Almost everyone has shown up to this party held by the Heathens. It’s even considered a privilege to be get in. Usually, Jeremy doesn’t even allow me access, let alone invite my friends, but he’s been somewhat lenient ever since I started showing depression signs.
I’ve had some growing up. Whenever I felt too suffocated, too sheltered I’d get these gray days where I can’t see colors no matter how much I try.
Usually, ballet or a chance to wander outside is enough to lessen that burden.
The three of us huddle near a wall, catching our breaths, and that’s when I catch glimpse of Jeremy across the room talking to Nikolai and his most trusted guard.
I hold my breath in preparation for when he’ll barge in, disclose that he knows all about our sneaking about session and ground me like I’m twelve-year-old. However, he doesn’t move. The gray of his eyes narrow, darkening on me.
No, not me.
Cecily?
I stare back at her and she’s still slumped against the wall, breathing harshly, and completely oblivious to how my brother is looking at her as if she’s at the top of his shit list.
Oh, no.
The look disappears as fast as it appeared and Jeremy climbs the stairs with his guard and Nikolai. That’s when I actually release a breath.
We’re safe. Fornow.
“No more wandering in the forest at night,” Cecily grumbles. “I swear I lost a few years of my life.”
“We’ll do it in secret,” Ava whispers to me.
“I heard that and it won’t be happening.”
Ava makes a face and Cecily just stares back. “Very mature.”
“Sorry I want to live my youth to the fullest,Mum.” Ava huffs and takes a glass from a passing waiter.
Yikes.That was probably a guard, considering the glare he threw her way. If I weren’t around, he would’ve grabbed her by the neck and threw her out for the insolence.
She drinks a little, then stops and groans. “Holy shit. This is strong. What is it?”
“Probably pure vodka meant for Jer or Nikolai.”
“I knew Heathens had the best stuff.” She gathers me in a side hug. “We’re lucky we didn’t lose partying privileges.”
“More like reckless,” Cecily lets out under her breath, leaning against a pillar. Her shirt for the day hasI would rather be reading. “Can we go back to the dorm now?”
“Hell to the no. You promised to come along, Cecy.”
“Did you forget that we kind of have classes in the morning?”
“Yeah, so? Being a uni student doesn’t conflict with having fun, you know. In fact, everyone but you does, Miss No-Fun.”
“Don’t come begging me to wake you up tomorrow when you’re proper hammered.”
“Pfft. Glyn will.”
“Glyn, who’s with her boyfriend doing God knows what?”
“It’s called fucking, Ces. Repeat after me. F-U-C-K.”
She gives her a blank look and Ava bursts out laughing and goes back to drinking. They all tease Cecily about being a nerd and a prude, but I find her super cool for having clear boundaries for what she likes and what she doesn’t.
I wish I were as confident as she is.