Chapter 1: Party

Chapter 1

It was an abnormally hot day in my small hometown. I mean, it got hot once in a while, but today seemed hotter than ever. It was two in the afternoon and I was sitting on the deck out back reading my favorite book. I rocked back and forth on the swing feeling the nice breeze cool down my face. I set my book aside and sighed. Summer vacation was practically over and I felt like my life was ending with it. I didn’t see any of my friends, and pretty much refused to do anything or go anywhere.

I couldn’t complain though, it was my choice. I didn’t want to see anybody. I worked at the local ice cream shop twice a week, earning just enough money to get by. Gran said I didn’t have to work, and that she would take care of me, but I didn’t want her knowing every little thing that I bought. Thinking back, I don’t really remember what happened this summer, it all was a blur to me now.

The school year ended too quickly for me to manage and take control of everything that was going on. One day I was at a party with all my friends, and the next I was helping to plan a funeral. I immediately erased the memory from my mind. I didn’t want to think about it right now. I had been thinking about it all summer and I finally chose a date. It would be after graduation when I would do it. I would leave home first, so my grandparents would not have to be the ones to find me. I cried at the thought of killing myself, but I knew it was the only way. The only way to be with him again, until then I wouldn’t be happy, so I knew it was for the best.

I heard someone fiddling with our back gate and quickly ran back inside. I didn’t know who it was, but I knew I didn’t want to see them. From peeking through the curtains I saw Jessica walking up toward the back door. Her long hair was up in a bun, and she was wearing a tank top with shorts. Normal summer attire. I, on the other hand, was wearing a black sweater, black sweatpants, and my hair was up in an extremely messy ponytail. I was a mess, and Jessica would be able to tell just by one look. And maybe that wasn’t so bad after all; she’d at least know how I was doing.

She rang the doorbell, and I hesitated before opening the door. We haven’t seen each other nor spoken since the last day of school, and I didn’t know why she was even here. I had a feeling she was mad at me for never returning her phone calls, but she looked happy. I slowly opened the door.

The look on her face when she saw me was priceless. She just stood there with her jaw practically touching the floor. I shyly smiled at her.

“Hi. It’s uh nice to see you. You look great.”

She just looked at me some more. Then suddenly I was being attacked. “Mikayla! It’s so nice to see you again!” she said giving me the tightest hug I had ever received.

“You too,” I said awkwardly.

We went outside and talked. She asked about how I was doing, how my grandparents were doing, what I’ve been up to, and stuff like that. I never was really good at small talk.

“If you don’t mind me asking, why are you here?” I asked.

“I’m having an end of summer party. You know to end summer with a bang. You remember last year’s right? Well it wouldn’t be the same without you. Everyone’s going to bet there.”

I remembered, although I didn’t want to. That was where I first met Edward, and I couldn’t bear remembering that memory right now.

“Jess, I don’t know…”

“Come on, please!” she begged. “Don’t make me get down on my hands and knees.”

“Maybe...”

“I’ll take that as a yes! Thanks, you won’t regret it.”

I wish she was right, but I was regretting it already. I don’t think I could make it through the night. The last party I went to ended in disaster. With all those people, how could I handle it? I would embarrass myself.

After doing what she came to do, Jessica said she had to go pass out the other invites. I asked if Brandon was going to be there, and she said he was going to try and make it, but it wasn’t for sure. I hope he would be there, because he’s the one friend I feel closest to. The funny thing is, we never were friends before this, but now I feel that we will be friends forever.

***

The next few days I prepared myself for the party. I rehearsed things to say, and how to handle myself if anyone brought up Edward. I guess it’s good that I’m going, because soon I would be at school. A place where I’m bound to hear his name once in a while and I need to know how to handle myself without breaking down each time.

Jessica called me letting me know that Brandon was coming after all and to bring some marshmallows if I could. I told her I would, so later that day I went down to the store. While waiting in the checkout line to buy the marshmallows I heard someone call my name.

I turned and saw that it was my old friend Bethany. We drifted away freshmen year, and I’ve only spoken to her maybe two times since then. She was waving for me to go over there, but I just smiled, paid for the food, and left the store. She was no friend to me anymore, and I felt horrible for what I just did, but it was nothing compared to her...actions.

I got home and started getting ready. I curled my hair and pulled it back into a headband. I put on a new sundress that I bought at the vintage store down the road. I grabbed my sweater in case it got cold, and went downstairs.

Gran was at the stove cooking dinner, while my grandpa was doing a crossword in the living room.

“Well don’t you look darling,” Gran complimented.

I gave her a reassuring smile. She knew I never liked being complimented, because it made me uncomfortable. I always thought of myself as ordinary, but Gran always said I was an above average beauty. Edward said that too, but no matter how many times he said that he was telling the truth I never believed him.

“Can I take the car tonight?” I asked.

“Sure. How late do you think you’re going to be?” she asked caringly.

“I’m not sure, but I will give you a call if it will be past eleven.”

“Okay,” she said giving me a hug goodbye.

I loved my grandma. She understood me and we had a very good relationship. I got in trouble once in a while, but not very often. Gran was always cooking or cleaning. She rarely took time for herself, and I was planning on getting them a special gift for their anniversary later this month, but haven’t fully decided on what.

On my way to Jessica’s it started to rain. There goes her bonfire plans. Jessica and everyone else would be pissed, but I wouldn’t. I love rain, even if that meant staying indoors. I walked up to her front door and the door opened before I could even think about knocking.

“You made it!” Jessica exclaimed excitedly.

I smiled and nodded as I walked in her house. Music was blasting throughout her entire house filling it with excitement and energy. There were a lot of people there, most I knew, but others were unfamiliar. Jessica pulled me out onto the dance floor. A few of my friends came over and started talking to me. Our conversations were just small talk, and it didn’t last long. Soon enough I was standing alone in the crowd. Jessica came back over to me a little while later, and tried to make me dance. While she wasn’t looking I quietly escaped to the kitchen. Jessica hated when I wouldn’t dance, but I can’t dance.

The kitchen was filled with snacks. I swear there was enough food to feed the entire state of Michigan. I was the only one in the kitchen, and I just sat down on one of the bar stools. I put my face in my hands and took deep breaths. I was afraid I was going to start crying, but I controlled myself. It always seemed funny how I could feel so alone in a room filled with people.

I heard someone behind me and with watery eyes I turned to see who it was. It wasn’t anyone I knew, but he was cute. He had brown hair, and brown eyes. He immediately reminded me of Edward, because of the same features, but he didn’t have Edward’s smile. He looked embarrassed that I had caught him watching me.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

I wiped the tears from my face. “Fine,” I replied.

He hesitantly took the stool next to me. “Want me to get you a drink?” he asked as he filled up his cup with Sprite.

“No.”

“Suit yourself. It’s delicious,” he joked.

I semi-smiled. “I know,” I said nodding. “It’s my favorite.”

He started walking out of the kitchen before he turned back around.

“Wanna dance?” he asked.

I shuddered at the thought. Dancing? No thanks.

I shook my head. “Sorry.”

He looked at me like “okay” then left the kitchen. I felt bad. He was nice, but there was only one person I would dance with and he was gone.

The rain settled after about an hour, and everyone decided to go in the pool. I didn’t even bring my swimsuit, so I just sat on the deck. I pulled out my iPod and started listening to music. I felt a tap on my shoulder and it startled me, making me jump.

“Woah, sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

It was the guy from the kitchen. What was he stalking me?

“You didn’t,” I disagreed.

“Brought you a drink,” he said handing me a cup. “Sprite, your favorite.” He winked at me.

“Wow cute, and has a good memory. I hit the jackpot,” I said sarcastically.

He smiled. “I’m Michael, but you can call me Mike,” he said shaking my hand.

“Hi,” I said dryly.

We were then interrupted by Nicolle, who seemed to be in the skimpiest bathing suit on the planet.

“Mike, come in the water with us,” she pleaded.

I rolled my eyes. Nicolle always was the flirt, but she was making it so obvious that she wanted him. He looked at me as if to ask permission. I just turned my head, and started looking for Brandon. Michael went into the pool with everyone else, and I decided to go inside. Through the window I could see Ashley now flirting with him, and then later on Shaylee was. I wondered where he was from.

Brandon was with his girlfriend and I decided not to bother him. I went up to Jessica’s room for some peace and quiet. I walked in on some people kissing, and told them to get out. They left and I started looking around her room. It was the same as I had remembered, except for the pictures on her wall. Most of her pictures were her with her friends and all except one of them had me in it.

The one picture of me was a group picture from freshmen year. I remembered it. It was our last day of school before the summer and I had just started dating Edward. I wish I could go back in time and relive that moment. We were so happy and there wasn’t any drama.

Who was I kidding; of course there was drama, but nothing serious. Just then Jessica entered her room. She seemed surprised to see me in there.

“Oh hey,” she said.

“I was just…”

“It’s okay.” She walked over and looked at the picture I was looking at. “It will be okay,” she comforted.

I turned to her. “Thanks,” I said. We hugged and went back downstairs.

The party was still in full blast by midnight and I realized that I never called Gran. She would be mad, but understanding. I called but there was no answer. I called back two more times, but there still wasn’t an answer. I decided I would just go home and not have her worry.

I got home and neither Gran nor Grandpa were downstairs, so I assumed both were asleep already. On the kitchen counter there was a note.

Mikayla,

Your grandfather had a heart attack and we’re at the hospital.

Love,

Gran

I immediately jumped back in the car and drove to the hospital. I met with Gran in the waiting area. Tears started to fill my eyes.

“Is he okay?” I cried.

She shook her head, unable to speak.

“Is he….” I asked.

“Yes,” she whispered. We both started crying and hugged. I couldn’t believe he was gone. He was the one who had given me advice on how to deal with it all, and I didn’t know what I would do without him.

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p.s. sorry i didn't realize how long it was....