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.

find out soon,” he answers.

of them as his teammates. He introduces me to them since they knew Rebecca.

my teammates,” James says. Everyone waves

when everyone talks about winning their game. I know how the game works, but I’ve never watched them play.

James’ lap on the couch while I’m still standing

to the living room where everyone is still dancing, swaying, and jumping like there’s no tomorrow. Everyone looks enjoying the party while I

“Leaving already?” A husky voice asks from behind

Hamilton standing in front of me. His short blond hair is disheveled in a stylish way. He has bright blue eyes that glimmers with high cheekbones,

Trey is throwing a party, I was

because I saw him flirting with Lorrie “Bitch” Morgan slash the

air,” he says with excitement in his voice, and

and meet his gaze. “Shouldn’t you be

she’s bitching all night telling me about the cheerleading like everyone doesn’t

sure.” 

“Follow me.”

crowd to where fewer guys 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 keep walking for

You don’t like

I can still see a few students sitting

not really a fan. It’s hard to watch them as if they’re

so what is your plan for college?”

you. So what’s your plan for college?” He keeps looking at me, then

college. My parents won’t let me attend college away

“Wait. How old are you, Mack?” he quickly asks.

know I’m a freak,” I answer as I look at him

“You’re not a freak Mack. You just excel, and you should be proud of yourself. Not like other girls who are busy putting makeup on their faces.”

thanks. How

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

I tap his arm

I’ll get us a drink. Stay here, okay? Be right back.” 

and watch him walk away. I check my phone from the pocket of my jacket I wear over the red dress that

“Wear the red one, Mack. Red is your color. Boys like a girl in

you sure? I have blue, green, and white. I’m not allowed to date yet, so I don’t care if boys like a