Page 46 of Glad You Exist

“Liz. You’re our friend too.” He chuckles lightly, “Besides the party would have ended soon anyways. Aunt Rose had us swear to a midnight curfew remember?”

Yeah, but don’t high school parties usually run late?

I guess I wouldn’t know. This was my first.

And my last.

As if reading my thoughts, he shakes his head and tugs me to my feet.

“It’s pretty fucked up for this to happen but don’t let it keep you from having fun because I promise you that I’ve got your back. You will never be in that position ever again.”

I scoff.

I doubt I will ever go to another party. Probably not even in college.

I just don’t fit in like that.

Kim raps on the door and I feel the tension simmer in the air between them.

“I texted Brad to come meet us in the game room, but he said he was going to sleep.”

She’s holding the small box in her hand that has the cake I bought earlier to surprise Brad with after the party. He must be really upset if he can’t even come down here for a bit.

I glance up at the ceiling wondering how he’s doing.

I turn back to my friends and find them looking in opposite directions, completely avoiding each other’s eyes. Kyle’s mouth is pinched, his brows meeting.

Kim looks like she’s about to burst into tears.

I sigh, taking the cake box from Kim.

“I think you two need to talk this out.”

Kim runs her fingers through her hair and looks at Kyle, tears forming in her eyes.

Kyle groans in desolation when his eyes meet hers. Before I can even blink, he’s already crossing the room to Kim. He pulls her in for a hug.

I lead them out of my room and nod towards the stairs.

“I’ll go check on the birthday boy. You guys get some rest. We still have that lunch with Brad’s family in a few hours.”

That’s all the push they need to leave. I watch them walk down the hall, arms around each other’s waists, to Kim’s room.

Asoft knock interrupts my count. I drop the weights on the mat and draw a heavy breath.

I should have known she wouldn't take no for an answer. I should have just gone down there when Kim texted. Now I have to face Liz and I’m not even remotely ready to do that yet.

I’m positive it’s her because only she would knock instead of barging in like the other two.

"Come in." I work on keeping the anger still coursing through me out of my voice.

I want to grab my keys, find that prick and beat his ass.

ButfuckI have to be better than that. I’m eighteen now. I would be charged as an adult.

Because I know that when I see him, a few punches won’t be enough.

That’s the only thing that kept me from doing it.

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