Mountain Brook

Ellie lay on the cold bathroom floor staring up at her ceiling. The room was spinning slightly as she felt faint and weak. She could hear her parents downstairs discussing the matter, their voices echoed through the vents. "Do you think she's covering something up?" she heard her mother say and a long pause followed. One of the gentlemen cleared his throat by the sounds of it and replied "Ma'am, there's just a hole in her story...I know it was just the two girls venturing so maybe Ellie is telling the truth, but we've inspected that bridge hundreds of times, those wooden boards shouldn't have collapsed." Ellie's heart began to race feverishly whilst skipping a beat here or there, she could feel sweat roll down from her forehead. "We'll keep investigating quietly and with your permission we'll have eyes watching Ellie, something doesn't seem right." A moment or two of silence passed and Ellie hadn't notice she was holding her breath until she let out a huge huff. She sat up slowly and glanced around, she began wiping tears from her cheek and took small breaths to calm herself.

At that moment Ellie's phone chimed announcing a new message. She reached inside her dress pocket and pulled it out, it was from Sam.
To: Samarama
Hey! Yes, let's meet please, need to escape my house. Meet you at the lake in the park?

On that note she shuffled to her feet and made her way over to the bathroom window. She slid it open and sung her leg over the edge and began to climb down the wall using a vine support that went from the lawn to the roof. Once she reached the bottom she tiptoed across the lawn and jumped into her convertible and sped off.

When Ellie arrived at the park she made her way over to the lake and sat down on the freshly cut grass. She loved the scenery here, the lake in it's cool blue was filled with roaming ducks, trees surrounded it and flowers grew in all sorts of places. She took a breath and began twirling her thumbs trying to avoid thinking about her recent interrogation.

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Tyler took a couple strides ahead of Isabella and opened the door for her, walking in after. He shoved his hands in his pockets awkwardly, he didn't like being in public, people always stared and whispered and being high didn't help his paranoia. He walked over to the counter and ordered a cookie and tea for Isabella and an espresso for himself.

He went over near a window and sat down at a cozy table. He didn't feel like talking all of the sudden, being here made him slightly uncomfortable today. When their order was announced Tyler rushed over to claim it. He placed the cup of tea in front of Isabella and smiled, she looked happy. He took a swig of his coffee and cringed at the taste. He glanced at the label and sighed in annoyance. "They gave me the wrong order" he mumbled. Tyler hated confronting people, even in these circumstances. He got to his feet and walked up to the counter "Hey man sorry to bother you but this isn't what I ordered. It's under Tyler and the name scribbled on here is Declan"
The barista lifted a brow at him and replied "I would never mess an order, enjoy your coffee freak. Be happy we're serving a burnout like you."
Tyler blinked a couple times in disbelief, it was a good thing his high made him so chill or else he would have ripped him a new one. He glanced around the shop until he spotted Declan patiently waiting and walked towards him "Hey, Declan right? I think they gave me your coffee" he said handing it over.

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Ellie replied almost straight away, and he raised an eyebrow at the message. Good to know he wasn't the only one with home troubles. Then again, he'd always known that things had been a little tense since her sister's death. That had been part of the reason he'd reached out to her to become friends- partially as support... and partially to find out more about something he'd read once.

He didn't bother replying, knowing that she'd probably already be there, or at least on her way. He wondered how things had gone down back at the house. He didn't have any missed calls yet, which was a surprise. Maybe they were planning on letting him cool down first and then try and talk him into apologising. That was one attempt that would fail. It was one thing for force him into not dating, another entirely to try and make him take back something he meant.

It didn't take him long to walk to the park, especially because he'd had to keep it brisk so he didn't get cold. But Ellie was already there by the time he got to the lake. He smiled at her. "Hey. Nice dress," he teased, knowing how much she hated pink. Easy to tell her mother had picked it out for her.

A knock on the door let him know Beatrice had arrived, and Alby ran a hand through his always messy hair before walking back through his apartment. He shot a look around, but there was no sign Sam had been there, which was both a relief and a little sad at the same time. Sometimes he wished he had things...pictures laying out, a drawer full of Sam's stuff, clothes dropped in the corner showing they were much too involved with each other to care about the mess.

But that wasn't his life...the reminder in that came from Scarlet's name lighting up on his phone screen, but he didn't bother to answer it. He knew what she wanted, and he wasn't ready to give it to her yet, so instead he ignored it and went to open the door. Beatrice looked as lost as he felt, and he offered her a weak smile as he pulled the joint from between his lips. "Hey love."

He stepped aside to let her in, pulling the door closed behind him. "I've had one of the worst days in history," he muttered, in way of explaining the pot he was dabbling in. "Getcha anything? Beer? Water?" The last was added on as a wary afterthought. He remembered Bea's text from earlier, if she couldn't remember anything about the party, she probably wasn't in the best mood herself.

"I party all night, I laugh till I cry,"

Laugh Till I Cry | The Front Bottoms || Kids Just Wanna Dance | Emily's Army || Drown | Elizabeth Grace

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"Darling, I'm not judging. I bloody started the day with the thickest blunt I could roll, but I'm okay drink wise, I've got my interview with the police later so I should probably stay sober..." She thought out loud with a small frown for a moment before she added; "-if I'm capable of such a thing," She followed him inside and looked at him gently when he explained he'd had the worse day and she thought he'd sounded slightly off in his text so now her concerns were confirmed and she turned to him with a relaxed and understanding expression.

"You look like you are in it deeper than I am deary, so go on then- what's happened?" She asked softly. The thing many people missed about Beatrice was that she was actually an incredibly sensitive, caring and loyal person. Even now when she was hours away from being interrogated about a night she didn't remember and had stumbled through every kind of illegal activity throughout the course of- she was still more concerned about what had happened to make Alby feel so low. He was her best (and maybe only real) friend, so regardless of her own circumstance he had to come first. She walked inside the apartment with him and smiled lightly, she'd always thought his place was kind of cool- it was a fair portrayal of his personality and self-expression had always gone miles with Beatrice, occupation and character considered baring in mind she's an artist. He looked equally as gloomy and stressed as she knew she did, so she didn't waste any time and got straight to the point of checking up on him and all the other duties of friendship. She ran a hand through her layered and curled short brown locks disrupting their natural fall and unknowingly leaving it slightly messier than could be considered casual but anybody who knew Beatrice would know she blatantly wouldn't give it a second thought and wouldn't care at all.

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There were many familiar faces in the cafe but none that Declan was in the mood to talk to. He could go talk to the group of cheerleaders and validate his reputation of being a sweet talker. Sit with his football team and hang back with barbaric men only thinking about sex, booze, and football. But Declan didn't want to do any of that. He simply just wanted to order his coffee and go to the gym until this day was over. His dad would be home late and Declan could always swing by someone's house or a party if he came home early. Declan wasn't in the mood for a second beating today.

It was Declan's turn now to order his coffee. He thought about ordering something like a Soy Machiatto but he was in the mood for a nice strong black coffee. Declan went up to the register and made his order taking note of the cashier girl. He made sure to flirt with her a bit and get a number written down on his receipt even though he was more interested in the barista boy. Too bad that would only make his beating today look like nothing. Football was everything in his family and Declan wasn't allowed to screw that up.

Declan had been waiting on his order when someone came up to him with a cup in hand. Declan looked up and recognized him instantly. Tyler Kingsley. The man had a reputation in their small town but Declan didn't really care for the rumors. He didn't care for any rumors unless they were about him. "Hey, Declan right? I think they gave me your coffee" Declan gave him a kind smile before putting his hand around the cup and taking it. He looked at the label and took a sip. Mmm black... Exactly how he liked his coffee. "Thank you, Tyler." He grinned at him but then noticed he had no cup of his own. "Were you able to get yours?" He asked. "I could buy you another one."

Ellie jumped slightly at Sam's arrival, she had not heard him coming. ”Hey.” She straightened up properly but felt herself slouch in discomfort as he commented on her dress. She hated pink. She hated her mother for being so demanding. She hated dresses. She wanted to throw up again but she took a breath and recomposed herself.

She examined Sam for a moment and focused her energy on him, pushing all other thoughts aside. She began to ponder her and Sam's friendship, she had known him for years but lately she felt betrayed by him, especially since she saw him and Alby together. She wanted to confront him calmly, ask him why he hadn't mentioned it. His silence about the relationship had confirmed her suspicions, their best friend status was coming to an end, she couldn't trust him anymore. After all they'd been through. She was there for him when he came out to his parents and he was there for her when her sister died. Going through such events meant an unbreakable bond. But she felt his selfishness, she became hostile and cautious as she waited for him to say something.


“So” she said finally, her tone both awkward and suspicious “what’s new…”

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As Declan grabbed the coffee from Tyler he glanced around to make his way back to his table but noticed it was empty with a scribbled napkin laying in sight. He lifted a brow in confusion Okay bye then... he thought. Tyler turned on his heel and refocused his attention on Declan when he offered to buy him another coffee. He smiled politely and said “Yea sure, if you can convince them to give me the right coffee...they’re not too fond of me here. I have a bit of history with the female baristas if you know what I mean.” He chuckled awkwardly and ran a hand through his hair.

He felt the energy of the room, he felt people staring at him. He shoved his hands in his pants pocket and swayed back and forth, the high was wearing off. “You go to my school right? I’ve seen you around before...I think we’ve worked together on a project…then again I'm pretty bad at remembering people or I confuse names and faces... he rambled and squinted his eyes in uncertainty, he felt awkward. Everyone in this town always judged him or never gave him the time of day so making new friends was never easy for Tyler.

Beatrice Candor was the only person in all of Mountain Brook that Alby actually felt like he could...be himself. Even with Sam, things were a little strained sometimes. Just because he was constantly thinking about the secrets he had to keep, for both of them. He couldn't be affectionate in public, couldn't hold his hand or kiss him on the cheek (and then promptly declare Sam tasted icky, even though it was far from the truth). Nothing.

But with Bea...they'd always just kind of understood each other. He didn't lie to her as much. There were the little things, sure, and the stories they both knew he was making up just because that was part of who he was. But she knew him. She knew things about him none of the others did. She even knew Alby was seeing someone - although he was vague about it. No physical descriptions besides 'hot like smoking', and his supposed name was 'Xavier' because Alby was pretty sure that was as far away from 'Sam' as he could get. Bea didn't care if he was lax on the details. Probably just assumed Alby was in it for the fun and not anything serious. Which was fair.

He sighed a little as her attention landed on him. He was used to that - she cared a lot, his best friend - but now wasn't really the time. So he shook his head, took another drag of his cigarette, then grabbed her hand and led her to the couch so they could sit. The moment they both were, Alby flopped over and rested his head on her lap. "I'm fine. I'll tell you later." He didn't know yet if he actually would...he felt like he needed to tell someone, which was new and a little odd, but at the same time...telling someone would make it real, and that was terrifying.

"Let's start with you. You're the one who has to face cops," he made a face at that, remembering how shaky his own interview had gone. "So baby girl, whatcha need? Got some blanks or what?" Also not unusual. The drugs Bea did - especially on party nights - could have that effect. Alby usually went pretty hard himself, but he hoped between the two of them they could work it out.

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Perhaps the comment about the dress hadn't been the best idea. He could read that much from her expression. There was something off about her- well, more so than usual. He'd been friends with her long enough to pick up on when something was wrong. Something had been wrong for a long time now, though. She was painfully thin, and he'd seen her paying off someone to get the answers for a test. She was nothing if not determined- it was just that he was worried about the way she was getting it.

He shrugged in response to her question. She knew something was up, anyway, judging by her tone. "Not much. Have you had your interview yet?" He asked. But the unsaid things between them hung in the air between them, and he sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Listen, Ellie... We need to talk. I'm... I'm worried about you. You're so thin, and I know that's not from all the sport you play. And I saw you paying that guy for the answers for that history test. I just... You're one of my best friends, and I'm worried about you." He had never been the best with words, especially with something as sensitive as this. He just wanted her to be okay, to be healthy, to be safe. He hated having to keep so many secrets from his friends- but he couldn't risk somebody saying the wrong thing to the wrong person and his parents ultimately finding out. And that wasn't worth thinking about.

"I party all night, I laugh till I cry,"

Laugh Till I Cry | The Front Bottoms || Kids Just Wanna Dance | Emily's Army || Drown | Elizabeth Grace

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The thing about Beatrice and Alby was they were both very talented and frequent liars but the reason their friendship worked was that they couldn't lie to each other- they saw through it and most of the time they were honest anyway, the only thing she kept from his was her addiction, hell- she'd told him about her bisexuality and everything which since what happened with Scarlet a few years ago had always been a very sensitive matter, she was quite relaxed about it now but at the time that'd been kind of a big deal to her admitting it to someone. However, that was why she knew that Alby was pulling the wool over her eyes about this guy he was seeing but she wasn't going to push him to tell her everything either- if he was keeping something from her, she respected he'd have his reasons which is why they'd never in all the years they'd known each other had a serious row or argument. She could read people and they were both as guilty as each other.

"Bullshit but we can talk about it later if you that's what you wanna do," She shrugged to him delicately and understandingly, carrying her pixie like figure with tired gestures as she moved to sit with him on the sofa. She chuckled a little as he laid his head in her lap and she rolled her eyes. "If I didn't know better, I'd genuinely think you were a child," She uttered teasingly but only out of slight desperation to avert talking about the truth.

That her entire memory was a complete black hole.

"Okay and yeah- we say blanks, it's not so much blanks plural is like- the whole night is one big fucking blank. I guess I must have screwed somebody 'cause I can remember this dress but that's literally all I remember I thought I spoke to Ellie, I could remember seeing her but she denied it, I think she was lying though," She looked down at him and shrugged her shoulders in slight distress. "I really fucked up this time Alby, I really did," She sighed softly. She'd always felt really fortunate to have Alby because very few people seemed to understand that as messed up as she might be, there was a good honest person under it all- just a person with a lot of baggage and extreme emotional delicacy.

"I guess what I'm getting at is please tell me, we went to the party- got fucked up and then went to get chips or something and I threw up in a sunflower pot, just something that means I didn't screw up much," She uttered with a tone of voice that foreshadowed she knew that was far from what happened.

Alby didn't argue when Bea called him out; she was right, after all, wasn't really anything he could say about it. So instead he just grinned up at her, moved on. "Of course I'm a child," he abolished. "I'm really twelve years old and my parents are actually invisible and this is really their place they just let me pretend like I own it. It's quite fantastic really."

He winked at her, but the conversation had to turn serious eventually, and it did, just then. Alby stared at her for a moment, because...the entire night being gone? That was more than he could fill in, he knew. He'd been at that party with Sam, obviously, but not with Sam, which had of course grated his nerves. Especially as intoxicated as he had been.

He sighed deeply and brought his joint back to his mouth, inhaling what was left and turning his face away from her when he let the smoke out. Normally he wouldn't bother, but the less her clothes smelled like pot was probably the other. He leaned up just a little to shove the leftover in his ashtray, then returned to his comfortable spot on her lap.

"Wish I could tell you that," he admitted. "To be honest...I don't remember a lot myself. I know you showed up right after I did. We shared a bowl and some laughs." And Alby had bee decidedly not staring at Sam, who had been within eyesight at the time being. "Then somehow...I don't really remember how...we ended up splitting. I know you talked to Sam a little...and then Ty." And he really only knew that because he'd used Beatrice as a reason to stick with Sam for a little while. They had a public image of being friends, but Beatrice was friends with both o them, so it was less...unusual, that way? Alby wasn't sure. Sometimes he felt like he was being more obvious when they were out in public by avoiding his boyfriend so much, but better safe than sorry.

His brow scrunched together as he thought, but all he really remembered was alcohol and music and talking to people. Laughing and passing around shots and something splashing over the edge of his cup. They had good parties in Mountain Brook. Top quality, No red solo cups full of cheep beer, but actual mixed alcohol and real drugs. It was fantastic. But as far as remembering actual faces and conversation.

"I saw you with Ellie before I left...I remember because I always get distracted by all that hair she has..." The only girls Alby was close to were Bea - whose hair was as long as his - and Scarlet, who had longer but thin hair. Ellie's hair always caught his attention because it was long and thick. It kind of reminded him of his mother's hair, honestly. As a kid, he'd loved to play with his moms hair...run his little fingers through it, braid it, whatever. It was a little weird, maybe, but true nonetheless. "I was going to tell you bye but..."

But he'd left with Sam. Or as much "with" Sam as he could get away with. It was more like Sam had left, and Alby had followed a safe time afterwords. They'd been together during the window of time the cops were checking, cheating them both out of an alibi. That'd been his fuck up of the night. "I don't know, I guess I lost you somewhere? Maybe you went to the bathroom or something..."

He shrugged a little and sighed. "And unfortunately...that's all I go for ya."

"I party all night, I laugh till I cry,"

Laugh Till I Cry | The Front Bottoms || Kids Just Wanna Dance | Emily's Army || Drown | Elizabeth Grace

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Beatice watched him as he finished his blunt, sighing softly to herself as it dawned on her how much of a mess she'd truly got herself into this time. Bea was a resilient girl and she'd often bounced back from all kinds of crazy situations, so part of her knew she'd pull through her interview okay but she doubted it. In her current state she really doubted there was anyway this could turn out okay. In fact, she was almost kind of scared.

What would happen if she went into her interview with nothing to say? Would they think she'd done it? It'd be a bit convenient for her to have zero memory of the night she attended a party where a poor guy was murdered. She shuddered at the thought- Beatrice was tough but not jail bird tough- why was she even panicking about that? She hadn't done it, she was just so paranoid but she could only blame that on the drugs.

The drugs.

That was something she was genuinely guilty of and could get done for should they find out. She'd be screwed, all her dreams and plans would slip right through her fingers- which precisely why she wanted to stop but it just wasn't that simple.

She kind of zoned out for a minute or so, staring vacantly at the shadows between her eye lashes before she blinked and realised that Alby was laying across her lap again and talking.

"Don't worry about it, I probably passed out or something anyway," She sighed biting her tongue anxiously. If Alby didn't know, she didn't really know who she had left to turn to. She'd talk to Ty later on, meet him for a drink or whatever and try to get some details about where the hell she'd been that night but it sounded like she wasn't ever going to know her exact movements of the evening.

She really needed to get clean.

Desperately.

"Fuck," She breathed hollowly. "Why is Ellie lying about seeing me? It's not like I would have screwed her- she's hot but she's insufferable, I know your friends you can tell her I said that if you want- I'm not fussed, she hates me too- what doesn't she want me to remember though?" She was thinking out loud and she knew Alby wouldn't have any of the answers but she just needed to verbalize her thoughts somehow just to make sense of them. "Should I text her or something?" She asked, seeking his advice sincerely because she'd learnt long ago that he gave better advice than anyone- it's funny because as individuals, they usually do all the wrong things but they always gave each other the most wise advice even if it then went ignored sooner or later.

The more Beatrice's mind began to unravel with all her hypothesises, ideas, theories and concerns about what might have happened that night- the more she felt like she was going to lose it, she fidgeted with a ring on her finger spinning it in circles around her knuckles, her breath kind of short. She'd suffered with panic attacks in the past but it'd been a long while but with all these investigations, accusations and her internal conflict- it was all starting to pile up.

"Alby." She said in a serious tone, her voice wavering with anxiety. "Do you think...do you think they'll suspect me? Because I don't remember..." She asked nervously looking away, the weight of her shame darkening the colour of her eyes.

Ellie stared at Sam in slight disbelief. Threatening much? What does he want anyway? Is he going to blackmail me now? Tell the school about my physical problems or my cheating. She felt the scene around her pan out slowly, she felt dizzy again and furious. Who does Sam think he is to make such a statement? Such an accusation? He doesn't know what I've been going through or how this investigation has effected my whole well being. Is he accusing me of killing the guy at the party? Was this what he would use against me?

Ellie's mind was racing with nonsense. Surely none of her thoughts were even remotely accurate but she felt targeted. She felt tired, angry and Sam was the perfect individual to lash out at. All his lies on why he can't hang out. Maybe he did it. He has a motive, kind of. His parents would surely disown him if they knew he was in a relationship

"Some friend you are Sam" she said finally in a harsh and irritated tone. "You know you've been avoiding me since before the party. Kind of seems suspicious. What did someone find out your little secret? Who are you to judge anyways? What I do with my education and my body is none of your business. You know I must say I'm surprised it's Alby, I mean I know Ty isn't gay but you have been spending a lot your time with. Or so it would seem. And what kind of best friend would accuse me of cheating on a test? If you plan on blackmailing me just know I will make your life a living hell. So bring it."

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Her reaction was... not what he was expecting. She seemed to take complete offense and instantly went on the defensive. He was fully prepared to explain what he meant calmly and coolly- and then she mentioned Alby. He somehow managed to keep a straight face, but his stomach simultaneously dropped and twisted. She knew. How the fuck did she know?

"Listen, Ellie, I don't have a fucking clue what you're on about. Me and Alby are friends- that's all we have ever been, and all we're ever going to be." Lies. "I haven't been spending time with you because I've had three athletics meets in the past three weeks, and I've been training like crazy." Lies. Well, sort of. "I'm not trying to blackmail you, I'm trying to talk you into getting help. You're like a fucking stick. How long is it going to be until you burn yourself out? What happens if you pass out or something in the pool? You're hurting nobody but yourself, Ellie. And even though I've been busy, you're still my friend. I'm not going to let you do that to yourself. So you can threaten to make my life hell, but here's the deal. You talk to somebody about whatever shit is going on in your life, or I do. I'm not standing by and letting you do this to yourself," he said.

How the hell did she know? Had she seen them at the party? It couldn't have been any time since- they'd been so careful. Even at the party, they'd been careful. But they'd also been drinking, among other things, and it was entirely possible that they'd made some mistake. And it was terrifying. Because how long would it be until she let it slip to someone, and then his parents ended up hearing? What if somebody else had seen them? He felt entirely numb, and he hated it.

Alby shrugged a little at the mention of Ellie. Lord knew he didn't understand girls or why they did what they did. He just kind of lived under the assumption that they all had an agenda, one way or another. "She's probably hiding something," he admitted. "Maybe you did bang her, who knows. Maybe she freaked out about it. Or maybe she was way fucked up on something and didn't want to tell anyone. Little Miss Perfect, can't have that. I'm not really that good of friends with her though..."

He really only knew Ellie because he was friends with Sam, and to a lesser degree through Scarlet. They didn't go to the same school or anything, so they didn't really hang out. But he was usually around her at social gatherings. They joked sometimes, and Alby often complimented her outfit choice or her hair, but that was about as far as it went. "Don't text her." He shook his head. "You'll just make it worse."

He sat up when her tone changed, took her chin in his fingers and lifted her gaze to meet his. "No," he answered, "As long as you stop suspecting yourself. You've got to chill out, B. Probably the worst thing you did that night was take a little too much and probably fuck someone of questionable desire. So stick to that. Don't be all fidgety and worried about it, it'll only make you look guilty." He was quiet for a moment, then shrugged. "Plus, the statistics of females murdering males are really, really low. Even accidentally. And I'm not guessing you'd have any kind of a motive anyway, right?"

He took a breath and let it out with a sigh. "And if worse comes to worse...just be honest. You were probably too fucked up to hurt anyone anyway, Bea. And a drug charge is a lot lighter than a murder charge..." But socially...the effects would be devastating.

Ellie stared at her hands as Sam rambled on. She couldn't believe his threatening and insulting words. She could hear the slight panic in his voice however and the curiosity as to how she knew. It's as if everything he said confirmed a hundred things about their relationship. They weren't friends anymore. That was clear. She'd been lying to him and vice versa, two people who had known each other for so long would never do that. Then again, someone had been found dead...maybe the reason behind it all was because of the party. But that wasn't true. They'd been fading out of each others lives for months now. Every big exam taken Ellie had cheated on this year, she stole test answers and lied numerous times on her studying techniques when asked. She was the reason for their distance, it must have started with her, after all she's the fucked up one.

But blaming herself was not an option, if Sam wanted to play it this way then fine. "letting you do this to yourself..." Sam's words faded, her hands became sweaty, she was feeling anxious. Would he really tell everyone about her problem? Would he go so far as ruining her whole future? "You're not going to tell a single soul about me" she said flatly. "And here is why" she pulled out her cell phone and opened the picture of Sam and Alby kissing, she grinned at it before showing Sam the screen. "I have several, one push of a button and everyone will know. Watch yourself Sam this is a game you will lose and I don't want to see you get hurt. You deserve happiness but if you plan on ruining my life then I'll return the favor. As for our so called friendship it is dismissed. You've dug your grave with threats, secrets and lies. Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go home and forget this ever happened."

She got to her feet and brushed her dress, turning on her heel as she did so. With a small glance over her shoulder before heading off she said "Ooh and Sam, nice catch with Alby but fuck you for being a self centered jackass."

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She had evidence. She knew. Sam suddenly felt like he couldn't breathe. He couldn't say anything as she walked away. He didn't know if he was actually breathing or not, because out of nowhere, he was light-headed. He fell onto the bench, burying his face in his hands. Everything was going wrong- he hadn't had half the amount of time he'd wanted or needed with Alby, he'd gotten into an argument with his family, and now he'd lost one of his friends. He'd only wanted to help- and now that had all backfired so, so badly.

Why had she taken photos, though? Had she planned on using them against him anyway? Ellie had been his friend, that didn't seem right- but then again, she hadn't hesitated in threatening to use them against him. The thought of everyone finding out made him feel genuinely sick. His parents would probably kill him if they found out. As if him being in a relationship against their will wasn't bad enough, the fact that he hadn't come straight out and told them would only make things worse.

Rather ironically, the only person Sam wanted at that moment in time was Alby. But at the same time, he couldn't tell him about this. It wasn't fair. He had to deal with this himself.

He still didn't want to go home, though.

"I party all night, I laugh till I cry,"

Laugh Till I Cry | The Front Bottoms || Kids Just Wanna Dance | Emily's Army || Drown | Elizabeth Grace

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"Maybe," Beatrice grumbled, chewing her lip anxiously and rubbing her nail over the joint of her thumb looking for any kind of distraction. She listened to him with a gentle but concerned expression, it was rare Bea worried about anything even for a second- she took absolutely everything and anything in her strive but she always had the control and the power- even with her benzodiazepines she had herself convinced that she made the choice to take them actively and consciously and that it wasn't the drug choosing to consume her. She always had the power but she really didn't this time, her mistakes and carelessness had caught up with her. She wasn't unfamiliar with blank spots in her memories, making mistakes or run ins with the police but this was so much worse than anything else she'd ever done.

She listened to every word because she respected Alby's words and opinions more than anybody else's. He didn't patronise her, degrade her or disregard her simply because she had a few issues. If anything he respected Bea's intelligence because she didn't take drugs because she was stupid- she didn't know herself or understand but something was just missing in her and it had left her further and further astray the more she aged.

He caught her a little off guard when he sat up and moved her chin but only enough to widen her eyes as she looked at him with focus and respect.

Eventually she sighed and nodded softly. "No of course I didn't. I didn't even know the poor sod but you know me Alby's. You know I've been through a fair bit right- must of it my own fault but still, I cope with everything. I never let myself lose and I bounce back but this is bigger than me Alby. I don't know what I did that night, who I was with, what I took and fuck Alby- I know I wouldn't have hurt him but I think, I think I'm scared Alby..." Speaking such words made her feel nauseous with self-loathing her throat burn with acid like there was a sudden urge to throw up. Under less pressurising circumstances she might have laughed at herself- fear was for the lazy, that had always been her excuse for acting brave and fearless- she said; 'Fear was nothing but an excuse for the lazy," she'd said that to everyone she knew at least once, she said it again and again but here she was sitting in front of her best friend degrading herself to the likes of the fearful. She was terrified now that Alby would realise she wasn't telling the whole story simply because she'd mentioned being scared but she couldn't tell him. Marijuana, pills and legal highs were one thing but a full on addiction? She couldn't open up to him about that. He was her best friend in the world but she'd even lose him if that truth came out. He'd forgiven, tolerated and let many things go over the years but this would be the last straw surely?

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Two weeks later

This whole affair had been set up to look much grander than it actually was. A combined fundraiser for the local homeless shelter and the school's extracurriculars, they'd rented out the ballroom of a local hotel. He had to admire the skills of whoever had done the decorating- it was elegant and classy. Artwork, provided by students, lined the walls, price tags subtly stuck to one corner of the frame. As one of the school's sports stars, he was expected to show his face and do some talking, persuade the potential donors to hand over some money.

Taking a glass of non-alcoholic champagne (there were far too many minors to serve the real stuff) and briefly glancing down at himself to make sure his suit was still pristine, he took to the floor. It was easy to spot who the donors were- they were effortlessly elegant and classy, while staff members and any parents present had to try a little harder to be so. It didn't take long for Sam to be recognised by one of the donors.

"Sam Hawkins! Last year's cross country county champion, if I'm not mistaken!" A middle-aged man enthused as Sam approached. "And hopefully this year's as well, sir," Sam replied, holding out his free hand to be shook. "If you keep performing like you have been until now, then there's no doubt you'll win it!" The man replied as he shook Sam's hand. "This is a fine event you have running here, I must say. I'm impressed. And this artwork, this is all done by students? My boy, your school really has some undiscovered talent!" The man continued, as he guided Sam over to look at the paintings. "I'd recommend investing, sir- some of these could be worth thousands in years," Sam replied smoothly, half expecting the man to laugh. But instead, the man just nodded. "Mm. You might have a point there, Mr. Hawkins. Please excuse me," the man said, making a not-so-obvious beeline towards the art teacher, who was in charge of sales.

Sam stood back for a minute, scanning the floor. He was only partially looking for more donors- more so, he was looking for his friends. Or Alby.

"I party all night, I laugh till I cry,"

Laugh Till I Cry | The Front Bottoms || Kids Just Wanna Dance | Emily's Army || Drown | Elizabeth Grace

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Beatrice should have gotten out of bed almost two hours ago. She was expected to be attending the school fundraisers for the extracurricular and the homeless charity but she'd spent most of the night tossing and turning, clawing her room apart with crippling anxiety. She'd injected twice because she couldn't find her Librium tablets and tracks in her inner arms were too obvious and slightly bruised, her skin was thin and pale- she looked sick, not even sick she looked dead and the following morning upon waking up on her bedroom floor with a needle still in her finger tips and opened whiskey on her drawers she realised with horror, the reality of what had happened. She'd mixed. Fuck, had she overdosed was that why she hadn't woken up? Her head pounded like a double bass drum and she felt kind of dizzy but she couldn't waste anymore time. She needed to get to the fundraiser and ASAP- she was supposed to have gotten their an hour early to help set up, she'd promised everyone she would- even if it meant putting up with Scarlet for a whole day and then stay late to pack up but at this rate, she wouldn't be there early at all. She might get there on time for when it began though or so she prayed.

She staggered around her bedroom and took cocodomal for pain relief and she swallowed back the last tablet she had dry. She had to fight the urge to close her eyes and keep herself awake because she felt as though she'd never slept. She ought to call Alby or someone but she couldn't, he couldn't find out what she'd done.

She moved over to her large antique wardrobe and desperately went through her wardrobe seeking out something with long sleeves but she literally had nothing so she put on her high waisted black jeans with a small black crop top and pulled a chunky burgundy cardigan over it all to cover her arms. It was unsuspicious this way too, Beatrice always had some of her skin on show some how simply because she was so self-expressive and accepting of her figure and appearance, so for her to suddenly start covering up would probably go noticed anyway. She ran her hand through her hair and with a growled curse, realised it was too much of a state and she'd have to curl it.

With a slight stumble, she travelled around her room looking for her iron and she dug it out from under a pile of photographs in her bedside drawer and then clambered over her mattress and cushions to get to the large mirror draped on the far wall in order to curl her hair. It took them a moment to warm through and so she took the opportunity to text everybody;

To: Alby <3
Hi deary, sorry something came up- I'm running really behind schedule with the fundraiser. I'll be there ASAP.

She thought about texting Scarlet considering it was most of her doing the event but she really didn't want to talk her, not in the slightest- to say Beatrice hated the girl would be an understatement, it was her fault that Beatrice had spent her childhood years and adolescence being awfully bullied for anything from her skinniness and foul temper but mostly for her sexuality. She blamed her experience with bullying for where she was right now with a drug problem and flawed career as an artist- her hopelessness, the fact she was such a tragedy- she blamed it all on Scarlet which might be unreasonable but to Beatrice, it only made perfect sense. She debated it back and forth for a long moment but she soon realised she had no real choice in the matter, so she bit the bullet and wrote a blunt text.

To: Satanic Scarlet
Something came up. I'll be late.

She didn't explain anything else to her but to be fair, she hadn't said much more in her text to Alby so it wouldn't look too awful if they compared their texts from Beatrice together.

Scarlet's phone name from Beatrice's love for dramatics and irony but mostly from her resentment from Scarlet but it was a known fact she'd feel no shame if anybody were to ever see that phone name. In fact, she might even boast if they did.

The curling tongs on her desk made a sudden noise and it disrupted her from her thoughts and touching the edge to make sure it was hot enough was foolish but the scolding she received from touching it was almost a pleasant wake up call. She breathed softly but shakily and with weak arms, she began curling her short scruffy hair into some kind of half acceptable style. She brushed dark purple eyeshadow over her pale eye lids and used eyeliner to make them look more alive then used a small touch of her favourite nude lip stick so she looked less chapped and unprepared. Looking in the mirror she felt quite disgusted with herself because all she could see was the body and soul of a junkie and how her own skin seemed as though it was cracking and she fought the urge to punch the glass and dragged herself downstairs. Her parents called after her to try and have a conversation but she ignored them and stormed down the road to get to the event as quickly as possible.

Upon arrival, she realised she was debatably under dressed but she couldn't have cared less about that. She'd arrived and that was more than most would have expected from her. She'd nearly fallen over several times on the walk there and had even made sure to grab a cookie out of the bakery on her way so she had some kind of food in her stomach to try and keep her grounded for the day but she was starting to fell okay like she could get through this day and survive.

For a moment, she felt a certain amount of pride because upon turning into the main hall she noted a collection of her pieces of art on display, she'd done a project on the human form especially for the fundraiser and donated them so the funds could be donated to the charity and it was possible the one good thing she'd ever done in her life. The paintings themselves were some of her best work too. She could only hope, the outcome would be worth the effort in the end because her best work took the best of her time up too and all her best brushes and paints but she was glad she'd done it because standing there now looking at the work was by far one of the best feelings she'd felt in a long time. She noticed Sam further down the hall talking to a man about art and as the man walked away, she walked over to talk to Sam.

"Hey, I'm really sorry I was late. Something came up and I got dragged behind schedule. That conversation looked hopeful though- was he interested in the art? Wait shit, that doesn't matter. Is there anything I can do?" She asked speaking a little faster than normal but she soon fell quiet again as she tried to swallow back her weariness.

Ever since Ellie stormed off on Sam life had been interesting. When she arrived home that night her parents were furious for her running out on the cops, calling it disrespectful and dishonoring her late sister. On top of that grades were sloping down and she had lost 5 pounds she desperately needed to keep. Needless to say she was looking like hell, little sleep and lack of food sure didn't help.

Ellie stepped through the doors of the gala, despite her mental insanity she appeared confident and to those who didn't know her, healthy. She wandered over to the buffet and stared at the chocolate covered strawberries, they looked tempting and her stomach longed for nutrition but her hips protested. Ellie sighed feeling as though she was deflating but quickly recomposed herself when a benefactor approached her "Miss Holland! Pleasure to see you again, I saw your volleyball game last week and must I say you are unstoppable." Ellie smiled and began to play with her loose curls, twirling them as she replied "Mr. Flander it is an honor to see you again this year. Have you donated? It’s for a good cause you know." The man chuckled "Why of course my dear! I'm always here to support the extracurricular especially of this towns star pupils. Have you heard? Rumors are spreading that you are in line for three scholarships from three separate Ivy Leagues! Keep up the good work." Ellie stared at him in a fake flattered fashion, of course she knew about the scholarships but she couldn’t care less, money was never an obstacle.

As the benefactor wandered off Ellie scanned her surroundings. She spotted Scarlet and Beatrice speaking with Sam, the sight of Sam made Ellie sick to her stomach. No good useless trader… she thought bitterly. She felt excluded from her usual world, Scarlet had been avoiding her or so it would seem and she hadn’t made contact with Beatrice since their talk at the café but that was normal. Seeing Scarlet and Sam converse made Ellie hate Scarlet and her thougths raged with fury Doesn’t she know Sam is a good for nothing asshole who will expose your secrets and make your life hell? What is this, is Sam going to tell Scarlet about my health and try to get Scarlet on his side…he would do that…that jerk. Fuck. Huh. Wait second, I should seek out Alby, tell him what I know and threaten exposure. Ooh yeah, that’s a good idea. You better watch your back Sam.

Daggers in her eyes, she felt determined. She stared at the entranceway of the gala awaiting Alby’s arrival.

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The last couple weeks had been increasingly more stressful for Tyler. Cops seemed to linger more often, question upon redundant question was asked and silent whispers filled the air. For some god awful reason the cops had been questioning him about events he didn’t even know about. Calling him a suspect and making his case even worse than it actually was. This made Tyler nervous, the cops clearly wanted him locked up but luck was on his side for his attorneys were the best in the country and were determined to clear his record.

No matter, Ty felt good today, well as good as he could. The gala had been something to look forward too and with the help of his parent’s money he hoped it would go by smoothly and people would drop the rumors.

Tyler wandered into the gala and sought out a waiter carrying filled champagne flutes on a tray. He grabbed a glass and pounded it back, he needed something to loosen him up. He cringed at the glass when he realized it was non-alcoholic ”Fuckers”he muttered. At that moment he felt curious eyes examining him, call it paranoia but for once it was in the right place. He glanced around and noticed a young woman, possibly in her early twenties, staring at him. Tyler lifted a brow and was ready to run off when she approached him ”Tyler Kingsley, correct?” Ty stared at her blankly unsure if he should respond honestly or at all. He gave a small awkward nod ”Ooh how delightful” she chimed and grabbed his hand to shake it ”Andrea Palmer, I’m a reporter and a little birdie informed me of your case, although only half of it is public I must say I think you’re innocent and the system is corrupt. May I ask you a few questions?” Tyler shrugged in response, he didn’t care for the media but if a reporter believed his innocence then he ought to give her some answers. “Is it true that you are the prime suspect for the killing of about a month ago?” Tyler rolled his eyes “Yes, because of my history they think I’d be capable of such an act. What they don’t believe is that I don’t even know the individual who was murdered. To be honest I have a prime suspect of my own.” The woman looked intrigued “Do tell.” Tyler glanced around and spotted Sam, something about Sam lately made him feel uneasy. He lingered too often and asked too many questions. He didn’t seem to have much or any knowledge of Tyler’s past but he sure was a curious one. Something about Sam seemed to say I had a motive, and after Tyler’s encounter with Ellie a couple days ago he believed it. Ellie had approached him about Sam saying he was not to be trusted and the guy had plenty of skeletons in his closet. Ellie had no reason to lie did she? “I’ve said more than enough already, but yes I’m innocent. I may have been involved in some reckless behaviours but my hands are clean in terms of murder.” As he spoke his eyes were locked on Sam and the reporter didn’t fail to notice so she gave Tyler a small nod and wandered off.

Tyler kept his focus on Sam as he leaned back against a wall and pondered the last month or so. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a flask filled with whiskey. He took a small swig and shoved it back into his pocket, he needed to get drunk as tonight would be like every other.

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Sam hadn't been alone for long when Scarlet appeared. He resisted the temptation to roll his eyes at her comment. He didn't know if she was joking or not. Knowing her, she probably wasn't. He was committing a mortal sin just by being attracted to guys- all the lying and so on just got him a place on the VIP list. "You know me, Scarlet, that's all I'm ever doing," he replied jokingly. His phone buzzed with a text, but he ignored it. He mightn't have been Scarlet's best friend, but he also wasn't going to be plain rude to her either. "You look nice," he said.

And then Beatrice appeared, already talking at him. He laughed and held up his hands. "Somebody's eager. Yeah, he was interested in some of the art- I think it could have been one of your pieces, actually." Behind the two girls, he spotted Ellie. They hadn't spoken since their fight, and he didn't want to. Not with how quickly she'd turned on him. He hadn't told Alby what had happened. Their time together was short enough, and he didn't want to spoil any of that. He turned his attention back to those in front of him.

"Anyway, how are you two lovely girls? Scarlet, excellent work on the decoration- I had training this afternoon, so couldn't make it to help out, I'm afraid," he said apologetically. For once, training wasn't a cover for being at Alby's. With the tournaments starting to loom, their coach wanted them training as much as possible. And while that did cut in on his time with Alby, it was better than being at home.

He didn't miss Ty's stare, even as he spoke to the woman. Sam got the impression that Ty knew something he wasn't supposed to, and that made Sam uneasy. Everything was making Sam uneasy these days. Every time a text came in, he was afraid that it was someone asking him about him and Alby. Every time he saw his parents, he was waiting for them to demand the truth from him. Every time a police officer walked past, he was waiting for them to stop him and either arrest him or start into the questioning. Things like this made him glad for the extra training, glad for the extra time spent running.

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Declan was completely and utterly miserable at this event. If it wasn't a requirement for the team to be here, especially Declan, he wouldn't have bothered showing up. Of course Declan was forced to come thanks to being the star quarterback and his father showed up as well which would definitely make this night one to remember. Declan had to confiscate his flask but his father was still obviously tipsy from drinking before they came and an utter embarrassment for him as he bragged about his soon with a slurred speech and tripped around the room. His father didn't even need to show up considering the event was just an art fundraiser.

Declan eventually ditched his father and went on to do what was expected of him. He went around the room doing his best to sell some of the art. Most of them simply wanted to talk about his sports career and scholarships which Declan found a bit annoying. He rather hated having to talk about himself all the time like he was some perfect super star. Declan was anything but perfect.

Eventually he grew tired and left the parents he was speaking with. He scanned the room of students hoping there was at least someone here he could tolerate and make it through the night with before his father made a huge mess of things. Ellie was the first laid eyes on but she was already leaving. Next was Tyler. He locked eyes with him for only a moment before moving on. Declan hadn't seen him since that day at the coffee shop when he bought him a coffee after they confused their orders. Declan obviously found him attractive but he knew better when it came to crushing on straight men and keeping his sexuality a secret.

Declan found a small group of three clustered together and Declan instantly recognized each of them. Scarlet was among them and the only reason he even made his way over their after grabbing two glasses of champagne in order to uphold his reputation. He stepped into the group with his typical heart melting smile. "Good evening, ladies..." He handed a glass to Beatrice and Scarlet before acknowledging Sam Hawkins with a nod. "Sam." His attention went back to Scarlet as he glanced down at her. "You look breathe taking as always, Scarlet."

The last two weeks Alby had spent either drunk or high, which was rare for him outside of a party. He liked the occasional beer with dinner, or a smoke on the balcony, but it was nothing like this. He was unraveling. The pressure of his lies was dragging him down, and he felt like his secrets were written across his forehead.

His life was coming apart.

The cops were watching him out of the corners of their eyes, Scarlet seemed to be everywhere he looked, he was seriously beginning to worry about Bea, and things with him and Sam had been...off, lately. Not bad, just...different. He figured it was all in his head, his latest secret, sitting heavily in his gut. He needed to tell someone. He tried telling Bea, more than once, but then he'd remember how much she hated Scarlet and he'd whimp out.

Standing in front of the mirror in his apartment, he thought he looked sick. His eyes were a little sunken in, his skin was too pale, and he was pretty sure he was sweating. With a sigh he wiped his forehead and then pressed it against the cool glass. He couldn't even remember the last time he'd eaten.

A text from Bea came in claiming she was going to be late, and Alby tried not to laugh because so was he. Finally he picked himself up and finished dressing. Slacks, a lilac button down which he actually tucked in, a nice jacket to go on over it. He usually liked these galas - he could be anyone he wanted for the night. Prim and proper and the kind of kid his father would have actually claimed.

The thought made his stomach twist and Alby actually almost threw up. Which would have been interesting, since he was pretty sure there was nothing to throw up. He sighed, tried to fix his hair, and then finally left the apartment. By the time he reached his destination, most people were already there.

He ran his hands through his hair and glanced around the room as soon as he entered. Of course, he saw Sam first, surrounded by a group. If it had just been Bea, he would have happily made his way over. But it wasn't. Alby's throat closed as he realized Scarlet was over there, and for a moment he panicked, but then he realized that she had no idea he was dating Sam, there would be no reason for her to spill their secret, so he relaxed. Declan Cain was over there too, and Alby was not a fan of him, so instead of trying to steal a few moments small-talk with his boyfriend, he just avoided the area altogether. At least until he caught Ellie's gaze, which wasn't exactly friendly. Fantastic.