Page 4 of Sunkissed Colorado

“Fine.” Jessa wandered over to the bank of the creek. She’d already finished her beer and taken off her shoes. Moonlight sparkled on the rushing water. She dipped her toes in as she checked her phone yet again, wobbling like she might lose her balance.

“Hey, don’t get too close to the water. Especially while I’m gone.”

“Go on and empty your bladder, worrywart. I’ll be right here.”

“And stop checking your phone. Surprised you can even get reception.”

“I’ve got one bar.”

I shook my head. “If he’s smart, he’ll text. Mystery man would be lucky to get a girl like you.”

“Thanks, Z.” It was hard to see Jessa’s expression, but from the tilt of her head, it seemed like she was pleased.

I wandered off into the trees, zipping up my jacket to my throat. The night was dark and cold, especially in the woods, but at least the moon was half full.

Too bad I didn’t have a phone with a fancy flashlight.Didn’t have a phone at all. My parents never inventoried their beer, but they were super strict about devices and social media and stuff.

Freedom was going to look so good on me next year.

Finding a clear spot, I crouched down. “Come on,” I muttered to myself. “Hurry up and go. It’s creepy out here.”

After doing my business, I pulled up my jeans and headed back, following the rushing sound of the creek. But I must’ve gotten turned around because I came out in the wrong spot. Jessa wasn’t here, and this clearly wasn’t where we’d been standing earlier.

Thick bushes blocked me from just following the bank, so I retreated and tried to retrace my steps in the darkness.

A voice came from up ahead, talking loudly. Thank goodness. That was Jessa. Maybe she was on her phone.

But she sounded upset.

Then I heard a second voice, which made me pause in surprise. It wasn’t coming from a speaker. This voice was low, distorted by the rushing of the creek as the sound reached my ears.

Jessa wasn’t alone. Had her guy shown up? Was something wrong?

There was a scream and a splash.

“Jessa?” I started running. At first, I didn’t see her. Or anyone else.

Something in the creek caught my eye.

Jessa was lying facedown in the water, the shape of her body curved against a rock. My heart lurched. “No!” Splashing into the water, my hand reached out to grab her as the current tried to pull me down. “No, no, no. Jessa, I’m here, okay? Can you hear me?”

Somehow, I managed to get her onto the bank. Turned her onto her back.

Dark red poured from a gash on her forehead.

“Jessa?” She wasn’t responding. My shaking hands felt around for her phone in her pockets, but it wasn’t there. And I didn’t have a damn phone of my own to call 9-1-1.

“Help!” I screamed. “Anybody, please!”

But we were out in the woods. If anybody was nearby, they didn’t answer.

Jessa wasn’t breathing. CPR. My brain searched for what I’d learned in that first-aid class.One, two, three, four…

It wasn’t working. I struggled to lift my best friend into my arms. My knees banged the ground as I slipped. Could I get her to the car? That was what I had to do. Had to get her to the hospital. Her skin was so pale.

But deep down, I knew there was no way I’d make it in time.

Tears streamed down my cheeks, hot in the chilly night air. “Please don’t leave me, Jessa.Please.”