I push my wavy hair behind my shoulder as I walk through the doors of Coco's with Harper trailing behind me, tapping at her phone. "Okay, so the party tomorrow," she starts. "Harps, I don't know-" "Uh, no," she cuts me off and yanks me by my hand to turn around and face her, "as your best friend, it's my responsibility to make sure that you enjoy normal, teenage fun for once in your life. Spending all your weekends cooped up in your room is seriously not healthy."
I look at her holding her phone with her manicured nails, and her perfectly plucked eyebrows raised. How did I end up with a best friend like her? I'm not ugly, by any means, I know that. I do have other friends besides Harper, but we aren't as close. They don't get me like she does. Harper is every girl's dream: gorgeous, she has the most intense brown eyes you'll ever see, and the most perfectly straight dirty blonde hair; smart, in fact, she skipped a grade to be a junior right now. And if that wasn't enough, she's also the superstar libero on the varsity volleyball team, but she isn't cocky or rude. She is genuinely the sweetest person I've ever met.
I sigh, I guess we don't get to spend that much time together anymore. This year I've just been so hyper-focused on getting good enough grades and a high enough GPA to get accepted into John Hopkins, I haven't really made time for much else.
I bite my lip, glancing around. Every weekend spent studying has brought me closer to my dream. But maybe Harper's right. Maybe I'm missing out on... life. "Okay, fine. But just this once."
"Ahh! Yay! We're gonna have so much fun!" Harper squeals grabbing my hand. I grimace gingerly already regretting my decision.
The froyo machines buzz behind us as we make our way to a booth crowded with other students. Laughter bubbles around us, a welcome contrast to the stress I've been carrying. Harper nudges me, topping her yogurt with extra sprinkles. "See? This is normal. This is fun." I can't help but smile, even if just a little.
I glance at Harper, her easy smile lighting up the place. Sometimes I wonder if I deserve a friend like her. Someone who pulls me out of my shell instead of judging me for hiding in it. Maybe this party won't be the worst idea after all.
~~~~
I grab my bag and wave goodbye to Harper, the night air cool as I walk outside to my car. My mind's still swirling from our conversation — the party, the chance to actually have fun, and Jordan Gallagher looming like a storm cloud.
When I get home, there are two cars in the drive. I freeze. It's not like my parents to be home this early — especially both of them.
I step inside and call out, "Hello?"
No answer.
I creep into the living room, and there they are. Mom, arms crossed, her brow furrowed; Dad, sitting stiffly on the couch, scrolling on his phone. They're both still in their work clothes.
Mom's voice cuts through the silence. "Who's Kaylie with tonight?"
I blink, caught off guard. "Why does it matter? It's a Friday night, she could be with anyone."
Dad looks up, eyebrows knitting together. "Because we want to know she's safe. We've heard she's been hanging around a Clarke."
I bite back a laugh, bitter and sharp. "You mean you want to know because you haven't cared before. And what does it matter that he's a Clarke, what is he too poor for you Dad?"
Mom's eyes flash. "Elyse."
I shrug, voice cold. "It's the truth. You're never here. You never ask. All you guys care about is work, and suddenly you want to know who she's with like you're some concerned parents."
Dad sighs. "We're trying, Elyse."
"Trying?" I repeat, voice rising. "You show up when it suits you. When there's something to complain about. Maybe if you were around more, Kaylie would actually want to be here."
The room goes quiet. I run up the stairs to my room, heart pounding.
I slam my bedroom door behind me and walk over to my desk, putting my head in my hands, heart beating erratically, emotions swirling like a storm.
I lift my head, and from my window, I catch a glimpse into Jordan's room. Jordan Gallagher — looking at me through the window, but this time his smug grin is gone. Instead, his eyes are filled with- concern? No, it can't be, don't be stupid Elyse, I chide myself.
For a moment, the arrogant facade slips, and I swear I see a flicker of real worry there.
He glances away quickly, as if embarrassed to be caught staring.
I turn from the window, biting back a bitter laugh. Figures Jordan would see me at my worst.
I grab my phone and text Kaylie.
Me: Hey, ik you're with Jace, but mom and dad are home, and i could really use you rn
I set it down on my desk and flop onto my bed. Hot tears burn my eyes and threaten to spill out of my eyes. I'm still so angry at them. Who do they think they are, showing up and demanding where Kaylie is when they don't even take the time to show up for anything else. Not my eighth grade graduation, not my first day of freshman year, not when I won the State Science Conference last year, nothing. I can't even remember the last time they were here for my birthday. All I remember are the ridiculously expensive presents, like that's gonna make up for it.
Bzz.
I groan and grab my phone.
Kay-kay:)
yeah ofc. omw back rn. u ok?
Me:
Yeah, I'm fine just hurry please.
I must've fallen asleep, because twenty minutes later I hear a timid knock at my door.
"Come in." Kaylie pushes the door open, sees my state and sighs, "Oh, Elly." She uses my old nickname as she climbs into my bed and wraps her arms around me. "What happened?" she asks. "They just were here asking where you were, and I completely lost it on them, and told them they don't deserve to know because they're never here and-" I start crying. "I know, it sucks, doesn't it?" she whispers.
I sniffle, "I'm supposed to be comforting you." "It doesn't matter Elly, it doesn't."
"Well-" "No, Elly, we look out for each other. Okay?" she starts to tear up, "When I was bawling my eyes out on my thirteenth birthday, you were there to scoop me up and tell me everything's alright, so now it's my turn." "Thanks Kay-kay."
As the night settled around us, the storm inside me quieted just enough to let in a sliver of calm. Maybe we didn't have perfect parents, but at least we have each other. And right now, that has to be enough.
I wipe my tears away and whisper, "Maybe... maybe I don't have to face everything alone."
Kaylie squeezes my hand softly. "You never have to."
For the first time in a long while, I let myself believe that maybe things could get better.