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“Is it bad if I say I want to go home?”
“Lil, it’s still early.” She pouted.
“I know, but it’s just a lot.” My eyes flickered to the ground. When I met her gaze again, she frowned.
“You really want to leave?” I nodded. “Come on. I’ll give you a ride. We should probably tell your mom and dad first.” She grabbed my hand and led me over to them.
“Hey, I’m going to give Lily a ride home. She isn’t feeling so good.”
“Oh no, sweetheart.” Mom pressed her hand against my forehead. “What’s the matter?”
“I’m just tired.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I’m not sure I like the idea of you home alone.”
“Mom, I’m almost eighteen.”
“I know, but you’ll always be my baby. Do you want me to come with—”
“No, Mom. You stay. Enjoy the party. I’ll be fine, okay?”
She glanced at Dad who was frowning. But his expression softened after a second. “Go straight home. Lock the door and set the security system. If you need anything, you call me, okay?”
“Dad,” I chuckled, but it came out strained. “I’ve been home alone before.”
“So you know the routine. Promise me, Lil.”
“I promise.”
“Okay, drive safe,” he said to Ashleigh.
“Sure thing, Uncle Jase.”
“What have I told you about calling me that, Ash the second?” He smirked. It was a standing joke between them. He hated Ashleigh calling him uncle and she hated being called Ash, since it was Sofia and Aaron’s dad’s name.
She poked her tongue out at him, and everyone laughed.
“Go on, get out of here.”
“I’ll be back,” Ashleigh said.
“Okay, sweetheart,” Aunt Hailee said. “We’ll see you soon, Lily.” She smiled and it settled something inside me. I loved my Dad’s stepsister, something fierce. She had such a calming disposition. Unlike my mom and dad who got super overprotective and invested in everything I said or did. After years of watching me retreat into myself and struggle with trich and anxiety it wasn’t easy for them to let go, but it was a lot.
We said goodbye to everyone and made our way out of the bar.
“Want to tell me what’s really going on?”
“Nothing’s going on. I just needed some air.”
“Why do I feel like you’re not being entirely honest with me?”
I let out a small breath. “It’s just a lot, Leigh. Senior year. College…”The fact I have my first crush on a guy who just happens to be the son of a guy my dad hates.
“Is this about Kaiden?” she asked once we were inside her car. “Because you know, you’ve seemed distracted since the party.”
“We kissed.” Admitting it felt like a betrayal, but it was Ashleigh, my best friend. My family.
“Lily May Ford! Why didn’t you say anything before?”
