To Love An Addict

Chapter Twenty-One
Tessa

The sun sets in the west, casting a golden glow across the town. The soft breeze that blows through my hair is cooling, battling against the suns warmth. It's soon to fully disappear behind the sea beyond, and I'm planning on taking in every moment of it.

No beach party should take place at the start of November, but the scrambled, deviant minds that call this town their home say otherwise. Hence why the beach is soon to be bustling with teenagers, ready for another night of pure torment that they won't remember tomorrow. Drinks are already laid out on blankets scattered across the sand, but it's mainly a bring-your-own-booze situation.

I've found a quiet space on a broken log to sit for a moment. Someplace to gather my thoughts before they're clouded over by shrieks and laughter. And sex, it won't surprise me if somebody tries to have sex on this log.

I take a deep breath, salt air whipping my hair back behind me. I lick my lips, dry from the wind. It's been almost a week since the run in with the police. Or should I say run away. Joking doesn't make it leave my mind. I didn't have to be involved in the chase, I didn't even have to leave the house. But Nate was right--it was my choice. Which is why I'm trying my best to put it behind me. Something I desperately need to learn to do.

"Tessa!" Daphne sings, running at a slow pace to my side. I smile, standing up and brushing my jeans off. "Let's get some drinks down you, come on!"

We're some of the first people here, as it's some of Daphne's friends from chemistry class who have organised tonight, and we agreed we would help them bring some stuff down to the beach. That includes speakers, blankets, bottles and cups, and kindling for a fire.

The sky is darkening, fading from a soft pink and orange to a deeper blue. I smile to myself as I look up and spot a single star shining through a cloud. For now, the beach is peaceful. In an hour, it'll be tainted.

A small part of me is looking forward to this party. It was Wednesday morning when I saw Albie--from the Halloween party--in the halls at school. We smiled, waved, and exchanged numbers. He should be here soon, and he's great company, too. However, admitting to Daphne that I'm excited is something that will never happen. Not unless I want to be faced with the biggest 'finally, I told you so' that the world has ever seen.

A drink is forced into my hand, and I decide to take a sip before even questioning what it is. It's strong, that's what it is. The liquid burns my throat as I force myself to swallow, almost gagging. "Pure vodka!" Daphne giggles, throwing her hands in the air. I do have to admire her for always having the party spirit.

"I couldn't tell." I sarcastically reply, holding back a cough, "thank you."

For once, Daphne is dressed responsibly, in a pair of jeans that hang low on her hips, and a cropped hoodie. Still, it's better than a short mini-skirt and crop top. It's going to get much colder tonight, we'll need all the warmth we can get. I bury the cup in a hole in the stand, so that it doesn't spill, straightening myself up with a sigh.

My name is called behind me, over the sound of crashing waves. I turn, a bright smile spreads across my face. Albie walks down the beach, towards Daphne and I, loose white polo shirt and dark denim jeans. He's accompanied by his friend, Danny, holding a large crate of beers. I wave once he's a few steps away from us.

"Thought you weren't the party type." Albie jokes, while Danny places the bottles of beer down on the sand. "Tessa, this is Danny."

"Hi." I utter, giving him a short wave of my hand.

"And you're Daphne." Danny smirks, Daphne grins.

"Danny, how could you ever forget?" They both laugh, "but you must be Albie. The guy who stole Tessa's attention on Halloween. It's truly unfair, usually that's all mine." Daphne jokes, dragging a smile out of Albie.