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.

“You’ll find out soon,” he answers. My

most of them

teammates,” James says. Everyone waves and

feel out of place when everyone talks about winning their game. I

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

where everyone is still dancing, swaying, and jumping like there’s no tomorrow. Everyone looks enjoying

asks from behind

of me. His short

out, and the only reason why I’m here. When Becca told me that Trey is

because I saw him

says with excitement in his voice, and

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

bitching all night telling me about the cheerleading like everyone doesn’t know about already,” he explains

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 a couple more steps until we get out of the house, and the night is

friend? I saw you with her at school. You don’t like football, do you? I’ve never seen you with her during

lead us to the lake. I can still see a few students sitting

to watch them as if they’re in a wrestling match. The only differences are running and throwing a football,” I tell

for you, so what is your plan

plan for college?” He keeps looking at me, then he drops his gaze to my lips, making

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

How old are you, Mack?” he quickly

“Sixteen. I know I’m a freak,” I answer as

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.” Wow, Trey is not bad, after all. 

smile. “Well, thanks. How about you, any plan

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

“Congratulations! You deserved it.” I tap his

drink. Stay here, okay? Be right back.” 

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

one, Mack. Red is your color. Boys like

allowed to date yet, so I don’t care if boys like a girl