When they walked away, Castin said to Jeffrey, “Who is that? I thought it was Laurel from a distance.”

  Jeffrey laughed. “That is Anastasia, our niece.”

  “Oh, that’s her,” he said softly. The guys went up to the house to have a snack. Ana helped Diane prepare some finger foods and lemonade.

  “Take these out on the patio, please,” Diane asked Ana as she handed her two plates.

  “Diane, you didn’t introduce Castin,” Jeffrey said.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Castin, this is Anastasia, Ana, this is Castin,” Diane said.

  “We have met,” Ana replied and smiled.

  After a short time resting, Diane said, “Well, it’s still early, and we have a lot to do. Come on, Ana.” Ana followed her away from the patio.

  “She doesn’t talk much,” Castin said to Jeffrey.

  “She does if you get to know her,” Jeffrey replied.

  Ana went back to the flower bed and saw her phone on the ground. She picked it up and had missed a phone call from her mom almost two hours ago. “Mom called,” Ana said.

  “You better call her back. She will be worried,” Diane said.

  “Why will she worry? I’m here?”

  “Because mothers do that, they worry.”

  Ana called her mom. “Hey,” Ana said.

  “Are you ok? I called nearly two hours ago,” her mother said.

  “I’m fine. I just dropped my phone when we went to help Castin with the rock. Sorry.”

  “Ok, well, I was just checking in. You seemed a little off this morning, and I was worried when you didn’t answer.”

  “I’m good. It’s almost time for lunch, then it will be nap time, then recess,” Ana said sarcastically.

  “It sounds like you’re enjoying yourself. I’m glad you’re taking this well. See you when we get home.” Ana hung up the phone and shook her head.

  “What’s wrong?” Diane asked.

  “Nothing, I think mom thinks I’m a basket case.”

  “Nah, she just worries about you. Castin, are you heading out?”

  “No, I think I will stick around and help Jeffrey a while if that’s ok?” he said.

  Diane was curious as to why he was staying, then realized she had a pretty niece in her garden. “Sure,” Diane said. Ana smiled at Diane. Ana worked with Diane, and Castin worked with Jeffrey. Occasionally their paths crossed, and Castin took every opportunity to fetch what Diane or Ana needed, so he could talk to Ana. They all had lunch on the patio.

  Jeffrey had to go into town. Then he was going down to the barn. “Castin, meet me at the barn in thirty minutes,” Jeffrey said.

  “Yes, Sir,” Castin said, sitting on the patio with Ana. “Do you like it here?” he asked Ana.

  “Yes, I do.”

  “What’s your favorite part?”

  “The horses.”

  “Do you ride?”

  “Yeah. Do you?” Ana asked him.

  “Yes, we should ride sometime,” Castin suggested.

  “Yeah, maybe.” Ana was thinking that wouldn't be happening anytime soon. Diane was in the house on the phone. “Aunt Diane, may I walk to the barn with Castin?” Ana asked aware her aunt knew Jeffrey would be there also.

  Diane said, “Sure,” clearly engrossed in the phone call. They walked to the barn and were almost there when Diane rode up on the ATV.

  Ana thought it figured she would show up. She didn’t trust her either. They worked with the horses, and Ana enjoyed talking to Castin. Andrea called Diane and Ana heard her say they would bring her home. “Ana, your parents want you home. I told her we would bring you,” Diane said.

  “I can walk her or take her on your ATV if you want,” Castin said eagerly.

  Diane looked at Ana, knowing that wasn’t a good idea. “That may not go over well,” Ana said.

  “Oh, ok,” Castin said, feeling awkward and sorry for asking.

  “Come on, Ana. Castin can drive us both,” Diane said.

  “Ok, that’s great,” Castin said, smiling. He drove them to Ana’s. Diane and Ana went in, and Castin said he would stay on the ATV. Ana thanked him softly.

  When they walked in, Andrea said, “Wow, you have been working. You are filthy.”

  “I’ll go shower,” Ana said. She leaned over and kissed Diane’s cheek before going upstairs. Diane patted her of the butt as she went up the stairs.

  “How was she today?” Andrea asked.

  “She was ok, but she’s upset because Jude has unfriended her.”

  “Is that Castin Summer’s on your ATV?” Andrea asked.

  “Yes, he helped us today. Don’t worry. I didn’t let them out of my sight.”

  “Yeah, that’s all she needs is another boy in her life.”

  “Yes, I know. He wanted to bring her home, but Ana declined the offer before I could refuse.”

  “Really? That doesn’t seem like her.”

  “She isn't stupid, Andy. She lost her best friend from home because of her own actions, and she knows you have no trust in her.”

  “Did she say something to you about me not trusting her?”

  “No, but you won't leave her alone in her own house. I think she gets it.”

  “Well, do you blame me? You did the same to Laurel,” Andrea said defensively.

  “I don’t blame you. You are her mother. You have to protect her.” Diane smiled then hugged her. “Parenting isn’t easy.”

  They said goodbye, and Diane left with Castin. Andrea waited for her daughter. Then they had dinner together as a family. Ana was tired, so she didn’t say much at dinner. “Did you talk to Jude today?” her mother asked as they finished their meal.

  Phillip looked at Ana. “No,” Ana said.

  “What are your plans tomorrow?” her mom asked, trying to change the subject.

  “I haven’t made any.”

  “Maybe we can do something fun as a family.” her mother suggested.

  The next morning the family went boating at a lake. It was so nice to get out of the house. Drake brought a friend along named Janna, although she was younger. Ana just chilled, reading a book. Andrea hung close to Ana, as always. “I saw Castin last night,” Andrea said.

  “Yeah, he’s a nice guy,” Ana said, looking through her sunglasses.

  “I heard he wanted to walk you home.” She smiled at Ana.

  “Yeah, we walked to the barn together, so I figured that’s why he thought it would be ok. Don’t worry mom. Aunt Diane was behind us on the ATV. I was supervised.”

  “Oh, I didn’t say anything. Have you talked to Brittani?”

  “Not today. They had something planned.” Andrea didn’t like seeing Ana so down. She would check her phone, then throw it on the boat seat like she wasn’t getting the response she desired.

  “Hey Ana, do you want to come with Drake and me later? We are going to a music festival about an hour from here,” Janna asked.

  Ana thought about it but didn’t want to be the third wheel. “My friend is coming over later, but thanks,” she lied to Janna. Drake was clearly attracted to Janna. He would sit close to her and smile at her often. Ana just watched and wondered how it would be if she had a boyfriend. She wondered if she could bring him on the boat and to the house.

  When they got back to shore, Ana went to the bathroom. “Mom, I’m going with Janna, remember? I’ll be home by eleven,” Drake said.

  “Did you ask your sister if she wanted to go?” his mom asked.

  “Yeah, she said she has a friend coming over.” Drake shrugged and walked to his car. Drake knew it was probably a lie, but he didn't want Ana tagging along on his date any more than she wanted to go.

  Brittani called the next day and told Ana about a party for the cast of the play. “You have to come. Everyone will be expecting you,” Brittani said.

  Ana knew it was a long shot, but she had to ask. She was desperate to do something besides think about how much she hurt Jude. Andrea was in the kitchen. Ana approached her. “Mom, may I go with Brittani to a cast party tonight?” Ana asked.

  Her mom was arranging flowers in a vase. “Tonight? It’s Monday.”

  “It’s summer, Mom. Never mind, I should have just told her no when she asked.” Ana walked away.

  “Wait a minute. You’re making me out to be a tyrant. Where is it?” she asked.

  “Jake Summer’s house,” Ana answered.

  “Will there be adults there?”

  “His parents will be there.”

  “Isn’t he younger?” her mother asked.

  “Yeah, but that is where it is. I don’t know him,” Ana said.

  “I can go?” Ana asked, surprised.

  “Yes, but home by eleven, phone on, and no drinking and driving. I would say no drinking, but that is unrealistic. Use good judgment.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  The Party

  Brittani knew Ana was upset and wanted to get her mind off of Jude. When they got in the car, she handed Ana a beer. Ana said, “Thank you, I need about two more of these.”

  Brittani laughed. “There will be plenty over at Jake’s house. Ana, you need to relax. You’ve been working your ass off. You were amazing in the production. Wow, you and Byron really were into it, huh?”

  Ana laughed. “Yeah, I was pretending he was Jude.” Brittani drove towards Ana’s house. “Hey, where are we going?” Ana asked.

  “Jake lives near you, duh,” Brittani answered.

  “Really? I didn’t know. Wait, his parents know my aunt and uncle pretty good, right?”

  “Yeah, I think so. I think Jake's brother used to be good friends with their daughter.”

  “Huh,” Ana responded.

  “Where is Laurel anyway?” Brittani asked.

  “At college, that’s all I know.”

  “Laurel was a wild child,” Brittani said smiling, “and you kind of look like her.”

  “Well, maybe I am like her,” Ana said as she finished her beer. They passed the stables. It was empty with no cars. Ana looked for the area where she had seen the lights a couple of nights before. When they passed by, it looked like someone had parked and thrown empty beer bottles out of their vehicle. Ana thought that was weird, but she didn’t mention it to Brittani.

  When they got to the party, Ana was greeted by Jake’s mom, his older brother Castin. Ana looked at Brittani. “Hey, Ana,” Castin said and smiled. Brittani gave Ana a questioning look. Ana hadn’t realized Jake was Castin’s brother, but she was sure glad he was. Castin was cute, tall, and kind of thick but not fat, and he had blondish-brown hair. He had a really pretty smile, and he seemed like a good guy. One that would take you home when you were drunk without expecting a favor in return. Jake was outside on the patio, and there were already quite a few people there. He had a fire going in the fire pit, and guys were standing around with red cups, obviously drinking. “How do you know Castin?” she asked Ana.

  “I met him at my aunt’s house the other day. We carried rocks together.”

  “You did what?”

  “We helped my aunt with her landscaping,” Ana explained.

  “Oh, ok, well here. You want a drink?” Brittani asked.

  “Ah yeah. They’re all drinking, I assume?’ Ana pointed out at the crowd of teens.

  “Yes, the Summers’ don’t care. They just don’t want people driving home. A lot of kids sleep over in their basement or camp in the field behind their house.”

  “Really? My mom would never allow that.”

  “Yeah, mine either, but boys are different, I guess.”

  “Yeah, I guess it doesn’t look bad if they get drunk and have sex with different girls.” They went downstairs and poured themselves a beer. Soon they were mingling with the other cast members. Around eight o’clock, some other teens started playing a drinking game called “Never have I ever.”

  “So, you drink if you haven’t done it, right?” Ana asked.

  “Yea,” Brittani answered. They were sitting around the fire. The group was a mix of guys and girls sitting on blankets. They all had beer or some kind of alcohol.

  Jake started. “Never have I ever stole something.” Ana drank. Then it was, never have I ever kissed someone at school. Ana drank.

  Brittani said, “No silly, you kissed Byron in the play.” The next one was, never have I ever kissed a friend. Ana didn’t drink.

  “Never have I ever had sex,” a girl shouted out. Ana drank, so did Brittani, and everyone else watched. The girls just looked at each other, feeling somewhat embarrassed. “Oh, what good girls,” the same girl said.

  “Shut up, Elizabeth, you’re just a whore,” Brittani said.

  “Oh, really?” Elizabeth said.

  Castin came over to Brittani and Ana, “Come on, girls, this game is stupid.”

  “Yeah, Brittani, cool it. You’re going to get us in a fight,” Ana said. Castin walked the girls to the basement, where a group of kids was funneling beers. “You want to try?” Ana asked Brittani. Ana and Brittani drank two beers easily. Ana said, “Yeah, one more, I guess, but remember, I’m on probation. I’m already buzzed.” Brittani agreed, so they stood around and talked to different people and played games with the boys.

  It was getting close to Ana’s curfew, and Brittani said, “I really want to stay.”

  “Me too,” Ana agreed.

  “Call your mom.”

  “No way, she won’t let me.”

  “She let you come here, and you didn’t think that would happen.”

  “True,” Ana said. Ana walked out of sight and called her mom. “Mom, everyone here is sleeping over. Can I sleep over as well?”

  “Ana, I am sorry. I can’t allow you to sleep over.”

  “That’s what I thought.”

  “Is Brittani staying?” her mother asked.

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Ok, be home at eleven.”

  Ana went to look for Brittani but couldn’t find her. Castin walked up, and they started talking. “You know, my house is right over there,” Ana said.

  “I know, we have a trail to your house through the forest,” Castin said, “We should walk it sometime?”

  “Yeah, we should.” Ana got another beer, and they sat down on an old bench looking out towards Ana’s house. There were people all around them, but to Ana, it was only them. Ana thought he was very attractive and mature. Ana was feeling the alcohol, and she was enjoying the feeling. “Thanks for saving us from that girl.”

  “Sure, that game is stupid. I just wanted to get you away from the crowd,” he said, smiling.

  “Well, it worked. We should have played truth or dare.”

  “Yeah,” he agreed playfully, “we could play. Do you want to?”

  “Truth or dare?” Ana asked him.

  “Truth,” he replied, “Is it true I really want to kiss you?”

  “That isn’t how you play. You ask me a question, silly,” Ana laughed. “Come on, I better check on Brittani.” They walked into the dark basement. It was empty. Everyone was outside.

  Ana said, “Dare.”

  “Huh,” he answered.

  “I dare you to kiss me,” Ana said. Castin closed the door and kissed her quickly. “That was awesome. Will you do it again?” Ana was feeling playful. He kissed her again and wrapped his arms around her this time, and she did the same. It was hot, and Ana didn’t want to stop. The door opened, and the light flicked on. It was Jake.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” he said.

  Brittani walked down the steps. “There you are. You ok?”

  “Yeah, sure,” Ana answered. They all walked around to the front of the house.

  “Oh god, Ana, is that Travis?” Brittani asked.

  “Yeah, it is. I’ve got to get out of here,” Ana said, beginning to panic.

  “What’s wrong? Do you want me to ask him to leave? I will,” Castin said.

  “Yes, I mean, no. I can’t be around him. My parents don’t trust him. But it’s ok, I’ve got to be home soon anyway,” Ana replied. “Brittani, you ready?”

  “Ana, I want to stay. My mom thinks I am staying with you,” Brittani said. “Well, I can’t stay. Can you take me home? I don’t want to call my mom,” Ana said. “Never mind, you can’t drive, neither can I. Hey Castin, is that trail long through the forest?”

  “No, I’ll take you on my ATV. Should be there in ten or twenty minutes,” he said.

  “Well, it’s near ten now, let’s go.”

  “Be careful, let me know when you get home,” Brittani said.

  “I’ll keep her safe,” Castin said.

  “We should have plenty of time, right?” Ana asked.

  “Oh yeah, I know this trail like the back of my hand.” He cranked the ATV, and Ana jumped on. She grabbed him around the waist, and they took off. Ana was glad to be getting away from the party and wanted to spend some more time with Castin. He rode slowly up the trail. They rode for a few minutes through the wood. Then he stopped at a clearing that overlooked her and her aunt’s houses.

  “This is beautiful,” Ana said as she got off. The moon was bright, so she could see their houses clearly. She could even see the lights on in her parent’s room. Ana was drunk, but she took another sip of her beer anyway. She sat on an old wooden picnic table. “I can't believe I’ve never been here.”

  “Yeah, it is nice,” he replied. He turned off the ATV and came to stand in front of her. “Truth.”

  “Yes?” Ana asked.

  “Is it true you want me to kiss you again?”

  “Yes, so true.” Ana laughed, then reached up, grabbed his collar, and pulled him down to kiss her. He cradled her head, and she held onto his body. He felt solid and firm in her arms. “Are you a creep?” Ana asked him.

  He laughed. “I hope you know that by now. I won’t hurt you, Ana.” She kissed his cheek, and he nuzzled her neck. “Are you ready to go home?”

  She looked at her phone. “It’s only ten-fifteen. We have time to do whatever if you want. I mean, I can see my house.” He leaned between her legs on the table and kissed her. She laid back on the table, and he leaned over on top of her. Ana was aroused, and she felt free with him. She knew this wasn’t behavior her mother would approve of. Then she thought about that game and how everyone had had sex, but she and Brittani, everybody does it. Ana thought. Ana didn’t want to stop. She was very much in the moment. He pulled her shirt over to one side and kissed her chest. She pulled her shirt and bra up for him, and he massaged her breast with his hands and then mouth, suckling her small breast. Her nipple was tender, and his mouth made it hard. “You’re beautiful,” he said, seeing her white skin in the moonlight beneath him. Ana unbuttoned her jeans, and he looked into her eyes. The moonlight shone bright, and they could see each other easily. “Are you sure?” he asked gently.