"Bad news hun!" My mom said ringing her hands on the dish cloth. I looked up at her with a cereal-stuffed face.
"I need you out of the house Friday night!"

My eyes grew large and I forcefully gulped down my mouthful of cereal. "What!" I exclaimed, "Why?"

"Oh I don't have time to get into the details," She said bustling around the table, "but Judith and Kay, and possibly Terry are coming over. It's our monthly 'girls get together' and we're going to try make this new spicey rice Asian recipe that Kay found."

I sighed and slumped back in my chair. This meant I'd have to go to Sabrinas-

"Oh if you really must I guess you can stay," My mom huffed irritability. "Just know that you're sorting out dinner for yourself."

"No Mom it's fine," I said getting up from the table with my bowl.

"Why don't you just go hang out with Margot for the evening?" Emily piped up from the other end of the table. "Surely you're extremely familiar with that routine..."

I rolled my eyes at her.

"Ya," my mom chimed in eagerly, nice to see how desperately she wanted me out of the house... "Spend some quality time with your girlfriend, perfect!"

When I hesitated to respond she said disappointedly, "Margot's not busy is she?"

I wanted to say, "Yes she very much is, busy sucking up the latest Bratz Doll addition. "

"Fine," I breathed, "I'll hang out with Margot."

They had no idea what this would cost. The physchological damage would be a lifelong impairment.

"Ooooo," Emily said, "Are you and Margot okay? You sound pretty-"

Before she could even finish, I was out of the kitchen and marching up the stairs.

I sighed deeply as I whipped out my phone to let Margot know that I would in fact be joining her in attending Sabrina The Princess's party.

Great.

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I groaned loudly as the Uber slowly grinded to a hault. Begrudgingly, I looked through the tinted window at our location.

My eyes budged and I muttered under my breath.

The fact that Sabrina seemingly lived in what looked to like mini palace didn't remedy my image of her at all!

Slowly I turned to face Margot on my right side.

She sighed at the look on my face. "Riley you should be thankful! This party is exclusive, by invite only."

I continued to just look at her with my eyebrows raised.

I didn't care if the party had members of the Royal Family or Winnie the Pooh! The point is that it was Sabrina's party and I'd somehow ended up in a vehicle, right outside, about to be dropped off!

Margot and I climbed out of the Uber and thanked the driver. We made our way up the stunningly lit pathway towards the gargantuan house.

The huge glass paneled wooden door was already open and the entrance hall was lit by a giant golden chandelier.

There were people everywhere!
Margot and I wove our way through the mass of socializing teenagers.

I stuck very close to Margot as she navigated her way around because if I lost her in this place I'd probably never find her again!

Upon passing a pair of glass screen doors the lead out onto a porch, I was surprised to see that Skyler was there? Dressed in all black. She was leaning against the railing laughing and smoking with some of her friends.

I quickly spun around hoping she hadn't noticed me. I did not want to run into her tonight!

I quickened my pace and pressed myself close Margot's ear so that she could hear me over the booming noise.

"If this party is so exclusive then why is Skyler here?" I hissed.

Margot stopped in her tracks and spun around.

"She is?" She said in surprise.

"Ya." I said, jabbing a thumb behind me. "On the balcony."

Skyler's looks we're so striking I knew for sure that it was her.

Margot furrowed her brow for a second then shrugged, "I don't know," She continued walking, "Maybe Sabrina knows her."

We eventually found a few of Margot's friends sitting on the couch. I was glad to see Sabrina wasn't with them.

Probably entertaining her 6 million guests, I thought.

There were three girls sitting on the sofa. Margot finally gave me a somewhat introduction to her friends.
I'd seen all of them before but I'd never interacted with them beyond the odd "hello" when I'd been talking to Margot.

There was Hailey, a tall rather thin girl with wavy brown hair. She seemed nice. She was trying to work out how to make Sabrina's plasma flat screen play music.

There was a girl called Robyn, she was the one I'd seen the most with Margot. She seemed rather cool, wearing a giant oversized jacket and shoes that made her 8 inches taller.

Finally there was Ash. She had long dreadlocks down to her waist. She'd smiled at me, and was now attempting to help Hailey with the TV.

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Margot and I sat on the sofa talking with her friends for some time.

I was actually enjoying myself. Sabrina was nowhere to be seen and Margot friends we nice.

Eventually Hailey had gotten the TV working and connected her phone, now two different songs played throughout the household.

"So Riley," Hailey said plonking herself down next to me, "Tell me, how did you get with Margot?"

"Funny story," I grinned, "I actually had a crush on her sister."

"Oh yes! I remember that!" Exclaimed Ash from the other end of the
sofa, "Claire. She is stunning though, I mean if I liked women I'd-" Margot gave her a disapproving look, "No offense Margot!" Ash apologized quickly, "But you have to admit your sister is pretty gorgeo-"

"Yes. I know! " Margot cut her off, she frowned at me, "I had to listen to Riley constantly say things like that for weeks!"

I felt my cheeks burn red.

"You're not good at hiding your jealousy." Robyn said to Margot, getting up to find a new song on Hailey's phone. "I remember how annoyed you'd get when you'd tell me about Riley and Claire."

I laughed it was true, Margot would get so angry. For a long time didn't understand why?

"Actually," I asked Margot, she looked at me, "If me liking Claire made you so mad why did you agree to do a whole history project with me at your house!"

"Because she liked you!" Robyn cried from next to the TV.

"No I didn't!" Margot protested, I arched an eyebrow at her. "What? In the beginning I didn't like you at all. I thought you were annoying and stupid..."

I folded my arms. "Then why did you agree to be my partner!"

All four of us zoomed in on her.

Margot shrugged, "I don't know. To get to know you I guess. I thought, 'nothing wrong with another friend...'"

"Rubbish!" Ash exclaimed, "You were intrigued by Riley. Then when you did the project you developed actual feelings for her!"

Ash laughed as Margot cheeks became pink. I grinned, it was somewhat satisfying to see her rather out of place.

"Whatever," She said slamming down her hand on her leg. "Come," she stood up, "Lets tour the house. I don't know about you guys but I'm not coming to a place like this and sitting in the lounge the whole night."

With alot effort, me and the other girls rose up onto our feet, and we began an exclusive tour of the Radford Palace.

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I picked up what I'd judged was a dry, empty plastic cup and searched for something to put in it.

After touring the multi-storied house I'd become parched and needed a drink. Margot and her friends were still meandering around, peeping into all the rooms.

After unsuccessfully being able to find something non alcoholic. I settled on tap water.

While watching the water pour into the red cup I pondered how much I could possibly sell the jewel encrusted handle for...

I walked back over to the counter, leaned my elbows against it, and took a sip of my water.

I watched as a clearly drunken group of guys barged passed the kitchen and out towards the pool, shouting and smacking each other on the backs.

"Riley!"

Margot appeared next to me, her shoulders were heaving and her eyes were sparkling. She pointed behind her, "You should really check out the drawing room it's incre-"

"Margot!"

We both looked up at the sound of the high pitched voice.

Sabrina glided over to us.

She embraced Margot in a tight hug. I made a mental note to tell Margot to take an extensive bath when she got home.

Sabrina noticed me. "And Riley!" She squeaked with an edge of suprise, to my delight she did not move in for a hug. I forced a smile.

"Did you come as Margot's plus one?"

She was probably inquiring into what on earth I was doing at her party. Don't worry I had been asking myself that too.

"Yes." I said politely.

"Aw nice." She mumbled and turned her attention back to Margot.

"Your house is really beautif-" Margot began.

"Margot." Sabrina instantly interrupted her, I bit the inside of my cheek.

Patience. Patience was key.

Sabrina leaned her elbows against the counter, her ugly duck-like face pressed closely up to Margot's. Her body was facing away from me, cutting me off from the conversation.

"Are you dating anyone?"

I nearly chocked on my water.

My eyes were wide! I was shocked at the sheer volicity at which she had shot Margot with the question!

Margot also surprised, took a step back.

"Um, I well uh - uh," Her eyes darted desperately at me, I stared intensely at her, pressing her to tell Sabrina! "I - uh" She stuttered, "Well no. I'm not." she said finally.

I felt myself grow cold as I looked at her.

The hurt was evident in my face, Margot gave me an extremely apologetic look. I looked away, refusing to meet her eyes.

Margot didn't tell Sabrina, she didn't tell Sabrina and I was right there!

Anger started bubbling up inside of me. I focused on the cup in my hands. To keep myself from acting out.

"Ah I see, " Sabrina purred whimsically, "Like that's totally cool." She pushed herself upwards off the counter.

"Why did you want to know?" Margot asked, I could hear the weariness in her voice.

Sabrina shrugged lazily, "Dunno, just curious," she said inspecting the cuticals on her right hand.

Margot was about ask something else but was interrupted by Robyn rushing up to her. "Come you have to see this!" Robyn exclaimed and dragged Margot away. Leaving me alone in the blessed presence of Sabrina Radford.

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Maybe she'll just go away, I prayed.

But unfortunately no such luck. Instead Sabrina stopped checking out her nails and turned to face me.

"Riley!" She drawled. I hated the way that she said my name, she pulled out the last three letters so it sounded like,

Rileeeeeeii

I looked at her, wondering what the brat was going to say.

"So you're like a lesbian right?"

What?

I furrowed my brows at her, why on earth was she asking me that!

"Yeahhh, I guess." I said, shifting uncomfortably.

This girl has some serious personal space issues!

"Oh!" She laughed, way too forcefully. "That's so cool!"

I squinted at her. It's official, I concluded, Sabrina was on drugs! That was the only logical way I could explain her behavior.

"Sure." I said flatly.

I wondered if I sprinted now would there enough time to snatch Margot, call an Uber and get out of here before she found me again!

"You know I've always wanted to experience being with a girl..."

I blinked at her.

I could pretend I wanted another drink then that would allow me to get around her and dash out of the kitchen!

"You know, just to see what it's like." She laughed again, that horrible fluttery, forced, high-pitched laugh.

I let out a quick breath and got ready to tell her that I wanted another drink.

"Anyway," she continued. She turned around and looked at all the people socializing in the house. Then she shouted at the top of her lungs, "CAN EVERYBODY GO OUTSIDE BY THE POOL I WANT TO MAKE A TOAST!!!"

There was a great mumur as people all over the house bustled towards the pool area. Just when I thought I had my prime opportunity to escape Sabrina grabbed my arm!

"Come," she said, "you can stand with me!"

To my horror Sabrina Radford dragged me by the arm, through the sea of people, and out towards the pool!

When she stopped and finally let go we were standing by the edge of the pool while the rest of the people gathered around us.

What was she doing? Why was I standing next to her? I wasn't her friend. I should be in the crowd... at the very back!

Sabrina had a huge plastic smile plastered on her face as she waited for everybody to come out of the house.

I couldn't even spot Margot amongst the sea of heads.

Due to size constraints a few other people joined me and Sabrina at the front by the edge of the pool. But it didn't make any difference because I was still facing out, looking at the entire crowd.

Finally when Sabrina thought everybody was there, she spoke.

"Thank you everyone for coming tonight!" She yelled at the top of her voice, the was a mumur of approval. "It's so great to be able to celebrate my 18th people with so many people who I love and care about!"

I doubted that. I bet she didn't really know even half the people here. They probably just came because she's popular.

"Can I ask you to all raise your cups!" Sabrina held her red cup in the air.

I did not have a cup.

It had been left on the counter prior to me being dragged outside against my will.

Everybody raised their cups.

"This is to new beginnings!" Sabrina shouted, "To new adventures and trying new things!"

The crowd shouted in approval as they pumped their cups into the air, then drank from them.

I turned to move away.

"And you know something I've always wanted to do!" Sabrina screamed, the crowd hollered in response!

"Kiss a girl!"

Sabrina grabbed my face in both her hands, pulled me forward and smashed her oversized lips against mine!

The crowd errrupted!

Shouts, geers, whistles thundered against my ears!

I felt like I was like I was suffocating, I couldn't breathe. All the air had been knocked out of my lungs!

Desperate to get free, I shoved my hands, hard, against Sabrina's chest!

She stumbled backwards and a wave of shock displayed across her face as she toppled backwards into the pool!

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The silence was deafening.

Everyone had been shocked at the sight of Sabrina, Sabrina! - In her fancy dress and high heals being pushed into the pool.

Slowly, I turned around. Horrified, stunned looks met my gaze.

My eyes fell upon Margot who was now standing at the front of the crowd!

Instantly I felt a lump form in my throat as I saw the irrefutable pain on her face.

She'd seen the kiss.

Margot took a sharp breath then spun around and forced her way through the crowd.

I raced after her. Pushing through people to try catch up to her!

I didn't care that Sabrina was sitting soaked on the edge of the pool in a soggy heap.

"Margot! " I yelled out to her, shoving aside a guy who was half blocking the doorway.

Margot ignored me and continued forward.

"Margot!" I shouted again, panting with the effort of trying to keep up with her.

Just as we were nearly through the lounge I yelled, "Margot talk to me goddammit!"

She whipped around, tears were streaming down her face!

I stopped in my tracks. My heart felt like a cinder block.

"You kissed her!" She screamed at me.

"Sabrina forced herself onto me you saw that!"

I tried to take a step closer, but she retreated.

"But you let it happen!"

"How the fuck was I supposed to know that Sabrina would do that!" I yelled. "If you hadn't been so ashamed to tell her that we were dating NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED!"

People were coming into the room now, wanting to get in on the argument. I didn't care they could listen all they wanted! I was sick and tired of pretending to be okay with things when I wasn't!

"I'm not ashamed Riley! I didn't tell her because I didn't want her to interfere!" She was sobbing harder now. Probably from the pain and embarrassment of just seeing her girlfriend, who almost everyone knew she was dating, kiss another girl.

Hailey shoved her way through the quawking idiots to comfort her.

My anger boiled over, I couldn't help it!

"JUST LOOK HOW THAT TURNED OUT!" I shouted. "MARGOT IMAGINE IF YOU DIDN'T CONSTANTLY SUCK UP TO YOUR GODDESS SABRINA!! AND ACTUALLY HAD THE GUTS TO TELL HER THE FUCKING TRUTH!!"

I was furious!

Furious that I'd come to this party! Furious that Margot had lied to Sabrina right in front of me! Furious that Sabrina had had the AUDACITY TO KISS ME!!

Hailey had helped Margot had calm down a little now, and wasn't sobbing as much. She glared at me through bloodshot, angry eyes.

"I can't talk to you like this." She snapped.

Then she turned and left the room with Hailey following behind her.

I clenched my fists, desperately trying to calm down my rapid breathing and trying to ignore the circle strangers around me.

"Riley," I spun around to see Sabrina behind me. She was wrapped in a giant fluffy white towel, her hair was like wet spaghetti stuck against her face. "Leave my house!" She ordered.

I glared at her, my nostrils flaring!

"Gladly!" I snarled.

I marched to the front door and let myself out!

------------
Firstly I'd like to say thank you so much for all the positive comments and interest in this book!!

When I started this book just over a year ago I would have never guessed that I would get a such a response! I thought 500 possibly 1000 people would actually care to read it.

You have no idea how grateful I am for all the support! I love to write knowing there's someone out there is enjoying every word!