Claimed by the Fallen by Samantha Britt

Author:Samantha Britt [Britt, Samantha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-10-08T16:00:00+00:00

Sixteen

Freddy Hutchins’ lakeside home has transformed into a frat-house. Red plastic cups cover nearly every surface of the home, and electronic dance music blasts from his home’s surround sound speakers. All of the end tables are pushed against the living room walls, making room for a makeshift dance floor. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins have left town to celebrate their anniversary, and their beloved son is taking advantage.

I pull my arms in and wind my way through the swaying crowd, cringing as sweaty bodies touch me. It’s almost like I’m back at the Young and Heart concert. My former classmates seem too busy enjoying the effects of alcohol to be bothered by the humid, uncomfortable atmosphere. I finally reach the kitchen and sigh, relieved.

Fancy light fixtures glow softly on the chips and dip spread out on the kitchen counters. I take a chip and pop it in my mouth as I search for my friend. Annie and I had arrived over an hour ago, but I’d since lost her to the sea of our graduating class. She’d disappeared to get water, but that was ten minutes ago. Now, I can’t see her anywhere.

I turn around to continue my search when a tall form intercepts me. “Hey, Veronica.”

Tilting my head, I look up, surprised to see who is in front of me. “Hi, Preston.”

His dimples show as he smiles. “I’m glad you came! Are you having fun?”

“Yeah, definitely,” I lie. I’ve barely spoken two words to anyone at the party. No one is blatantly unfriendly, but they’re obviously preoccupied with hanging out with their own friends.

“Great!” Preston lifts his hand, holding a cup of punch. “Want something to drink?”

I shrug, surprised by his attention. “Sure.”

He spins around and walks towards the glass bowl on the kitchen island.

Silently, I pray for Annie to return. I don’t know where she ran off to, but I want her back with me. The party isn’t my scene, and I feel like a freak on display for all of our classmates to sneer at. I need Annie to tell me I’m being dramatic and put me at ease.

Preston returns carrying an extra cup, filled with the red liquid. He offers it to me.

“Thanks.” I take a sip to be polite, and I can’t stop my face from puckering.

I cough. “Oh my gosh. What is that?”

Preston chuckles. “Rum, I think. Don’t worry about drinking it if you don’t like it. I’m not much of a fan either.” He shows me his nearly-full cup.

I appreciate the gesture and decide to admit, “I’ve never really had alcohol before.” Aside from sips of my mom’s wine during Christmas dinner, I never touched the stuff.

“It’s overrated,” Preston tells me.

I smile shyly and take another sip without thinking. This time, the flavor isn’t as shocking. I’m able to swallow without cringing.

“So… how’s life post-graduation?” I make conversation to prevent awkwardness.

“Fine.” He pushes back hair from his forehead. “Just ready to move away to college, you know?”

“Yeah, totally.” I can’t wait to leave the small town I grew up in.

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