Fighting For A Goddess

Get Lost

Jade returned from her run, her legs burning from the effort, but she didn’t have time to savor the endorphin rush. She stripped off her sweaty workout clothes, jumped into a quick shower, and got to work. There was no time for a full routine, so she threw on her favorite black jeans and a white tank top, grabbed the first brush she could find, and combed through her dark, straight hair. She gathered it to one side and braided it quickly, not bothering to make it perfect. She skipped the makeup today—just a quick brush of her teeth, a dab of lotion, and some chapstick. She grabbed her jean jacket and black boots, tossed her essentials into her backpack, and headed out the door, already mentally preparing for the chaos of the day.

When she pulled into her usual parking spot at school, she spotted Lindy waiting for her by the back lot. Parking in the back meant a longer walk, but it gave them more time to catch up before the chaos of classes.

“Jade!” Lindy squealed, waving so hard it was a wonder she didn’t topple over. Jade couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s excitement. Lindy was always so…extra. She had long, wavy black hair and those big doe eyes that looked like they belonged in a magazine. Everything about Lindy was loud—her personality, her outfits, her laughter. Jade loved it.

Before Jade could even grab her backpack, Lindy was hugging her from behind, a whirlwind of energy.

“Good morning, Lindy,” Jade laughed, turning around to return the hug. Jade's clothes were simple—black jeans and a tank top, some sneakers, maybe a hoodie if it got chilly. But Lindy? She was effortlessly chic as always, today in an off-white bodysuit and a teal wool sweater. Always the picture of polished.

“You look beautiful, Lindy… like always,” Jade said, teasing, but she meant it.

“Ahhh, thanks, girl! Some of us have to try, unlike you, who just naturally looks like a supermodel,” Lindy giggled. “I’m hoping to find my Prince Charming tonight.”

“First of all, thank you. I think you might be biased since you're my best friend. Second of all, tonight is oddly specific?” Jade raised an eyebrow, always amused by Lindy’s over-the-top excitement.

“I’m not biased, Jade. You’re annoyingly pretty. And tonight,” Lindy drew out the word like it was the most important thing in the world, “is the Summer Kick-Off dance at the Fairview Water Park. Don’t tell me you forgot... You promised to come with meeee!”

Jade's heart sank. She had promised. “I don’t know, Lindy,” she said, glancing down at her feet, suddenly feeling unsure. “It’s not really my thing.”

“Please! We graduate next week, Jade! What better way to celebrate? Come on, I can’t go without you!” Lindy’s voice dropped into a full-on whine.

Jade chuckled, already feeling the tug of guilt. “Okay, okay. Do you want to get ready together?”

“Oh, I wish I could, but I have to help my mom at the coffee shop tonight. She’s got an open mic event. Let’s just meet there,” Lindy said, her tone shifting back to excitement.

Jade grinned. Lindy’s mom, Amy, was a second mom to her. Always kind, always there. Jade had spent countless hours in the coffee shop with Lindy, and Amy had always welcomed her with open arms. Jade even worked there on Sundays. It was one of those little pockets of peace in her chaotic world.

“Alright, I’ll meet you there,” Jade agreed, still unsure about the whole thing but not wanting to let Lindy down.

The rest of the walk to class was quiet, Jade lost in thought. The idea of being around that many people made her stomach twist. The crowd, the noise, the pressure of pretending to have fun—it all felt overwhelming. She wasn’t built for parties.

“Just breathe, Jade,” Lindy laughed as they took their seats in class. "It’s going to be fun."

The rest of the school day passed in a blur. Jade barely paid attention in her classes. She couldn’t stop thinking about the dance. Her mind raced—Why did I agree to this? The thought of a crowded water park, loud music, and strangers just made her anxious.

When the final bell rang, she rushed out to her car, her thoughts already on Aidan. She picked him up from school, and they went straight home. Aidan, as usual, was talking her ear off about space.

“Did you know that one million Earths could fit inside the sun? A whole million!” Aidan grinned up at her with all the excitement of a kid who had just discovered a new world.

Jade smiled, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "I didn’t know that," she said, genuinely impressed.

“How about you help me cook spaghetti, and then you can tell me what else you learned today?” she suggested.

Aidan’s eyes lit up. “Can I help squeeze the tomatoes?”

“Yep,” Jade said, already half-smiling at his enthusiasm.

Aidan was the kind of kid who made you believe in magic. He was always asking questions far beyond his years. Jade loved the way he quietly observed the world around him, always knowing who needed a little extra care. He was the kind of kid who befriended those others ignored, offering his friendship without hesitation.

She watched as he carefully rolled out the dough for their homemade garlic bread, his small hands pressing down gently. His concentration was endearing, like every task was an adventure in itself.

“Do you think I could be an astronaut one day?” Aidan asked, looking up at her with wide, hopeful eyes.

Jade’s heart melted. “I think you could do anything, Aidan.”

He beamed, his small face lighting up as he continued, "I want to go to Mars, Jade. I’m going to discover new planets and talk to aliens." Jade laughed.

As they cooked dinner together, Jade found herself grateful for the quiet moments. Aidan was her world. The past few years had been…hard. But Aidan made it bearable.

The evening passed uneventfully until she heard her dad come home, slamming the door behind him, followed by the sound of him shuffling to his room. An hour later, he left again. Probably headed to the bar. Jade wasn’t surprised—this was the usual cycle.

It wasn’t until she checked on Aidan, now asleep in her bed, that she felt the weight of her decision. She couldn’t help but glance out the window, wondering if she'd regret going to the dance tonight.

The party started at 10 pm. Jade didn’t even start getting ready until 9:45. Unlike Lindy, she wasn’t looking for a prince charming. She threw on a simple sundress over her bathing suit, barely bothering to style her hair. A little mascara and lip gloss, and she was good enough.

She peeked in on Aidan one last time. Still asleep. She left the room quietly and headed for the door. When she got to the driveway, her car was gone.

Jade stood still for a moment, staring at the empty space where her car should have been. Her mom had locked herself in her room again, and Jade knew better than to knock. She hesitated, then walked to the basement door, knocking softly.

Kyle yanked it open. “What?” he snapped.

“Do you know where my car is?” Jade asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Yeah, Dad took it to the bar,” Kyle muttered, already turning away from her.

“Why’d he take my car?” Jade’s voice rose, frustration creeping in.

“His car got impounded last night,” Kyle said, his tone cold. “I said no when he asked for my keys.”

Jade’s anger simmered beneath her skin, but she bit her tongue. It wasn’t worth it. Instead, she turned back toward the stairs.

“Were you gonna go somewhere?” Kyle asked, his voice lacking any real curiosity.

Jade’s chest tightened. “Yeah, I was going to meet Lindy at the Summer Kick-Off party.”

“Let’s go,” Kyle said, not waiting for a response as he headed for the door.

Jade grabbed her small backpack and sandals and followed him, surprised at his offer.

The drive to the water park was silent, the tension thick in the air. When they arrived, Lindy called to say she couldn’t make it. Amy had sprung a last-minute event at the coffee shop, and Lindy had to stay and help. Jade told her it was fine, but something in her gut twisted. Without Lindy, this party was the absolute last place she wanted to be.

They barely stepped inside before Kyle turned to her, cold as always. “Get lost.”

Jade blinked, confused. “What?”

“Get lost,” Kyle repeated, walking off without a second glance.

Jade’s heart dropped. Great. Just great.

She stood there, frozen, as the lights and music of the party swirled around her. The crowd seemed to close in, their laughter and chatter bouncing off the walls. She wasn’t sure what to do—she didn’t know anyone here. She felt so out of place.

Her gaze landed on the hot tubs in the distance, a sign above them flashing. Maybe it’ll be quieter there, she thought. She needed to escape the chaos, even if just for a little while.

Jade made her way through the crowd, hoping for a bit of peace—away from the noise, away from the pressure.

The night was just beginning, and she already regretted coming.