The gray light of dawn seeped in through the blinds. Lucy moaned, rolling over. She looked around her, at first wondering where she was. This wasn't the room she shared with Mary and Ruthie. It was dark and small, the bed she was in unfamiliar. But after a brief moment of unknowing, all the memories of the night before crept back.


Lucy had been at home, getting ready to go out with her new friends, Cherry and Kat. She was worried about what her mother would think, if she would disapprove. Annie Camden had always thought family was far more important than friends, and discouraged her children from having any. Who knew if they were heathens, anyway. It was better not to take the risk of her children being exposed to the dangerous temptations of the outer world. But Lucy had tired of just sitting around the house all day, especially with her sister Ruthie always snooping around and trying to order Lucy. Lucy needed to get out. That's why she had jumped at the chance when two girls from her class at college had asked if she wanted to go out with them tonight. They were going to a party on the other side of town. Lucy had found it a great opportunity to make friends. She needed to work on her social life, if she was ever gonna have any fun in life. She hadn't had any real friends since high school. Tonight, she would get to meet a ton of new people and, hopefully, make new friends.

After examining herself in the mirror one more time, Lucy bounded downstairs to the kitchen. She checked her watch. 6:54. Cherry and Kat would be here in a few minutes to pick up Lucy.

Annie was in the kitchen, cleaning. she exclaimed, noticing her daughter's make-up and purse. Where are you going?

Lucy took a deep breath. I'm just going out with some friends from school, she said casually, and smiled brightly.

What friends? Annie sounded suspicious.

Cherry and Kat.

How long have you known them?

I met Cherry when I started class, and she introduced me to Kat a couple of weeks ago.

Do these girls go to church?

Lucy knew they didn't, but lied, I don't knowmaybe they do.

Where are you girls going?

Lucy lied, The pool hall. She knew her mother wouldn't approve of her going to a college party, especially after what had happened when Simon went to a wild party. Come on, Mom, I can go, right?

Annie still looked suspicious after the interrogation, but she said, Ok, but remember, be careful, and be home by midnight.

Lucy grinned and enthused, Thanks, Mom. Don't worry, I won't get into any trouble and I'll be home on time. The doorbell rang. Oh! That's them. Bye, Mom.

Annie's expression softened slightly. Bye, Lucy.

Lucy answered the door and greeted her new friends. They climbed into Cherry's red convertible and were off to the party.

On the way there, Lucy asked Cherry, So, who's hosting the party?

Oh, this guy Ian. He's a really cool guy, real nice. You'll like him. We'll introduce him to you.

Lucy said, eager to meet new people.

When they arrived at the small house, music was thudding. The three girls went up and rang the bell. A guy Lucy didn't know answered. They went in, where the music was deafening and people milled about, drinks in their hands. Wanna drink? Kat yelled at Lucy. Lucy yelled back.

Her family had always taught that alcohol was wrong, but Lucy was more concerned about her social standing than values right now. Besides, a couple drinks never hurt anyone.

This was definitely not the kind of party Lucy's parents would approve of. Loud dance music with dirty, curse-filled lyrics played. There was beer and liquor everywhere, and couples made out in corners or ran upstairs hand-in-hand, giggling. But Lucy didn't care if her parents would disapprove anyway. It was about time she started doing what she wanted and taking control of her own life. She was nineteen years old, after all. And this was a great place to start socializing. After a couple beers and a slice of pizza, Lucy had already met a ton of new people and was dancing with Cherry, Kat, and her new friends. It was one of the best times she'd ever had in her life. Lucy felt completely free of worry and obligation and felt embraced by her peers.