Secret Time

Chapter 8

"Look who decided to show up!" Jordan wraps his arms around Nick and Noah, excluding me.

Luck is on my side though when I see a familiar face. "Alvin?"

He turns to me. "Anastasia? How are you here?"

"My brother." I hook my thumb over my shoulder.

He takes a sip from his drink. "Willow and Cassie are out back, I think some of their friends are too but I don't know."

"Oh great, thanks." I press my lips together and disperse.

Music is pounding in my ears as I walk to the back door. I've only been here once but that was when the house was not full of people and I could actually see where I was going. It's been a while since I've been to a party and now I remember why I stopped showing up to them. Nick always brought me to his because everyone remotely related to football knew me and was nice to me, so it was a nice escape.

Despite the usual war between siblings, me and Nick always got along. He protected me and made sure I was okay because he was the only person who had eyes on me growing up. Both of us were rarely ever home so maybe that's why he feels both like my best friend and a brother. I honestly got the two terms confused and considered my brothers friends, growing up, my family or my brothers. When we moved though, the dynamic became more apparent as we were now closer to everyone.

I open the back sliding glass door when an arm comes around my shoulder making me jump.

"Nick said you were here," Nate slurs.

I laugh. "Hello to you too Nate."

"You coming to sit with us?" He raises a brow, stumbling slightly.

"Later," I assure. "Nate, how about you go drink some water?"

He nods. "That's why I'm over here. I don't want the last time to repeat."

"What happened last time?" I ask with my brows furrowed.

A lazy smile plays on his face. "Alcohol poisoning."

I shake my head. "Of course. Now go drink water." I shrug his arm off.

He salutes and walks off. We used to be closer when we were younger and he's always been the sweetest out of the boys but like all good things, we grew apart. I think our parents don't like each other anymore or something like that. But I always enjoyed seeing him, along with the other boys on the football team. I remember when they started out playing flag football and all had buzz cuts or just really short spiked hair in elementary school.

I enter the backyard the second Nate leaves. I hope he sobers up soon or that someone sober is his designated driver. I see Willow, Cassie, Bennett, and Allen all sitting by a tree or leaning on it. I smiled, I knew they were going to be shocked because every Friday I make a point to tell them I'm busy. Surprise. I'm overwhelmed by joy as I think about the wins tonight and now I get to hangout with my friends, my heart is lit up like it finally has some strong light inside. The only thing wrong is something else that's making that light extra bright, I can't put my finger on it. I've been hanging out with Nick, Noah and my friends, when I can. But my feelings are telling me something else is igniting the fire in my heart, this good and beautiful fire. I thank God a thousand times, I'm not even stressed about finals or worried about Nick's wrist anymore. Something is different, like I've filled a hole. I wish I could run to Leia and tell her everything. But what is everything? Like I said, I don't know. I just know I'm happy. The fact that I can't run to Leia doesn't make me sad anymore. I have more friends now, people who care.

"Anastasia! What are you doing here?" Willow runs up to me and hugs me.

I hug her back smiling. "My plans ended early. I came here with Nick and Noah but then I saw Alvin and he said you all were here. I'm so glad to see you guys, it's been a stressful week," I rushed out.