Things We Never Forget

Prologue

~ Callie ~

I glance over at the digital clock in my Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and curse to myself. I was supposed to pick up Avery 30 minutes ago, but my dad's "pep talk" about boys made me a little late. I hit the gas and pulled up into her driveway 10 minutes earlier than if I didn't surpass the speed limit. Avery, my best friend, trotted down the steps of her huge California mansion and locked the door. As she walked towards my car I realized she dressed like she was going to a club, even though it was just a high school party. She wore a short, skin tight peach dress that barely covered her butt, but it made her curves more pronounced and high heels that were about 5 inches tall. Even though her chest was buster than most girls at Beachton High, she still wore a push up bra which was something I'd never wear.

"Wow", I say when she hops into the passenger seat next to me and I realize that we dressed so much differently for this party.

I wore a off-the-shoulder baby pink crop top and some high waisted white jeans with my white high top converse. "Well it isn't just anyyyy party", Avery says stretching out the 'y' in 'any' and winking, "it's Braeden Tomsons' party !"

I roll my eyes and giggle with her. Avery has had a crush on Braeden since middle school and has tried to impress him ever since. She turns to me and ask me "how'd I look ?"

I smile and say "you look amazing."

She giggles while I pull out of her driveway and turn down the road to the party. It's at Braeden's beach house on the coast and when we pulled into the street, cars were all lined up down the road. "Dang it", I say.

I pull up behind a Ford Explorer and step out of the car. Avery and I head through the front door, but soon confronted by a guard.

"Names", said the booming voice of the Guard.

"Avery and Callie", I say.

"Welcome."

We walk through the house to the back deck where the beach was. There were so many people and guards were everywhere. Avery looks at me and says "I see him !"

I look over to where she's looking and spot Braeden holding his drink up while a girl was grinding on him. Ew. Avery sees and walks down the deck onto the sandy beach and trots over to him. He sees her and I see his jaw drop a little. I smile to myself because I know he likes her back and I'm proud of her. He pushes the other girl away and walks up to Avery. Even though she's wearing 5 inch heels, he is taller. They start to talk and Braeden gives her a drink and I knew I was going to be the one driving home. I sigh and walk to the drink table and fill my cup with fruit punch.

~one hour later~

Screams. A bunch of them.

I run from the kitchen to the deck to see everyone scattering.

Blood.

I look around panicky for Avery and Braeden. And that's when I see them. Even through the guards I she her laying in the sand covered in blood. Braeden holding her in his lap and I notice he's crying. I run down the steps of the deck and fumble through the sand over to her crippled body. A guard tried to hold me back, but I slip through his grip. And there I see her. A gun shot through her chest. Her silky, curls of hair all scrunched up in Braeden lap. Braeden looks up at me with tears streaming down his face and that's when I realize she's dead. My best friend dead. I drop down on my knees and sob. How can she be dead ? Who did this ? I hear the sound of the ambulance and then the paramedics pull me and Braeden away from her.