No Shame (Book 2 - No Regrets)

Chapter Thirty-Night - Ignite

KATIE'S POV

Unsurprisingly, Mom and Dad had no objections to me attending the party, even with the short notice. Before dropping me off, Mom stopped by the store to help me pick out a small gift to bring. "Best for their future daughter-in-law to not come empty handed." She teased as we browsed through the rack of gift cards. In the end, we agreed a twenty-five dollar gift card to be used for movie tickets was a good choice.

For reasons I can't explain, I haven't told my parents about Sawyer and I's downgraded relationship status. At first, I kept quiet because I could hardly keep myself together when I tried to admit it to myself. Then, I merely didn't want to talk about it or think about it. Now, I can't explain why I haven't said anything. I haven't said anything about Sawyer and I, except for when I mentioned being invited to the party. Even then, I lead with Christopher inviting me; but I can understand why that wouldn't be odd to my parents. Christopher often beats Sawyer to inviting me to the holiday parties and family gatherings.

In the days following Sawyer and I's talk, and the start of our progress to rebuilding a friendship, I have spent a lot of time re-reflecting upon my own actions over the past two years. This time looking at things from a different perspective. While I still feel Sawyer's actions were unfair and unwarranted, I do see that I am not innocent of wrongdoing.

The official start time of the party listed on the invitation said noon. However, after a couple years of attending gatherings hosted by Sawyer's parents, I know that it's best to arrive around an hour and half after the listed time. The first hour is when members of the immediate and extended family arrive; and what follows is alterations to and additions of decorations. Rearrangement of furniture placement to add another inch of space. "Necessary last-minute" preparations as Sawyer's mom calls it. Therefore, it is close to one in the afternoon, when I arrive holding a purple envelope with a card suited for the occasional with the gift card tucked inside.

Sawyer's parents' anniversary party, like almost all of their hosted parties, has a guest list that is majorly made up of close friends and family affair. After dropping off the card on the gift table, I weave my way through the crowded rooms in search of Christopher. Making my way through the living room and toward the doors leading outside to the backyard patio, I am met with many familiar faces. Some recognize me and give me a small wave as they carry on conversations.

The back patio, while still being crowded, is easier to maneuver through. I pass by Grace who is sat in a semi-circle of white plastic foldable chairs with a thick red ribbon tied around each of the backs. She is conversing with a small group of women. At one point, they break out in loud laughter, which causes some of the guests to momentarily to pause their conversations and turn their heads.

"Does she ever shut up?" I hear Ella mutter as I approach the railing overlooking the backyard. I have to do a double-take to ensure it is indeed Ella who I find standing nearby with her arms resting against the top of the railing. Her short silver dyed hair and black highlights is now a solid raven-black with extensions that make for an even shoulder length. She is dressed in a simple dress with a plain white top of a deep red with a floral design near the hem.

I turn my eyes back to survey the backyard, mostly populated by the younger aged guests, enjoying the outdoor games set up on the lawn. Among them, engaged in a game of horseshoe with Zeke, Parker, and two other teenagers, is Christopher. I make my way down and across the lawn.

"Katie, about time you showed up." Christopher says when he spots me.

"Hello to you too." I reply.

"Perfect timing, you can witness Christopher's crushing defeat." Parker says before he sends a golden plastic horseshoe slicing through the air toward the wooden post in the ground. The horseshoe hits and bounces off slightly landing only an inch or two away. Based on Parker's exclamation and the fist bump he exchanges with one of the teenagers I don't recognize, I assume he won.