Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Ding-dong.

That would be the pizza guy. I threw my empty ice cream carton on the ground and leaped up off the couch. I was halfway out the door when I saw that Grace had beat me to it. She was in her pajamas, a maroon crop top and plaid pants, leaning against the door frame flirting with the pizza guy. He looked like he was around nineteen. He flipped his mop of curly dirty blonde hair and winked at Grace before handing her the two boxes of pizza – yes I’m aware of the fact that the three of us are fatties. I heard her tell him 'thank you' and then she shut the door.

“Did you pay him?” I raised an eyebrow. Grace grinned.

“Yeah… but, I didn’t exactly tip him. Let’s just say that flirting can save you money,” Grace laughed. I rolled my eyes and put the pizza on the kitchen counter.

“HURRY IT UP, YOU’VE GOT A STARVING PREGNANT GIRL OVER HERE!” Sierra yelled from the living room. I laughed and grabbed some paper plates from the pantry. Grace put two slices on each of our plates and then grabbed the two liter bottle of Dr. Pepper from the counter. We trailed into the living room and found Sierra sitting criss-cross applesauce on the couch.

“Speaking of our pregnant girl, how did Gage react when you told him?” I asked as I plopped down beside her on the couch. Sierra heavily sighed and she put down her greasy slice of pepperoni pizza.

“He um… he didn’t react very nicely. He kind of told me I was lying and that I was just trying to get attention from him.” Sierra shook her head and put her hand on her tiny, barely noticeable baby bump. She was about two and a half months into her pregnancy.

“I’m sorry. I’m sure he’ll come to his senses soon. He was probably with Vincent, I know that’s where Shane went, but whenever the three- four of them if you want to include Kyle- get together they always end up either drunk or stoned. So chances are he was drunk when he said that to you.” I bit into my pizza and looked at Sierra. She had a sad expression on her face and it looked like she had nothing to say.

I glanced at Grace, I was practically begging her to say something. Well, at least that’s the signal I was trying to mouth to her. Grace finally realized what I was trying to do and she jumped up, her long brown hair falling out of a messy bun in the process.

“Aw shit,” She muttered as she bent down to pick up the hair-tie. I saw Sierra trying not to laugh. Grace put her hair back up in a bun and she then went to the cabinet where I keep all my movies.

“We need to watch a scary ass movie so all of us crybabies can forget about our problems,” Grace started rummaging through the cabinet.

She could’ve put that a little nicer. Oh well. She’s always been the obnoxious, straight forward one in the group.

“What about, Mama?” She threw me the DVD and then grabbed the DVR remote. I’ve never seen this- it’s Michael’s DVD.

“Are you sure? You know we don’t handle horror movies too well,” Sierra said. She was referring to her and me. I nervously laughed and then chucked the DVD at Grace.

“C’mon, you’ll be fine! Hey, why don’t you two go make some popcorn, I’ll get the movie set up,” Grace ordered. I groaned and got up, pulling Sierra up with me. I grabbed my phone off the coffee table and checked the time: 11:59.

I was supposed to call Shane earlier, around nine, but I decided its better if I just let him hang out with his friends. I put my phone on the counter and went to the pantry when Michael keeps his stash of microwave popcorn. I grabbed a back and after reading the instructions- just to be safe- I put it in the microwave. While it was cooking I sat down next to Sierra on the ‘bar stools’.

“So, you’ve actually had a decent conversation with Gage before right?” Sierra started twiddling her thumb.

“Yeah, during lunches. He’s not that bad a guy. He would be a great father if he would tried,” I semi-smiled. Sierra nodded and was about to say something else when my phone started ringing.

“Kaelyn? Oh thank god you picked up. I know it’s late- technically early but, can you come pick up Shane and Gage? Possibly Vincent too. They’re too drunk; they can barely stand upright and I’m not letting any of them drive home.” Kyle’s voice came through my phone at what felt like 100 miles per hour.

“Kyle, slow down, where are you?” I grabbed my keys off the counter and Sierra started at me with a confused expression on her face.

“We’re at the old wooden bridge, the one that goes over the river on McCreary Rd. Bring someone who can drive Vincent’s car home.” Kyle said.

“Okay. I know where that is. I’ll bring Grace and Sierra. Sierra can stay with Grace. Shane’s car is there too isn’t it? We can just figure it out when us girls arrive to save the day,” I heard Kyle chuckle. “We’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”

“Thank you so much. I seriously owe you.”

“Anytime. Alright, I better get going.” I hung up on Kyle and then looked at Sierra.

“We have to pick up Gage, Shane, and Vincent because apparently they got too drunk and they can barely walk.” I sighed. Sierra shook her head. I can tell that she doesn’t want to see Gage. “GRACE!” I yelled. I heard a groan and then she appeared under the door frame of the kitchen.

“What?” She crossed her arms over her chest and blew her side bangs out of her eyes.

“We have to go down to the old bridge on McCreary Road.”

“Why?” she started slipping on her shoes and then threw a pair of mine at Sierra. Sierra starting putting on the pair of knockoff UGG boots and then she stood up.

“Because the ‘big bad four’ got drunk and they can barely stand, let alone drive,” I sighed while I thought about Shane.

“Are you serious? It’s like midnight and we’re in our pajamas,” Grace complained.

“Well, you’re going to be driving Vincent’s car so you better look alive,” I smirked. Grace groaned and she grabbed Sierra’s arm. The three of us walked out of the front door; I made sure that I locked it before we left. I unlocked Michael's car; he walked over to our Grandma's house earlier today.

“You could’ve at least turned on a porch light,” Sierra complained. Grace sat in the passenger seat and Sierra sat behind me. I turned the heat on high; it was too cold in my car and I don’t want us to freeze to death. Grace turned on some music, Sleeping With Sirens- her favourite band. The three of us sang along to the Feel album on the way to the bridge.

“You went the wrong way,” Grace commented as I turned left onto Caster road. I shook my head.

“No I didn’t. The old bridge is on McCreary road. You know what bridge they’re at right? They’re at the old metal bridge- the shutdown rusted one. They hang out down the hill next to the river all the time,” I informed her.

“Oh,” She mumbled. I slightly chuckled and turned off of Caster road onto McCreary road. It was silent the rest of the way, except for the CD playing in the background. We were all tired, and we didn’t even get to start our movie!

I saw Shane’s car parked next to the bridge. I pulled up behind it and cut the engine off.

“We’re here.” I sighed. I was the first one out of the car, Grace was next, Sierra was last. I could hear Shane and Vincent laughing and the I heard a big splash. Uh-Oh.

I ran down the gravel covered hill to where the idiots were. It is too dark to see, but I could see the outlines of the boys. One, two, three… where’s four? Grace and Sierra were taking their time walking down the hill. I walked up to the first figure I saw, Kyle.

“Oh thank god you’re here. Vincent and Gage are over there,” Kyle pointed to the boulders.

“Where’s Shane?” I questioned. I was getting worried. “I heard a splash and…” I stopped talking and looked in the direction Kyle was pointing in. I saw a dripping wet figure emerging out of the water… Shane.

“You’re joking right?” I shook my head. He’s going to get so sick. The river water is freezing and who knows what’s in it?

“Nope,” Kyle sighed. I groaned. Shane walked over to the boulders, he doesn’t even notice me. I guess it would be hard to when you’re drunk and it’s almost pitch black outside.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Grace said from behind me.

“Nope. You’re going to drive Vincent back to my house, in his car.” I instructed.

“I didn’t sign up for this! I don’t even know the guy!” She threw her arms up in the air.

“It’s time to make a new friend,” I smirked. I walked with Grace and Sierra to the rocks. The three of us stood in front of the tree boys, earning a wolf whistle from Vincent.

“Babe!” I heard Shane say. He jumped up off the rock, knocking over his beer in the process. That’s probably a good thing. “Aw shit. Gage, I need another one!”

“No, no you don’t.” I interrupted. “C’mon, I’m taking you home.”

“Look who’s getting ordered around!” Gage laughed.

“I’m not leaving,” Shane crossed his arms over his chest.

“Let me rephrase that, we’re taking all of you home.” I ordered. Shane walked towards me and tried to hug me but I pushed him off. He’s soaking wet, I’m in a crop top and pajama pants, he’s not getting a hug I’m already freezing to death.

“Hey, what’s your name? You’re hot, I like your pajamas,” Gage said to Sierra. I heard Sierra scoff and she grabbed his arm.

“Gage, you know my name. It’s Sierra and I’m taking you home, c’mon.” She tried to pull him off the rock, but he wouldn’t move.

“THE Sierra? The one you got pregnant? Aw shit man,” Vincent hollered with laughter.

“You’re not the boss of me.” Gage said stubbornly. I shook my head. These boys are idiots.

“Vincent, we’re leaving, c’mon.” Grace ordered.

“I’ll go anywhere with you cutie,” He smirked. He got up off the rock and dumped his beer out. She has to teach me how she does that. She smiled triumphantly at me. Vincent slung his arm around her shoulders and they walked back to his car together.

“Meet me at my house!” I yelled to her. I turned back to Shane. “See that? Grace isn’t even Vincent’s girlfriend and he listened to her.” I was a little jealous to be honest.

“That’s only because Vincent thinks he’s getting lucky,” Shane laughed. I was fed up with him right now.

“Give me your keys,” I ordered. “I’m leaving with or without you,”

“Fine,” Shane pouted. “Let’s go.” Shane gave me his keys and I turned to Sierra. She wasn’t having any luck getting Gage to move.

“Gage, do you want to be out here alone? You could get mulled by a bear out here,” It wasn’t a total lie… it’s possible.

“No way! I’m out of here!” He slurred.

“Thank you so much,” Sierra laughed.

“Anytime. Are you going to be okay if you drive? Or do you want me to get Kyle to drive?” I glanced at Kyle, he looked so relieved.

“I’m fine to drive. I think Kyle’s had enough for one night. So, we’re going back to your place?” She questioned. I nodded. I gave her my keys and then she pulled Gage along with her to the car. I followed Shane back to his car and I then sat down in the driver’s seat. Grace was long gone and Sierra had just turned out of the little parking area.  Shane was looking in his trunk for a towel to sit on. I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel and waited patiently for him to sit down. Shane eventually found a towel and sat down.

“Kaelyn…” He whined.

“What?” I said in a mean tone of voice. I was really mad at him right now. I know I told him not to get stoned… maybe next time I should tell him not to get wasted instead.

“You’re beautiful in your pajamas,” He slurred.

“Thank you, but you need to be quiet okay?” I told him.

“Can I turn on music?”

“No.” I told him. He started rambling about something stupid, but then he started saying something that caught my attention.

“You’re so pretty Ali… I’m sorry for everything I did to you. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Shane said. That made my breath start to hitch up. Why’s he sorry?

She’s the one who cheated on him…

Oh my god.

What if Ryder wasn’t lying?

*Author's Note*

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