It’s the effortlessness that makes us stand apart, but together.And tonight, I’m a mile away from my friends—because Livvy’s redirecting the spotlight and manipulating the show.This is a performance for her.I see through it.It never bothered me how much she tried so hard to be different because I never interacted with her.Not until she started luring my friends in and convincing them she’s just like us.
So much of my life, I was in awe of Livvy.I wanted her attention.She always seemed mature and in control.Comfortable in her body and around guys.She intimidated me in a way that made her feel unreachable.In a single moment, I didn’t look at her the same, and she didn’t look at me at all.Not until recently.And now, I don’t want her attention.Not like this.
“What is it about you, Sadie Prescott, that makes you special?”Livvy asks, leaning against the archway, watching me as I lie on the floor with my eyes closed, letting the music transport me away from here.
I roll onto my stomach and prop up on my elbows.“What kind of question is that?”
“It’s… interesting.We’ve lived on the same street our entire lives.And I know nothing about you.You never even tried to get to know me.Does anyone really know you?The real Sadie Prescott?I doubt they do.”
I shake my head.“What are you talking about?You’re not making sense.”Maybe she got into the gummy stash too.I have a feeling she’s making fun of me without coming right out and insulting me.And she’s doing it in a completely twisted, backward way.
“Why are you best friends with Danika?You’re nothing alike.And why do Collin and Jonathan let you follow after them all the time?Not to mention Jaz and Darcy.They’re your friends, but how close are you really?You don’t fit in.You don’t make sense.”
I stare at her, my brow crumpled with confusion.She has to be high.Still… she got to me.My pulse is thrumming, and my palms are sweaty.I can’t be here anymore.I should never have come.There’s a reason Livvy and I never became friends, and she just reminded me why.
Standing, I slip on the shoes I abandoned by the couch and walk past her into the kitchen.I pick up my overnight bag and continue to the foyer for my jacket.
“Where are you going?”Danika asks, stepping out of the bathroom.
The doorbell rings.
I look to Danika, then back at the door.
The doorbell rings repeatedly, like an urgent alarm, followed by pounding.I take a step away.Livvy moves to the window and peeks through the blinds.
“I know you’re in there!”a male voice bellows, followed by more pounding.
“Oren, I think they can hear you,” another guy comments.
“No.Way.”Danika purses her lips and shakes her head.“I’m going to kill him.”
She stomps to the door just as Livvy swings it open.Danika bursts past and shoves Oren.He stumbles back a step and nearly loses his balance.
“Baby,” he coaxes with arms spread.“Why so rough?”
“I told you not to come!”Danika shoves him again.“You don’t listen.”
Oren’s smile vanishes.“What’s your problem?Seriously, what the hell, baby?”He stands taller, not letting her move him.He captures her wrists when she goes at him again.She struggles against him.I instinctively step forward at the same time someone emerges from behind Darren.
Jonathan reaches Oren before I can do anything.I have never moved toward a conflict before.Instinct took over to protect my friend, although I have no idea what I’d have done when I got to her.It’s a question that’ll never be answered because Jonathan intervenes, even with an arm in a sling.
“Hey, relax.Okay?”Jonathan says to Oren, his voice a low hum.He doesn’t have to touch him.His overwhelming presence gets Oren to listen.To take him seriously.
“Danika, it’s okay.I told him you were here.It’s my fault,” Livvy says.
Danika whirls as soon as Oren releases her.“Why would you do that?!”
“Because he’s your boyfriend.”Livvy snorts like Danika is being ridiculous.“Did you really think this was that kind of sleepover?You know nothing’s fun without the guys.”
“We said just the girls.”Danika aggressively bumps past Livvy to grab her jacket.Mine is still hanging.“You’re leaving, right?”
“Uh, yeah,” I say, my voice caught in my throat.She tosses me my jacket.
“Let’s go.”She shoves her arms through her jacket and grabs her things.
I don’t make eye contact with Livvy as we pass.I can feel her watching us.I thought she’d be angry, but she doesn’t seem bothered by Danika’s outburst.
Jonathan is waiting on the bottom step.Danika notices him for the first time and comes to an abrupt stop.She eyes him like she doesn’t understand why he’s here.Or how he could’ve let Oren show up.He holds up his one free hand in surrender.“I didn’t know.Thought we were invited.”
