BURN

CHAPTER ONE “No parties, no hanging out with anyone else apart from Jade and no doing any stupid stuff. Don’t forget that Sophie. If you try breaking any of these rules Dad is going to have my head for it and your freedom too,” he warned for probably the tenth time since he stepped into the apartment I shared with Jade,   As if I really had any freedom at all, I almost snarled out loud but instead smiled at Danny while nodding in affirmation at the same time. He walked out and almost immediately I slammed the door behind him, sighing helplessly. Jade burst into our living room jumping onto the maroon leather couch, her black curls bouncing.   “Now I won’t have to go to that party alone,” she announced, a smile perking up her lips.   “You heard him. No parties,” I grumbled as I sat beside her.   “To hell with your brother. This is the one chance to have fun. I doubt you’ll ever get another one,”   “I know that and I also know Danny will make a hell out of my life if he learns about it,” I countered.   Jade stood up with a small frown on her face. Her disappointment could not even come close to the caged feeling that had been gnawing me for years. I badly wanted to go to the party and experience that feeling of freedom even if it was just for a few hours. But apparently freedom was such an expensive commodity when you came from a family like mine. How I wished I could be a rebel even just for a day.   “I think I have a solution,” I turned to Jade leaning outside her bedroom door with arms crossed.   “A solution to what?”   “To your problem. I’m pretty good with make-up. If you wear it, I doubt anyone will recognize you,” I looked at her, my mind already reeling with the possibility of that. Damn it! Why do I always listen to Jade and her crazy suggestions?   “You think it will work?” I asked doubtfully.   “I’m pretty sure it will,”   “Well then, let’s rock the party,” I said.   Apparently she was right. Make-up really had a way of making someone a whole new different person. A few strokes of eyeliner, a dark shade of mascara and red lipstick did wonders to me. I could hardly recognize myself in the dressing mirror. Ten minutes later, Jade pulled her Merc at the flooded party house. I had really been ecstatic at thought of being at my first ever party, at the thought of actually being a rebel for the first time in my entire but when I stepped out of the car, I was not sure anymore. My heart rammed against my chest rather loudly as a stream of uncertainty waved through me.    “I don’t think I can do this,” I admitted pulling at Jade’s arm.   “Please don’t start now Sophie,” she pulled a pleading look over her face.   “What if something happens while I’m at the party? What if Danny finds out? What if-“she cut me with her index finger on my lip.   “What if you get to be the rebel you have always wanted? What if you had a taste of the freedom you have always craved? What if you get to be wild even just for a few hours?” She really knew her way with words. Within seconds I felt myself relax immensely.