Because of Him (Read on Kindlé)

Chapter One | Belle

The pulsating music enveloped us, shots lined up on the table in front. Zoe, my best friend, belted out the lyrics to the song blaring through the speakers before downing another cup of the fiery liquid. I couldn't help but giggle, the room swirling around me as the alcohol began to take effect. I knew I probably didn't need another drink, but it was our last week of holidays before our final six months of senior year. And the atmosphere in this place was infectious.

The sharp sting of the cool liquid raced down my throat as I tipped the shot glass back, causing an involuntary cough to escape. "Too much for my sweet little Belle?" Zoe's drunken voice slurred into my ear, her body swaying into mine as she threw her arm over my shoulder, relying on me for support.

Zoe and I had been inseparable since pre-school, bonding over a mischievous act that glued some poor boy's pants to his chair. I might have accidentally split the glue and conveniently kept quiet. The boy's anguished screams echoed through the classroom, but Zoe simply warned him and anyone else who dared to cross us that their asses too would be stuck. From that moment, we became best friends, and the mischievous adventures continued.

Now, with her arm draped over my shoulder, the memories flooded back. I smiled at her, echoing her drunken sentiment, "Not enough!" Our smiles mimicked as we reached for another round of overpriced booze.

Slamming down our cups, we dissolved into laughter, revelling in the moment before Zoe groaned “I can’t believe we're going back next week” If there was one thing that girl did not like it was school.

"Only Six months left Zo' then were free" I stated, my words stumbling over each other as the intoxication in me grew.

"Free to work our lives away" Zoe raised her drink to the sky in a mock celebration. As if the half-empty cup was symbolic of our last few fleeting days. Suddenly, Zoe's demeanor shifted, her eyes widening with fear. Perplexed, I followed her gaze through the crowd of dancing people as she mumbled, "Oh shit.”

Because of Him (Read on Kindlé)