Page 26 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Grow up, Aaron.”

“Oh jeez, would you two relax already. It’s a college party. A fucking frat party. This will be us next year. Yee-haw.” Aaron lassoed the air and galloped around in a circle.

“Way to act cool, Bro.” Ezra brushed past Aaron and we all followed, walking straight into the frat house.

It was loud.

Really loud. Bodies were crammed everywhere. Music blasted out of hidden speakers, drowning out the various conversations going on all over the house.

A beefed-up guy in Panther blue and gold appeared, drinking out of a Solo cup. “Bennet, my man. Didn’t think you’d make it. And you brought friends, nice.” His eyes moved past everyone, lingering on me.

“Eyes off Sofia, asshole,” Aaron greeted Jordan, the two of them fist bumping.

“She your girl?”

“Try sister.”

“Oh shit.” He chuckled, the deep, throaty sound reverberating through me. “And your girl?” He nodded to Poppy, and she smiled.

“Hi, thanks for inviting us.”

“Anytime. Come on, let’s get you all a drink.”

Aaron and Poppy went on ahead, Ezra and Leigh following. Leaving me trailing behind with Cole.

“You’re seriously just going to freeze me out?” he said as we wandered down the hall.

“Let’s not do this tonight.”

“So when? When are we going to talk—”

“Bennet’s sister, get over here.” Jordan grinned. “Just because you're off-limits doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun, am I right?” He held up a bottle of cherry sours.

I wasn’t a party girl.

I didn’t usually get drunk or high. But tonight, I wanted to forget.

I wanted to be somebody else.

“I’m in,” I said, moving around my friends to get to Jordan. He gave me a wide smile as he twisted the cap and poured us each a shot.

“To new friends.” He winked, pushing a cup toward me.

“New friends.” I brought it to my lips and braced myself.

“Sofe,” someone said from behind me. “Maybe that’s not such a good idea.”

But I was already downing the shot, wincing at the sharp burn as it slid down my throat.

The burn was good though.

It meant I was alive.

Feeling something.

“You good?” Jordan asked, his eyes heavy-lidded as he watched me.

“Yeah.” I grinned back, sliding my cup toward him. “Another.”

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