10. My boys

Mariah

I didn't want to be here. But the person who had helped pay for my ride had requested payment back. I told him I'd send him the money once I got home or he could collect it in school the next day.

He refused. So, he brought me to his house where we are right now.

When we arrived there were two other boys present. I recognized them as James, William, And Hardin.

If it wasn't for my venomous mother stealing my change, I won't have been delayed at the train station, James would not have paid for my ride and I won't even fucking owe him.

William passed me a bong, and I snatched it from his hands. Done, so fucking done.

Just act cool, Mariah. They don't have to know you're nervous. You were all friends once

I lit the bong and inhaled deeply, needing to forget and feel nothing for a few hours. I relaxed against the couch and blew the smoke out of my nose, resting it on my lap. God … my eyes rolled back. This was exactly what I needed.

“Hard day?” James asked.

William took it back fro