All Wrong

Chapter Four Tuesday

Sydney

“A party?” My dad scratches his head.

“Yeah. I told Grace I’d go. You know how she is.”

“I think it’s a good idea.” This surprises me.

“Huh?”

“You don’t seem yourself lately sweetheart. It may be good for you. To have some fun.” He shrugs.

“And what fun are you having?” I ask.

“Plenty. Don’t worry about me.” But I do. He’s been alone for 15 years.

“I can tell her you said no if you wanna do something instead.” I suggest.

“Sydney I love you. But you should be having a little fun before you’re forced to be an adult. I trust you.” You’re not her. He doesn’t say it. He doesn’t have too.

“Alright.” I concede.

Before he can say anything there’s a knock on the door and I furrow my brow. My dad gets it while I finish the dinner dishes.

“Look who I found.” Dad says.

“Hey.” Grace smiles shyly.

“What are you doing here?” I ask confused.

“Can we go for a walk?” She asks.

“Sure.” I smile tightly. I follow her outside and we walk down the street before she speaks.

“Are you alright? I’m worried about you.” She blows out a breath.

“I’m okay. Is that why you showed up?”

“Not exactly.” She admits wringing her hands.

“What is it?” I press. Knowing I won’t like the ambush.

“Will you stay Thursday? My parents will be out of town and we could get ready for the party together friday.”

I blanche. I’ve not been to hers since Bryce dumped me in a very public way.

“I’m not sure.“ I say flatly.

“It’ll just be us and Henry. I swear. It’s just a house Syd.” I scoff at that. Because I know it’s just a house. But the memories there are more. While not all of them include Bryce enough of them do. Including my losing my virginity right before he dumped me. “Will you consider it? You know I don’t like being there alone with Henry. He’s like a girl when he sees a shadow.”

I giggle at that I can’t help it. He is squeamish.

“I’ll let you know.” I say and she smiles. We walk back to mine and have ice cream before she leaves. I turn in early but I lay in bed thinking of nothing besides that night.

The worst night of my entire existence.

“You’re being awfully nice tonight.” I tease.

“I’m always nice.” Bryce laughs.

We’re sitting upstairs in the room I always sleep in when I stay over while a party rages down stairs. We’ve had a lot to drink but earlier I decided tonight I would give him my virginity.

“Not this nice.” I smile closing my eyes. When I open them he’s leaning in to kiss me. I should be nervous but I’m not. We’ve been together for three years. Nearly four. We meet in the middle.

It’s a soft kiss. Not like normal but I’m not going to question it. I lie down and he hovers over me.

He’s not one to ask if I’m sure so he just gets right to it. While it’s not how I imagine it’s still something because I love him entirely.

I get up and go to the bathroom while he goes downstairs. I decide to clean myself up and change the bedding before I get to sloshed.

When I get back downstairs I find Bryce with his tongue down Gabriella’s throat. My insides squeeze tight tight tight and I think I might be sick. I must make a noise because they both look up.

Gabbys face turns pale but Bryce just looks smug. Before either of us can say anything Bryce does.

“I was gonna break up with you before but I just love cherries so much.” Now I might actually be sick. I look away from them and notice the party stopped. All eyes on us and people are whispering.

I didn’t drive tonight so I do the next best thing. I tuck my tail and waltz through the house and out the door all the way home.

Everyone always said losing you’re virginity was something no you never forget and they were right. I roll over and wipe my eyes. Knowing that I have no choice but to stay with Grace because she would do it for me.