Zade Collins
The second we stepped back inside the house, the noise hit me like a wall. I should've known. I should've guessed Ian and Chris were still at it. Their voices echoed through the hallway, sharp and relentless, bouncing off the walls like nails on glass. I sighed heavily beside Blake, who stood close to me, fiddling with his sleeves like he always did when he felt anxious. I was still dressed in my pirate costume, the eyepatch hanging lopsided above my eye, but right now, I barely cared. I wasn't in the mood to joke anymore.
Chris stood by the staircase, arms flailing as she argued with Ian, who looked just as exhausted as I felt. Beside her, like some ominous decoration, Kayla leaned against the railing, arms crossed, silently watching the chaos like it entertained her. Her strawberry blonde hair cascaded over her red dress, perfectly curled, her makeup untouched, flawless as always.
I caught her eyes and forced a small smile. She didn't return it.
