Page 1 of Dagger

ONE

CHLOE EVERETT

Three years ago

“Chlo-Chlo,it’s Friday night. You know what that meeeaaans,” Sabrina sings, her voice lilting with excitement as she leans against my locker.

I shake my head, already laughing. “Party time?”

“Party time!” she echoes with a grin. “Come out with us. It’ll be fun.”

I sigh, shaking my head again. “You know I can’t. My mom doesn’t let me go out.”

Sabrina pulls a face. “Ugh, boring. Your mom won’t even be home. Just come. I’ll pick you up and have you back before she even knows you’re gone.”

The worst part is that she’s right—and we both know it. Sabrina is my best friend, the only one I’ve trusted enough to bring to my house, to meet my mom. She’s practically family. But still, I hesitate.

“I don’t think so,” I say finally.

Sabrina groans, slinging an arm around my shoulder. “Alright, buddy. Let me know if you change your mind. Thisparty is going to beepic!” She pulls me into a quick side hug and plants a playful kiss on my cheek before bouncing off to her next class.

I watch her go, wishing—not for the first time—that I could be a normal teenager. Wishing I could worry about things like friends, boys, and college applications instead of bills and whether my mom will be okay.

It’s always been just the two of us. My dad died when I was so young, I barely even remember him. And now, it feels like I’ve taken on the role of the adult in our house, not her.

When I get home that afternoon, I retreat to my room with a book, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in my gut. That’s when my phone buzzes.

Sabrina: Come out with us tonight

Sabrina: It will be soooo much fun!

Sabrina: PPPPLLLLEEEEAAAASSSSEEEE

I laugh out loud. The girl is relentless.

Chloe: Have fun tonight!

Sabrina: DON’T BE BORING

Sabrina: You don’t want to miss this one...

Her last message lingers in my head longer than it should. I’ve never been to a high school party before. Never had the chance. And it’s not like Mom would notice anyway. She’ll go out drinking like she does every Friday and Saturday, then stumble in and pass out on the couch. She’ll have no idea if I leave.

“Hey, Chlo. Leftovers for dinner tonight,” Mom calls as she passes my room, heading down the hall to hers.

I roll my eyes, biting back the irritation bubbling up inside me. Leftovers for the second night in a row. Spaghetti, because I made it two nights ago while she was at work. And Ihatespaghetti.

To hell with it. I’m not eating spaghetti tonight. It’s Friday night, and if she can go out and do whatever she wants, then so can I. I pull out my phone, my fingers hesitating for just a second before I tap on Sabrina’s name. I take a deep breath and type:

Chloe: Pick me up tonight?

Her response comes almost immediately.

Sabrina: WHAT?! My bestie is coming to a party with me?

Sabrina: Are you serious right now?

I laugh softly and reply:

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