Granting one last wish

ABBY

As I expected, the party of Trey Hamilton at the lake house is in full swing. Song of Nicki Minaj is blaring from inside. The lawn is full of teenagers playing football despite the empty beer bottles, red cups, and empty soda cans littering all over.

I shouldn’t be here. I mentally berate myself, but Rebecca was so adamant, and I couldn’t just say no. She’s the closest to a sister that I never had. We walk through the crowded dance floor that is already wet and sticky. The smell of boozes, sweat, and cigarettes are wafting in the air.

The mini bar full of drinks, cans of sodas, beer bottles, pink punch, and a bowl chips that could cause you salmonella. Rebecca reminded me not to take any drinks from anyone who offers, so I grab a can of soda instead.

Her boyfriend James arrived earlier than us since he came directly from the game. He approaches us with a huge grin on his face.

“Babe, you made it! Thought you were joking,” James says happily after giving her peck on her lips and a peck on my cheek. “Hey, Mack. Good to see you here and not a boring party your parents you usually threw.” 

I roll my eyes. He’s right, but that’s my parent’s party, so I had to be there and play a good daughter role, which I’m actually a good daughter.

“I said we were coming, so here we are,” Becca retorts, seemingly annoyed.

“Good, babe. Let’s dance later, okay?” James doesn’t seem to care about Rebecca’s expression.

“C’mere, Mack. I’d like you to meet someone!” James yells when the new song starts to play. He grabs Rebecca’s hand, and I grab her hand as I follow them.

Rebecca pulls her hand back from James’ grip and yells. “Not a chance, babe! I promised her mom that I’ll take care of Mack. It means no meeting with horny football players.”

I shrug when I see them start whispering. Rebecca looks more annoyed, but we keep walking throughout the crowd upstairs to the second floor.

“He’s not a horny, Mack. Just meet him, and if you don’t like him, just say excuses like going to the bathroom, or you have a stomach bug.” 

I laugh at his lame excuses.

“Jeez, babe. You’re so annoying.” Becca rolls her eyes.

“Babe, trust me, okay? I’m not gonna just let Mack meet a jock because she’s my friend too.” James winks at me. “Relax.”

“Fine. Whatever!” Rebecca is forced to agree.

“Who’s he, James?” I ask.

answers. My

in front of the group of guys that I recognize most of them as his teammates. He introduces me to them since

meet my teammates,” James says. Everyone waves and says hi, and I wave back and smile shyly.

winning their game. I know how the game works, but

the couch while I’m still

Rebecca’s shoulder, excuse myself before I leave. I walk down to the living room where everyone is still dancing, swaying, and jumping like there’s no tomorrow. Everyone looks enjoying the party while I

A husky voice asks from behind that makes me

Hamilton standing in front of me. His short blond hair is disheveled in a

When Becca told me that Trey is throwing a party, I was beyond excited and told my parents that I’m

Lame excuse, I know because I saw him flirting with Lorrie “Bitch” Morgan slash the cheerleader when I was introduced to his teammates earlier.

air,” he says with excitement in his

meet his gaze. “Shouldn’t you be with Lorrie?”

about the

“Um, sure.”

He smiles. “Follow

dancing that leads our way out of the house. I can’t just avoid not to bump into the couples making out in the hallway—horny teenagers. We

Becca’s friend? I saw you with her at school. You don’t like football, do you?

lake. I can still

friend. I’m not really a fan. It’s hard to watch them as if they’re in a wrestling match. The only differences are running and throwing a football,” I

for you, so what is your

He keeps looking at me, then he drops his gaze

planning on staying here for college. My parents won’t let me attend college away since I’m still not

you, Mack?” he quickly asks.

freak,” I answer as I look at him

freak Mack. You just excel, and you should be proud of yourself. Not like other girls who are busy putting makeup

I give him a tight smile. “Well, thanks. How

going anywhere far too.” He smiles, and I want to giggle so badly because he’s cute. No,

deserved it.” I tap his

get us a drink. Stay here,

the pocket of my jacket I wear over the red dress that Rebecca

Mack. Red is your color. Boys like a girl

“Are you sure? I have blue, green, and white. I’m not allowed to date yet, so I don’t care if boys like a girl in red. I just want to see Trey.” I check the dresses on