Walk

You shake your head and turn your phone screen off. You don't have enough money to Uber. Besides, Erika would understand if you were a few minutes late anyway.

You grab your keys and pull your door open. You lock the door and begin the walk to your friends house.

You take the time to admire the area around you. You've always loved the city life, the bright lights in the business windows, advertising products that are slightly over priced.

You arrive at the party around 8:20 and pause on the sidewalk outside Erikas house. The street is lined with cars and the windows are illuminated with colorful lights, the muted sound of a bass reaches your ears. The front door is open and you see people spilling fron the inside of the house out into the yard, some dancing and others standing around talking.

Headlights light up the sidewalk around you and you look over to see a large black van pull up next to one of the cars.

The side door opens and a man in a white suit steps out, his eyes scanning the house. He glances at you, his eyes skipping over you as if you blend into the background before he looks back into the truck, nodding once.

You decide not to linger outside anymore, turning away from the weirdo in the van and following the side walk up to the house.

The music overwhelms you the second you make your way through the front door, searching a sea of faces for Erika. You spot her in the kitchen, her arm wrapped tightly around Clarices waist.

She turns in the middle of her conversation and spots you walking towards her a smile breaking out across your face as she waves for you to come over. You plaster a smile on your face as you make your way over to her and Clarice. The conversation continues as you seamlessly add yourself to the small crowd in the kitchen surrounding a punch bowl.

"I can't believe dad gave you enough money to buy such an expensive ring." Amelia, you recognize her instantly. Her hair is long; almost down her entire back, and wavy. A pretty brunette, much like her sister. Both girls have dark moles above their lips on the left side too.

"He's very kind." Clarice replies smoothly, leaning her head on Erikas shoulder.

You eye her suspiciously. "So, once you two have tied the knot, will your dad continue giving you money?" You ask, clamping your jaw shut.

Clarice sneers at you while Erika takes a drink from her plastic champagne glass. "None of your business."

Erika ignores the obvious tension and unloops her arm from Clarice. "I'm going to go get more ice," She says, pointing at a cooler that has two water filled bags in it. She looks at you. "Help me?"

Help Erika

Stay and talk to Clarice