look handsome, Foley. Stop being silly."

The party was in full swing as they arrived, Justin had linked the keys to his belt loop so he didn't lose them, tucking them into his pocket so he didn't lose them. As soon as they entered, there were jocks chanting her name and cheering. Monty has even appeared, offering her a drink.

"So, Monty is nice at parties?" She asked Justin, linking their arms together to stay close.

"I guess so. I'm gonna go and say hi to a few people, I'll be back here in five minutes. Stay here." He spoke, brushing his thumbs along her cheekbones and smiled. As he walked away, Monty handed her a drink and smiled.

"Have fun, Beth!" He shouted, dancing to the music. She watched the door, looking for Zach, or someone she knew, so she didn't feel so vulnerable. After Bryce's lunchtime trick, she didn't want to give him an opportunity to talk to her. As if by a miracle, Clay walked in?

"Clay!" She called out, his head snapped in her direction and greeted her with a squeeze. "I thought you had a date with Ani?"

"Tomorrow." He replied. "Is your lip okay?"

"Are you sure this 'Ani' is real?" She teased, handing him a drink. "I haven't seen her, and I've been at school for two weeks. Also, my lip is fine." She took a sip of her drink.

"She is very much real, thank you." He remarked, making a witty face at her. "Who are you here with?" She looked around for Justin, not being able to find him.

"Justin drove. But I can't find him." She shouted over the music, the volume being increased. "I'm gonna look outside for him, if you see him, well, you can't text me because I left my phone at home." He shoved his thumb up as she left, pushing past couples and people dancing to the music. As she went outside, her heart dropped.

Bryce's large pool. People splashing and swimming, it made her legs shake. She could barely move past the threshold of the doors. "You okay?" She turned to see Zach. She clung onto his arm, shaking her head.

"I don't want to go outside, let's just party in here." She spoke, pulling him into the kitchen where all of the drinks were. The more she drank, the more comfortable she'd gotten. She was taking shots with Monty, Bryce, and Zach. And she played a few drinking games. She'd drank so much, she could barely stagger to the other room for another game.

"Okay, rules are: you are up against the person opposite you, whoever manages to chug their drink and flip the cup over first, wins!" Monty explained. "If you lose, you go up against the other losers. And; if you're the ultimate loser, you get a very special surprise."

Elizabeth stood opposite Justin, making faces at him as they waited for their turn. As she'd stick her tongue out, he would giggle and wink at her before making a ridiculous face. Finally, it was their turn. She downed the drink as fast as she could, adding to her already drunk state. Flipping the cup was difficult, as she could barely keep herself standing. Justin managed to win and cheered, making pouty faces at Elizabeth.

"Loser." He whispered into her ear. She rolled her eyes and lightly punched his arm. She watched as the losers area had slowly built up, and they were declaring the ultimate loser.

"Elizabeth; I'm sorry. But you're the ultimate loser."