9

Jonah smiles and puts a hand on your shoulder. "I know I'm feeling good right now, but let me just say something. Thank you for being my friend. I know I'm not the most popular kid, or the coolest or whatever. But you've been there for me. Through the bullying and my parents' divorce. When I feel down on myself. When I didn't make honors last year. You were there for me."

Never this sentimental, Jonah is an emotional drunk. It doesn't happen often, but when he drinks, it's to excess. He smiles, teeth lined with metal braces, and you can't recall a time when he's been happier. You just hope he remembers it when he wakes up and doesn't hate the hangover he's doomed to face.

As you turn to view the party, Jonah hugs you. "We're gonna have a good time." Just as his chin touches your shoulder, he hollers "Marcus!" You pull away and turn around as Marcus, another junior and the apparent bartender, steps past. "Marcus, load me up!"

You glance around the party as Jonah heads off to the bar area. In the pool, members of the football team and several cheerleaders swim and splash around. Madison hangs out at the edge of the pool near a series of grills, where Jack Slim, her robust older brother, cooks burgers and ribs. Brody talks to friends past the grills. A few kids sit under a canopy close to the house and play some sort of game where they roll dice and move plastic miniatures. Still another group stands at the far end of the yard, building what looks to be a bonfire.

Gazing around the backyard of the Milford's house, you consider your options for enjoying the party.