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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I wasn't sure how many drinks I'd had.
Joe and Taylor were great friends. They knew I needed them tonight and hadn't left my side, despite how many times I argued with them to stop me from having another drink. I was drunk, and I couldn't care less.
"Charlie, do you want to go home yet? You can stay at mine," Taylor said, pulling on my arm.
"Why are you such a buzzkill? I'm having fun, can't you tell?" I replied with a sigh.
Joe raised an eyebrow at me. "Little harsh, Char.
"I just want to have fun tonight. Is that so bad?" I mumbled, feeling a mix of irritation and gratitude.
Taylor and Joe were still here, even though I was trying to push them away.
I was about to go for another drink when a girl next to me caught my attention. My breath hitched when I realized it was Molly Wild.
"Oh, hey. It's Charlie, right?" Molly greeted me, her eyes shining with kindness. "You're Tommy's stepsister."
"As far as I know," I mumbled, choking on my drink.
Guilt washed over me as I took in her sweet face. I hadn't respected her decision not to tell anyone and here she is smiling at me sweetly. Did she even know?
"Sorry, what?" Molly asked, looking at me confused. "Are you okay? You seem a little, you know... drunk."
I gave her a small smile and tried to ignore the guilt that was creeping its way inside me.
"You see those two there?" I replied, nodding to my friends.
Molly nodded looking at me and then back at my friends who were still bickering.
"Well they've declared themselves my baby-sitters for tonight. I'm good."
Molly gave me a smile, but it faltered as she eyed me cautiously.
"Is Tommy here? Shall I go and get him? I think he should take you home or something. I don't know if they're coming tonight. They never said."
A fresh wave of panic rushed through me. I shook my head, my words slurring as I tried to explain I was fine.
"You need some air," Molly said, leading me out to the back porch. "It's hot in here."
I turned to my friends, reasurring them I would be okay and they nodded, reluctantly, but let Molly lead me away.
I felt the need to tell her everything. "Listen, there's something I probably should tell you—"
"It's fine, you don't have to," she interrupted. "I already know what you're going to say, but don't worry. I appreciate what you did."
I felt my heart sink. "Tommy told you, didn't he? I'm so sorry. It wasn't my place."
Molly smiled gently. "While you shouldn't have done it, I can see the intention behind it. Just be careful, okay? You should be careful getting yourself into situations like that."
