Jules moved closer to my childhood home during high school. So picking her up then getting Em is relatively easy. Clarry said she'd meet us there once her mom went to bed and her brother can secretly drive her. I passed her house when I went to get Jules, then Rubies's, then Penny's.

Car pooling wasn't so hard because we were all able to walk to each other's houses. We all lived in a circle except for Vivi. She lived behind the high school area so she drove herself. She has to go home early anyways.

Jules and I are in the car as though nothing happened. She decides to play her music to get amped up while her 6-pack of alcohol is clinking between her feet. Em comes running out of her small one-floor home. Her mother left her father when she was a toddler. Her mother and children moved into a smaller home while her father still owns the same one.

I can resonate with Em on that part. Divorced parents—separation. The question of love, who to love and how to love. We never understand that growing up.

I thought I'd be awkward at first but she smiles in the backseat and places her backpack on the floor.

"I got alcohol in case anybody needs." She unzips her backpack and reveals hard liquor. I reverse out of her driveway and honk at her brother—who's head is buried in the popped hood of his car. I wonder how her little sister is. She must be a senior in high school now.

"I'm going to be a safe DD and not drink."

Jules widens her eyes, "At all?" She questions almost insultingly.

I turn at a green light and nod, "Not even a lick."

"Party pooper." Em mutters in the back and when I look through the mirror, she is grinning.

"Safe than sorry. Too many risk-taking drivers on these roads."

"You're right." She agrees after.

We arrive to Ian's house a little after the time of the party. There is a thump of music in the backyard so we follow the concrete path to the side gate. Opening it, there are some bodies hanging around with alcoholic beverages in their hands.

I wave my way through and Em and Jules greets them. Ian lives in the center of our circle. He actually lives near my ex-boyfriend but I don't believe he will be here. Em goes to the white cooler against the house and dumps her bottles in there.

Since we all have reunited, she's been better. Different to say. I like it and I hope it stays that way. Approaching her, I graze my hand along her arm.

"Hey," I begin while she turns around and grins. "I'm sorry about what I said to you in Rubies room." I apologize, the weight on my shoulders slowly lifting.

"No it's okay. We all weren't in our right minds but thank you."

"I know the truth." I tell her and she tilts her head to the side. "I just need the right time to tell Jules."

She gazes down at the ground and the music, the voices, everything around us dims down. "And Penny."

"Yes, I know. Rubies told me and now I am the only person who can fix this."

Em sighs, "I've been stubborn too. I should apologize to Penny for being distant with her."

"Take your time."

She winks playfully, "You too. I don't think Jules is in a rush." I look over my shoulder and Jules is already hands on with an old classmate. We both laugh until I clear my throat and run my hand through my hair.

"She's also going through a lot. I went to a group counseling with her and realize that she—we both aren't in our right minds."

Surprisingly she leans forward and pulls me into a hug. I'm caught off guard and am doused in her sweet vanilla shampoo and powder deodorant scent. Her body is warm and welcoming. I take it for granted.

"Yo! Ya'll actually came!" We pull away from each other and Ian is holding a can of beer in his hand. "Some female action, huh?" He winks before hugging us both.

"That's for Vivi." Em jokes and a chuckle rumbles from his large chest.

I snort at her comment and Ian gestures towards the sliding door that goes into his kitchen. I glance through the window and there's some bodies around a counter taking shots.

"There's additional drinks inside if you like."

"I'm good with my mixed drink." Em waves around a gatorade bottle that is mixed with vodka. I shake my head and raise my hands.

"No alcohol for me. I will take a water...or soda." I say and Ian's eyes widen.

"Why not Theo? Let loose." He playfully buds his shoulder against mine. I stumble to the side.

Em swallows her drink, "Yeah Theo, let loose." She urges on and I roll my eyes.

"Not tonight." I say and Ian scratches the back of his neck.

"Okay, well I'm glad you came."

"Thank you." I smile, feeling my cheeks burn red. Em nudges me in the ribs when he walks away and joins a small group of guys.

"I don't want to know what you're thinking."

Em drinks from her bottle, "Oh you definitely want to know."

Turing around, we find Jules talking to the same classmate at the outdoor table now. There is a sincere grin on his lips and whatever she is sharing, he is fascinated. Em strays away from me and she greets a group of girls. Rachael comes from behind and says hi to me again.

We talk as though I wasn't disrespectful to her at Rubies home. Maybe she meant no bad means and I took it the wrong way. She doesn't talk about my book or what I'm up to. It is nice and caring to talk to people I used to know.

Eventually, Vivi comes and so does Clarry. Jules and Em are a few drinks deep and I am in the kitchen getting another can of soda. The front door opens and I pause and wait to see the face. I'm alone and it's silent but the music thumbing through the closed door.

Someone giggles and when the shadows creep over the wall, Penny and Gavin enter the kitchen from the hallway. My shoulders drop from the tension and her face lights up when she finds mine.

She squeals my name and pulls me into a hug. Gavin follows behind her with his right hand stuffed in the front jean pocket. Penny introduces Gavin to me and I greet him with a hug. He exits from the sliding door and goes to chat with some of the guys. Leaving Penny and I alone.

"Are all the girls here?" Penny asks, reaching for a solo cup and pouring some tequila. I watch the smooth, clear liquid fill the cup.

"Yeah, they're all outside."

"How is everything?" She questions, sucking liquor off her thumb that spilled from the bottle. She reaches for the club soda that is missing a cap and tops it off in her cup.

"It's been good actually. I miss everyone together."

"Me too," She grins as she takes a sip of her drink and cringes at the strong taste. "Rubies really got us, huh? Final hurrah." She cheers her drink in air and towards the ceiling. Towards the sky and through the clouds. Up to the woman that is missing it all.

"Clearly," I mutter, cracking the soda can open and taking a small sip. I look through the small window over the sink and find Ian staring at me. I quickly look away, "Ian won't stay off my tail."

Penny leans back on the counter, "Sounds like you're disgusted."

I cross my arms over my chest, "I don't mean it like that but—"

"Come' on Theo. Have some fun. You know Ian, it's not like he's a stranger."

I think about it and gnaw at my lip, "That's the problem. He's not a stranger."

Penny shrugs, "It won't be weird. When was the last time you..."

"A few weeks ago," I lie, feeling too modest and transparent. I feel as though she doesn't believe me but doesn't oppose. "I don't know, Penny."

She takes a long swig of her drink and a group of people cheer outside. We both turn towards the window and someone has shot gun a beer. Penny turns back to me and I crinkle the soda can in my hand.

"Ian is sweet and he was a dick in high school but we are older. Don't think of the past too much. Have some fun while you're here." I scratch my nose and lick my lips.

"He just wants to say I fucked a famous author and that's that."

"Okay and let him!" Penny shouts and I chuckle at her loud voice. "Let them all know how hot and confident you are. You've...I don't know..." She places her cup on the counter and grins, "Theo, you need to understand you're more than just an author. Everybody here sees you as a human. Your features are more than just a person who tells stories. Stop putting yourself down." Unfortunately, all I know is that I'm a storyteller and sometimes the truth isn't told and I hold myself down on that.

I stare at her dark orbs when she studies me. She's reading me and finding my bleak characteristics. She knows I have changed since I moved out of state. All of the qualities I am hiding are slowly blooming like a flower.

Loosening my inner conscious, I nod, "You're right." I down the rest of my soda and crush the can in my fist. I toss it into the recycling bin and find Ian laughing at something Gus said to the group.

Before I can walk towards the door and have the guts to speak to Ian without humiliating myself, Penny curses under her breath and grips my arm. I yelp at the firm hold and she pulls me down. It feels as though my shoulder pops out of it's socket.

We both fall onto the floor behind the counter.

"Shit, shit, shit," She repeats in unfit whispers.

"What?" I snap in a startling way. I grip onto the edge of the counter and slowly peek out the window. Noticing who's appearance she is struck by.