Madison and Kyla are waiting by the front door impatiently. They know I’m dragging this out. I make my way to the top of the stairs still not having found anything to where. “Look, you two go ahead and I’ll meet you there.” As an after thought, “I promise!”

“Spencer Carlin if you’re not there by 8:30 I will come back here and drag you to the party myself. Dressed or not.”

“Yes mom.” Kyla laughs and shakes her head.

“Catch you later Spence.” Madison chirps. Great, now I just need to find something to where. Which seems to be impossible despite the full walk in closet in my room.

******

I take a deep breath and gently rap on the front door of the house Madison kindly gave me directions to. I’ve told myself if no one answers within one minute I’ll assume nobody is home and be on my way. Despite the music that can be heard blaring along with several drunken voices.

As I reach 53 the door swings open and Ashley immediately embraces me, throwing her arms around my neck. “You came.” Do I hug back? I can’t leave her hanging, that’d be rude. I slowly allow my arms to move around her settling at her lower back. “I didn’t think you’d come.” I can smell her hair and it’s not doing anything to calm my nerves. I also smell alcohol. It seems last nights roles may have reversed. I hear Aiden call her from another room. “Coming babe.” she answers as she withdraws from me. “I beter go see what he wants. Beer’s in the kitchen.”

Ok so that felt like a physical blow to the stomach. I wonder how many of them I’ll receive this evening. I feel like Bridget Jones counting jellyfish.

I easily find the kitchen, it’s where I here the chorus’ of “chug” coming from. Seriously, how old are we? Ok so there’s beer, but I opt for a Jack and coke. In fact it’s a rather generous Jack. Tastes better that way.

“You made iiitttt.” Kyla turns to bear hug me.

“Yep, like I said here I am.”

“Good wouldn’t be a party without you.”

“Thanks.” I smile. Kyla always means well, even if it doesn’t always work out well. I see Madison walking over accompanied by Carmen, she never gives up. But I guess Carmen’s kinda cute.