Chapter 38- Do You Want to Hangout At My House? -Part 1

I wake up with a massive hangover and rush to the bathroom, locking the door as I puke into the toilet. Groaning, I glance in the mirror: messy hair, dark circles under my eyes, and a pounding headache.

I search the medicine cabinet for aspirin and take some before slipping out of my dress and stepping into a hot shower.

Afterward, I head back to my bedroom, change into sweatpants and a tank top, and tie my hair in a ponytail. It's 10:45 AM—wow, I really partied hard last night after the game.

I go downstairs to the kitchen and see Freddie washing dishes.

"Morning, Anastasia. Eat your breakfast, and then you can open your presents. Mr. Montez has gone to visit your mother," he says.

I nod.

After breakfast, I walk into the living room and see gifts piled on the couch. I sit down and open Dad's first—it's a new phone. Next is Luke's gift: a series of my favorite books. I'll have to thank him later.

Arlene gave me a friendship bracelet and a picture from our first day as friends. Jordan's gift is a framed photo of all of us at the mall shopping for my clothes.

Carlo's present is a paint gun and a list of pranks we need to complete before graduation. Kyle got me a skateboard and promised to teach me how to ride it. Justin's gifts are two pairs of Jordans, a leather jacket, and gold headphones.

Jacob's gift is a camping trip before next semester. Gregory gives me a paper for free pizza for the rest of the year, and I jump up and down in excitement.

Last but not least, Brandon's gift is a silver heart-shaped necklace that says, "love always." I put it on and smile.

I text everyone to see if they want to hang out at my house later.

____

Justin's POV

Last night during the game, Anne frowned when I took a sip after Brandon's turn. I think I'm in love, but I'm not sure if she feels the same way.

I wake up in a hotel room with a girl next to me—what happened last night? Was I really that drunk?

I get out of bed, dress, and wash my face. The girl is still sleeping, so I quietly leave the room. I drive home, relieved that my parents are out for the week. At noon, I receive a text from Anne.

Anne: Do you want to hang out later?

Me: Sure, I slept in, so there's no point in going to school.

I order pizza and watch TV until I'm ready to head to Anne's.

***

Brandon's POV

"Get up, Brandon, or you'll be late for school!" I groan. What time is it? 7:00 AM. Do I really have to go?

I drag myself to the bathroom; my eyes are puffy, and my blonde hair is a mess. I take a quick shower, brush my teeth, and head back to my room.

I put on long pants, a T-shirt, and my school's track team sweater with my number 16 on it. After slipping on my Converse, I dry my hair and grab my phone, keys, and bag.

Downstairs, I see Mom and Brenda eating breakfast.

"Brandon, I made milk and cereal with Mom," Brenda says, smiling as I ruffle her hair.

She frowns, and Mom hands me a plate of waffles. I sit down to eat.

"So, how was the party?" Mom asks.

"Good! One Direction even came; it was unforgettable," I reply, and she nods.

I hear a horn outside—Jack must be here. I kiss Brenda on the forehead and Mom on the cheek before heading out.

I open the door and get into the car.

"Let's go; we're already late. You can make it to second period," Jack says.

We pull into the parking lot, and I see Nikki and her friend Jackie approaching.

"Brandon! You came! I thought you'd stay home with your girlfriend," Nikki shouts.

I wish I had. I shrug as she links her arm with mine while we walk into school.

Jack and Jackie follow, more interested in flirting than talking.

Ana and her friends are home; I should have ditched school to be with her.

"I'm so glad you came! I heard the party was a blast, and One Direction was there. I'm so jealous," Nikki says.

I roll my eyes as we enter the biology lab together; we're partners. Stephanie and Jack are partners too, probably making out more than working.

"Today, we'll discuss birth control; take out your books," the teacher announces.

Nikki is really into this topic.

I know all about birth control measures thanks to my mom, who had "the talk" with me when I was sixteen.

Nikki twirls her hair. "I really like this topic."

I roll my eyes again as the teacher adds, "Since many of you are sexually active, I'll be handing out condoms at the end of class."

The guys smirk.

Nikki tries to get my attention by passing notes.

I get a text from Anne, and I feel relieved.

Ana: Hi, do you want to hang out later?

Me: Sorry, I'd love to, but I'm in school and have to work.

Ana: That's okay; I'll see you tomorrow.

Me: Yeah.

Nikki whispers, "Aww, lover boy doesn't have time for his girlfriend anymore. Poor Ana."

I sigh; this girl is really getting on my nerves.