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I sipped my drink—probably a little quicker than I should’ve—but it dulled the edge of my nerves, and before I knew it, the party didn’t see in my head had me more relaxed than I’d been in weeks, maybe months Until Carson’s voice rose above the music

“Truth or dare,” he yelled “Starts in two Let’s go”

“I think that’s our calling,” Drake said “We’d better get in there Mandy Peters is here, and I’ et a date”

“Not the last,” Ethan muttered under his breath, which earned him a jab to the ribs

He laughed and said bye to Drake, as I muttered, “Thanks a lot, bud”

Ethan chuckled and grabbedto that dance,” he promised

“So you say”

As he draggedroom, I asked, “Do we have to do this?”

Ethan gave oing to let hiame of truth or dare?”

“If iteveryone around me

Ethan snorted “You’ll be fine You only go if so

I groaned and begrudgingly followed Ethan and took a seat on the floor in front of the sofa Everyone but a couple kids, several of which wereout in the corner, took a seat

Carson turned and adjusted the volume of the ot it When ere thirteen, Mr Brooks caiant television and the stereo systeured out how to install it, the sky outside turned to dusk, but Ethan and I waited patiently, then stayed up late watching Jaith the sound blasting The next day, ent to the beach and were so paranoid about a shark being in the surf, we kept running onto shore Carson called us babies

Everyone gathered around the roo their places Olivia sat several seats away fro her blonde locks over her shoulder in the ht, did I sigh in relief A lot of guys liked her Surely, she wasthan I was With her next to me, I’d probably be left alone Or at least I hoped

Ethan squeezed my arm as Carson briefly went over the rules, which, of course, everyone already knew When he finished, he glanced to Ethan and added, “Also, let’s keep it seht” He winked at Ethan before