The moment the front door closed behind my parents, I waited at the window until their car disappeared down the street. Only then did I move.
Then I turned to Ethan.
"Come on," I said. "Bedtime."
"But mom and dad said…" He groaned, but followed me upstairs anyway.
I brushed his teeth, tucked him in, and pulled the blanket up to his chin.
I read half a comic before his eyes drooped.
"You're not going anywhere, right?" he asked sleepily.
Then smiled softly, and nodded. "I'll be right here."
He nodded and rolled over.
The moment his breathing evened out, I slipped out of the room.
My heart was already racing.
I went to my room and pulled out the outfit I'd been hiding under my bed all week. This short tight dress lily said would make Owen lose his mind.
I slipped it on, glossed my lips to make it look fuller, and let my hair fall loose.
If I was going to that party, I was going to look hot as hell.
I looked in the mirror.
For once, I didn't look like Owen Carter's shy little girlfriend.
I looked like someone who people would drool for.
I slipped out through the back door and ordered a cab.
I wasn't going to inform Lily or Owen.
I wanted to surprise them instead.
The house was already wild when I arrived.
The music extremely loud. Red cups were scattered everywhere. Guys kept yelling over each other.
One of the football guys was hosting.
I stepped inside and smiled at people as I passed.
I can't believe I've never been to a high school party before. This was what I almost missed cos of mom.
Girls were dancing on couches. Someone was busy throwing up in a trash can. Shots lined up on the kitchen counter.
Owen had posted a story earlier….him laughing, holding a drink, and surrounded by his friends.
Where was he now?
I moved through the crowd, scanning faces.
Then I heard laughter near the stairs.
A group of football guys stood there, already drunk.
"Where's Owen?" one of them laughed.
"He's upstairs," another one said. "Main room. Dude's having the night of his life."
They laughed again.
My stomach twisted.
What does that even mean?
I climbed the stairs.
The hallway was lined with closed doors. Some open just enough for me to see silhouettes.
I opened one door.
A couple jumped apart, frowning at me.
"Sorry," I closed it and kept walking.
I opened another door.
It was empty.
I kept going.
Then I heard a familiar vouce.
"I'm glad she'll be out of our lives soon."
My chest tightened.
That voice.
I stepped closer to the door. It was slightly open.
I pushed it slowly.
And my world shattered.
Lily was on the bed.
Naked on top of my boyfriend.
Owen's hands were on her waist. Her hair was messy. He had no shirt on.
My phone slipped from my fingers and hit the floor.
The sound was loud enough for them to turn.
Owen went pale. "Eve!"
Lily stood up from his legs.
"What… what is this?" My voice came out broken. "What are you doing?"
Lily rolled her eyes dramatically. "Isn't it obvious?"
Owen stood up. "It's not what you think."
"Are you serious?"
"You weren't even supposed to be here anyways," Lily snapped. "This is exactly why we had to be sure you weren't going to come."
My vision blurred. "We?"
Owen rubbed his face. "Lily, please. Don't talk to her like that." He walked closer to touch me.
"Don't fucking touch me," I yelled. My voice shook.
"Why?" I whispered. "Why would you do this to me?"
Lily crossed her arms. "You really thought he was only yours?"
"You were my best friend."
"And?" she shot back. "That doesn't mean I can't want him too."
Owen snapped, "Lily. I said stop."
She rolled her eyes. "You never touched him. You never wanted him. You just liked the title of 'Owen's girlfriend'."
"That's not true," I shook my head, and whispered.
"You're scared of everything," she said coldly. "You're boring. You're just a child who can't make any decision herself."
Owen tried to step closer. "Eve, I didn't mean for it to happen like this."
"Then how did it happen?" I yelled. "Did she trip and fall on top of you naked?"
Lily laughed. "Gosh, you're so dramatic."
Tears streamed down my face. "How long?"
They didn't answer.
"You both had something going on," I whispered. "And you let me walk around like an idiot. You should've broken up with me."
Owen looked down. "I didn't want to hurt you."
"You already did," I said. "You destroyed me."
Lily tilted her head. "You'll get over it."
My heart cracked.
I turned and ran out, wiping my tears with the back of my hands.