Page 212 of As the Rain Falls
Her words are especially sharp, coated with agitation, probably from being high, and I want to say something about herpartying while still being in recovery, but it’ll go in one ear and out the other. I really have to pick my battles tonight.
“Oh my God, we’re finally here!” I park the car to drop Angelina off at her house, and she jumps out of the car yawning like a sleepy cat. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Don’t mention it.” I smile weakly while bumping my fist against hers. “But please, Angie. Get some water in your system.”
“I will! Isowill!” Angelina promises, stretching her arms above her head. Her gaze slides from me to Cassandra, who still hasn’t said a word. “So what’s the deal? Do I text you later or not, Rivera?”
Cassandra blinks, caught off guard.
“Oh, you can text me,” she mumbles quietly, her voice soft. “But I don’t think you have my number.”
The brunette smiles cheekily, waving her off. She pulls her house keys off her purse, the purple fluffy keychain catching the light as the LED lights twinkle in her palm.
“Don’t worry, girl. I do.”
“Isn’t she so cool and popular?” I snicker, absentmindedly reaching out to the backseat to grab Cassandra’s hand and give it a quick squeeze.
Angelina gives me the middle finger.
“It’s true, though,” I insist, a bubbly laugh coming out of me. “Go to bed, Kuromi.”
“You do know that’s my least favorite character, right?”
I smirk, “It’s done on purpose.”
“Mn. I really shouldn’t have taught you that one.” She yawns again, pulling her bangs away from her face. “Stay safe, people!”
Cassandra waves her goodbye, and I turn the car back on again, rolling the windows up to get the AC running. She’s still keeping to herself, not speaking to me directly, and I glance over my shoulders, expecting her to move to the passenger seat.
I wait for another second, but Cassandra just stares ahead.
“Cass,” I call out her name, hoping to get her attention.
“Yes?”
“Come on.” I motion to the seat next to mine. “I want you next to me while I’m driving.”
“Oh. Sorry.” She inhales sharply before opening the door and doing as she’s told. “Thanks for driving me home.”
I reverse the car once she enters and shuts the door, keeping my eyes on the road, trying to make sure I’m not bumping into anything. I can’t afford to scratch my baby even if she’s old.
“Feeling better?” I ask, still maneuvering the wheel.
Cassandra gives me a shaky breath as a response.
“I’m not.” She lets out a teary laugh, shaking her head side to side. “I’m really not.”
“What’s wrong? Do you need me to drive you to the hospital?”
“I threw up back at Caleb’s. I think I made a… a complete fool of myself tonight in front of everyone.”
Oh, this is why she won’t look at me.
“That’s okay.” I touch her knee gently, wanting to get her to relax. “Everybody has a bad trip sometimes.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Did you take anything tonight?”
