You Saved Me Once Book 1

“A double date?” I stand at her locker.

It was now the end of the week, school was over for seniors. Ro-chelle wanted to double date with Jeff and me.

I still wasn’t okay with them, together. It was awkward, it was bad for me. I don’t know why Rochelle couldn’t see that.

Probably because I acted like it was okay. I’d say things, do things to show I didn’t care. It was better than telling her the truth.

“Sure. I don’t care.” I lie.

The week gave me time to heal from the party, but I still wasn’t ful-ly okay with what went down.

I know Jeff wasn’t, we haven’t talked since then. Rochelle doesn’t know this.

~~~~

The double date was originally supposed to be a movie date, and dinner. Plans changed. More specifically, Rochelle wanted every-thing at her house.

Rochelle’s place was “the house”. It was big, spacious had a pool, jacuzzi in the back. There were rooms beyond rooms, which were great for parties, it’s perfect.

Personally, I think Rochelle likes to play house. She likes to create a world, where she’s in charge. Where she’s comfortable, safe. It’s her gi-ant dollhouse.

Yet, when the music stops, when the crowd leaves. It’s a mute, grey, and lonely dollhouse.

Rochelle parents are never home, ever. They make an appear-ance in the town no more than 24 times a year. She’s been alone for a while.

It’s been this way since she could legally be left alone. Before that, they’d hire babysitters, or she’d stay over our house.

Leaving someone so young all alone in a big mansion. I’m glad she has someone. Before she had me, now, it’s Hayes. I feel bad for envying Hayes.

“I still hate this idea, Rochelle.” I tell her. I’m tying up my hair.

We were getting ready in her room. Jeff and Hayes were on their way.

Well, Hayes was for sure coming. I texted Jeff the same day this date was orchestrated. I sent him a message, he never responded.

“It’ll be fun I promise, just drink a lot.” Rochelle says.

“So, did you bring yours?” She asks.

“Bring what?” I ask.

swimsuit.” She

think I’m going to cancel.” I say

smirks. Seconds later she tosses a bathing suit at

it

throw it

Alex? It’s too late to

We go downstairs. The doorbell keeps ringing. I take a deep breath. Rochelle opens the

Hayes enters. Then Jeff.

~~~~~

around the drinks and starts up the radio. Everyone was drinking, laughing, having fun. It was a nice scene, if you were in the moment.

the drinks, even though I could use them tonight. I wasn’t

over to me. It’s silence between

I smile. Jeff moves his hair from

week.” He

silence between him, and I again.

hand and pulls me

caught. Jeff helps. His hands touch

were going to war with that shirt. I thought I’d help.”

had fallen out, and my hair

had it though.” I

Little

in the

stepping closer to me. I step in. He smiles at me, he

“Stop.” I say.

my hand, and I push him in. This is the first time tonight, that I

tell me to stop being so uncomfortable, but no one did. All of us were on this weird double date, and

in,

of the

a while, but it’s quiet and I can’t think. I’m holding

pulls me

at my arm

but he’s scared.

my breath, before swimming away from

a life guard. I can do whatever I

calling today, got it?” I say, making sure

this was us apologizing to each other. I’m feeling