Chapter Text
It was finally summer vacation. Senior year of high school had been a major drag, even for someone with a 4.0 GPA. I can’t imagine how rough it was for those not blessed with the same smarts as myself. The Washingtons had invited all of the group to their ski lodge for what Josh had called a “graduation bash”, which sounded like it entailed a week-long party. And since Josh was the one in charge of organising it, then it definitely would be a week-long party. Accompanied by an endless supply of alcohol no doubt. I made my way up the mountain with Mike. We had travelled together on the flight from sunny Los Angeles to cold, cold Canada. Well it wasn’t that cold in the summer, but it was definitely chilly at the top where the Washington’s lodge resided. Mike had seemed a little off the past month or so. I put it down to him being stressed about finals since he wasn’t sure whether he was actually gonna graduate or not. But even on the way here he seemed… distant?
Most of the group were already there by the time Mike and I arrived. Sam and Hannah sat on the steps outside the main entrance, laughing about something that had happened in class a few weeks ago. Ashley was staring way too obviously at Chris while he talked to Josh on the porch. Sat beside her were Beth and Jessica, deep in animated conversation, their voices louder than anyone else's. Matt was the only one missing. He had been hesitant to come in the first place since he wasn’t really big on parties, but Hannah and Sam had been adamant that it wouldn’t be the same without him.
“Hey, Em!” Sam rushed over to give me a hug, Hannah following behind her. “Mike,” Sam smiled at him.
“Ready to part-tay?” Mike replied, punching his fist into the air. The two girls giggled but I just rolled my eyes.
“Oh, I’m sure Josh has some major partying in store for us.” Hannah said.
It was no secret that Hannah was seriously crushing on Mike and she had been for a while. Whether she was aware that everyone knew, I wasn’t sure. But I knew she would never make a move on him. She was too awkward for that, and I’d like to think she wouldn’t do that to a friend. Not that Hannah was Mike’s type in the slightest anyway.
“Can’t wait!” Mike rubbed his hands together. “Babe, I’m gonna go say hi to the guys.” He kissed my cheek before making his way up the steps to where Chris and Josh were standing. Hollering between the boys shortly followed, signalling my arrival to the three girls sitting opposite to them. They made their way down the steps to greet me.
“Look who finally decided to show up,” Jessica said playfully, folding her arms, “Let me guess, you and Mike were off behind some bush getting-”
“Gross!” Ashley called out before Jessica could finish whatever crazy sentence that was about to be. “I don’t wanna think about that…” She added quietly.
“Just because you’re too chicken to make a move on Chris doesn’t mean everyone else is,” Jessica started. The way she said it sounded mean but I could tell she was just trying to wind poor Ashley up. “Well,” She added, “Em is probably your number one competitor of who loses their V card first beside Hannah.” Okay, ouch. Hannah was visibly offended by the comment too.
“Well since you’re so interested in my sex life, why don’t you take my V card to get it over with.” The words fell out my mouth before I could even process them. All five girls stared at me in a sort of shock but Jessica quickly plastered a smirk across her face.
“Oo-la-la, maybe I’ll take you up on that offer.” She winked before walking past me, purposefully bumping her shoulder into mine on the way. There was a small burst of butterflies in my stomach at Jessica’s comment but I brushed it off as nothing, hoping my face wasn’t visibly flushing.
“I’ll never understand you two.” Sam said with a laugh.
Jess and I didn’t always see eye to eye, no doubt about that, but she was a good friend and we had some things in common that nobody else did. She had been a shoulder to cry on one too many times when Mike was acting like a dick.
“How’s it going ladies?” Matt’s voice called out from behind me. I turned to face him, he was smiling brightly. I’m glad he decided to come in the end. He was sweet and kind, despite being a beast on the football field. I had helped tutor him a bunch throughout the last semester. Lord knows he needed all the help he could get. Ashley and I were doing double shifts. He was wearing his letter jacket. I swear he never takes that thing off.
“Matthew! You’re finally here my good fellow!” Josh called from the porch. He was definitely already a few drinks in. “My loyal subjects,” He addressed all of us now. I did my best to stifle a laugh but could definitely hear the ones coming from Beth and Hannah. “I hope you’re ready to party like fucking pornstars for the next week!” He took a long sip from the beer can he was holding. “Let’s fucking go!”
Everyone erupted into cheers and followed Josh into the cabin. The party had officially started.
—
A few hours had passed, the sun was setting, and by now everyone was well past the point of sober. Even those who don't like to drink so much, I guess peer pressure is real. Personally I had made a vow to get as drunk as possible because I hadn't worked my ass off to get onto the honour roll to not celebrate royally in the summertime. Mike seemed to be following suit as he was nursing his umpteenth beer, his free hand wrapped around my shoulders. I let myself sink into his warmth, closing my eyes briefly, but that was quickly interrupted by Josh’s announcement.
“Okay, who wants to play a game!” The giddy smile hadn't left his face all night.
“What game?” Matt asked. He was only a few beers deep, wedged in between Jessica and Ashely on the couch to the right of Mike and I. Jess had been sending me looks all night, wiggling her eyebrows and winking. Clearly she thought tonight would be the night where Mike and I seal the deal. And I could tell Mike was hoping he’d get lucky too. He was pretty much an open book.
“Truth or dare,” There was a mix of emotions from the group. Matt, Ashley, and Hannah groaned in protest. Whereas Mike, Jessica, and Chris cheered enthusiastically.
“Of course you would want to play that.” Beth scoffed from beside him.
“Come on! It’s a classy party game,” He nudged Beth playfully with his elbow. She eventually let out a smile.
“Okay, so who goes first?” Sam asked.
Josh scanned his eyes around the circle of friends, looking like he was carefully considering who to pick. “What about our esteemed class president, Mr Michael Munroe.”
Mike took a long sip from his drink as if to prepare himself for the question. “Truth,” Josh paused to be dramatic, “Or dare?”
“I’m gonna say… truth.” I would've expected him to pick dare to be honest.
“Okay, okay. An honest man.” Josh said. I let out a small laugh but it seemed to go unnoticed, Mike was too buzzed. “Is it true that you want to be president of the United States?” What kind of a question was that? I thought truth or dare was all about spilling deep dark secrets and getting people to do crazy things.
“Damn right.” Mike replied, lifting his beer up like he was making a toast. “I’ll be the best president this country has ever seen! Free beer for all!” That earned a cheer out of the group.
The rest of the game was tame for the most part. An attempt to get Chris to declare his obvious feelings for Ashley by asking if he had a crush on anyone present but he chose to take a shot instead. Sam was dared to shout some silly things off the side of the mountain which she did without hesitation in true Sam form. The true drunken craziness emerged when Chris dared Josh to run around outside the cabin naked. Surprisingly it didn't take much convincing for him to strip off and streak in the cold night air. Hannah and Beth were of course completely mortified by this. Chris dying with laughter while filming the whole thing on his phone. Let's just say we all saw a little more of Josh than we wanted to that evening. Not too long after, him and Chris passed out on the couch, fully clothed to everyone’s gratitude. Considering how much alcohol they had consumed, I’m shocked they didn't pass out hours ago. Or pass away from alcohol poisoning…
“Aww, they look kinda cute cuddled up like that.” Sam said as she passed by the sleeping boys.
“How’s Ash doing?” Jessica asked.
“She’ll be fine. That last shot tipped her over the edge I think, but she's stopped puking for now.” Sam sat back in her spot on the couch beside Hannah. Sam was kind of like a mother figure to the group. Always trying to help solve everyone’s problems and keep the peace. She always seemed like she genuinely cared too, like a real friend. Other than Jess, Sam was the only one in the group who I had talked to about any of my problems. Mike related or otherwise. She always listened and never judged, which was a stark contrast to Jess who always had a lot to say. Well when it really mattered she kept her mouth shut.
“Let's hope she sleeps it off,” Matt chuckled.
“Right, hungover Ashley is not too fun to be around.” Hannah chimed in. Everyone laughed in agreement.
Beth had made her way to bed shortly after the streaking incident so it was just Hannah, Sam, Jessica, Matt, Mike and myself still conscious in the living room. Although I could tell Mike was fighting off sleep. His head kept dropping and brushing against my shoulder before it snapped back upright.
“Honey, if you're tired go to bed.” I said to him, resting my hand on his knee. He cleared his throat, shaking his head to wake himself up.
“No, no. It’s alright I can wait up for you.” A sleepy smile on his face.
“You might have to wait a bit longer, Dr. Smooth, because Emily here owes us a turn of truth or dare.” Of course Jessica noted the fact that I had managed to skip out on my turn after all of the nudity commotion.
“Do you ever let anything slide?” I feigned annoyance but there was a hint of truth to it.
“‘Fraid not.” She retorted. Her face was painted with smugness. I rolled my eyes at her.
“Fine, let's get it over with.” I scoffed. Everyone shuffled slightly in their seats, paying closer attention to me.
“So… truth or dare?” Jess asked, the stupid smile not wavering.
“Ugh,” At this point in my life I think I’d been asked that question a thousand times at every single party. “Dare, I guess.”
“Ooo, spicing things up.” Mike shook me by the hand he had trailed around my waist. Jessica had a fiendish look in her eye and I dreaded whatever stupid dare she had in store for me.
“Since you were so bold making moves on me earlier,” Jess started, “I dare you to kiss me.” She had a wide smirk plastered across her face. The rest of the group sat with their mouths agape, eyes locked on the drama that was unfolding right before them.
“What? You're crazy! There's no way I’m doing that.” I protested. She just laughed in my face.
“Well at least now Mike knows you're frigid with girls too and that it's not just him.” That lit a spark of anger inside of me. She was really testing the boundaries of pissing me off. Mike sat up in his seat, more alert due to the comment.
“Okay, you know what…” I stood up from the couch and stepped over to where Jessica was sitting. My only thought was how badly I wanted to wipe that stupid smug smile off of her face.
She was wearing Matt’s letter jacket because she said she was cold. Being the kind gentleman he is, he let her borrow it. How she could be cold when the room suddenly felt like it was on fire I didn't know. I grabbed fistfuls of the jacket and pulled her up from the couch. I don't think she resisted much because physical strength isn't my strong suit and it didn't take much effort to guide her to her feet. My heart was racing as I looked up into the slightly taller girl's face. That stupid smile still unwavering.
“What’s wrong, Em? Having second thoughts?” Her complacent tone was driving me insane. And her words were just enough to fuel me to actually go through with it. If there was something I loved more than anything, it was proving people wrong.
I pulled her once more by the jacket and leaned in to seal our lips together. In that moment only the two of us existed. Everyone else fading away. It was different from any other kiss I had experienced. Her lips soft, her fruity perfume flooding my senses. Sudden cheering from the others in the room snapped me back to reality and I pulled away. I felt shy to meet Jess’ eyes but I did briefly. There was a sweetness to them, like I had seen a few times when she had comforted me about Mike. Her face was flushed and if mine wasn't already from the alcohol, it definitely would have been from that moment. All eyes on us, and not in the way I enjoyed. I felt vulnerable, naked. Like everyone could see straight through me.
“Damn, Em.” She tried to revert back to her usual coolness, “Guess you're not as much of a chicken as I thought.” She sent me a wink.
“Shut up.” I realised I was still gripping onto the jacket and made a point to thrust it out of my hands. Jess stumbled backwards slightly, not expecting the sudden force.
“Now that was hot!” Mike called out from behind me, emphasising the last word.
“Gross!” Jessica yelled.
“Dude…” Matt shook his head.
I turned around to face him. “Mike, what the hell?” He looked amused.
“What?” He stared at me blankly.
“Why do you always have to make everything so weird?” He always managed to find a way to ruin even the sweetest moments.
“What do you mean?” He protested. “I didn't even ask if Jess wants to join us in our room later yet.” He wiggled his eyebrows to Jessica who was behind me.
“What the fuck?!” I yelled, shoving him backwards.
“Ouch!” He said pathetically. “Em, I’m kidding. Calm down.” He rubbed at his shoulder where my hand had made contact.
“Oh, I’m sure you were.” I rolled my eyes at him. “God, you are such a pig!” I could hardly stand the sight of him.
“Dude, I think it might be time for you to go to bed.” Matt said, walking over to Mike.
“Oh, so now you're all turning on me?” He shouted back.
“No one's turning on you,” Sam chimed in, still sitting beside Hannah, “I think you've just had too much to drink and should probably go before you make things worse for yourself.”
“Come on man, let’s go.” Matt placed a hand on Mike’s shoulder. It was pushed off instantly.
“Don’t fucking touch me!” He shoved Matt away from him. “I don’t need your fucking help!”
“Jeez, okay.” Matt put his hands up in surrender. Mike stormed out of the room, Matt trailing not too far behind him.
“Don't expect me to join you!” I called out to him, unsure of whether he heard or not. Either way there was no reply.
I felt the tears begin to sting in my eyes and I collapsed down onto the couch where Matt had previously been sitting. Not missing a beat, Jessica sat next to me, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. It felt like she was trying to hold all of my broken pieces together. Sam and Hannah made their way over, Sam crouched in front of me and Hannah sitting the other side of me. I couldn’t stop the tears that flowed endlessly, no matter how hard I tried.
“Why is he always such an asshole?” I managed to mutter into Jess’s shoulder.
“Oh, honey, he’s a boy. They’re always assholes.” The tightness of the hug never faltered. Which I was grateful for because for a moment it really felt like if she let go I would have crumbled into a million pieces.
The four of us sat there in silence for what felt like forever but couldn’t have been more than a few minutes. My tears had finally stopped gushing out uncontrollably. I pulled away slightly from Jessica and she loosened her grip, moving her hands to hold mine instead. Her hands were warm and soft, and the way she delicately traced her thumb around in small circles made me feel dizzy. A loud snore erupted from Josh who was still passed out on the other couch. The sudden noise made me jump slightly but all of us burst out into laughter.
“I can’t believe they slept through all that,” Hannah chuckled.
“They're both gonna have major hangovers tomorrow,” Sam added. We all giggled more than we would have if we were sober. And if it wasn't so late. Something about 2 A.M. made everything twice as hilarious. “You okay, Em?” She smiled at me, her arm resting on top of my knees.
“I will be.” I said, not even sure if that was true. I felt so fed up.
“Is- is he always like that?” Hannah asked. She was the only one out of the three girls who hadn't had to deal with my hour long rants about Mike. It wasn't that I didn't trust her. Quite opposite in fact. Hell, half the time I trusted her more than Jess to not laugh in my face. Maybe it was because I knew how she felt about Mike and I didn't want to ruin that illusion. Sometimes it's nice to have someone to daydream about.
“Girl, you don't even know the half of it.” I said. My voice was hoarse from crying.
“Come on,” Sam started, “Let’s get you to bed.” She rubbed a hand on my knee.
“But where will I sleep? I don't wanna be anywhere near that pig right now.” The thought of being alone also didn't sound too desirable.
“You can stay in my room,” Jess suggested, “Sam is already sharing with Hannah but I have a room to myself.”
“Okay.” She took my hand and led me towards her room after we said goodnight to Hannah and Sam. I couldn't tell if the flutter in my stomach was from the alcohol still lingering in my system, or from how Jess kept squeezing my hand from time to time, like she was sending me a code that everything was going to be okay.