A year after losing her older sister in a tragic accident, Charlie's Mom marries the father of the most popular boys in school. Still grieving, Charlie struggles to accept her new family and gets involved with her stepbrothers worst enemy, the capta...
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When I arrived at the party, I made my way up the front lawn, ignoring the scattered clusters of strangers on the grass. Every face I passed was a stranger. Somehow, I felt even more out of place here than I ever had Jack Williams' party, or even my stepbrothers'. At least those parties were filled with the familiar faces of students I went to school with. Here I recognised no-one.
I scanned the crowd for Billy, knowing I only had two hours until my stepbrother's would pick me up. I'd texted him on the way, but he hadn't replied. I figured he likely hadn't heard his phone over the music.
Sadie spotted me before I saw her. She stood near the porch steps, moonlight catching the braids in her brown hair, her chocolate eyes locking with my crystal blue ones.
"I didn't think you'd show up," she said, eyeing my outfit like it confirmed her suspicion.
Wearing a thin layer of make-up, flared blue jeans and a white tube top, I didn't look like I was dressed for a party. Most girls here were wearing short skirts and had styled hair. They'd clearly made much more of an effort than me.
"Well, I'm here," I said, forcing a smile.
"I can see that."
Before I could ask about Billy, a pair of friends ran up and swept her into a hug. I leaned against the porch banister, awkwardly waiting to get Sadie's attention again.
When the friends wandered off, Sadie turned back. "You're still here."
"That's right," I replied, my smile flickering.
"Billy's inside helping Milo with the music." Sadie tells me.
"Milo's here?" I blink.
Sadie looks at me curiously. "It's his party, of course he is."
Shit.
My stomach sank at the realisation that I hadn't just come to a Longview High's party, but I'd come to Milo's party, the one person I was trying to avoid.
I pressed my lips together, trying to make sure I don't give anything away. I knew it was time to get out of this conversation so I tell Sadie I'm going to go and find Billy and that I'll catch her later. As I walk past her, I feel her gaze burn into my back.
Inside, the house buzzed with noise. I found the kitchen, where a game of beer pong was in full swing, but still no sign of Billy.
I glanced around looking for someone I knew, but there wasn't a single person I recognised. It was funny to think how I felt like I didn't belong at home with my family or at school, but now that I'd thrown myself somewhere new, I realised I might've belonged exactly where I was before.
"You're Lakewood's sister, right?" A voice said, breaking through the noise.
I turned toward an unfamiliar guy in a green varsity jacket. He looked like he belonged in a magazine—sharp cheekbones, perfect jaw—but there was something off about him.
