Page 151 of Life of the Party

I kept Grey’s face before my eyes. My hand shook as I gripped the needle. I didn’t want to lose courage, not now, not when I was so close.I’m coming, Grey.I promised.Soon, we’ll be together forever. Nothing will keep us apart.

A smile bent my lips as I pressed the needle against my skin. Like I could already feel the sweet relief of death, like I could taste its promise. The needle slid in easily, found my vein effortlessly, sucked my blood fluidly up into the chamber. I sat down on the toilet seat, ready; gripping the needle, shutting my eyes in sweet anticipation.

I love you Grey…

I pressed the plunger down, slowly, prolonging the moment. Smiling as the drugs took hold of my system. And then they just kept coming, rushing through my bloodstream, taking my breath away with the sheer force—my heart pounding harder and harder as they slammed through my swollen veins. Taking over me. Surrounding me. Drowning me. I didn’t fight them; I let them have their way, giving up, giving in to the sweet surrender of blackness that loomed on the very edge of my being.

I fell over, slowly—it seemed to take forever. Everything was in slow motion.Was this how it felt, Grey?I wondered.Did you feel this way when you died?

I fell, slumped over between the toilet and the wall, and knew no more.

CHAPTER 61

There was a banging noise. A fist on a door. Muffled voices coming from somewhere far, far away. I was removed from the noises; apart from the chaos unfolding. It was peaceful where I was. Tranquil. Heavenly.

“How long has she been in there?” Riley’s voice, frantic with worry.

“I don’t know. I didn’t even see her come up here!” Charlie wailed.

Ah. I understood what was happening now. They were outside the bathroom door, trying to get in. They were about to find my body, cold and dead on the floor.

It’s too late, I wanted to tell them. You’re too late. I’m dead.

“Mackenzie! Answer me!” Riley tried the knob again. “Please?”

I can’t. I’m dead.

“Get out of the way, Charlie. Move!”

“What are you—?”

Bang!The noise jerked me in surprise.Bang!It sounded like Riley was hurtling himself at the door, throwing his weight against it, kicking it with as much strength as he could muster.

There was a sudden splintering sound. I listened faintly, curious as they burst through the broken door. What were they going to do now? What were they going to do when they discovered they were too late?

“Mackenzie!”Charlie screamed in horror. The shrillness startled me. Warm, strong hands were on my arms, on my shoulders, turning me over, propping me up…

You’re too late…

“Mackenzie.” Riley’s voice was close now, in my ears, gasping, pleading with me. “Please, please, please. Open your eyes.” He shook me, slapped me, lightly.

I turned my face from the sting of his slap. It was more annoying than anything.

“Is she okay? Is she breathing?”

“Yeah, she’s breathing.” Riley’s voice oozed relief. “She just needs to wake up.”

His touch was lighter now.

“Mackenzie, Mac, can you hear me?”

No…oh, wait. Yes, I can hear you. Why can I hear you?

I frowned. No, this wasn’t right. Why could I hear him? Why could I feel him?

Slowly, I tried to open my eyes.

“Is she waking up?”

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