Granting One Last Wish

KEN

of Nicki Minaj is blaring from inside. The lawn is full of teenagers playing footba

say no. She’s the closest to a sister that I never had. We walk through the crowded dance floor

d a bowl chips that could cause you salmonella. Rebecca reminded me not t

s since he came directly from the game. He

giving her peck on her lips and a peck on my cheek. “Hey, Mack. Good t

’s party, so I had to be there and play a good d

so here we are,” Becca re

, okay?” James doesn’t seem to

s yells when the new song starts to play. He grabs

ot a chance, babe! I promised her mom that I’ll take care

cca looks more annoyed, but we keep walking thr

you don’t like him, just say excuses like goin

t his lam

re so annoying.” B

st let Mack meet a jock because she’s my

r!” Rebecca is

he, Jame

on,” he answers. My

recognize most of them as his teammates. He i

et my teammates,” James says. Everyone waves

out winning their game. I know how the gam

s’ lap on the couch while I’m still

e living room where everyone is still dancing, swaying, and jumping like

y voice asks from behind t

hes Trevor “Trey” Hamilton standing in front of me. His short blond hair is disheveled in a stylish way. He has b

e. When Becca told me that Trey is throwing a party, I was

. Lame excuse, I know because I saw him flirting with Lorrie “Bitch” Mor

air,” he says with excitement in

is gaze. “Shouldn’t

ng all night telling me about the cheerleading like everyone doesn

sur

es. “Fo

not to bump into the couples making out in the hallway—horny teenagers. We keep walking for a couple m

at school. You don’t like football, do you? I

d us to the lake. I can still see

o watch them as if they’re in a wrestling match. The only differ

r you, so what is you

college?” He keeps looking at me, then he drops his g

. My parents won’t let me attend college

are you, Mack?”

reak,” I answer as I look

should be proud of yourself. Not like other girls who are busy

“Well, thanks. How about y

ywhere far too.” He smiles, and I want to gi

u deserved it.” I ta

a drink. Stay here, o

hone from the pocket of my jacket I wear ov

. Red is your color. Bo

ed to date yet, so I don’t care if boys like a girl in red.

now, and I still have to fix your hair.

bring us something to drink. Press 3.” I

*

tle bit chilly. I can still hear the music from inside the house. The tree leaves rustle as

tsteps coming closer to me, and I turn my head in excite

. The hair on my nape stands

ke a deep breath. Before I can start dreaming, hands gr

th. I struggle, but I can’t breathe, and I can’t hold any longer. I inhale something like a chemical that burns my nostrils and m

*

panic. I try shouting, but my mouth is sealed with adhesive, or duct tape? I try to free my hands, but it looks like I’m being chained. I ca

afraid in my entire life until tonight, or is it a day? I try moving, but as soon as I struggle, my wrists are

a sound unlocking the door opens then closes. I hear footste

on’t know what will happen to me here. My

d at that thought, my body starts to shake fro

ase, don’t let m

*

hed sounds ir

e

e

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