MASSIE'S APARTMENT
7:00 PM
MARCH 6
Claire had arrived as quickly as she had gotten the message. When she heard Massie's voice, and how desperate she sounded, Claire felt a little guilty about not turning on her phone before. She shook her head. She refused to ruin her perfect date with Cam with the idea that Massie had been lounging at home, absolutely miserable. It wasn't her fault, she told herself. Besides, Massie would need her right now, and Claire couldn't be riddled with guilt.
Wondering what exactly had gotten Massie so upset, Claire had decided it was best to pick up ice cream, a cappuccino from Starbucks, chick flicks, and Massie's favorite Godiva chocolate just to cover the basics. The wind whipped at her face as she hurried into the building. She struggled to carry her load to the golden elevator, and she had to use her elbow to punch in the number. Silently, the elevator took her up. Claire stepped out when the doors open with a soft ding! and she lugged her stuff down the hall, cursing Massie and the fact that her apartment was the farthest one down.
When she knocked on the door, there was no answer. Sighing, Claire knocked louder, but there was still no response. Grumbling, Claire set all her stuff on the floor, and then fished inside her purse for the key Massie had given everyone, and opened the door herself.
Massie was sitting on the couch with a blanket drawn over her, the TV on low. She was staring at it lifelessly, her body very still. It was not a good sign.
"Mass?" Claire whispered, handing her the cappuccino and setting the rest of the comfort items on the table.
Massie accepted the cappuccino gratefully and took a large sip before addressing Claire. "It's kind of cold," She commented, her face raspy. But she smiled a little, and took another sip. Her smile, however, didn't quite reach her eyes.
When she was done, Massie set the empty Styrofoam cup on the table and took a bite of the chocolate. Claire stood there, waiting for her to say why she had been called here.
Finally, she looked up at Claire, and revealed her problem. "I saw him today at Josh's apartment."
"Who-?" Claire was about to ask, when it hit her. "Oh. Harrington."
"Yeah."
Claire decided it was best not to tell Massie that she knew exactly why it was so hard for her to see her ex, and set herself down on the couch next to Massie, waiting to see if she would tell her herself.
Massie closed her eyes and leaned back. "I didn't think he would be there. It was just so…weird."
"Did he say anything about…" Claire broke off, remembering she was supposed to be ignorant. Massie, however, didn't notice Claire's slip up.
"I never did tell you how we broke up, did I?" Massie said.
"No."
Massie opened her to eyes to look at her. "Swear you won't tell?" She held up her pinky, and old tradition. Claire locked her pinky with Massie's. "I won't."
"It was at Cam's party, six years ago." She whispered, her voice becoming quiet, and almost spooky. "We had all been drinking…speaking of which…where were you? Oh, right, your brother was sick," Massie murmured. "Anyways…"
CAM'S HOUSE
THE KITCHEN
SIX YEARS AGO
11:15
Massie was gripping the counter tightly, desperately trying to stop the room from spinning. She was way too drunk, and as it was she could barely sit up in the chair. She'd already vomited, and she was trying to keep her cool. She'd had beer at parties before, but never this amount. Alicia was off flirting with guys, Dylan was eating something from the fridge, and Kristen was talking to some soccer guy. Derrick was…
Where was Derrick?
She wished she could get up and find out, but right now she was just waiting for one of her friends to come to her so she could beg to go home. She was in no state to get up, and she wasn't sure if she could trust her own legs.
"Massie?"
Massie looked up gratefully to the person who was addressing her. It, however, was not one of her friends. Or was it? It was a boy, she knew. He was somewhat familiar.
"Hey, what up Josh," someone called from the background, and Massie nodded. It was Josh. Of course.
"Aren't you looking pretty," Josh smirked, and Massie could smell the beer in his breath, just like she knew he could smell it in hers. As if the beer next to her wasn't clue enough.
"Thanks," She whispered, fighting back the nausea. Josh smiled, and took her hand, pulling Massie roughly off her seat.
"Wait…" Massie protested as she struggled not to fall. Josh wrapped his arm around her waist to support her, and then carried her through the room. Massie sighed, happy to be rescued. Obviously Josh was here to bring her safely home.
It was when they stopped moving and Massie could control the spinning and concentrate was when she realized they weren't in a car. They were in a bedroom, probably Cam's. Realization dawned.
"Josh, no," She murmured when Josh put his arms around her.
"Come on. It's a party. Things happen," Josh whispered, and kissed her. Massie was about to protest, but she really couldn't. Instead, she gave in and kissed back. He was a good kisser, and at the moment Massie couldn't really remember that she had a boyfriend and had vowed to stay pure until marriage.
Neither of them noticed the door open.
"Ok if anyone is in here Cam said he doesn't want anyone messing up his bed so go do it in the bath…" Derrick's voice trailed off. "Room," He finished.
"Josh?" Derrick said. Josh turned around and Derrick's eyes widened. "Massie?"
"Hhheeyyy," Massie slurred.
Josh stepped away from Massie, and eyed Derrick cautiously. Suddenly his fist came up, and he hit Josh squarely in the jaw. Josh stumbled back, and Derrick grabbed Massie's arm and forcefully pulled her out of the room.
When they were halfway down the hall he spun around. "What were you doing?"
Massie shook her head, unable to concentrate. "What?"
"I can't believe you! I just-"Derrick stopped his angry tirade, and then suddenly he was kissing her hard.
"Wait, stop," Massie said. She shoved at him, but his grip was too tight.
"Oh so you'd let Josh but you wouldn't let…" His nails bit into her arm.
"I said stop!"
"Whoah…whats going on?" A voice said. Massie used the distraction to escape. A random boy and girl stood in the hallway. "Is the bedroom already taken?" The boy asked.
"Use the bathroom," Derrick muttered, and the couple disappeared.
Massie was already stumbling down the steps. Sighing, Derrick gritted his teeth together, and returned to the party.