One Chance (Part One)

by T. Renee Fike

  “Me either, but babe we need to go, they can take care of Haley,” Meg says.

  “If things get worse keep us posted,” Liam says before heading towards Brody’s car.

  “Will do,” Brody says before getting into the passenger side. Kenzie leaves driving us home.

  I don’t even know how I got into bed, but I can hear people talking, I just can’t make out what they are saying.

  “Haley, can you hear you me?” Liam says softly.

  “Yeah,” I whisper, trying to sit up, but having slight difficulty. He sits on the edge of the bed and helps me sit up, “Thanks,” I say blinking trying to figure out exactly where I am.

  “You’re in the game room on the spare bed,” he says answering my unspoken question. “Can you try to drink some water?”

  I don’t bother trying to talk, I just nod my head yes. He hands me a bottle of water that has a straw in it.

  After drinking half the bottle I hand it back and look around, “What time is it?”

  “A little after 2:00 a.m.,” Brody says.

  “What?” I shout.

  “Shh, do you remember anything that happened today?” Liam asks.

  “Yeah.”

  “What do you remember Haley?” he asks.

  “I went to Hanna’s, had a couple drinks, and took a walk.”

  “How about after that?” he asks with a concerned look.

  “I…I don’t know,” I say trying to think of what I’ve done.

  “Do you remember who came to get you?” Brody asks.

  I can’t help but shake my head no, “I don’t know how I got here. Where’s Kenzie?” I ask worriedly.

  “She’s sleeping on the couch,” Liam says pointing over to where she’s at, “We found you on the beach asleep Hails. Kenzie and Brody brought you back here and you’ve been sleeping ever since.”

  “What? I slept the entire day away?” I ask confused.

  “You don’t remember anything?” Brody asks confused.

  “I told you what happened.”

  “Do you remember anyone giving you anything?” Liam asks.

  “No. I opened my own beers.”

  “Did you eat anything?” he asks.

  “Yeah a couple cookies, but that was it.”

  “Cookies?” Brody asks.

  “Yeah, chocolate chip cookies.”

  “Who gave them to you?” Brody asks anxiously.

  “I don’t know, a guy was walking around, we all ate them.”

  “Haley you were drugged,” Liam says not holding anything back.

  “What?” I ask shocked.

  “He’s right. You were out of it when we found you and you don’t remember much of your day after eating the cookies. They were laced with something. I’m just glad we found you.” Brody says looking relieved.

  “You need to stay away from Hanna’s house,” Liam says looking serious.

  “Yeah I will.”

  “Why did you go over there anyway?” he asks.

  “She asked what I was doing and I wasn’t doing anything, so I agreed to go over and hang out. I didn’t know she was having a party before I went.”

  “Well, when you saw the drugs you should have left,” Liam scolds.

  “Liam stop. It’s over, she’s safe,” Brody snaps.

  “Do you think you can sleep anymore?” Liam asks.

  “Actually yeah, I am tired,” I say as I lay back down. Thanks for taking care of me,” I say before falling back asleep. I can hear the two of them argue, but can’t make out what they say.

  I wake up and see the clock shows 8:42 a.m. I sit up and it takes me a few minutes for me to realize I’m not in my room. Kenzie is asleep on the couch and Liam and Brody are asleep on the floor.

  I get up, needing to use the bathroom to relieve myself. I tiptoe past everyone, hoping not to wake anyone up. After washing up, I head back into the game room to see them all fast asleep. Knowing they took care of me last night, though I’m not sure exactly what happened, I decide I can make them breakfast.

  Heading upstairs to the kitchen I go through the fridge and grab eggs, bacon, and orange juice. I also go through the shelves and decide to make pancakes too. Starting to cook everything, I make sure I have enough for Isaac and the Masters too.

  “What smells good?” Brody asks as he comes into the kitchen.

  “I’m making you guys breakfast,” I say happily.

  “It smells so good,” Liam says right behind Brody.

  “God I’ve missed your cooking,” Kenzie says as she takes a seat at the table.

  “Have a seat and I’ll bring it over,” I instruct them. They all take a seat and I set the plate of pancakes down, followed by the bacon and scrambled eggs. I already have the glasses and plates on the table, so I take the orange juice and fill up their glasses.

  “This is delicious, thanks Hails,” Kenzie says excitedly.

  “Thank you guys for yesterday and last night,” I say thankful for them. “Where’s Meg?” I ask confused, because I don’t see her.

  “She left yesterday to go home,” Liam says.

  “Oh.”

  “You don’t remember much about yesterday do you?” Kenzie asks worriedly.

  “Not really,” I admit.

  “We talked to her last night about it, let’s just let it go,” Liam says. I couldn’t be more thankful, I don’t want to try to think about it again.

  “Fine, just promise no more Hanna’s,” Kenzie says with a stern look.

  “I promise, no more Hanna’s.”

  “Good,” they all say in unison.

  I sit down across from Kenzie and start eating some breakfast; I’m not that hungry but know I need to eat something. While Brody and Liam are finishing up, Isaac and Denise walk downstairs.

  “What’s this?” Denise asks surprised.

  “Haley made breakfast. Have a seat,” Liam says as he makes room for his mom to sit down.

  “It smells delicious, but why did you make breakfast?” Denise asks me surprised.

  “I was up early and figured it’s been a while since I’ve made food for anyone.”

  “You can cook for me any day,” Isaac says as he plops down in a seat filling his plate up immediately.

  I can’t help but laugh, “Good to know Isaac.”

  We spend the next half hour talking about everything and anything before Kenzie and I decide to head home and shower.

  “Do you want to lie out?” Kenzie asks as we make are way across the road.

  “Sure.”

  So instead, we head inside to get our swimsuits on and lie out. It’s nice to spend some quality time with my sister.

  “I need to go to the store later; will you help me dye my hair?”

  “Sure. Are you going back to blonde?” Kenzie asks.

  “No, I’m sticking with the brown, I like it.”

  “I do too. It works for you.”

  “Thanks.”

  The boys end up coming over to swim and the three Masters brothers have no problem trying to get us as soaked as possible.

  “You might as well get in the pool, you’re already wet,” Brody says laughing. I look at Kenzie and he’s right, we are both soaked.

  So we do what any good girl would do, we jump in at the same time doing cannonballs.

  The rest of the afternoon is the five of us spending time hanging out in the pool, laughing and joking around. I’m not sure if Liam and I are alright, but he’s been nice to me today.

  Over the next two days, I’ve done nothing but spend time with Brody and Kenzie at Brody’s house. Liam is back to acting quiet, so if I want to know what’s going on I need to ask him.

  “Hey can we talk?” I ask Liam before he has a chance to leave.

  “What’s up?” he says in a cold tone.

  “Are we okay?” I ask nervously. The look I get lets me know immediately that we aren’t.

  “No Haley, we aren’t okay.”

  “But the last few days have been like normal.�
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  “I don’t want anything bad to happen to you, but I don’t want anything to do with you either.”

  “Can’t you just, I don’t know forget it happened and go back to how things used to be?” I ask hopeful.

  “No,” he shrieks, “You lied to me and used me for a fucking game. I’m not going to forget it and move on. That’s fucked up and you know it.”

  “Liam, I said I was sorry.”

  “And your sorry doesn’t mean shit.”

  “So instead, you’re going to act like you don’t know me?”

  “No, I’m going to ignore you because we aren’t friends anymore.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes, I’m serious. Of all the people in the world, I never thought you’d use me in a fucking bet Haley. So yeah, I’m pissed off,” he says angrily.

  “You have every right to be mad and I’m sorry, I really am.”

  “You can be sorry all you want; it doesn’t change a damn thing.”

  “So you want me to what?”

  “Leave me the hell alone. If you see me, walk in another direction and don’t ever come to my house for another fucking party.”

  “You’re going to see me around, you’re dating Meg, I’m about to move into the sorority house.”

  “Doesn’t mean I need to see or speak to you.”

  “I’m sorry Liam, I really am,” I say feeling my eyes swell up with tears.

  “You can save it Haley. I don’t want to hear it. Not now not ever,” he says before walking away.

  Lovely. Do I tell him the truth that it wasn’t a bet? Absolutely not, he would probably hate me even more for knowing that.

  For the next few weeks, I stay clear of Liam and his evil looks. He’s been helping Isaac with football before he heads back to school to start his practice sessions up. I only know that because Brody was talking to Kenzie about it. So at least, I won’t have to worry about running into him once he leaves to go back to campus.

  “Let’s have a bonfire tonight,” I say hopeful to Brody and Kenz.

  “Sounds good, why don’t we have it at my house. Dad’s already built a small fire pit,” Brody says excitedly.

  “Works for me,” I say thrilled with this plan.

  “That sounds like a great plan,” Kenz chimes in.

  “Alright, well it’s starting to get dark now, so I’ll go over and start to set up it, just come over then,” Brody says before heading across the street.

  “I think we have some stuff to make s’mores,” I say as I run inside to root through the cabinets.

  “This is going to be fun,” Kenz says.

  “Sure is.”

  “So there’s something I need to ask you,” Kenzie says looking nervous.

  “What’s up?” I ask as I continue to root for food.

  “What’s going on with you and Liam?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Don’t lie to me.”

  “I’m not, we had a disagreement and it is what it is.”

  “Did he do something?”

  “No, I did.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I really don’t want to talk about it, but it’s enough for him to not forgive me.”

  “Haley there is nothing you could do that he won’t forgive you for,” she says determined she’s right.

  “This time you’re wrong. Maybe in time he can forgive me, but time will tell.”

  “We’ve been a part of each other’s lives since forever, he can’t just cut you out,” she says sounding pissed off.

  “He just needs time to cool down. Please don’t say anything Kenz,” I beg.

  “I won’t, but only because I don’t know exactly what happened. When you tell me, and you will tell me soon, then I will bitch him out.”

  I can’t help but laugh, “If only you could Kenz, unfortunately I messed up and now I get to suffer the consequences.”

  “Has he ever mentioned anything to you about your feelings for him?”

  “What?” I shout.

  “Hails its obvious you like him, you always have, we both did for years, but when I started dating Brody you focused a lot more energy on Liam.”

  “No I didn’t.”

  “The hell you didn’t. You’ve been in love with him for years. I’m just curious if he’s ever said anything about it?”

  “No, because I’m not, and he wouldn’t think that because it wasn’t like that,” I defend.

  “Who are you trying to convince, you or me?”

  “Neither, it’s the truth.”

  “You do know we’re twins right?” she says laughing.

  “Yes smartass.”

  “Haley, I know you better than anyone. I also know what I’ve seen for years now.”

  “So what, yes I’ve had a crush, but that’s all it was.”

  “A crush?” she asks laughing, “If that’s what you want to call it fine. We will leave it at that.”

  “Good, let’s drop it and let’s go.”

  “Where are you two going?” dad asks as he enters the kitchen.

  “Going over to Brody’s to have a bonfire in the back yard.”

  “That sounds fun, have a good time,” he says as he goes to get himself a drink.

  “Thanks Dad. Goodnight,” I say before grabbing the snacks and heading towards the Masters house.

  “I can’t believe summer is going so fast. I’m gonna miss you when we go back to college,” Kenz says.

  “I’ll miss you too, but we are going to talk. You are going to keep me updated on everything like always.”

  “I know it’s just not the same.”

  “Well, we don’t have to worry about that yet, because summer isn’t over.”

  “Thank goodness,” she says as we go towards the back where I can smell the fire already.

  “Looking good,” I praise Brody.

  “Thanks, dad actually helped,” he says laughing.

  “That’s fine,” I say as I take a seat on the chair by the fire, “I brought stuff for s’mores,” I state setting the supplies on the empty seat beside me.

  “We need to do this more often,” Brody declares as he gets adjusted in his seat.

  “We sure do,” Kenzie says as she sits down on the chair beside him.

  “What’s going on out here?” Isaac asks with Liam right behind him.

  “Relaxing by the fire,” Brody mumbles like it’s no big deal.

  “You guys should join us,” Kenzie states quickly.

  “Absolutely,” Isaac says sitting down on the chair beside Brody, leaving one chair open; the one beside me, “Take a seat,” Isaac motions his lead toward Liam. He sits but doesn’t say a word.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Brody asks Liam right away.

  “Nothing,” he says as he lounges back in the chair.

  “Could have fooled me,” Kenzie says in a snooty voice.

  “I’m fine,” he says sounding slightly irritated.

  “You’ve been acting weird for the past few weeks, what gives?” Brody pushes.

  “I just have a lot on my mind, with school, college, moving in with Meg, it’s a lot.”

  “So, then don’t live with her,” Kenzie says like it’s a no brainer.

  “Have you met Meg?” he asks amused.

  “Yes.”

  “She’ll have this shit all figured out in like a month,” he says harshly.

  “So then, what do you need to worry about?” Isaac asks.

  “Just the thought of it, makes me nervous.”

  “Why are you going to live with her?” Kenzie asks confused.

  “It’s the next step I guess.”

  “Seriously?” she asks horrified.

  “Yeah. Don’t girls usually want that kind of shit?”

  “No, not always,” she retorts.

  “Oh, well I’m pretty sure that’s what she wants.”

  “She does,” I say quietly.

  “What?” he asks annoyed.

  “You assumed right.
She’s planning everything, she’s been looking at places online. You’ll probably only need to sign the papers and pack to move in.”

  “How do you know?” Kenzie asks confused.

  “Meg’s been talking about it nonstop,” I admit.

  “That makes it easy,” Isaac says as he grabs the supplies to start making himself a s’more.

  “So when’s the big day?” Brody asks me instead of Liam, because he clearly doesn’t know.

  “August 10th,” I state.

  “What?” Liam shrieks.

  “That’s the date she’s been telling everyone. That way, it’s before classes start.”

  “That’s like a month away,” he says looking pissed.

  “When did you plan on moving in?” Brody asks softly.

  “I don’t know, I guess I didn’t really think it through.”

  “So then, don’t live with her,” Isaac says.

  “You don’t just ask someone to live with you and then turn around and take it back,” Liam says annoyed.

  “Then why the hell did you agree to live with her?” Brody asks.

  “I’m not having this conversation right now,” he snaps as he grabs the stuff to start making his own s’more.

  “Hey Hails, is Quinn coming here before going back to school?” Kenzie asks me out of nowhere.

  “Yeah, she’s going to come within the next week or so, why?”

  “Just curious. I like her,” Kenzie says.

  “You met her?” Liam asks surprised.

  “Yeah, when we came to watch one of your football games,” Brody says like it’s no big deal.

  “Great,” he says looking anything but happy.

  “You don’t like her?” Kenzie asks confused.

  “No, not really.”

  “You don’t even know her,” I spit out before thinking.

  “I know enough,” he says with an evil glare. Clearly Liam thinks the so called bet to sleep with him was Quinn’s doing, but wow, he’s so wrong.

  “What don’t you like about her?” Kenzie asks.

  “She’s a hard core partier.”

  “So what’s wrong with that?” I ask pissed off.

  “That causes trouble and rumors to happen,” he says looking irate.

  “What rumors happened?” Kenzie asks all consumed with this new found knowledge.

  “Nothing, there aren’t any rumors, he’s being a jackass,” I shout.

  “Not yet, but I’m sure there will be soon enough.”

  “Then it would be you that started them,” I quip back.