Zoey found herself squeezed between Mia and Harriet as everyone gathered around, but her plans shifted when Riley nudged in, pushing her to sit next to Harriet.
She hissed inwardly at Riley's smirk, feeling a mix of annoyance and amusement. You think this is funny, idiot? Just wait and see what I'll do with you and your ex, Zoey thought, a mischievous smirk creeping onto her lips.
"Your smirk is scary," Harriet nudged Zoey, catching the playful glint in her eyes.
"Well, it should be," Zoey replied, her tone teasing as she announced the game for the night, trying to keep the atmosphere light.
"Alright!" Zoey clapped her hands, gathering everyone's attention. "Let's play the usual game," she said, forcing enthusiasm into her voice.
"Let's play spin the bottle, but with a twist!" she announced, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Watch out, Riley! I'm getting my revenge for making me sit beside your sister! "Whoever the bottle lands on has to complete a dare. If they refuse, they'll have to take a shot of tequila and answer a truth question. What do you think? Sounds fun?" Zoey looked around, gauging the group's reactions for any signs of dissent.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, though Zoey noticed Riley seemed less than thrilled about the game. Well, what can I do about it? Zoey thought with a smirk.
Mia eagerly called for her turn to spin the bottle, and Zoey's heart raced as the bottle spun wildly. It slowed and finally stopped, pointing directly at her. Zoey gulped, panic surging through her. Oh jeez, please don't...
"Alright!" Mia clapped her hands, her excitement palpable. "I dare Zoey to kiss the person on her right!"
Zoey's eyes widened in shock as she processed the dare and turned to see who was beside her. What the heck, Mia?! she thought, suppressing the urge to shout.
Harriet wore a look of disbelief, mirroring Zoey's own shock. Zoey glanced back at Mia, who was beaming with delight. "What? You don't want to do it?" Mia teased, laughter bubbling from her lips.
Rolling her eyes, Zoey resigned herself to the situation. "Alright, fine! I'll do it. I'm not about to ruin the game on the first spin," she declared, trying to maintain her composure.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to face Harriet, who looked both startled and intrigued. Zoey noticed Harriet gulp, her expression a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Well, Mia didn't specify where I should kiss, Zoey mused playfully.
Leaning in, she planted a light kiss on Harriet's cheek, feeling a thrill rush through her. As she pulled back, her heart raced. "There you go! Done!" she said, returning to her spot with a triumphant grin.
The room erupted in laughter and cheers, the atmosphere lightening with playful energy. Zoey couldn't help but feel a sense of victory, even if her cheeks burned with embarrassment.
Zoey sat outside, the cool night air wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. She stretched her arms overhead, letting out a soft groan as she savored the satisfying feeling of the stretch.
"Aren't you going to sleep yet?" The familiar voice startled her, and she whipped around to see Harriet approaching.
"What the fuck, Harriet," Zoey hissed, gritting her teeth in an attempt to keep her voice down.
Harriet laughed, settling onto the bench beside her but keeping a respectful distance. Zoey noticed the bottle of beer in Harriet's hand and crossed her legs, resting her arms on her knees. "Did I scare you? Sorry," Harriet mumbled, her gaze fixed on the distant stars.
"I don't feel like sleeping yet. How about you?" Zoey replied, glancing sideways at Harriet.
Harriet heaved a sigh. "Trying to let myself sleep by getting drunk," she said, a chuckle escaping her lips. "Pathetic, right?"
Zoey swallowed hard and avoided Harriet's gaze as she sensed her studying her. "Do you always get drunk just to sleep?"
Harriet took a swig from her bottle before answering. "Sometimes," she shrugged, a hint of vulnerability in her tone.
"Right." Harriet turned her attention back to Zoey, her expression shifting. "I'm sorry for asking, but you can opt not to answer this if you're feeling uncomfortable, but..." She tilted her head, her eyes focused intently on Zoey.
Zoey raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What is it?" she prompted when Harriet hesitated.
"I just want to know... what happened on your chest?" Harriet asked, her fingers gently touching the area where she had seen Zoey's scar. "I mean, you can choose not to answerâ"
Zoey chuckled softly, letting out a resigned sigh. "I've got a heart transplant," she said plainly, her brow furrowing as she recalled the complexities of her situation.
"Oh," Harriet said, nodding in understanding. Zoey gulped, her voice growing heavier. "You know, before my parents died, we were living fine. It just happened that we found out I had a heart condition and needed a transplantâthe money, the business, it was gone in just a snap, just for me to get my medicines and all." A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she remembered the hardships they faced.
"You remember Ellie, right? My sister? She's mad at me because she thinks I'm the reason our parents died." Zoey managed a faint smile. "At that time, my parents were trying to raise money since I had been confined in the hospital for so long, waiting for a heart donor."
"I lost my parents in the end; we never got the money, and I lost themâfunny, right? Fate can be so cruel that I can't help but feel bitter at times," Zoey said, fidgeting with her fingers as emotions swirled within her.
Harriet took another sip of her beer, feeling the weight of Zoey's words. "The time my parents died was also when I got my heart donor. Someone donated it after hearing about the accidentâ the same accident that you were in."
"I got my heart; I got my life back, but I lost my parents and my sister," Zoey sighed, tears streaming down her cheeks. She sniffed, forcing a bitter laugh. "I can't blame Ellie for hating me, but at the same time, I can't forgive her for betraying me either."
"Life's hard for me, Harriet. It always has been."
Harriet moved closer, lifting Zoey's chin gently to meet her gaze. She tenderly wiped away the tears cascading down Zoey's face. "You can cry on me if you want to, if you feel like it," Harriet whispered, pulling Zoey into her embrace.
Unable to hold back any longer, Zoey let her emotions flow freely. She buried her face in Harriet's chest, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Just cry your heart out," Harriet murmured, rubbing Zoey's back soothingly. She closed her eyes, feeling a pang of empathy resonate in her own heart, aching for the pain Zoey had endured.