HER

Twenty: the cycle

Analia

"Alright, I'll catch up with you guys later," Lexie says, observing Charlie and Lucas as they climb out of her backseat. "I hope you enjoyed your birthday."

Charlie yawns, "Of course I did, thank you guys. Wonderful to meet you, Ana; I hope to see you again."

"Nice to meet you too," I reply before she closes the door. We watch them enter the house before driving off.

Birdie is passed out in the backseat, murmuring in her sleep. "Did you have a good time tonight?" Lexie asks, her hand resting on my thigh. I respond with a sleepy nod and a content smile.

I had an amazing time. After playing Truth or Dare, the brownies kicked in, and we went skinny dipping in the lake. It was a liberating experience, and I've never felt more carefree. I didn't want the night to end, but Charlie wanted to get home to her kid before the sun rose.

Throughout high school, my dad emphasized having fun while staying away from drinking and drugs. I had planned to follow that advice, not because I was against them, but simply because I lacked interest. Funny how things change.

"You surprised me tonight. What's gotten into you?" Lexie questions after a while of driving in silence.

I smile, shrugging. "I want to try new things. Live a little before college," I reply, blinking myself awake.

Lexie just laughs and shakes her head. "Let's get you home, sleepyhead."

"Aww, you're taking me home?" I inquire, checking the time. It's almost 3 A.M. I've never come home this late before, and I wonder what my dad will think.

Lexie nods, yawning. "I wish you could stay over, but you can't." The question of why can't I lingers in my mind as I fall asleep, wondering if there's something she's hiding from me.

"Analia," Lexie whispers, gently shaking me awake. I sit up, groaning. I realize we're parked outside my house, so I step out. Before going inside, I give Lexie a quick kiss. I don't think I've ever been this tired.

I slip off my shoes and tiptoe past my dad, who's still asleep on the couch. Even though I don't have a curfew, it feels like I've missed it.

Exhausted, I don't bother changing back into my pajamas. I collapse into bed, falling asleep as soon as my head touches the pillow.

Lexie

"You're such a douchebag!" Birdie shouts at Tyler, forcefully pushing him away. "You promised you were done with this, you're a piece of shit!"

I roll my eyes, taking a sip of my drink as I watch them quietly. We've been at Tyler's house for about an hour, and they've been in a screaming match for the last forty-five minutes.

"I didn't cheat on you! She's just a friend I met working for my dad, I swear!" Tyler yells back at her, trying to grab her hand. "Baby, please believe me. I really am done messing around."

I don't believe a word he's saying, but I know better than to butt in when they're arguing. Elisa was probably someone he met while working for his dad, but they were definitely mixing business with pleasure.

Part of me holds Tyler's dad accountable for his behavior. His dad owns a chain of strip clubs along the East Coast, and he's never been hesitant to bring work home.

"Why does she keep calling and texting you then? She keeps texting you, Tyler. Talkin' about how she misses you and she wishes you were with her. And you're gonna stand there and tell me you didn't fuck her?! Tell me the truth!" Birdie screams, hurling his phone at the wall.

Tyler angrily grabs her by the arms. "Fine, I cheated on you, okay? But I fucking apologized, so drop it already! You're starting to piss me off."

I quickly stand up, concerned he might hit her, but he lets her go, pushing her away and collecting the shattered prices of his phone. "You're a fucking psycho. You know what? Get the hell out."

Tears well up in Birdie's eyes as she quietly gathers her things and walks out. I follow her, tossing my now-empty cup in the trash. "One day she won't come back. And you'll regret ever treating her like this."

We make our way downstairs to the parking garage, and once inside the car, Birdie starts to cry softly. "I don't want to go to the mall anymore. Let's just go back to your place." I nod silently and reverse out of the garage.

As we exit, Tyler jumps in front of the car. I slam on the brakes, resisting the urge to hit him. He rushes towards the vehicle, pounding on Birdie's window. "I'm sorry." Ugh. He opens her door, and she steps out to talk to him.

I want to tell her not to. I want to assure her that she deserves better and doesn't need someone like him. But I refrain because I know she won't listen.

I don't catch much of their conversation, just their excessive apologies to each other. Then the sound of them passionately kissing. And the cycle continues.