safe

Chapter 18

When we got back to my house, there were already a bunch of people there. I walked to the door, went to the kitchen, and scribbled a note down to Jacque to cook up some food for the party. I went to the main media room and hit the stereo on and cranked up the volume. I plugged my iPod in and let usher’s ‘DJ got us falling in love again’ blare around the entire house. I and Lauren went to my room, still being able to hear the music, and we got dressed in our party clothes. Lauren chose a denim mini skirt with a tank top and cardigan. She had flats for shoes. I chose a cute strapless dress with heels. We were truly ready to wow the whole grade. When we got downstairs, the party was in full swing. “Heather, this party is amazing!” said a girl from my science class when I got to the main floor. “Thanks.” I saw some guys from the lacrosse team and went to talk. “Hey guys. Congrats on the big win!” I said as I hugged Adam. “Yeah!” screamed one of his teammates as he high-fived the rest. I felt a pull on my arm and turned to see Adam leading me to the kitchen, which was much less crowded than the rest of them. “Listen, Heather. I saw what happened between you and Josh, and you shouldn’t be mad. Josh was so frustrated because the coach benched him. You did nothing wrong.” He said as he hugged me. I pulled away. “I shouldn’t be mad? Look what he did to me!” I showed him my bruised arm. “I tried to say good game and he shoved me into the staircase.” I said. “Wow. He’s got himself in deep now doesn’t he? Do you want me to talk to him for you?” he asked. “No. I told him about the party and if he comes he does if not oh well.” I said smiling. “Now let’s go have a good time.” I said grabbing his hand and leading him to the dance floor. He chuckled. We were dancing our hearts out, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see Chelsea standing in front of me. “Hey Heather! I heard about your breakup and I’m real sorry.” She said laughing. “Where did you hear that outrageous lie? Last time I checked I was still dating him.” I said. “Oh really? Well that’s what he told me.” She said. “Listen Chelsea.” I turned to see Adam behind me and backing me up, with Lauren on his side. “They are still together and you should just leave her alone before something bad happens.” He said holding my hand. And just with that, Josh appeared right behind Chelsea. I turned, pulling my hand from Adam’s and bolting up the stairs. “Heather!” Adam screamed. I just ignored him and ran right into my room. I collapsed on my bed and just sat there. “I think she went in here.” I heard Lauren say from outside my room. I lifted my head from my pillow to see Lauren and Adam come into my room. “Heather, you need to tell us what’s going on.” Adam said as he sat on the side of my bed. “You can trust us.” I wiped my hair from my eyes. “I am hurt. Josh treated me like I ruined his life. And with Chelsea always down my throat and trying to steal Josh back. I just get so scared about losing him. And if she takes him away from me ...” I couldn’t even say it. “That won’t happen Heather.” said Lauren. “He loves you and he always will.” She said. There was a knock at the door and Josh walked in. I stood up with Adam and Lauren, grabbing Adam’s hand and giving it a little squeeze. “Umm, Lauren. Adam. Can me and Heather have some private please?” Josh asked sounding really calm. “Sure.” said Adam as he turned and gave me a quick hug. Him and Lauren left and Josh sat down on the side of my bed. I sat down and we just looked at each other for a really long time. Finally he broke the silence. “Heather, I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I was so mad because the coach benched me, that I took my anger out on you. I am truly sorry. I love you Heather. Please forgive me.” He said. He reached for my hand but I pulled it away at the touch. “Josh. You slammed me into the bleachers. I don’t know if you were mad at me.” He cut me off. “I was never mad at you. And about Chelsea, just forget about her. I’m yours and I always will be.” He said. I just couldn’t be mad at him. He made one mistake, so it doesn’t mean I have to hold that against him. I started to cry and all I wanted was a hug from him. I moved over to him and hugged him. Just sat there. In each other’s arms. And that 30 seconds right there, made me feel 10 times better. Who could ever imagine that one hug could turn your mood right upside down.