Page 18 of Unwritten Rules (Rules 1)

After what seems to be a never-ending torment, Blake’s car finally slows down in front of a house I can positively say is American party–worthy.

This is the kind of house you’d expect to see in a movie—the big house with so many drunk teenagers inside that it makes you wonder if the kid throwing the party has parents.

Shortly after, we walk into her overcrowded living room without knocking, and the one thing I feared happens. The boys dissipate into the large crowd.

Sure, go ahead. Leave me alone in this house where I literally don’t know a soul.

I turn to Kass, thankful she hasn’t left me. She leans in and whispers something into my ear about needing a drink. Then—wait for it—she disappears into the crowd, too. Just when I’m certain all hope is lost and I’m officially alone, I look to my right and see Blake.

Great! Just the person I want to be stuck with right now.

“I’m sorry about that. I’m sure they didn’t mean to leave you alone.”

It’s a shame I can’t see him the same way anymore. Now that I know he lied, I can’t believe a word he says.

“Sorry about them leaving me alone? Or sorry about lying to my face?” My words catch him off guard.

“What?” He acts like he has no idea what I’m talking about, which only irritates me more.

“Alex, Kassidy. Does it ring a bell?”

His face drops. He doesn’t answer, running a hand through his hair nervously. “Listen, Winter, I just didn’t think it was a good idea to tell you all about my past with your cousin. I knew you’d think that I’m a jerk.”

I can’t hold back a laugh. “Well, you got that right. I do think you’re a jerk. How could you do that to her? Just leave without an explanation? Not to mention you’ve also been lying to your so-called best friend for six months.”

Blake’s eyes become very good friends with the floor. He keeps his head down, clearly ashamed. That’s right, be ashamed, idiot.

“Do you have any intention of telling him?” is all I can say. He doesn’t answer. His silence is my answer. “You really should, Blake. If you don’t, I will.”

I turn away, squeezing my way through the crowd. Deep down, I know I’m overreacting. This is none of my business, but the fact that he broke my cousin’s heart truly bothers me.

You don’t mess with my family.

My subconscious wakes up.

You know that’s not the only reason you get so upset over people leaving without an explanation, Winter.

It brings you back to your father.

To the explanation you never got.

Subconscious?

Yes?

Shut up.

“Where are you going?” He raises his voice as I dive deeper and deeper into the crowd. “You barely know anyone in here.”

“I’m going to get myself a drink. After all, this is a party.”

I can’t help but think I should’ve opted for my initial plan, which was staying home to watch the same shows on replay. I sigh, scanning the crowd of unknown faces that were supposed to be my fresh start.

As I struggle to make my way to the bar, all I can do is pray that what I’m running toward… isn’t worse than what I’m running from.

F O U R

The Enemy