Dart and Dash - Mary Smith Page 0,18

walked farther into the room.

I took a deep breath. If there was anyone who knew me best, it was Dart. He could read me like a book. I didn’t keep secrets from him, ever. Dart had been there for me every single day after our parents died. He’d been there even before then.

“Thinking about Mom and Dad.” I handed the book to him. He sat on the bed, looking through the pages.

“What brought this on?”

“I was talking with Garnet.”

Dart stared at me for a moment before returning to the book. After a moment he set it down.

“You know what,” he stood up. “Let me cancel my plans, we get some beers, and play some Xbox.”

I shook my head. “Nah, I’m going to do some homework.”

“Dash—,”

“Dart,” I cut him a mean look. “I’m okay.”

He put his hands up, in a surrendering motion. “Okay,” he headed toward the door. Dart stopped and turned. “I love you, Dash.”

I shook my head. “You’re such a girl.”

He chuckled, leaving me alone in my bedroom.

Chapter 11 – Garnet

This has to be the craziest night of my life. First there was the reading and then dinner with Dash. What else could go on?

I opened my eyes looking at my bedroom ceiling. I wasn’t tired; my brain wouldn’t stop replaying Dash’s words. I don’t know why I asked the questions that I had. Maybe it was because Dash seemed sweet, taking me to the reading. Maybe it was because he kept saving me when I was completely trashed at parties. Whatever ‘it’ was, was keeping me up tonight.

But you shouldn’t use your pain as an excuse to be angry with everyone.

I knew he meant my attitude. My anger had other reasons, not just the death of my mother.

Feel like me, again.

Garnet Bowlings.

I shook my head. I don’t remember who I am anymore. Long ago, I was a fun, vibrant, talented dancer. Then Mom got sick, Daisy was in college, and Dad was gone, leaving me alone to take care of her.

I pushed myself so hard to be the best dancer, because it’s where I could be me. I felt at home and gained the most confidence. Now, I needed alcohol to have those feelings anymore.

Right?

Isn’t that why I drink?

Or is it because I don’t dance anymore?

Mom was at every practice, competition, and encouraged me every step of the way. She was my number one fan. When Daisy left home, the focus turned to her. I never understood why my parents went on and on about everything Daisy was doing. Then Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and her health, like it should, became the focus of the house.

I jerked the sheet off me and headed to the fridge. I needed a drink, as I grabbed a bottle of vodka, and mixed it with orange juice. I went outside to our porch and chugged half the drink.

The sky was clear, but the bright streetlights blurred it, and I couldn’t really see any stars. I closed my eyes, listening to the faint sounds of speeding cars from the distant streets.

“Are you sleepwalking?”

I yelped at the question, opening my eyes and seeing Dash.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” He stepped up on the porch, taking a stance across from me, leaning back on the rails.

“It’s fine, and no I’m not sleepwalking.” I sipped my drink.

“Why are you up this late?”

“Shouldn’t I ask you the same thing?”

He smirked. “My excuse is I can’t find my headphones, and Daisy is quite loud.”

“Ew,” I moaned. “Sad to say, I understand that. They were that way when Dart lived with us this past summer.”

“So,” he encouraged.

“I was thinking about Mom,” I truthfully said.

He dropped his gaze. We remained silent for a few seconds, and I chugged the rest of my drink.

“You want a beer?” I stood up, heading into the house, not hearing an answer from him.

I opened the fridge pulling out a bottle, setting it on the breakfast bar for him, and made myself another screwdriver. I heard the front door shut, and Dash strolled into the kitchen, picking up a bottle of beer.

“Dash, I meant what I said today, thank you.”

“Don’t worry about it, but you’re welcome.” He sipped his beer.

After I chugged the second glass, the vodka was relaxing me. It’s probably because there was more alcohol in the glass than actual orange juice.

“You can stay here, Dash, if you want.” I quickly said.

“What?”

“You know, as well as I do, that Daisy and Dart aren’t finishing for a while. So, if you