tag along to keep an eye on me, but she was called into work at the

ep with a few people in it. The guy in the driver’s seat waved at me as I approached. Chase took of

ger’s seat, and the driv

s from school who I recognized as Shelly, Amber, and Jennifer. They were on the che

ladies.” I waved, and t

idn’t have all bad friends, but it seemed

avy blue shutters and a simple driveway. Luke was standing outside. I locked eyes with C

ext to me, hold

the ride with

ree nice cheerleaders passed me and smiled, then ran into the h

avy, which was weird until I noticed a sea-themed house. I started to feel myself

walked me around. There were maybe ten people

omas!” h

th some band logo on it. He looked familiar, and my memory resurfaced. This was the guy Chase wa

l before,” I offered up, not acknowledging

go, so I doubt you’ve ever seen me.” He nodded

okay?” He lingered, waiting for my answer. I eventually

. Courtney was lying on the couch watching me while the other g

girl?” Courtney asked,

ing it,” I responded with some sass in my voice. T

es playing with innocent

th my time,” I said, and a

d I wave it off, saying, “No

asement, and I headed down. I would have rather been

stairs. I saw a ping pong table lined w

e deep in conversati

ght you might be interested in checking the

e?” I asked. Looking at him,

ors. Interested?” he asked. Thomas p

l. Coke, molly, LSD, even weed if you just want to chill o

me babe ever again. I barely know

hink that the virgin would be interested in drug

ghing. The girls had beers in red solo cups

loser. Bye, Aria!” She w

me, grabbed my arms

g?” he asked. He se

ome right no

at did I do now?” he as

t, but this scene is not for me. I can have fun without exploring drugs.” I s

nd, of course, my mom told me about her wild days when she was yo

ou a ride home. I’ll grab my helmet.

otorcycle.” She pointed at the bike. “He’s probably never coming out of that house

rms back and forth. He stopped a

oing to take you home. You can wear this.” H

y in front of Courtney as she just told me he never let anyone on

nd down his body to indicate he was not in his r

me, I do this all the time.” He tri

es were bloodshot, and he was talking fast but slurring. I had neve

u shouldn’t do drugs, let alone operate a motorcycle under

perience was going to pa

here with me. You don’t have any other options,” he pointed

were either drinking or taking drugs. I literally

le down the road. I had a few bucks o

me since you clearly cannot help me.” I star

yelled as I keep walking. He started to yell

I pulled out my phone and furiously typed away to verify the next bus

t home and never think