Life can go back to normal.
I can move on.
Near the outdoor grill is a table with drinks. It’s obvious the punch is spiked, which is why it’s popular, and people keep helping themselves. I contemplate having a drink, but my mood doesn’t call for it.
A set of arms wrap around my waist as the familiar cologne lingers in the air. My chest rises, then falls, remembering all the good times we have had over the last year since we started dating.
“Let’s go upstairs,” Cole suggests with a flirtatious tone. “I want you alone.”
There is only so much I can say to distract him, but I try anyway.
“There are a lot of people. I’m sure the rooms are occupied.”
He leans in to whisper, “There’s a secret room no one knows about.”
My eyes wander to the pink-colored punch floating in the large bowl. With a deep breath, I pour myself a cup and drink it in one go. A rasp escapes me, the alcohol content stronger than anticipated.
Cole laughs, then does the same. Unlike me, he holds his drinks much better. There was only one time when I pushed the limits, and it didn’t end well. Thank God Ava rescued me, or I would have been grounded for life.
Without another word, Cole grabs my hand and leads me to a flight of stairs near the kitchen. The house is big, though not as big as mine, and I have no clue where he is taking me.
Down the long hallway, there are several doors, but Cole opens the one all the way at the end. The room itself appears to be a guest room. Its furnishings are minimal, with a king-size bed being the focus of the room.
Cole closes the door behind me, leading us to the bed. He doesn’t waste any time, pressing his lips against mine forcefully. His hands wander beneath my dress, causing me to tense. Just get it over and done with, I beg of myself.
“What’s wrong?” Cole pulls back. “Why don’t you want me to fuck you?”
Another moment where I can tell him the truth, just like all the other moments which presented themselves. But what’s the point? It's over, and everything should go back to normal.
“I’ve got a lot on my mind,” I half tell the truth.
“Someone else is on your mind?”
“Cole, there’s no one else. It’s only been you.”
Unlike many girls in senior year, I’ve only been with one guy. After months of begging, I finally gave in one night. It wasn’t an ideal situation since it happened at another party and finished quickly when the door opened, and Cole’s best friend caught us.
“Yeah, well, you’re making me feel like shit,” he complains.
I pull back, resting on my elbows. “Just because I don’t feel like fucking you?”
Cole jumps off the bed, pacing with his hands running through his hair. His blue eyes watch me, almost as if I’m doing something wrong by not giving in to him tonight.He doesn’t understand. He’ll never understand.
Suddenly, a piercing scream startles us both. It came from outside, so I run to the window to see what is happening. My eyes widen in shock as a body is dragged from the pool, unconscious.
Without a second thought, I bolt out of the room, leaving Cole behind as adrenaline runs through my veins. The fresh air hits my face when I make it outside, but I rush to the scene.
“Someone call 9-1-1!”
People gather around the boy lying unconscious by the side of the pool. They uselessly stare in bewilderment, but no one does a damn thing. I push people aside, then fall to my knees to better examine him.
I’d watched a YouTube video on how to perform CPR. One of those nights, I fell down a rabbit hole leading me to medical videos. I was fascinated with it all, unsure why but hoping it sticks.
Remembering each step, I attempt to perform CPR. Thankfully, he has a pulse, but how long will all depend on what I do next.
I hear the voice in my head repeating the steps. As people watch on, I begin with the chest compressions using my body weight and keeping my arms straight, then press straight down. Next, I release the pressure before giving mouth-to-mouth.
“Alexa, what the fuck are you doing?” Cole questions angrily. “Paramedics will be here any minute.”