Warning: Depictions/discussions of alcohol and drug use in this one (a little more than the norm)

Also, this is the longest A2A chapter EVER, and includes 100 screenshots! 😮

Because of that, this chapter is split (to make the images load a little easier for those of you reading on mobile!).

Thanks guys!

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Harper stepped out of the bathroom and shivered slightly as the frigid December air kissed her bare skin. It had actually been warming up lately — so much so that most of the snow had already melted away. But the air was still so cold.

Thankfully, Erik’s apartment was only two blocks away. Harper wasn’t sure if she’d be able to make it much farther than that without bundling up.

Beside her, Rylie trembled slightly as well, her mouth releasing soft puffs of mist with each breath she took. She’d had to change her clothes as well — after all, how would they have been able to explain their outfits to their parents?

As far as Harper’s or Rylie’s parents knew, each was spending the night at the other’s house for New Years Eve. Hardly an occasion worth dressing up for. Changing in a public restroom had been less than ideal, but it was better than risking being caught. They’d both ended up leaving their backpacks of clothes and toiletries tucked away in the corner of one of the toilet stalls. Harper hoped they’d still be there in the morning.

Rylie’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of Harper’s outfit. “Damn.” She let out a small laugh.

“What’s wrong?” Harper asked nervously. “Do I look okay?”

Her friend nodded enthusiastically. “Better than okay… You trying to get laid or something?” Rylie’s voice was teasing. “Because I’m pretty sure Devin and Erik are already more than willing, no matter how you’re dressed.”

For a moment, Harper’s stomach was filled with the pleasant flurry of a million butterfly wings. “Oh my God, shut up!” Despite the cold air, her cheeks were suddenly on fire. “And look at you.” Harper eagerly turned the attention back to her friend. Rylie was always gorgeous, but that night, she looked even more amazing than usual. “You’re gonna have half the guys at the party drooling all over you.”

Rylie shook her head. “I’m not after any guys tonight. Or for the foreseeable future. I’m so goddamn sick of dealing with them.” She explained, her frustration apparent in her tone.

“Don’t blame you.” Harper replied sympathetically. She knew there’d been some drama recently between Rylie and one of the guys from school that she’d been messing around with. Rylie had just been looking for some fun, but he was expecting it to turn into something more. And when it didn’t… Yikes.

“Yeah… I think I’m gonna try girls for a while. We’ll see how it goes.” Rylie continued as they headed down the frosty city sidewalk.

Harper raised an eyebrow at her. “Wait… Did you seriously just say you’re gonna ‘try’ girls?”

Her friend shrugged. “Sure, why not? I’ve always wanted to. It’s just a lot easier to pick up guys, I guess.” Rylie smiled. “But I figure why not try it out and see?”

Harper suddenly felt an unpleasant twisting sensation in her stomach, though she could not explain why. “You can’t just decide to become a lesbian all of a sudden.” She insisted, shaking her head.

A bright laugh passed the other girl’s lips, sending a small cloud of condensation floating in the crisp night air. “‘I’m not a lesbian. But… yeah, I’m not exactly straight either. I figured you knew that already.” Rylie replied at last. “You don’t have to like just one or the other, y’know.” She paused then, studying Harper’s face for a moment before continuing. “In fact, I’m sure you know that.” She added, giving her friend a small wink.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?!”

Rylie just smiled and continued down the road in silence.

Thankfully, Harper did not have to let Rylie’s words trouble her for long. Barely two minutes later, Devin’s familiar face came into view, waiting for them on the sidewalk outside Erik’s apartment. She wasn’t sure what excuse he’d given his parents for showing up at the party, but clearly he’d decided it was worth dressing up for too. And just like Rylie, he looked incredible.

Harper did not miss the way his eyes lingered on her as they drew closer. “Hey.” He said at last. “You guys look great.”

“You too.” Harper smiled warmly at him. “Hope you weren’t waiting too long.”

“Nah, my cousin dropped me off a couple minutes ago.”

“Julia’s not coming?” Harper’s brow furrowed in concern for a moment. “I thought Erik said he invited her.”

“He did.” Devin assured her. “But she decided to do something more low-key with her roommates tonight.” He explained. “And, uh… that’s what my parents think I’m doing too.” He added.

Rylie grinned at him. “Excellent.”

“She won’t tell your parents, will she?” Harper didn’t know Julia very well, but she hoped she could be trusted.

Devin shook his head. “She’s got my back, don’t worry.” He assured her with a smile.

“Alright, as much fun as it is freezing my ass off out here with you two… Shall we?” Rylie suggested.

With a nod, the three friends headed inside and made their way upstairs.

The sounds of music and chatter reached their ears the moment they stepped off the elevator. Harper knew they were arriving a bit late, but she hadn’t anticipated arriving to find the party already in full swing.

“Ready?” She asked the others as they drew closer to Erik’s apartment door.

Devin smiled. “Hell yeah.”

Harper’s heart beat excitedly in her chest as she reached forward and opened the door.

“Hey! I’m so glad you made it!” In any other circumstance, Erik’s greeting would have been much too loud in Harper’s ear. Instead, she was grateful for it. The room was so loud!

Harper closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to relish in the warm feeling of his body pressed against hers. She noticed the alcohol on his breath immediately, as well as the lingering smell of marijuana on his clothes. No wonder he’s so cuddly! She thought to herself, amused as she finally pulled away from him.

“Thanks for inviting us.” She beamed at him. “Already looks like a great time!”

“It’s ev… …er now … ..re here!” It was impossible to make out anything he said over the sounds of music and chatter around them.

Harper leaned closer. “What?”

“I said, ‘It’s even better now that you’re here’!” He repeated loudly.

Erik glanced up, as though noticing Rylie and Devin for the first time. “All three of you, I mean.” He added, smiling.

Devin smiled slightly, and said something that Harper could not quite make out.

She sighed softly in frustration. Harper hadn’t been anticipating how difficult having a simple conversation would be. Why did all these people have to be so damn loud?!

Because they’re all either high or drunk off their asses… Or both! An amused voice in the back of her head answered.

Erik beckoned her closer to him for a moment. She kept her eyes fixed on his mouth, doing her best to follow the movements of his lips as he spoke.

“Sorry it’s so loud in here.” He spoke slowly and loudly, though his words slurred together slightly. “I’m gonna turn down the music a little. And if anyone complains, fuck ’em!” Erik chuckled as he fumbled in his pocket to retrieve his phone. With a few taps of his fingers, the stereo’s volume noticeably lessened.

“Thanks.” Harper smiled warmly at him. “That’s a little better already.”

“Are you sure?” He asked. “‘Cause like, seriously… I wanna make sure you have a good time.”

“I will.” Harper assured him, hoping what she said would be true. “Don’t worry about me.”

He smiled gently at her, then shifted his gaze so he addressed Devin and Rylie as well.

“Beer’s in the fridge. Harder stuff on the counter.” He still spoke each word loudly and slowly, for which Harper was very grateful. It was difficult, but she still managed to follow what he said. “Follow the smoke if you want a hit… I think Paul’s still passing a joint around somewhere.” Erik gestured vaguely toward the couch. “Or I can light a fresh one for you guys if you want. Just make sure you smoke before you drink though. Gotta be careful about mixing shit.”

Rylie rolled her eyes. “Yes, Papa.”

All four of them roared with laughter at Rylie’s comment. Harper already felt so light, so happy. And she hadn’t even had anything yet!

“Okay, okay, I get it.” Erik smiled at them as his laughter finally died away. “I’ll shut the fuck up now and let you guys have fun.”

“Hey there, Mr. Mopey.” Harper lowered herself somewhat shakily onto the couch beside Devin.

Her high from the joint she’d smoked when they arrived had finally started to fade away. Instead, the effects of all the alcohol she’d consumed were starting to take over. It felt like the whole room was spinning. Harper was so grateful she hadn’t chosen to wear heels that evening… She’d probably have broken her ankle by now!

“What’s up?” She continued. “Need another drink? Here!”

Harper thrust the bottle toward him as she spoke. Unfortunately she tilted the beer a bit too much, and a bit of liquid spilled out over the top, trickling down over Harper’s hand and into her lap.

“Whoops!” She giggled. “Sorry.”

Devin smiled gently. “It’s fine. I’m taking a break anyway… My head’s too fuzzy.”

With a shrug, Harper lifted the bottle to her lips, quickly downing the entire thing. She couldn’t let it go to waste, could she? As soon as she’d finished, she let the bottle fall to the floor, where it clattered against the other bottles and cans that already littered the apartment floor.

Despite the drunken haze that clouded her mind, Harper couldn’t help but feel a little bad about the huge mess everyone was making. We’ll have to help Erik clean up tomorrow! She told herself.

For now, she had to try to focus on Devin, and trying to make him happy again. Why was he in such a bad mood? He should be having fun!

“Soooooo… What’s wrong?” She asked him.

Devin shrugged. “It’s nothing.” He said softly.

Despite how quietly he spoke, Harper was able to understand what he’d said. Though the party still continued around them, things had seemed to mellow down a tiny bit. Or at least, it felt a little less noisy. She was still relying on reading lips for a lot of her conversations, but the buzz of background noise seemed to have lessened a bit. Maybe people were getting tired? But it wasn’t even midnight yet!

Harper shook herself mentally, willing her drunken mind to focus back on Devin. “You’re a shitty liar, Dev. Come on. You can tell me. Please?” She reached out, poking his arm with one of her long fingers. “Pretty please?”

The corner of his lip twitched slightly. “Fine. I just… It kinda sucks.” He sighed. “Seeing you and Erik together, I mean.” He confessed. Devin’s cheeks reddened slightly. He looked so cute when he blushed… Harper shook her head. Focus!

“What?!” She asked. “You’re… jealous?”

Devin seemed to be thinking very hard for a few moments. “I think I am.” He said at last. He spoke so carefully and slowly. Harper couldn’t be sure if it was for her benefit, or because he was fighting through the fog in his own drunken mind.

“It’s weird. I… I’ve liked you for a while. Like, even before we started hanging out. I thought you were the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.” Devin smiled crookedly at her before continuing. “But… I kinda made myself get over it. Like… ’cause I always thought you had a thing for Rylie.” He laughed nervously for a moment. “I figured you liked girls. I never thought I had a chance…”

Harper’s stomach did somersaults at his words. “I… I don’t like Rylie.” She insisted. “Not like that.”

Devin just smiled. “You’re a shitty liar too, y’know.”

Harper said nothing.

“But I guess you like guys too.” He continued. “‘Cause when I see you and Erik it’s like… really obvious. And yeah, I guess I get kinda jealous about it. And it’s totally stupid for me to feel that way. And you’re right, I’m being super mopey. And now I’m rambling like an idiot. And I think I just said ‘and’ like a million times.” Devin laughed softly. “See, this is why I said no to that beer. I’m bad enough already!”

Harper couldn’t help but laugh softly along with him. It was so crazy to think that all this time, Devin had had a crush on her. But what about her? Did she like him too? And what about Erik and Rylie?

It had been so much easier to explain away everything when she was sober.

“I’m really glad we talked about this.” Harper said at last. “Things are just… really, really confusing for me right now.” She admitted. “But for what it’s worth… I think I might like you, too.”

“Really?”

Harper nodded.

“But… you like Erik too.”

She nodded again. “I think so.”

“And Rylie?”

She bit her lip. “Maybe.”

Devin smiled slightly in amusement. “You don’t sound too sure about any of us.”

“I told you, it’s confusing.” Harper laughed softly. Her conversation with Devin already felt like it was starting to sober her up. And she couldn’t decide yet if that was a good or a bad thing.

Harper took a deep breath before continuing. “But like… I just wanna make sure we’re okay? Like, I don’t know what’s gonna happen. Maybe nothing will. But no matter what, I don’t wanna mess anything up. With any of you guys. You’re my best friends in the whole world.”

Devin smiled. “You’re my best friend too. Well, you and Rylie. No matter what happens, that’s not gonna change.” He assured her. “And I promise I’ll lighten up about this stupid jealousy thing.” He added with a laugh.

“Good.” She returned his smile. “Thanks, Dev. You’re the best.”

Harper hesitated for a moment, trying to fight against the crazy urge that had suddenly entered her mind…

But in the end, she failed.

Mmm… Okay… Maybe I’m not as sober as I thought.

She smiled a bit nervously at him as they finally broke apart. “Sorry… That was…”

“Amazing.” Devin spoke so softly, she’d had to read his lips to understand.

“It was.” She agreed. “But it was stupid of me too. I swear I’m not trying to be terrible and lead you on or… Gah! I’m just really sorry. And really drunk.” Harper laughed softly. “But mostly sorry.”

“Don’t be. It was worth it, Harper. Even if it doesn’t end up meaning anything.”

Harper wasn’t sure what to say. It definitely meant something. But the question now was… What?

She gave him one last smile, then rose to her feet without another word.

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The chapter is not over! Please continue on to Part Two 🙂