Falling (Bits and Pieces, Book 1)

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  The crew was the first to arrive for the party. When I finished what I was doing in the kitchen, his mom insisted I go outside and have fun with everyone. Honestly, I was nervous about the party. I couldn’t remember the last time I went to one. They always made me a little anxious. Would I have fun? Would I fit in? Did they think I was weird? I had always felt awkward at parties. Not just family parties, but parties my friends or classmates would invite me to, ever since I could remember. This time should be different. Right? After all, I had Patrick and the crew. If it wasn’t, I could always go and hang out in the kitchen.

  I went to the backyard to where Patrick, Becca and the crew were sitting. Becca was enjoying being the center of attention. It didn’t seem like Kraig or Emily were too interested in what she was saying. Or maybe they were the worst in feigning interest, compared to the others. I wasn’t sure which.

  “Liz! It’s about time you came out here!” Emily scooted over. “Sit! How was your Thanksgiving? What did you do?”

  I wasn’t quite sure what to say. Do I lie and say I stayed at home? That didn’t seem right. If I told the truth, I know that Becca would be really angry. I looked at Patrick, hoping for some clue as to what to say. His brows rose with curiosity. Becca looked like she was anxiously waiting for me to say how awful it was to spend it alone. I guess to her, it was a little retribution for me getting the solo over Grace.

  “It was really good actually.” I knew what I could say, without lying or revealing too much. I grinned and looked at Patrick. “I spent the day with extended family. It was the best Thanksgiving ever.”

  Patrick tried to suppress his knowing smile. “That’s good to hear.”