Just Say No

"Hey Kent, you coming to the party this Saturday?"

Eric walked up to the diner table I was waiting for my brothers at. His hair was messy from football practice, but he somehow still looked so hot.

"I wouldn't miss it!" I replied with a smile.

"Okay cool, I've missed you over the past few days." He said sincerely.

He's missed me?! Oh my gosh. My friends were right, he's totally crushing.

"I've missed you too, Eric." I hope I'm not blushing as bad as I think I am.

My brothers walked in and eyed Eric suspiciously as they slid into the booth across from me.

"What's up, Natalie?" Jon asked.

I gave him a look that clearly conveyed my displeasure.

"I've actually got to get home, it was nice seeing you, Natalie. I'll see you Saturday," Eric flashed his million dollar smile before leaving. God, he's so hot. I'm going to have to find a new outfit for Saturday. Something that doesn't say "middle school" like the rest of my clothes. I bet Ashley would take me shopping.

"Saturday?" Jordan's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Yeah, there's a party out at Corey's lake house this weekend," I said hesitantly.

"Oh, we know about the party. It's a high school party, Nat. You're too young for these kinds of parties." Jon said. He knows I hate when they treat me like a baby.

"Jon, you're ONE grade ahead of me. I'm not too young. Besides, I was invited already, so it isn't up to you." I was cocky, I know.

"Okay, sure. If you really think mom and dad are gonna go for that. Have fun." Jon's smirk as he spoke was infuriating.

"Hey dad," Jordan said loudly, announcing his arrival. Thanks Jordan. Good looking out.

Jon has always been so overprotective. Most of the time it was endearing, but today it was just annoying.

"Hey guys! How was school?" Dad asked as he slid into the booth next to me.

"Fine" was the unanimous answer.

"I got an A on my history test," I gave more details about my day.

"Great job, Nat!" Dad praised. "Your mom is working late again tonight, trying to stay ahead on the paper. It's just us for dinner."

I knew this was my moment to ask about the party. Dad will ask less questions than mom for sure. But do I tell him it's a party? Do I lie? I have a feeling dad will say no a high school party. I slid my phone out and text Ashley about the party.

"Of course I'm going! I wouldn't miss it," was her immediate reply.

I quickly informed her she'd be my cover. Impromptu sleepover at Ashley's it is.

"Hey dad, Ashley is having a sleepover on Saturday. Is it cool if I go?" I said casually.

I could feel my brother's eyes on me. I glanced over, shooting them a quick look that clearly said, "shut up."

"Saturday? That should be fine, I'll double check with your mother. Her parents will be there?" Only one question. I knew I made the right choice.

"Of course, dad!"

"Then I don't see a problem with it."

Done and done. Saturday night, here I come.

X

"Make sure you have your ELT. Did you pack your phone charger?" Mom was always worried when one of us left for even one night.

"Yes, mom. I have everything. I have to go, Ashley is waiting," I reassured while walking out the back door after my brothers.

"Have fun. Behave." Dad said just before the door shut behind me.

Guilt started to form a pit in my stomach. It's fine, Natalie. It's normal to lie to your parents. I quickly pushed the feelings aside and slid into the backseat of Ashley's sister's car.

X

I adjusted the bottom of my dress as I got out of the car after Ashley.

"Are you sure this isn't too short?" I asked Ashley, feeling uncomfortable in the borrowed dress.

"No, girl. You look hot. Relax, have some fun!" She led the way into Corey's house.

Ashley led me through the house and into the back yard. Outside was a giant metal trashcan, filled to the brim with a yellow/green liquid.

"Here, this'll help. Let's get this party started!" Ashley yelled as she handed me a red solo cup. She saw my confusion and answered my unspoken question, "trashcan punch!"

It tasted disgusting. It definitely lived up to the name. I kept drinking it, hoping it would help me relax as Ashley promised. I've never been to a party with alcohol. This is so uncomfortable.

"Hey, stranger."

"Eric!" Play it cool Natalie. Don't be too excited.

"It's umm... it's nice to see you."

"You too! Let's go inside, I think there's pizza." Eric started walking back toward the house, gesturing me to follow.

Inside, Eric and I talked for awhile and eventually moved onto dancing. The second cup of punch did the trick. I felt loose and free. The butterflies were gone and I could just enjoy Eric's company.

"Alright, everyone! Take one and pass it on!" An older teenager passed a bowl around the room. As it made its way over to me and Eric, I could see a variety of different colored pills inside.

I looked over at Eric and was relieved to see he was just as uncomfortable as I was.

"Let's go outside," I suggested. Eric followed me out and we sat next to each other in front of the bonfire. We sat and talked for awhile longer.

Ashley stumbled to us and clumsily fell onto the ground beside me. She was totally wasted.

Right after she joined us, a few high schoolers walked up, smoking.

"Want a hit?" One of them asked Ashley.

"You know I do, baby," she slurred and took the joint.

"Here, Natalie," Ashley said as she stretched the joint toward me.

"No, thanks," I said quietly. It was embarrassing to say no when everyone here was doing drugs of some sort.

Ashley shrugged and passed the joint back to the guy she took it from.

The joint was passed around the bonfire and made its way back to me.

"Come on, Natalie. Trust me. If you think that punch made you feel good..." she trailed off, smirking.

All those talks about peer pressure and drugs came flooding to my mind. "Just say no," isn't that their slogan? I should say no. I've never been interested in drugs. My parents would kill me. Say no. Say no.

I sighed loudly and took the joint from Ashley. Slowly, I brought the joint to my lips. Inhaling deeply, I felt like my lungs were rejecting it almost instantly.

I started coughing and gagging. A chorus of laughter followed. "First time is always rough." "You gotta puff, not inhale." "Wow, first hit and you had to make it count, huh?"

I blushed deeply and looked toward Eric. He was smiling, but I could tell he was trying to hide it. At least he tried.

"Hey Nat, I'm going to catch a ride with Brad," Ashley slurred as she winked at joint guy.

"Ash, I don't think that's a good idea. Isn't your sister supposed to pick us up?"

"Yeah, but she text me awhile ago and said she's too drunk to drive." She shrugged.

"Ashley, she was my ride too," I panicked. How the hell am I supposed to get home?

"No worries, Natalie. Just come with me and Brad."

"Ashley, Brad is high and probably drunk. We are not riding with him," I grabbed her arm and started pulling her away.

I reached into my pocket and grabbed my cellphone.

"Jon, I need you to come pick us up."

That's all I needed to say. As annoying and overprotective as he can be, I know he's always there for me when I need him.

"Send me your pin."

We waited on the curb in front of the house. Ashley was half asleep on my shoulder when I saw my dad's truck pulling up. Jonathan has had his learner's permit for about a month now. He had driven every chance he got, so he had enough experience to not raise any red flags on the road.

The truck came to a halt and I half-carried Ashley to the door. Opening it up, I felt instant relief.

"Jon, I seriously can't thank you enough..."

I stopped short once the light turned on in the truck. Jaw dropped. Panic set in. Heart rate increased. Tears forming. I'm screwed.

"Dad."