I knock briefly on mom's door, creaking the door open. She lays on her bed, staring glassy eyed at the ceiling. I know she's thinking of dad but I push the thought back down.
" Mom? " Comes my sweet drawl.
She scoots upright, plastering on a smile. " What's up, sweety? "
" Remember that party I told you about? "
She frowns trying to remember. The thing is, I didn't actually tell her, I forgot.
" No, I don't. "
" Well, it's today. " I flash my toothy smile. " Can I go? "
" Who's having the party? "
" The sheriff's son. Colson. "
" Well, will he be there to supervise? "
I give her a look. " Mom. I'm not a kid. "
" Oh! Well guess what? I don't care. You're not going. "
" Mom - "
" There is a serial killer on the loose! "
" So what?! You're worried I'll end up like dad?! "
She bites her lip, holding back from yelling and calmly she says. " Watch your tone, young lady. You're not going. That's final. "
I glare at her, breathing heavily then with a sharp swirl, storm past Emma to my room. I'm going to that party, whether she likes it or not. Rummaging through my wardrobe, I settle on a high-waist jeans and a yellow off-shoulder sweater.
" Billie?! Billie?! " Mom yells after me as I storm for the front door. " Billie Tyson, you walk out that door and you're grounded! "
I slam the door behind me. Told you I was going.
" You are so dead when you get back. " I spot Lizzie leaning against a blinking lamp post, hands buried in her hoodie pockets. The light from the lamppost makes her hair fiery red.
" It's worth it. As long as I get more clues. "
" Come on. Colson's house isn't too far from here. "
The peaceful walk takes approximately twenty minutes before we arrive at a quaint suburban house. Music blares from inside and colorful lights flash. I can feel my heart beat fast, thinking about all the things the serial killer could have in store for me.
We approach the front door and Lizzie knocks loudly. Immediately, the door swings open, a senior on the other side. Lizzie walks in and I hesitantly follow behind into the madhouse. Solo cups flood the floorboard and the air reeks of booze and cigarette smoke.
" I'll go get us some drinks. Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious, " Lizzie tells me and disappears into where must be the kitchen.
I gaze around, searching for Colson but catch no sight of him.
" You got invited? " A voice asks. I turn around to see Dana in a dark dress, glitter spotting her neck.
" Hi. Actually no. I just followed Lizzie here. "
" Wow. You two have gotten real close. "
I don't reply to that. We remain quiet for minutes, looking everywhere but at each other. Then she suddenly looks at me.
" Where is she by the way? "
" I don't remember inviting you. " Says another voice but I recognize this one. Colson Gallagher.
He looks stunning in a form-fitting shirt, hair wet with what smells like alcohol. " Billie right? "
" Yeah. Actually I was kinda bored at home so I followed a friend. Lizzie. "
" Cool. Well since you're here..... Wanna play some beer pong? "
" Actually I.... I don't really know how to pl- "
A spine chilling scream cuts through the loud music, sending goosebumps down the skin of everyone present. The DJ stops the music, everyone muttering incomprehensive words. Then one word stands out, something I sort of expected but still shocked me nonetheless.
" A dead body! "
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