1st November

I wake up with a mild hangover. I sit up with effort. I see a glass of water at my bedside and drink greedily. There are also two Advils. Since the headache is manageable, I take one and get on with my day.

My phone is dead so the first thing I do is connect it to a charging cable. I freshen up while it gains life. I change out my ridiculous Gretel costume and wipe off my make-up. My skin is all red and tingly. I regret not cleaning up before bed last night. Lastly, I take a nice bath.

I am getting dressed when someone knocks at my door.

"Just a second," I call, pulling my top on. I open the door to see Roman.

"Come on in." I usher him.

"Thanks for the water and Advil," I say when we settle down.

He nods and smiles.

"Mom and dad are a little mad, just so you know." He warns me.

"Why? Because I went put for a party?" I frown.

"And because you were late. And because I had to carry you up."

"What is their problem? My grades are good enough and I am already a candidate for a soccer scholarship."

"They're just concerned," he sighs.

"They wanted an ultra-smart kid and they got you. What do they want from me? I have a nice A- average going on for me along with soccer. I say I've earned my right to party."

"Just wanted to warn you," he shrugs. "I have a decathlon today."

"I remember. All the best! Make them cry." I kiss his cheek.

"Thanks, sis."

"Anytime. Now, go. I have to get ready for school. I'm already running late."

"Another reason they're a little mad."

"Fine, I'll deal with them when I get home. You make us proud."

"Yeah," he leaves and I sigh.

Let the day begin.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After my parents insisted to talk despite me being late, I arrive at school two periods late. I had been so caught up in my shit that I forgot to check my messages.

Ma Bitch🖤
did u get home safe?
Ellie?
stop ignoring me just because i had to leave
i didnt have a choice
its not funny
Eleanor!
u arent in skl 2day im worried
are u even alive?

The last one is from two minutes ago. I hastily sent her a text back.

Me
heyyy
yeah i did 
im sorry i wasnt ignoring u i was kinda drunk then i fell asleep and then my phone died
i just reached school
see u in class

 Ma Bitch🖤
thank fuck ure okay
meet u there
u have a lot of explaining 2 do

Me
ik ik 
b there soon

If that was bad, Andrew's texts were even worse. I wince as I read them.

Andrew
did he come?
did u fall asleep?
y wont u answer
anna?
goddammit!
annabelle at least tell me ure safe
for god's sake!
Anna?
Annabelle??
r u okay?

Me
oh drew im so sorry
my brother came and got me
im okay
my phone died and i just saw ur texts
im sorry

The reply is immediate.

Andrew
so ure okay? safe?

Me
yeah i just came to school
everything is fine

Andrew
u scared me

Me
ure not the only one
my bff is waiting to interrogate me in French as we speak
can v talk later?

Andrew
sure
dont ever do this 2 me again

Me
i really am sorry

Andrew
its okay
dont die

Me
im sure i can manage that

Andrew
okay then catch u later

The French class goes with me and Jordan sitting on the last bench. We do not hear a thing Monsieur Bourdieu says. First, we talk about me going MIA for a few hours and worrying her. Actually, she talks and I listen. Then, we're too busy catching up after barely twelve hours of being apart. She wants to know what happened at the party after she left and I'm more than willing to tell her.

And of course, I want to tell her about Drew.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *