One of the characters is lesbian, so if that angers you, move on.

Chapter is a little long 😅

The party went on as I danced and laughed with my friends. The world was spinning from the thousand and on margheritas I had, but I didn't care. I was happy. Then a phone call came in. Thinking it may have been important, I picked up. 


"HEY!" I said cheerfully with no idea who was on the other side.


"... Dana."

The buzzing went down the moment she called my name.


"Michelle. What's wrong?"

My blood was pumping because of the alcohol so I couldn't think straight. Couldn't think of all the possible things that could've been wrong.

"... I don't know how to say it."

I began to panic but calmed myself down. If I panic, she panics.

"Just say it normally. Come on. You know that whatever you did I'll always forgive you."


"No. It's not what I did... it's Lannah."

"What about her?"


"..."


"Michy, you're scaring me. What happened to Lannah?"


"... she's gone."

My inebriated brain processed this as a normal occurrence. L wasn't the type to stay in one place for a long time.

"... where?"


"... she's dead Dana. She had an accident."


My face fell. What sick joke was Lannah playing? I know she is into pranks and all but this is going too far. Lives are never a thing to joke about. That's my one rule.  


"Michy, I'm at a party right now. Don't joke with a tipsy person."


"Dana. This isn't a joke. I respect your Life rule. I wouldn't joke about this."


I heard her but my mind was running a million miles a minute. My stress was building up. So was my fear. Just when she had finally settled down with someone, this happens. I needed to sit down.


"Dana."


I tried to answer but the words didn't come out. The room was getting darker. I was about to faint. The bile rose from my stomach.

No. I can't. I need water. I rushed to the kitchen and placed my head under the faucet. Cold water cascaded on my face as I tried to breathe. The feeling of drowning calmed me down. 


"Dana?"


I stood back up and droplets fell to my shirt. 


"I hear you. Umm... how's Becca?"


Lannah's fiancé. I met her a few times. A real hot head, but Lannah always knew how to calm her down. 


"We don't know. She hasn't answered our calls. Dana, I'm worried about her."


"I know. Ok. Book me the soonest flight to California."


"I've got the jet fueled up. The pilot's waiting for you."


"Thanks. Can you order me a cab?"


"Uber's 5 minutes away."


"I don't know what I would do without you."


I could picture her smiling sadly. She and I met Becca once in England. They got along really well because Becca was into the same techy things as Michelle. We spent Thanksgiving with them. 


"... please just get there before she does something stupid."


"Will do." I cut the line.


I turned around and left the kitchen, immediately spotting my friends by the bar getting ready for shots.

Making my way over to them, I couldn't help but think about my sister. She was an annoying ball of sunshine. She gave good advice and always stood up for me. She was a huge pain in the neck but I loved her for always following her instincts. I couldn't believe she was gone.


"DANA! HERE. CHEERS!" One of my friends, Marty, shouted and she handed me a shot. 


"Guys. I've gotta go. Something came up."


"Aw, don't be like that," Wanda murmered, clearly already drunk. "We just got here!"


I snickered. We got here 5 hours ago. Wanda, the coordinator of this party and my best friend, always lost track of time; more so if she drinks.

I couldn't tell them about L. it would spoil the party, and I want proof that she's... I can't even say it.

I gave Wanda a tight hug and said goodbye, turning to Marty, who looked a lot more sober. She stared at me with questioning eyes as I gave her a hug. She ruffled my hair a little, a gesture she knew always made me happy. It didn't work, but it did alleviate the pain a little. It's good to know that they're there for me.

"I gotta go." I said with a sad smile. She nodded and pulled me into a bear hug.

"You'll tell me what's wrong when you're ready?"

"Yeah."

She let go and I made my way out of the house and into the Uber that had just arrived.

I got in and sighed. "The airport please."