Songs for this chapter ~ Milk and Cookies (Melanie Martinez) // You Don't Own Me (Grace Ft. G-Eazy)
Full Playlist ~ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVgTs4uANmlhlgHnM1SxMGeJ2nrIaqJj
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"As humans, we ruin everything we touch. Including each other." ~ Anonymous
I considered skipping out on the town party. The rest of the group was bound to figure out what happened. Even though they weren't aware of our relationship, it would be obvious that we were ignoring each other. The party would just add to the awkwardness.
But Ron invited me. He was the only person that knew about me dating Carl. He could have the shoulder for me to lean on. I needed to talk to someone eventually. I wouldn't want to risk telling any of Rick's group. Ron was the perfect friend.
So I decided on going to the party with Ron. So what if I bumped into Carl? Ron would have my back the whole night.
A tear falls from my eye as I walk over to Ron's house. I quickly wipe it away with my arm before anyone sees my vulnerability. It wasn't far of a walk to Ron's, but it seemed like every person I passed was eyeing me. There weren't too many citizens in Alexandria. The only other family I've grown familiar with was Ron's. Well, his mom and brother. His father, Pete, always seemed distant or nonavailable when I was around.
I was also antiquated with this girl named Enid. I thought she was an alright girl. She always seemed shy or scared, but I can't blame her. There's never a moment that I'm not scared for my life. She and Carl talked every so often. I wanted to be jealous of her. I really did, but I couldn't come to it. Jealousy didn't seem to be very appropriate at the moment.
Ron's driveway came into view. I could make out three figures; Jessie, Sam, and Pete. Jessie was playing some game with Sam, one I wasn't familiar with. Pete was seated on the porch swing reading a magazine. I contorted my face when I didn't see Ron. Pete paused his reading and made eye contact with me, as though he sensed my presence.
I step back to begin walking to my house. I snap my head down and cross my arms, quickening my pace. To avoid any more eye contacts, I keep my eyes on the road and continue walking straight. I was currently staying with Sasha inside a decently large house. There was only one thought going through my mind. I repeatedly prayed that I wouldn't run into her at the house when I arrived. Staying at the house and avoiding all human contact seemed to be the most reasonable solution.
I hopped up the four stone steps to the porch and entered through the screen door. While kicking off my shoes, I glance up at the clock above the fireplace. It read 4:43, but I knew it was an hour fast. Sasha nor I found the time to correct it. To make sure nobody was in the house, I ran upstairs and searched through all the rooms. Lastly, I find a pair of my clothing to change into. I wasn't attempting to trip anymore over the baggy sweatpants.
After changing into a pair of jeans and a flannel, I yawn, and my eyelids begin to droop over my eyes. I clumsy stumble onto my bed and drift into yet another sleep.
"Aria.." I awake to Sasha gently moving my shoulder. I jump from the awakening and widen my eyes at Sasha.
"Yeah.." I hold out as I stretch.
"I didn't want to wake you, but that party at Deanna's been going on for an hour, or two and I wasn't sure if you wanted to go." She sat at the bottom of my bed.
I sit up and rub my eyes. "Were you there already?"
"Well, no. I don't feel the need to go. I just figured you'd want to come cause Carl's there."
