That Friday night, Isis and Jackie met on a street that was in the middle of their houses, about a 5 minute walk for both of them. Jackie ran up to Isis and hugged her tightly. Then kissed her cheek, which actually made Isis blush. Jackie’s red, curly hair was beautiful as usual, and she looked so mature that for a minute Isis was self conscious. Isis took off her sweater and stuffed it into her purse to reveal a black crop top Jackie let her borrow.
“Are you ready for an epic night?!” Jackie exclaimed as she pulled a small bottle of Jack Daniels and a can of Sprite out of her purse. She took a swig of the bottle, held her breath, and chugged the Sprite. Then she handed them over to Isis who looked up and down the street nervously before doing the same.
“Ughhhh! That’s not as good as the rum and soda, my god how do you drink this stuff?” Isis gurgled out. Laughing, they started the walk to the house party.
As they were walking, Isis asked something that had been on her mind. “How did you get your stepdad to tell my mom we were working on a project at your house?”
Jackie paused for a second and replied “I just smile sweetly and flirt a little. When he started making comments on my looks I realized how easy it was to get my way.”
Isis gaped at her friend. That was NOT normal and definitely not okay. “Jackie… what the heck…” she was almost speechless with shock. Jackie rolled her eyes and said “Don’t look at me like that.” Isis replied quietly “Like what?”
“With pity. It’s not a big deal Isis. My mom is always too drunk to pay attention to me. My stepdad is the one who works, brings home fast food, and gives me an allowance. Seriously, chill out.”
Isis was taken aback by Jackie’s firm tone so she dropped the conversation, but she sensed a coldness coming from Jackie and it made her sad and uncomfortable.
Just then they rounded a corner and heard the faint sound of music. Isis’s nerves jumped sky high as they walked up the steps of the front porch. Jackie didn’t ring the doorbell, she just walked right in!
Conversations and laughter came from all directions as people danced in the living room, lounged on couches, and played beer pong in the kitchen. Plastic cups of beer, some full and some empty, were on almost every surface.
Jackie let out a squeal and stopped to chat animatedly with a group of people Isis recognized from school. Isis smiled at them but she didn’t know what to say so she poked at Jackie’s purse. She mimed taking a drink with her hand, so she didn’t interrupt the conversation. Jackie handed her the bottle and Isis took a huge swallow. There was no more Sprite left and she tried her hardest to keep her face neutral.
She scanned the room, secretly hoping to see Roman. She didn’t know if it was heat from the alcohol, or a rush of anxiety from who she saw.
There. Was. Ava.
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