Page 3 of Keep Me Safe

The rest of my shift goes by without much struggle, and Rob even lets me leave a little early, citing my “big day” as an excuse.

Of course, it’s going to be chilly tonight. It’s Michigan in May. I throw on a cropped sweater and some thicker jeans before grabbing my phone from my dresser.

A new message.

Jared:Are you on your way yet?

Jared:I don’t wanna start without you

Kira:Miss me already?

Kira:I’m finishing getting ready, then I’ll head out

I roll my eyes. He knows I’m not a big drinker, but that never stops him from trying.

I pack an overnight bag, fully aware I’ll be staying over, and grab my keys from the counter. Double-checking that the door is locked behind me, I make my way to my car. The drive to Jared’s is only about fifteen minutes out of town, a route I’ve taken countless times over the years. It’s familiar. Comforting. Like going home.

When I pull up to the house, cars are already filling up the front yard.Great. I was hoping that there wouldn’t be this many people yet. I don’t mind parties, but a large group of people getting wasted makes me a little anxious, especially when it’speople I don’t know.

I park in my usual spot in the driveway, right behind Jared’s silver Mazda, and take a deep breath. I’ll be fine. At least, that’s what I tell myself as I step out of my car and head toward the backyard.

Jared’s house is a white, two-story craftsman overlooking Lake Ann. While the front of the house is beautiful and well-landscaped, the back is the selling point. It features a large deck that leads down to a grass patch with a gorgeous view of the lake. Beyond that stands a worn wooden dock extending into the water.

The entire space is lit with warm string lights, and the fire is already blazing by the lake. Jared stands beside it with a red solo cup in hand. Sensing my presence, he glances up, and his bright eyes meet mine. He smirks as I saunter to the fire to stand with him.

“Kira, you finally made it.”

“Yes, andsomebodypromised me a shot.” I look up at him, mostly kidding, but some liquid courage would help ease the anxiety filling my chest.

“Well, let’s go get it then,” he says, mischief playing in his features.

He grabs my hand and leads me to the porch, where we pass a folding table set up for beer pong.

I shout over the music, “We are so doing that later!”

Sliding the door open, we step into the kitchen. Jared starts pouring what looks like tequila into a red solo cup, handing it to me.

“Starting out strong, are we?”

He laughs, “Go big or go home, am I right?”

The liquid burns on the way down, spreading a welcome warmth through my chest. I don’t drink much anymore, but sometimes it helps quiet the noise in my head. When I glance up, I catch Jared watching me.

“What?” I ask. He hesitates for a moment, shaking his head.

“Nothing, let’s make some drinks and go play some beer pong.”

I tilt my head in confusion but push it away.

Typically, I prefer wine, but that’s not an option, so I make myself a tequila soda, and he pours himself a jack and coke. Grabbing my hand again, he pulls me back to the porch.

“We play winners!” Jared announces.

While we’re waiting for the current game to end, Jared and I sit on the wicker chairs on the porch, sipping our drinks.

“I can’t believe high school is finally over,” I sigh.

“Me either. It felt like it was never going to end,” he responds. “I can’t wait to start at Michigan State this fall.”

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