(Henry's POV)
—————
A week had passed since that awkward encounter between me and Alex.
And ever since then… we barely saw each other.
Actually, scratch that. It felt more like he was avoiding me.
I just couldn't think of any reason why.
Whenever we happened to be in the same place, he'd either walk away immediately or leave like I wasn't even there.
Which… sucked.
Because I thought we were friends.
I still get that weird feeling whenever I remember that moment though…
…but I just shrug it off.
I'm probably just being delusional.
.
.
.
"For the last time, I'm not going there!" Sandra, who was sitting beside me, snapped at the others.
We were in the student lounge, arguing, well, they were arguing about going to a party.
And, unsurprisingly, the one strongly against it was Sandra… the unofficial "mother" of the group. Or at least that's what she is to me.
She said the people there would be way more insane than the last party they attended.
"Henry, do you really want to go there? There'll be drunk people, sex, and probably even drugs. That kind of place can get us in serious trouble!"
I hesitated.
Honestly… I didn't really want to go.
But… These past few days… I've been different.
I walk through the halls without feeling scared. I talk without stuttering. I laugh. I have friends.
This is what I've always wanted.
I was deprived of this before.
So now that I finally have the chance to experience it—with them—why wouldn't I take it?
Besides, I'm responsible. I won't do anything reckless.
"Actually… I do," I said, trying to sound convincing. "I really want to go and see what it's like. It'll be my first time experiencing something like this. So… pretty please come with us? I promise I won't drink, and I'll follow whatever you say when we get there."
"Come on, Sandra," Drake chimed in, suddenly appearing behind me and squishing my cheeks. "Do you really have the heart to turn down this grown-up baby that smells like vanilla ice cream with cherry on top?"
"Yeah, Sandra. Just come with us, pretty please…" Kara copied him with exaggerated hand gestures. Except she looked like she was constipated instead of cute.
Drake and Casper burst out laughing and mocked her.
"Bro, stop that, you are not cut out to be cute." Drake said.
"Oh shut up, you two! At least I tried!" Kara huffed, crossing her legs dramatically.
"Okay, fine," Sandra looked at all of us with a conflicted look, and eventually she sighed in defeat. "But you all better promise me you won't do anything reckless. And Henry, you're sticking with me. I don't trust you with these idiots."
I nodded quickly in agreement.
The others were too busy celebrating to even react to the insult.
Okay, now that it's settled… I have to fix a big problem of mine.
How am I supposed to tell my parents?
…
"Mom, I'm going out! I'll be back before one!"
I wish that was me. But sadly, that was Grey's voice as he left without any questions from mom.
The plan the others made for me was actually pretty solid.
Since Grey was going to the same party, the only person I needed to worry about was Mom.
And she had a routine.
After checking on me, she goes straight to bed.
So all I had to do was wait… sneak out… then come back before Grey did.
Easy… right? Smooth as butter as they say.
Me: Guys, my brother's out. I think Mom's going to sleep now. Are you outside?
Kara: Yep! We're here.
Sandra: You morons are brainwashing Henry. Just last week he was scared of this stuff. Now look at him an angel turned into a daredevil. You're all a bad influence. Even to me!
Drake: You can just tell that straight to our face, Sandra. We are literally inside one car.
Sandra: I am not talking to you guys!
Me: Sandra, this is just one time. I won't do it again if it's dangerous like you said, I promise.
[Step. Step.]
My heart jumped.
Me: Mom's coming! I'll message you when I'm out.
Kara: Okay! Goodluck!
"Henry, dear, I'm going to bed early. Don't stay up too late, honey."
She opened my door slightly and smiled.
"Okay mom, goodnight!"
When I heard the door close, I moved fast.
I locked my door, opened the window and climbed out carefully using the ladder they set up for me.
Everything… went smoothly.
Okay… Henry…breath.
I steadied myself.
I just got to go to the party, try to enjoy, then sneak back in.
No problem. No problem at all.
I'll be fine. I'll be fine.
I chanted in my head, convincing myself.
Who am I kidding?!
This is literally the most dangerous and reckless thing I've ever done.
I am going to hell for this! I even lied to mom! "_"
…
I texted the others that I am already out and they said they would come get me.
They said the place would be packed, so as long as I avoid Grey and his friends…I'd be fine. I just need to blend in.
"Eyyy! There he is!" Drake called out. "Are you excited? I promise, it'll be the best time of your life."
They walked up to me, and we headed toward Kara's car.
She brought her brand-new SUV so her own older brothers wouldn't notice, since she herself also sneaked out.
"Hold on a minute, we agreed that he's sticking with me? So back off sinners!" Sandra barked at Drake and, and it immediately ticked a bomb, cause here ladies and gentlemen, they are now arguing.
Casper on the other hand stepped to my side and whispered in my ears, "You should go with Sandra, Drake goes all crazy when he drinks. You'll be safer with her. I will handle Drake, and well… Kara can handle herself."
I looked at him and nodded in understanding, giving him a thumbs up sign.
We soon arrived at the other side of the street where Kara was waiting.
She was hysterically waving her arms at us inside her car, "Let's go guys! Why are you all walking so slow? Hurry up people!" She screamed.
We all got inside and she started the car right away.
It took us half an hour to reach the location, and boy was it so loud in here. I understand now why they were so sure that I won't see my brother here.
The place was typically swimming with people.
The mansion was so huge with a wide backyard and a large pool. There we're slides, a bar, and there we're all kinds of activities like drinking games, couples making out, and even three people making out!!!
It was super chaotic!
"Are you still sure you want this experience Henry?" Sandra asked me, but I was still stunned by the sight to answer her.
"Shhh!!! No backsies, let's gooo!" Drake dragged Carter while Kara just walked away to god knows where.
Okay. This is it!