A bad feeling creeps into my chest at the thought, and I take note of the packed parking lot. Apparently, the weather didn’t deter what seems like the entire high school population from showing up. People hurry to the doors, trying to get out of the rain before it does too much damage.

She doesn’t answer, looking smug as she clicks her door open. “Come on,” she says. “I don’t want to get my hair wet.”

The closer we get to the door, the louder the music becomes, and the rate of my pulse increases with each beat. I lean closer to Zoe, grabbing her arm as we head inside. The place is decked out in balloons, several of them shaped to spell out Happy Birthday, and a whole lot of glitter as far as the eye can see. From the vases filled with flowers on the food table to the bowls filled with party snacks, everything sparkles.

“This looks incredible,” I say, raising my voice in order to be heard. “I’m kind of supposed to avoid flashing lights, though. And loud noises.”

Zoe turns to me, an apologetic expression immediately taking hold of her features. “Oh no,” she says. “I didn’t think about that.”

Surveying the room, I’m unsure of what I’m supposed to do now. The party swirls in front of us, pulsing with energy, and everyone else looks happy. Zoe spent so much time planning this thing, and I’ve already complained.

“I’m sure you can find ways to have a good time, though,” she offers generously. “Mingle, eat food, enjoy the show. You can always go outside if it gets to be too much.”

“Wait—”

After giving my arm a squeeze, she weaves her way through the crowd, greeting people as she passes, and I’m left standing alone. So much for pinkie promises.

My head is already pounding. I spot several faces I recognize—Damien and James are doing laps in their roller skates, and across the room Audrey and Parker share a laugh by the food table.

Somehow, I immediately catch Parker’s attention. I’ve been doing my best to avoid him ever since he took me to Boulder Trail, so I quickly look away, pretending not to see him. A few people I don’t know pass by, shouting birthday greetings, and I move to take a seat on one of the chairs along the wall where it’s quieter.

Much to my dismay, I’m joined by Audrey and Parker, the former plopping down on the seat next to me. Parker remains standing, hovering awkwardly with his drink in his hand.

“Well, this is something,” Audrey remarks.

Slouching in my chair, I say, “It’s something, all right.”

“How are you feeling? This must be a sensory overload for you.”

“Did you know this was what she had planned?”