2

"Oh, my life is changing every day."

Asher

I was sick of the happy family facade. My mom hadn't seen her college friend in years and suddenly they're best friends again? And to top it all off, we had to act like The Brady Bunch. I scoffed while taking a sharp right down the familiar street.

The infamous Marshtown Creek. This postcard-worthy view inspired the town's name. It was the only good thing the town offered.

I parked my truck just outside the clearing. The moment I stepped out, the vengeful wind greeted me. I pulled my coat tighter around my body and strutted through the man-made opening to the creek. It was an archway made of vines and flowers.

A jewel-blue stream babbled and burbled through the forest. It sprung over the chalk rocks. A galaxy of dragonflies swarmed around everyone, not at all disturbed by the noise of screaming teenagers. They looked as if the stars had fallen, called by the siren songs. However, I was too angered to appreciate the mesmerizing scene. I needed a distraction.

"Asher!"

There's my distraction.

Her auburn locks pirouetted behind her as she skipped toward me. Her arms curled around my neck as she pulled me down for a kiss. The kiss was incomprehensible. Mundane. Just like our relationship.

"Hey, Ava." I said once we pulled away.

Despite my lack of adoration for her, she brought a sense of comfort. The perks of knowing someone since childhood. Many timeless moments engraved her bold smile and emerald eyes.

"What took you so long?"

I ran my hand down my face with a sigh.

"Nothing important."

I tossed my arm around her shoulder and lured her to the lively bonfire right beside an abundance of alcohol placed on the rock table. I reached into my back pocket for my pack of cigarettes and brought a stick to my lips, but I hadn't lit it yet.

Ava handed me a drink. I clutched the nicotine stick between my fingers and took a heavy gulp. I never winced as the alcohol scorched my esophagus. Her eyes were on me the entire time, but I didn't acknowledge it. I took two more sips before placing it to the side to light my cigarette. I pulled the air into my lungs and exhaled.

"You're here." Collin, my best friend, said.

"I saw you this morning. Don't tell me you missed me this much."

He grinned at my joke.

"You know I can't be apart from you for too long. I get withdrawals."

I tossed my head back with a chuckle before inhaling another drag.

"Our new neighbours moved in today."

Everyone's heads turned to me. Marshtown rarely got new arrivals, so this was breaking news.

"What are they like?" Elsie, Ava's best friend, asked.

"It's just my mom's best friend and her two kids," I said. "Nothing special."

Ava and Elsie shared a look, but I didn't question it. I turned to Collin and extended my cigarette.

"You know I'm training."

I rolled my eyes and shrugged before taking a large inhale. I kept the smoke in my lungs as I dropped the stick to the ground, kicking some sand over it. The fumes blocked my vision as I released it from my hold. I took a seat on the log near the bonfire to generate some warmth. Even with my jacket, the breeze was chilly. I watched as the flames danced, twisting from side to side like a graceful ballerina.

Ava sat beside me, clutching her drink in both hands. I extended my legs forward, leaning against the trunk behind me, and folded my arms across my chest.

"It's pretty cold."

I hummed in response. I could tell she wanted me to give her my jacket, but I wasn't about to catch hyperthermia because of her carelessness. She should have brought another jacket. She watched me like a hawk watching a small mammal.

"Here, you can have my jacket."

Collin, forever the chivalrous hero, placed his Marshtown Manatee's jacket over her shoulders. I scoffed and took another sip of whatever she concocted.

"Way to be a wonderful boyfriend, Asher." Elsie said.

I ignored her comment and gave her a thumbs-up.

I can be a sarcastic bitch too, Elsie.

My phone hummed in my pocket, but I ignored it, knowing it was my mom demanding to know where I was. I downed the remnants of my drink and reached over to pour more. I grabbed the first bottle I could find. Bourbon. I shrugged and filled it halfway.

"Go easy, Hart."

I ignored Collin and chugged it back. Despite my watering eyes, I did it with ease. I raised my cup like I'd just won a trophy before tossing it to the ground.

"It's time for me to get home."

I stood up too fast and saw stars. I stumbled to the side, but Collin's reflexes kicked in.

"You cannot be driving."

"I'll be fine."

"Ava, can you follow us home in my car and I'll give you girls a lift after?"

"Sure."

I rolled my eyes.

"I didn't even drink that much."

"You had four refills." Collin said.

When did that happen?

Too intoxicated to argue, I allowed him to drag me to the passenger side of my truck. I slouched against the seat and closed my eyes as a wave of nausea passed over me.

"Your dad is going to kill you." Collin said with a chuckle.

The thought sent my stomach churning. Not only would I be in trouble for ditching the welcome party, but it was well past midnight and I had school in the morning. I leaned my head against the icy window and sighed in bliss. It was like an ice pack to my throbbing head.

I groaned as he swerved the car, causing me to hit my head against the glass.

"You did that on purpose."

"I know."

I was in an awful mood the entire ride home, but it soured even further the moment he drove up our street. However, my drunken mind only registered our location once he reached my driveway. I opened the door and fell to the ground, my shoulder took most of the impact.

"Seriously, Asher," Collin said. "Get up."

"I'm good here."

He hoisted me with a huff, tossing my arm around his shoulder. The front door opened before we could reach it, and I braced myself for the confrontation.

"Thanks for bringing him home."

I would have rather faced the wrath of my parents.

"No problem, he's had quite a bit."

"I'll take it from here."

My mind got hazy as they spoke for a moment. I barely registered him dragging my drunken butt up the stairs until my cold silk sheets enveloped me. My head lulled to the side. I closed my eyes as the room started spinning.

"I had to cover for you."

I didn't even have to open my eyes to know his arms were folded across his chest, expecting me to roll out a red carpet for him. Judgemental Josh.

"Don't expect a thank you."

I draped my arm over my eyes, hoping to get some sleep.

"You're an asshole."

He was unbearable.

"If I had a dollar for every time I heard that."

He tossed a pillowcase at my head, but I didn't flinch. He scoffed at my lack of reaction before closing my door behind him. I wiggled further into the mattress and welcomed the sleep.

??