Eight years ago, Willow Lake.

Loud music blared from the back of someon's car. In the middle of the clearing stood a massive bonfire, it's embers billowing into the night. People were sitting on logs, talking and drinking. Another group, was dancing by the fire.

My phone vibrated and I pulled it from my jean pocket. It was Hannah, calling to see if I've changed my mind yet, I hadn't. It was the last day of summer break and Willow Lake teens always held a party before the final semester. It was my last chance to be an actual teenager before reality came to steel that away too.

The night air was hot and I had my back pressed against the bark of a rough tree. From where I stood, I could see the whole party. All I wanted, was one night of carefree fun.

I saw a guy approach me, he looked about nineteen but I couldn't tell in the dark. My gaze stayed on him, he walked with purpose towards me and I crossed my arms over my chest.

He was taller, taller than most guys and built like a linebacker. By the time he reached me, I could make out the color of his hair. A dark brown or maybe black, the light from the fire flickered of the strands. I did notice how dark his eyes were and I also knew he wasn't from Willow Lake. I wouldn't have forgotten that face.

Guys didn't typically approach me so I had no idea how to react. I did the only thing I possibly could, I ignored him.

"Do you normally crowd watch at a party?" He said before taking a sip from the red solo cup in his hand.

I rolled my eyes, "Do you normally stalk loney girls at a party?"

He chuckled, "If their as pretty as you, sure."

I laughed because the whole scenario was ridiculous, "That's your pick-up line?"

"Maybe I should try a different approach," he stuck his hand out to me, "Ryder Morgan."

I took his hand and it swallowed mine whole. "Ella."

"Well, Ella can I get you a drink?"

At first, I wanted to deny him, and keep standing in the corner but the truth was, I was tired of standing on the sidelines while my friends enjoyed their lives. I was tired of being the girl who worked at the grill on weekends to help support her family. I wanted to be free, even if it was just for one night.

"Sure."

I followed Ryder to a big ice bucket standing next to a single table. He grabbed a few beers, then dragged me off to one of the logs around the campfire. Then he popped the top off the beer and handed it to me.

"So, Ryder, you're not from around here, are you?" I took the first sip of beer and gagged when the bitter taste entered my mouth.

Ryder saw the look on my face and laughed, "First time drinking beer?"

I frowned at the dark bottle in my hand, "Yeah, I didn't expect it to be so disgusting."

"It gets better after you've had a few of them." Ryder said taking a long swig of his own beer. "But to answer your question, no, I'm not from Willow Lake. I'm actually leaving tomorrow."

"Oh."

"So, Ella are you going to help me make my last night in Willow Lake unforgettable?"

I couldn't help the grin on my face. Ryder was by far the most attractive guy to ever take interest in me. So far the night had been going great and I didn't want it to end yet.

Five beers and a few shots later, I was dancing in the small clearing with Ryder. My head was spinning but I'd never felt as carefree as just then. He had one hand knotted in my hair and the other wrapped tightly around my waist, as we swayed together to the frantic beat.

I could smell the alcohol on his breath and I could see his eyes were a little unfocused. I'm sure mine was the same but all I wanted was for him to kiss me, to remind me that I was as young and carefree as I felt.

Ryders lips came down on mine, insistend and pleading. I kissed him back with the same intensity, it wiped my mind clean until all that mattered was him.

I have no idea how we ended up in the boat house but in that instant I didn't care. Before I knew it, we were ripping off each other's clothes.

We tumbled into a bale of fishing nets, not one of us ever breaking the kiss. Ryder pulled my panties off before hiking my leg over his hips. I heard the distinct sound of a zipper and a few seconds later, Ryder was driving into me.

My mind shattered to pieces and the only thing that mattered was him, and the movement of his hips. I clawed at his back, urging his movents. Stars burst behind my eyes as the most exquisite feeling coursed through my body. Ryder grunted before collapsing on top of me.

I layed there in pure bliss when Ryder suddenly jumped up and pulled his pants up. He stumbled a bit to the side before grabbing his shirt from the floor and pulling it over his head.

My orgasmic bubble evaporated around me and I felt sick to my stomach. "You're leaving?" I asked before I could stop myself.

Ryder looked back at at me and stopped for a second before shoving his foot inside his boot. "Yeah, I have to find my friends. It's time to go home."

He pulled on the other boot and walked to the door. "Well, see you, Ellie."

Then he walked out, slamming the door shut just as hot embarrased tears stung my eyes. "It's Ella, asshole."

I wasn't expecting a marriage proposal after one time but, I sure didn't expect to be used and just tossed aside. The worst part? I had no one to blame but myself.

I stood up and the worst possible thing happened, wetness dripped down my inner thigh and I looked down.

Shit!

I tried to remember if we even used a condom but I couldn't recall. Frantically, I started searching the floor to see if I could find anything, there was nothing. Panic siezed me and I started to hyperventilate.

How could I be so stupid?

Take a deep breath Ella, it was only one time.

I quickly picked up my clothes and got dressed. I promised myself, never again, would I be so irresponsible.

It was only one time, but it was enough to scare me straight for the rest of my life.

Hannah sat on the bed with the tests spread out before her. A total of eight tests and I couldn't look at them. It was six weeks after the party and I still hadn't gotten the red flag I was waiting for. But I had this feeling in my gut, that I was in deep trouble.

After the first two weeks, I finally broke down and told Hannah everything. She was pissed, she wanted to find this Ryder dude, and rip his head off. It was no use. According to Facebook, the Ryder Morgan I met at the party didn't exist. I had no way of contacting him.

I gnawed at the inside of my lip, trepidation curling my insides. How was I supposed to break the news to my mother. For the past ten minutes, Hannah hasn't taken her eyes off the tests.

"Oh God, Ella."

I looked up just to see Hannah close a hand over her gaping mouth. She didn't have to say it and I had already accpeted it, sort of. Somehow, I just knew.

"Ella, what are you going to do?"

I dropped down to the edge of the bed and felt my dreams crumble around me. I couldn't answer Hannah. My mind was too busy trying to wrap itself around the idea.

"How many of them are positive, Hannah?"

Hannah gave me a sympathetic look, "All of them."

I nodded my head and averted my gaze just as heavy sobs began ro wrack my body. In the very next instant, Hannah was there wrapping her arms around. "Hey, it's okay. We'll figure it out. We always do."

Now.

I shoved the last box into the apartment before shutting the door. The phone was pressed between my ear and shoulder. "Hannah, I don't feel like going out, besides, I don't have a babysitter and we still need to settle in."

Hannah sighed, "Ella, I told you. We're not going out. Just a bunch of friends getting together and you can bring Gracie with you. I'm sure everyone will adore her."

After pushing the box into the tiny living room, I opened it and started packing out the photo albums. "You know how I feel about strangers around Gracie."

"Yeah, yeah. The six week rule. I know but I trust them."

"I'm not taking her to people I don't know, Hannah."

She grunted, "Fine, but what if I told you that I know someone who can baysit and you and Gracie have already met her."

"And who is this magnificent babysitter?"

"Casey." Hannah said flatly.

My first week in Silver Point, Hannah had taken me and Gracie to the Magic Bean Coffee shop in the mall. We met Casey and Gracie immediately gravitated towards the older woman and all her magical books. They spent the better part of two hours combing through Casey's books and Casey made me promise to bring her back.

"Hannah, that's a nice idea but I'm sure Casey is really busy."

Hannah laughed. "No, I already called her and she said if it's okay with you, she'd love to babysit."

"Hannah, I don't know."

"Oh, come on Ella! You never go out. It's  only one night and my apartment is close to yours. If anything happens, you can be there in two minutes."

I knew that Hannah wouldn't relent and I also knew that Gracie would love to have Casey over. Besides, I could always fake a headache and come home earlier.

"Okay, fine. But if I want to leave, you'll let me, okay?"

Hannah squealed  . "Deal! See you at seven!"

Later that night, I was standing in front of my mirror, unsure what to wear. It's been so long since I've gone out and I spent most days working or looking after Gracie. So, it's safe to say I was a little out of practice. I clutched the two dresses in my hand tightly.

Maybe, I was overthinging this. Maybe, I should just stay home before I made a total fool of myself.

Gracie came running into the room and jumped on my bed. She bounced up and down, her small feet banging against the base of the bed.

"Are you excited to see Casey?"

She bobbed her head, " Uh huh. We're going to read Charlotte's Web. Wear the blue dress, it makes your eyes look really pretty."

I held up to two dresses before shooting a thankful smile to my daughter. "Thank you honey. Mama's a little nervous."

Gracie hopped off the bed and ran towards me before throughing her arms around my legs. "You're gonna be great, mama. Can I have griller cheese before you leave?"

I smiled at my beautiful daughter. Her blonde hair was always a mess, no matter how many times I dragged a brush through it. Her brown eyes reminded me of the one man I never wanted to see again but on her they were perfect.

Gracie was sitting at the dining room table when Hannah and Casey walked through the door.

I was sitting on the couch, gnawing at the loose skin on my thumb. I was extremely nervous and I knew Hannah would be able to tell.

"Hi sweety, ready to read all about the amazin Charlotte?" Casey asked.

Gracie jumped up from her chair, "Yes! And Wilbur!"

"Who can forget about the adorable little piggy?"

I laughed and both woman turned around and their mouths dropped open.

"Damn, Ella. Where were you hiding this number." Hannah gapped.

I tugged at the dress. "Is it too much? Should I change?"

Hannah quickly shook her head, "No! If you change I will unfriend you!"

After saying goodbye to Casey and Gracie, Hannah pulled me out the door. She drove us to her apartment and I kept thinking this was a terrible idea.

We finally made it to Hannah's apartment that was already full of people. I followed close behind her while she introduced me to the woman inside and I tried as best I could to remember their names.

Then she took me to the small deck outsidewhere a couple of guys were setting up a barbecue. Hannah grabben the arm of a hulking man covered in tattoos and I openly gapped at them.

He placed a kiss on her forehead and whispered something in her ear before my best friend blushed all shades of red.

I laughed, "I take it you're Asshat."

Liam frowned and looked down at Hannah who gave him innocent eyes, "Are you really still calling me that?"

"Maybe. Ella let me introduce you." Hannah said before dragging me to where the other men stood. There was one manning the barbecue and had his back turned to us. "This is, Lucas, Layton, Nathan and Ryan."

The men waved in turn and then the last one turned around. I sucked in a sharp breath when the world felt like it was closing around me.

The man stuck out his hand to me, "I'm Ryan, nice to meet you."

I froze, those dark eyes were imprinted in my brain. I was reminded of them whenever I looked into my daughter's eyes. I tried to comprehend the fact that I was looking at the man who was Gracie's father but I couldn't. All I saw, was the man who left me pregnant at seventeen.

All those emotions came flooding back to me and anger flared in my veins. My arm reared back as if controled by some outside force. Before I knew what was happening, my hand crashed against his face and Ryan staggered back shocked.

Hannah took a sharp breath, "What the hell, Ella!"

I didn't take my eyes off Ryan, "At least now I know your real name, huh, Ryder?"

Ryan's eyes went wide and Hannah's head swiveled between us. I couldn't take it, this had to be some sick joke, so I turned and ran. I had to get away.

"Oh, shit!" Hannah screamed but I was already out the front door.