Pam and Beverly were best friends. They’ve known each other since they were both five and grew up in the same neighborhood. They went from Kindergarten all the way through middle school together. Many would say they were inseparable, two peas in a pod.
 
They were both an only child and spoiled. A good upbringing in a lower middle-class neighborhood. Almost equal in grades and looks. They both enjoyed much of the same as the other one.
 
Once high school started, Beverly decided to play in the school band, and Pam joined the cheerleading team.  This was when they began to part ways and head in different directions. They both stayed after school to practice, and they both were at the Friday night football games, but they might as well have been living in separate universes.
 
The band kids were considered geeks and the cheerleaders were deemed to be snobby bitches, many being hoes. The sleepovers they used to have growing up almost every weekend were now spent with kids from the band or the cheerleading squad.
 
They still talked and hung out, but it wasn’t the same, and as the months went on, they both started to hang around each other less and less.
 
Pam started to date a football player and started going to parties on weekends.
 
Beverly would be tied up with band practice and competitions. She didn’t have much time to date or have the energy to go out much when she did. She started to become absorbed in the social media world with virtual friends. She’d lay on her bed and watch videos and chat with her virtual friends that were home doing the same thing as her.
 
By the age of fifteen and in their second year of high school, they would pass each other in the hallway with just a nod of the head. They each ate lunch with their own peers that were into the same things as them. They felt connected to their groups and felt accepted.
 
Beverly knew how popular Pam was and deep down, was jealous. She would hear about the wild weekend parties from others on Monday. She would see Pam walking around school with the varsity football quarterback and his entourage.
 
“It’s funny, isn’t it?” Beverly said to her friend Kim as they passed Pam and their group.
 
“What’s so funny about it?” asked Kim.
 
“Well, Pam and I used to be best friends. We did everything together. Now, look at us. We’re like to ships passing in the night.”
 
“Yeah, I know what you’re saying. But she also has a reputation, and you don’t,” Kim reassured her.
 
“I know. But I miss her. We used to watch movies together, do makeup, go to the mall, you name it, we did it.”
 
“Maybe you and I can hang out sometime soon. You can come to my place, or I’ll come to yours?” Kim suggested.
 
“That would be fun! Let’s do it soon,” Beverly said.
 
Pam saw Beverly as a band geek, a square, and even a prude. She felt sorry for her at times because she knew she was either at band practice or home on her bed, talking with her virtual friends.
 
Beverly was getting really good at playing the Clarinet. In fact, she started to enter music performance assessments (MPA’s) and getting the highest rating, Superior. Soon, she took over the first chair in her schools' orchestra. She had the respect of her peers and had self-confidence in her music.
 
But her personal life was different. She didn’t sleep around, so many teen boys avoided her because they felt they would never get anywhere. She was a star on the stage, but once the performance stopped, she felt lonely.
 
Then one Friday after school, Beverly got a text from Pam, “Hey girl, miss seeing you! How about we hang out tonight?”
 
Beverly was really excited to hear from her long-lost friend and her invite. She quickly texted back, “Would love too. Your place or mine?”
 
“Mine. 8 p.m. See you then,” Pam texted back.
 
Beverly ran and told her mom that she was going over Pam’s that night. But her mom knew about Pam and her reputation.
 
“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, honey.”
 
“Why?”
 
“Pam is kind of running with a different crowd now. I mean, you told me yourself she is going to all these parties.”
 
“But mom, I haven’t seen her in so long. I miss her. She is still my best friend.”
 
Her mom stopped cleaning the bathtub for a moment to think. She knew Pam could be trouble. But if she were to say no to Beverly, she would be regarded as the hurtful one.
 
Then she thought about Saturday and a possible way out. “Don’t you have practice tomorrow for an upcoming competition?”
 
“Yes, but we don’t have to be there until 10 a.m. I’ll go to bed at a reasonable time, I promise.”
 
Beverly’s mom paused and then reluctantly said, “OK. But you’d better be home by 9 a.m. to get ready. And no parties or messing around.”
 
“I promise. Thanks, Mom! I love you!”
 
Beverly went to her room and watched silly videos until it was time to go over. At 8 p.m., Beverly walked across the street and knocked on Pan’s door. Pam opened the door wearing skimpy shorts and a halter top shirt.
 
“Hey girl, it’s good to see you! Come in!” Pam enthusiastically said.
 
As Beverly walked with Pam to her bedroom, she stopped for a minute to talk with her parents who were in the living room watching TV.
 
“Hi, Beverly. How are you doing?” Pam’s mom asked.
 
“I’m doing well. Staying busy with band and classwork.”
 
“That’s good. Haven’t seen you in a while. How are your parents?”
 
“They’re doing well. Both are working and doing small projects around the home.”
 
“Tell them we said hello.”
 
“Will do. Nice seeing you again,” Beverly said as she started walking into Pam’s bedroom.
 
“Shut the door, please,” Pam asked Beverly.
 
“So have a seat. How have you been? I know we haven’t seen each other in some time and I kind of miss hanging with you. Plus, I feel bad; you’re always by yourself.”
 
“I don’t mind it too much. I’m so busy at school and with music that the break does me good.”
 
Beverly then asked Pam, “How have you been? I hear you’ve been going to a lot of parties and dating. How’s that all been?”
 
“It’s been F**kin fantastic! I’ve been hanging with really cool people, having some great sex and enjoying life!”
 
“How have you been doing with your grades?”
 
“Oh, they suck! But I don’t care. My parents have already given up on me. My dad told me when I turn 18, I can hit the road.”
 
“Are you serious? Damn Pam! What’s going on?”
 
“Life is what’s going on. I don’t give a shit about my grades. I’m having fun, and that’s what life is about.”
 
“But your dad telling you need to leave at 18?”
 
“Oh, Yeah. I’ve already been called a slut and whore by both my parents. They tell me I have a drug and drinking problem. We fight a lot. I just tell them to get off my ass.”
 
“Holy crap! I didn’t know any of this was going on. When did all this start?”
 
“What, the partying?”
 
“Yes, was it in your Freshman year?”
 
“Once I joined the cheerleading squad, I started meeting people who love to ‘party.’ They would introduce me to others who also liked to party, and then I started going to other kids houses when their parents were out of town. One place I still visit has one parent who parties with us. She buys the beer and supplies much of the pot. She’s really cool.”
 
“Man! I guess I’ve been living such a sheltered and boring life. I go to school, band practice, Clarinet lessons, and stay home. I mean, I spend time with my family, and we do things together.”
 
“You’ve always been close to your family. I know how tight you all are. I do sort of envy that.”
 
“I love my parents. They would do anything for me. Yes, they can ride my ass a lot, but I know they mean well and want to see me succeed.”
 
“Do you ever wish you could escape, just for a bit?” Pam asked Beverly.
 
“Escape? Like runaway?”
 
“No, like take a break from all this normal bullshit and escape reality?”
 
“I’m pretty content, actually. I mean, I do get tired of practicing and homework. But life isn’t too bad.”
 
“Yeah, but how would you like to step back from everything and see what the universe really looks like?”
 
“What the universe looks like? I see that now; People are working, going to school, committing crimes, raising a family, that’s what the universe is about.”
 
“No, no. I mean step back from that shit and look at it from a different perspective. Have you ever wished you could do that?”
 
“Not really. But I have thought about smoking pot and seeing what it was like. Is that what you’re talking about?”
 
“Sort of. My drug of choice is a little more intense than pot. But that could be a start. Do you want to try it?”
 
“Try smoking pot or what you’re talking about?”
 
“We can try pot if you’d like. You’ll be safe. I promise.”
 
“I don’t know Pam. If my parents ever found out, they’d be really disappointed and upset.”
 
“How are your parents going to find out? We have the whole night. Let’s have some fun and let Pam show you what life can be like when you’re not such a stick in the mud.”
 
“I don’t know, Pam. I have an all-day band practice tomorrow, starting in the  morning.”
 
“We won’t be up that late. You’ll have a blast. Let me text Dan, my boyfriend, and see if he can pick us up.”
 
“We’re going to go out? I didn’t say anything about that to my mom or dad. I would prefer to stay here.”
 
“OK. I understand. Let’s just go in the backyard. I have a little something we can smoke.”
 
“What about your mom and dad?”
 
“Ah, they don’t know what I’m doing out there. I’ll just tell them we’re going to hang out on the picnic table.”
 
Beverly was very hesitant to go this route, but her curiosity pushed her. She felt nervous but excited and exhilarated. She followed Pam back through the living room and into the dining room, out the back door, and into the dimly lit backyard.
 
Her yard had trees and a privacy fence, which prevented nosy neighbors from seeing what was going on.
 
They both sat on top of the picnic table and then Pam brought out a rolled joint and lit it up. She took a long drag, held her breath, and then exhaled.
 
“Take your first hit of this shit, Bev.”
 
“What do I do?”
 
“Just put your lips tightly around it and inhale. Then hold your breath until you can’t anymore. Then, blow out.”
 
“I’m really nervous. I don’t know if I should do this.”
 
“Seriously? Stop being such a p***y. Have some fun! Live life a little tonight. You’re with your best friend.”
 
Beverly did what she knew she shouldn’t. All her instincts were telling her this was wrong. But she also didn’t want to let Pam down and did want to have some fun. So, she took the hit.
 
Beverly started coughing almost right away. She couldn’t even hold it in.
 
“Are you OK?” Pam asked.
 
“Yes. My lungs just weren’t expecting that. Do you think I got any?”
 
“I would try it again. Maybe don’t breathe in so much this time.”
 
Beverly did succeed the second time and even a third. Pam warned her to stop and see what reaction she got.
 
They both just kept talking normally for a few minutes when all of a sudden, Beverly started to feel the effects.
 
“Oh, Man. I’m starting to feel weird.”
 
“Weird, like how?” Pam asked her.
 
“I mean, everything is starting to change. The night is now appearing different than it just was.”
 
“You’re getting high, dude! That’s the feeling. More will come.”
 
“I’ve never felt this way before. I see and hear everything in a new way. I’ve never felt like this.”
 
“Do you like it?”
 
“I think so. I don’t know what to think of it yet.”
 
Pam turned on her boom box and put some music on.
 
“Shit, dude. This is awesome. The music sounds really great,” Beverly said.
 
“I know, right.”
 
“Is this how you usually feel when you get high?”
 
“Pot and most drugs affect people differently. I also tend to mix other things in the pot, which amplifies the ‘high.’”
 
They started talking about the past and all the things they loved to do. While Beverly was rambling on about their childhood memories, Pam kept checking her phone to see if her boyfriend had texted her.
 
As Pam was telling one story of when they both got into trouble sneaking into the kitchen late at night on a sleepover, Beverly started laughing so hard, she could barely catch her breath. Pam soon followed, and they both laughed for about ten minutes, each with tears in their eyes and running down their cheeks.
 
When they stopped, Beverly said, “I’m starving.”
 
“I’ll go get some food. Wait here,” Pam said.
 
She came back out with brownies and chips. They started scarfing everything up.
 
“Man. These brownies taste the best I’ve ever had!” Beverly said.
 
They enjoyed each other like they haven’t in years.
 
It started to get chilly out, so they decided to go back inside to Pam’s bedroom. As they walked past her mom and dad, both glued to the television, Pam’s mom asked Beverly a question, “Hey, Beverly, are you still playing the Clarinet?”
 
Beverly stopped and looked at her. She was still high, and before she could say anything, she started to suspect they knew she was high.
 
“Yes, I am,” she nervously answered. 
 
“I know you’ve won some accolade’s from your playing. Glad to see you’re still at it.”
 
Then, for some unknown reason, Beverly just started laughing, without any reason. The mom looked at her, as did the dad. Pam just elbowed her and said, “Let’s go to my room.”
 
Beverly started walking behind Pam and then said, “Sorry. I was thinking of a joke. Pam told me earlier.”
 
When they both got into the bedroom, they closed the door, and Pam said, “What the hell was that?”
 
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it. I just looked at your dad, and all of a sudden, I started laughing. Do you think they know I’m stoned?”
 
“I don’t know. Maybe. Don’t worry about it.”
 
“Oh, no. What if they tell my parents?”
 
“Bev, they think you’re so straight. They probably think it’s normal for you. They know you don’t do this stuff. Don’t worry. You’re just being paranoid.”
 
The two teens began watching YouTube videos until they got tired and then they went to sleep around 12 a.m.
 
The next morning, Beverly woke up at 8:30 a.m. with a severe headache. She woke Pam to tell her she had to leave and get ready for band practice.
 
“I had a great time last night,” Beverly told Pam.
 
“I did too.” I’m glad you came over. We’ll have to do this again real soon.”
 
“You got it. See you later.”
 
As the day wore on, Beverly struggled in some areas of the music she hadn’t before. She still had a headache but felt a little hazy and a little slow to respond to certain things, especially her solo’s. The band director asked her if she was okay and she said she was but didn’t sleep well.
 
For Beverly wasn’t quite herself that day. But instead of trying to refocus her attention to her music, she kept thinking about how much fun she had last night and couldn’t wait to do it again.
​

Part 2.
 
Beverly’s friend, Kim, noticed she was not quite herself and asked her several times if she was okay.
 
“Bev, are you under the weather or something? You’ve missed several parts of your solo that you never miss.”
 
“I’m fine. Just tired. Thanks for asking though.”
 
“I tried texting you last night, and you only answered once, and it was a strange message.”
 
“What did it say?”
 
“Let me look. Here, it says, “Fine. Need more toilet paper.”
 
Beverly thought about it for a minute. Then she responded, “Oh, I was half out of it and must have needed more toilet paper. I must have said it, and my phone just responded with that message. Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to blow you off.”
 
“It’s cool. I understand.”
 
Beverly didn’t want Kim to know she went over Pam’s house last night and certainly didn’t want to tell her she was stoned. That would spread like wildfire, especially with the reputation Beverly had of being such a “good girl.”
 
When Beverly got home from rehearsal, she received a text from Pam, “Hey, Bev, want to hang out tonight and meet a few people? It’s Saturday night.”
 
“Not sure if I can,” Beverly texted back. “Who are these people?”
 
“Just my boyfriend, Dan and his friend, Dave.”
 
“I’m not sure. I was just out last night, and I’m not certain my parents would let me go over your place again without suspecting something.”
 
“Tell them you’re spending the night at someone else’s house. That worked for me for a while.”
 
Beverly didn’t respond for a few minutes, as she was thinking. “Last night, I had a lot of fun. More fun than I’ve had in quite a while. But now, I would be lying to my parents and going out with people I don’t know,” she thought to herself.
 
After five minutes, Pam texted her again, “It will be a lot of fun. You’ll love Dan, and Dave is hilarious. Common! Be fun and adventurous!”
 
“Let me see what I can do. I’ll try.”
 
After Beverly finished eating dinner with her mom and dad, she decided to ask if she could spend the night at someone else’s house. She knew this was really bad and something she had never done before. But she had this absolute craving to get high again and do something she’d never done.
 
“Hey mom, a new friend of mind, her name is Kim, from marching band, wanted to know if I could spend the night tonight at her place. Do you think that would be okay?”
 
“Where does Kim live?” Her mom asked.
 
Beverly thought real quick. “She lives two blocks from here. I can ride my bike over.”
 
Being that Beverly had never really lied to her parents and was always well behaved, they trusted her.
 
“Wow. Two sleepovers in two nights. That’s unusual for you?” Her dad commented.
 
“I know. But I need to become more social and not just hang out in my room all the time. I think this is good for me.”
 
“How about you give me the phone number to Kim and let me speak to her mom and make sure everything is good to go. I want to make sure you’ll be safe.”
 
“Mom, really? I’m not a little kid anymore. I’m 15. You’re going to embarrass me.”
 
Her mom paused, looked at her husband, waiting for him to reply. He looked at Beverly and said, “We just want you to be safe. If you have any issues or need us for anything, you know to call us, anytime. We’ll come to get you.”
 
“I know. You always tell me that. I’ll be fine.”
 
“Can you at least give us Kim’s phone number, just in case we can’t get a hold of you?” Her mom asked.
 
“Sure,” Beverly said, reluctantly.
 
She wrote down the phone number to Kim and left the dining room table to go to her room. She texted Kim and told her she was sneaking out that night and asked if she would cover for her if her mom called. She told Kim she would explain everything on Monday.
 
Kim was not on board and felt Beverly was making a mistake lying to her parents and sneaking out. She told her she couldn’t lie, but would not answer the phone if her mom did call. That was the best she could do.
 
Beverly knew it would have to work and thanked Kim. She then texted Pam the good news, “I can go!! I’ll have to meet you a few blocks from here, in front of the Church. I’ll chain my bike up, and you and your boyfriend can pick me up.”
 
“Alright girl! Glad to hear it! Meet you there at 7:00 p.m.
 
As Beverly was showering. She started to feel really guilty. She knew how much her parents cared for and loved her and now she was taking a risk, just to have selfish fun.
 
She almost changed her mind and was ready to tell Pam it was off, when Pam texted her a picture of Dave, with the caption, “He really wants to meet you and thinks you’re beautiful!”
 
Beverly stared at his picture on her phone and said to herself, “Damn, he is good looking!”
 
“How old is he?” she texted Pam.
 
“He’s 17.”
 
Then Beverly impulsively texted, “Looking forward to meeting him.”
 
Now, she knew she had to go and not only get high again but high with Dave.
 
She kissed her parents' goodbye, got her bike from the garage, and headed to the Church three blocks away. Fifteen minutes later, a car pulled up, and Pam jumped out of the front passengers' seat and ran up to give her a hug.
 
“Girl, we’re going to have some fun tonight. Let’s go,” Pam said to her.
 
Beverly got into the back seat where she met Dave.
 
“Beverly, this is my boyfriend Dan, and this is Dave.”
 
“Hi, Dan and hi Dave. Nice to meet you both.”
 
“It’s really nice to meet you, as well,” Dave said. “You are much hotter in person than your pictures on Facebook.”
 
“Well, thanks,” Beverly shyly replied.
 
“So, where we are heading?” Beverly asked.
 
“We’re going to the airport, have a few drinks, smoke a little, and watch the planes fly in. Then, we’ll see where the wind takes us.”
 
“Sounds like fun!” Beverly replied.
 
Dan put some rock music on, and they drove about thirty minutes to the airport. Little was said in the car on the ride, as they just listened to the music and stared out the windows. Beverly was nervous, and so was Dave.
 
When they arrived at the airport, they parked and walked toward where the planes were flying over to the runway. It was a small, secluded area, right next to the water. Blocked by trees and shrubs.
 
Once they sat down on the ground, Dan opened the bag he carried from the car and pulled out a full bottle of Jack Daniels Whisky. He twisted off the cap, took a nice swig, then passed it to Pam.
 
Pam did the same and passed it to Beverly. As she did, she asked her; “Have you ever drank whiskey before?”
 
“No. The most I’ve ever had was a few sips of wine from home.”
 
“Bev’s going to be a big girl tonight,” Dan said as she took her first sip.
 
“Oh, my God! That burns all the way down,” Beverly said wincing.
 
They all chuckled.
 
“First time drinking virgin,” Dan proclaimed.
 
They passed the bottle around a few times, listening to the planes thunderous rumble as they flew over.
 
“Holy crap. You can feel the ground shake,” Beverly said.
 
Then, Dan pulled out a fat joint from his front shirt pocket.
 
“Damn, boy! We gonna get f**ked up tonight! Hell yeah!” Pam shouted with excitement.
 
Dan passed the joint to Beverly and said, “Since this is your first time sneaking away from home and partying, I think it’s only proper you should have the honors.”
 
“Why, thank you, Dan. How sweet of you,” Beverly said to him with a smile.
 
Beverly was already feeling tipsy from the drinking, and now she was in for even more mind distortion.
 
“Be careful when you light it. Don’t do it in the middle or it will ruin it,” warned Dave. “Want me to help you?”
 
“No, I have it. Thanks.”
 
She lit it up and took a drag. Just as she did the night before, she started coughing right away. They all started laughing, and Dave was patting her on the back.
 
As they continued drinking and smoking, Pam started playing some music on her phone. They were having a good time and forgetting about life for a while. Their reality slipped away, and fantasy began to take a more prominent role.
 
Soon, they were all sharing “what if” scenarios and enjoying everything.
 
As the night went on, Pam and Dan were getting all touchy and feely with each other. Beverly kept peaking over at Dave to check him out. He was about 6’ 2” (played wide receiver for the varsity football team), had Black hair, a friendly smile, and was wearing blue jeans and a jean jacket.
 
She felt her inhibitions slipping away. Before long, Dave was now sitting closer to her and Pam, and Dan was entirely making out.
 
Dave and Beverly were now the only ones talking. He would occasionally put his left hand on her right leg and lightly brush it.
 
Beverly noticed this as soon as he started but didn’t pull away. She knew what he was doing, but also enjoyed it. Then, Pam and Dan got up and said they would be back in a few.
 
“Well, you know what they're going to do,” said Dave.
 
“Yeah. I’m guessing that too.”
 
Within a few minutes, Dave put his arm around Beverly and pulled her into him and moved his head toward hers. He then moved forward to give her a kiss. She quickly pulled back, stood up, and said, “I’m sorry. I can’t do this. I’m still waiting for marriage.”
 
“Ah, come on babe. We’re just going to have some fun.”
 
“I can’t. I’m sorry.”
 
“It’s cool. I understand. Sit back down. We’ll just talk.”
 
About five minutes later, Pam and Dan came back and sat down.
 
“So, what should we do now?” asked Pam.
 
“How about we go to Darren’s place?” Dave suggested.
 
“That’s an idea. Let me text him and see if it’s cool,” Pam said.
 
As Pam was waiting for Darren’s reply, Beverly’s mind was racing. She was intoxicated and still pretty high. She was afraid of what more may come but also didn’t even know where she was at this point. The whole evening and its surroundings seemed surreal.
 
She wanted to go further in the night yet knew she should stop where she’s at. Where could she go if not with them? Dan was pretty buzzed, and he was going to be driving. She was supposed to be at Kim’s house. She knew she couldn’t go there, go home, or go to Pam’s.
 
“He said to come over. He has a few people visiting, but they will be leaving soon,” Pam read from the text she got from Darren.
 
They all got up and headed back to Dan’s car. Pam could tell Beverly was quiet and asked her if she was OK. Beverly assured her she was. But Pam knew better. She pulled Beverly to the side while the two guys kept walking to the car.
 
“Are you OK? You’re really quiet.”
 
“I’m pretty buzzed. Dave put the moves on me which made me uncomfortable, and I’m getting a little scared.”
 
“Don’t worry about Dave. He’s harmless. What are you scared about? Aren’t you having fun?”
 
“Yes. I am. But I’m scared my parents may find out, or we’ll have a car accident or something like that.”
 
“I think you’re just a little paranoid. It’s normal, and it will wear off. Don’t worry. When is the next time you’re going to be able to do this? Let’s have fun! This could be the best night of your life for a while.”
 
Being that Beverly was new to drugs and drinking, she took her past best friends advice. She also didn’t want to ruin anything for the others. She got into the car, and they drove off.
 
Beverly had no idea where she was. For all she knew, she could have been in her own neighborhood. But with the drinking and smoking, she wasn’t aware of her surroundings. Everything just seemed foreign.
 
About twenty minutes later, they pulled into a driveway in a residential neighborhood. They all got out and went to the front door. After waiting a few moments, this older, skinny middle-aged man (in his mid-40’s), opened the door.
 
“Hola. Welcome my friends!! Come on in.”
 
Pam introduced Beverly to Darren, and they walked into the house’s backroom. The room was a converted, closed in porch. There were several dark-colored couches and a large TV. The room was illuminated with string lights used for Christmas, a lava lamp on the end table, and a few blacklights.
 
Darren had some mellow music playing in the background and invited everyone to have a seat. Dan pulled out the half-empty bottle of whiskey and handed it to Darren.
 
“Wonderful. Thank you, my brother.”
 
Darren took a few swigs and passed it back to Dan. They started passing the bottle around, so Beverly was now drinking more, keeping her well buzzed.
 
“Tell me, Beverly, what brings you out? You look uneasy,” Darren asked her.
 
“Well, I wanted to have a little excitement and hang out with my friend Pam.”
 
“Have you partied before?” he asked her.
 
”Last night was my first time smoking marijuana and tonight was my first time drinking.”
 
“What do you do in school?” Darren asked her.
 
“I’m in marching band and play Clarinet in the orchestra. I am the first chair.”
 
“Wow! I used to play trumpet when I was in high school. How many Clarinets are in your section?”
 
“We have eight, including myself.”
 
“The first chair isn’t easy to get. How old are you?”
 
“Fifteen.”
 
“So, let me ask you again. Before we get seriously messed up, what are you doing here? I feel like you should be at home.”
 
Beverly was now getting caught off guard. She was starting to reconsider her decisions. Darren was concerned, yet Pam didn’t say a word. She and the others just kept drinking and staying quiet.
 
“Tell you what, Beverly. Drugs can Kill. You do know that, right?”
 
“Yes. I know that,” she replied.
 
“And how one person reacts to a drug may be quite different than how another acts. Also, dealers don’t give a shit about you or anyone. All they care about is money. If you die because of something they manufactured, they will get more business. Imagine a restaurant’s hamburger killing a customer. I don’t think they would gain business from that. But with drugs, people are just f***in stupid! Do you get what I’m saying?”
 
Beverly paused and thought really hard. She took a swig of the whiskey when it came her way. It was still quiet, conversation wise, from the others.
 
Then Darren said, “Do you have parents that love you?”
 
“Yes, very much!”
 
“Do you think they would be devastated if something were to happen to you?”
 
“Yes, they would be.”
 
“Then think girl. Do yourself a favor and don’t mess with this shit. I’ve seen too many of my friends and people I know lose their lives because of this shit. People die directly or indirectly because of drugs. You look like you have a lot of potential. Don’t mess it up.”
 
Then Dan spoke up and said, “Dude, you’re starting to scare the crap out of her. Chill out on the parent talk.”
 
“Dan, you are just a high school jock. You don’t give a shit about your grades. As long as you perform on the field, you can go far.”
 
“Alright, come on Darren. We’re here to party. Are you going to lecture us or are we going to the next stratosphere?” Pam said.
 
“Alright. Let’s party. But don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he said, looking at Beverly.
 
Darren reached into this school pencil box he kept his good drugs in and pulled out a joint. “This my friends is no ordinary smoke. This is rocket fuel to put you into outer space.”
 
He lit it up, took a nice drag, held it and exhaled. He then passed it to Pam. Soon, it would be passed to Beverly. Now, she had a real choice to make. 


Part 3.

As the joint came around to Beverly, she took it, held it for a moment, thought deeply about what Darren had told her and went to pass it to Dave.
 
“Dude, you serious? You’re passing up some good stuff,” Pam told her.
 
“Maybe later. But not now,” Beverly replied.
 
Darren then said, “Wise choice.”
 
Beverly started thinking really hard about trying to get out of this situation. She didn’t want to get into the car with Dan being even more impaired. Her parents have always warned her about riding with someone who is drunk or under the influence. She’s heard the stories and seen videos of teens losing their friends to buzzed driving and overdoses.
 
But as she was thinking of calling her parents, Pam and the others were having so much fun. They were laughing, telling stories and having a great time. She felt left out.
 
She looked at her phone and noticed there was a text from her mom that was 30-minutes old. It said, “Hope you’re having fun with your new friend! Miss you! See you in the morning. WE LOVE YOU!!!”
 
Beverly’s heart sank. This was the anchor she needed. This was the reinforcement from her parents' constant preaching and warning about drugs and being in dangerous situations.
 
She watched as the group kept smoking and drinking and becoming more wasted. They didn’t pass anything more to her, nor did they even talk to her. They pretended as if she wasn’t there.
 
It was around 10:30 when there was a knock at Darren’s front door. He left to go answer it and returned with a few strangers.
 
“Hey gang, I want you all to meet a few buddies of mine. This is John, and this is Pete. They are old army buddies of mine.”
 
Everyone introduced themselves, and they sat down. After about ten minutes of small talk, John pulled out a rolled-up bag from his left front pocket.
 
“I have some treats for you all tonight. I think you’re going to like this.”
 
He asked Pete for his stash and Pete pulled out his bag.
 
“What kind of treat do you have for us tonight, John?” Darren asked.
 
“I picked up some Oxi and crushed it up. You’re not going to feel any pain tonight.”
 
“Awesome! Let’s party tonight.”
 
“I’ve never had Oxycodone before,” said Pam.
 
“Well, then you’re just going to love this,” John replied.
 
Darren was a mid-level pot pusher. He would sell a pound or two a week, sometimes more. Pam and Dan have known him for a while and would occasionally stop over to buy seven to ten grams. Nothing serious but Darren always thought Pam was attractive, so he enjoyed having them come over.
 
John and Pete were into more heavy stuff and would sell pills, especially the highly addictive pain pills; Oxycodone and OxyContin. When they ran out, they would sell heroin. They have had buyers of their drugs overdose, and some even died. They didn’t care. To them, that was their own choice. These were some of the same people Darren was warning Beverly about.
 
Beverly knew she was way out of her league. She watched as John combined the crushed pills into the marijuana and rolled it up. He put one end into his mouth and lit it up.
 
As he blew out his hit, he said, “This is going to make your pain go away.”
 
He passed it to Pete, who took a hit and then passed it to Dave, who also took a hit. Beverly’s heart was beating fast, as she was about to be put on the spot again. Dan took a nice hit, then Pam.
 
“Bev, this is what you want. Take a hit of this shit.”
 
Beverly took the joint from Pam and as she did before, just held it and looked at it. Then, she passed it to Darren.
 
“Ah, come on dude! Are you kidding me?” Pam said to her.
 
“Don’t pressure her. When she’s ready, she’ll tell us,” Darren said as he took the joint from Beverly.
 
Darren took a hit and passed it to John. Everyone was listening to the music, which Darren turned up, and enjoying the company. Beverly, meanwhile, was trying to figure out what she should do.
 
“I’ll be right back, I have to use the restroom,” she announced.
 
“It’s to your left, down the hall and the last door on your right,” Darren told her.
 
Beverly walked to the bathroom, closed the door and just sat on the closed toilet seat. She pulled out her phone and texted Kim, “Hey, I know it’s late. But I am in a bad situation and need your advice.”
 
Beverly waited a few minutes, but there was no response. It was around 11:00 p.m. She thought about calling her parents. But she didn’t even know the address of where she was at. Plus, she was pretty buzzed.
 
After a few more minutes, she heard a knock at the bathroom door.
 
“Bev, You okay? Did you fall in?” Pam asked her.
 
“No, I’m good. Be out in a minute. Thanks for checking on me.”
 
“Are you sure?”
 
Beverly thought real quick and said, “I’m just not feeling too hot. Kind of queasy.”
 
“Think it’s the whiskey?” Pam asked.
 
“Not sure. Maybe.”
 
“Alright. Come back when you feel better. If you want, you can chill on the couch in the living room. We will be going in a little while.”
 
“OK. Thanks!”
 
This was exactly what Beverly needed. A reprieve from what was happening in that back room. She left the bathroom and went to the living room to sit on the couch. She could faintly hear the others laughing and enjoying themselves. She was still worried about what they would be doing the rest of the night and how Dan would be driving.
 
Then she received a text back from Kim, “What going on? I was watching TV.”
 
“I’m over this guys house with Pam and her friends, and they’re all doing drugs. I’m scared. I have been smoking pot and drinking. But they are now doing harder stuff. Not sure what to do.”
 
“Where are you at. I can come to pick you up.”
 
“Not sure. Some neighborhood.”
 
“Look around and see if you see any mail lying around. Maybe there is an address on it.”
 
“OK. Let me check.”
 
Beverly started looking around the living room for any mail or anything with an address. Nothing. She checked the dining room table but still couldn’t find anything.
 
She then went into the kitchen and seen a bill organizer hanging on the wall. She took out what she thought was a bill and it did have his first name, Darren, with the address. She took out her phone and took a picture of it. She quickly texted it to Kim.
 
As soon as she hit send, the door to the back room opened. She looked up, and it was Darren. She tried to put the bill back into the organizer, but he had already seen her do it.
 
“What’s going on?” he asked her.
 
She was in full panic.
 
“Nothing. I was looking for a glass of water.”
 
Darren came into the kitchen and looked at the organizer. He noticed the bill was still sticking half way out.
 
“You touching my personal items?”
 
“I’m sorry. I wanted to text my friend with your address. I want to go home, and she needed to know where I was.”
 
Beverly waited for his response. She knew this could be really bad.
 
“I’m really sorry. I wasn’t trying to be nosy.”
 
Darren walked past her and opened the fridge. He pulled out a handful of water bottles, then handed her one.
 
“It’s cool. I understand. But I don’t want others knowing I sell or use drugs here.”
 
Beverly still had her phone out when Kim texted her back. Darren asked to see the text. Beverly first resisted, then he said, “Let me see what’s going on here. Unlock your phone.”
 
Darren put the waters on the counter and put out his hand to receive the phone. Beverly unlocked it and then she hesitantly handed it over to Darren. He looked at the text Kim sent and said, “She asked you to send it again because she couldn’t make it out.”
 
“I can’t have anyone you know showing up here to rescue you.” I have a business here, and I have to keep things low, you know what I mean.”
 
“Yes, I understand, and again, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to bother Pam and them. I know they’re having a good time. I just thought because I wasn’t feeling well, I would just go home.”
 
Darren just stood there and looked at her for a few minutes. Beverly was terrified. She was in the kitchen with Darren, who was very impaired. The others were in the next room, with the door closed and music playing.
 
Beverly started shaking, because she knew as a young teenage girl, with another man, with drugs and alcohol involved, could be a dangerous combination. Her parents always warned her to stay out of these situations.
 
“Please, can we go back in the back room with the others. I won’t say or do anything wrong, I promise.”
 
Before Darren could answer, her phone started to ring. He looked at it and said, “Who is Kim?”
 
“That is my friend I texted.”
 
“Answer it and tell her everything is fine. You don’t need a ride.”
 
He handed the phone back to Beverly, who answered it.
 
“Hey, Kim. Everything is cool. I don’t need a ride.”
 
There was a moment of just Beverly listening and then she said, “No. I appreciate it. But I’m OK. Thanks though. Talk to you tomorrow.”
 
She hung up and tried putting the phone back in her pocket, when Darren said, “I don’t think so. Give it back here.”
 
She handed him back the phone, and he put it in his back pocket.
 
He then took his right hand and ran the back of it through her hair and said, “You’re very pretty.”
 
“Please, Darren. Don’t do this,” Beverly pleaded. “I’m not what you want. I’m just a scared teenager in the wrong place.”
 
Indeed, she was. She was so nervous, her knees started shaking and buckling. She wanted to scream but felt it would only make things worse. She turned and started walking to the back-room door when she felt him grab her left arm.
 
“Don’t go. Let’s talk. I think you would like me more if we could just talk.”
 
Beverly was inches away from the door and lunged toward the handle and turned the knob. Darren started pulling her back, but she managed to open the door and yelled, “Pam! Pam! Please help me!
 
Pam jumped up and came to the door. Darren then released her and walked back into the kitchen.
 
“What’s going on?”
 
“We need to leave. Please! Can we go?!”
 
“Sure. What’s going on though?”
 
“I’ll tell you later. Please, let’s go! OK?”
 
Pam looked into the kitchen and seen Darren in the refrigerator. She looked at Beverly and lipped to her, “Did he try something with you?”
 
Beverly shook her head and mouthed, “Yes.”
 
“Hey Darren, we’re going to be taking off,” Pam said.
 
“Sure. No problem, Pam.”
 
Pam walked back in and started to try to wake up Dan, who was passed out.
 
“Dan! Dan! Wake up. We’ve got to go.”
 
Dave was also pretty out of it, so he offered to help. John and Pete were alert and wondering why they had to leave.
 
“Leaving so soon? I wanted to see the new girl have some fun. I’m sure she’d be fun to party with. Hang a little more. Your boy can’t get up anyways. Might as well stay.”
 
Pam kept trying to wake Dan, but he wouldn’t get up. It was his car, and he had the keys.
 
“Let him sleep. Come-on. Sit down and let’s party some more. I’m just getting started.”
 
Pam didn’t know what to do, and Beverly didn’t have her phone. Beverly walked into the room and started to freak out. “Oh my God! Pam, we need to leave, now! She said in her ear.
 
Pam looked up at Beverly and saw tears start rolling down her face.
 
“Please, Pam, let’s go.”
 
Pam took her hand and said, OK, let’s go.”
 
They turned and stated walking toward the back-room door, when Darren stepped from the kitchen to the doorway, and said, “I agree. I think you two should stay a little longer. In fact, why don’t we go party more in my bedroom. 
 
Beverly started crying. Pam pulled out her cell phone to call 911, but Pete came up behind her and grabbed it from her hand and said, “You don’t need to call anyone, sweetie.”
 
Pam started yelling, “You f**kers better back the F**k up and let us leave!”
 
“Or what?” asked Darren.
 
Right then, Beverly’s cell phone started ringing from Darren’s back pocket. He pulled it out and looked at the locked screen.
 
“It’s your little friend Kim. You better answer it and tell her you are fine and don’t need her help. Or else!”
 
He handed the phone over to Beverly. She unlocked the phone and answered, “Please help us! Kim, please help us!”
 
Darren lunged forward and tried to grab the phone from Beverly, but she pulled it back and ran at Darren, knocking him back into the side table.
 
She ran toward the front door and Pam was right behind her.
 
“Go, Bev! Go!”
 
When Beverly went to open the door, she couldn’t open it. It was a deadbolt and needed a key to open from both sides. She started banging on the door, yelling for help. Pam was right next to her. They were thinking they were both trapped.
 
Someone started banging on the outside of the door, real heavy and loud. Beverly stopped, as did Pam. The banging from the outside continued, and then they heard, “Open the door. This is the police!”
 
“Oh, please help! We are trapped inside!” Pam yelled.
 
“Stand back!”
 
There was this tremendous slamming of the door. After the fourth slam, the door burst open. The police came in with their guns drawn. Beverly and Pam ran out toward the street.
 
“Beverly! Beverly! Over here!”
 
Beverly looked over and saw it was Kim. She ran to her, and they embraced.
 
“I knew you were in trouble. As soon as I saw the address, I knew where you were. This is a known drug house.”
 
Beverly was still crying and so relieved. “I thought you didn’t have the address? You asked me to resend it.”
 
“I showed it to my dad, and he was able to make it clearer. When I called you, I knew you were in trouble. My dad called the police. He is walking over now.”
 
“I can’t thank you enough for saving us!” Beverly told her and her Dad.
 
As relieved as Beverly and Pam were, they would soon learn the night was not over, nor was this whole ordeal.

 
Part 4. Conclusion
​​ 
After a few minutes of Beverly and Pam explaining everything to Kim and her dad, they watched a fire rescue vehicle turn the corner and park in front of the house. The emergency personnel quickly grabbed their equipment and headed inside.
 
“What’s going on?” questioned Beverly.
 
“I don’t know,” said Pam.
 
A couple of police officers came up to them and said, “We need you all to give us your names and an account of what happened here.”
 
After Kim and her dad gave them their information, Pam and Beverly started walking with the two officers to their patrol car. When they were at the car parked in the street, an ambulance came onto the scene and brought a stretcher into the house. Soon after, two unmarked cars pulled up. Those drivers, one wearing a suit and the other a nice shirt and tie, went into the house.
 
While one officer was writing down all of their information, the other asked them for everything that took place.
 
“What’s going on? Is my boyfriend OK?” asked Pam.
 
“Who is your boyfriend?” The one officer asked.
 
“His name is Dan. He has blonde hair.”
 
“We’re not sure at this point. They were unable to wake one of them, and the other is completely out of it.”
 
“Are you saying he still won’t wake up?!” Pam asked nervously.
 
“They’re trying to help him now.”
 
“Oh my God!” What if something is wrong with him?!” Pam said to Beverly.
 
“Don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Beverly tried to reassure her.
 
Both girls were now getting more concerned by the second.
 
A man wearing a suit and tie, one of the drivers from the unmarked car that just came in a few minutes ago, came up to them and said to the officers, “I’ll take it from here officers. Thank you.”
 
Then he turned his attention to the girls. “Hello, my name is Detective Paulson. I’d like to ask you girls what took place here tonight.
 
He pulled out his writing tablet from his front suit pocket, flipped it open, and then clicked his pen to start writing.
 
“Let’s begin with you.” He pointed to Beverly. “Please tell me your name and what happened, from the beginning.”
 
“My name is Beverly. The four of us came over here earlier in the evening and met Darren,” she said.
 
“Who is Darren?” Detective Paulson asked.
 
“Darren is the one who lives here. Who owns the house.”
 
“We haven’t found anyone else but the two teen males in the backroom. Who else was here?”
 
“You didn’t find Darren, Pete or John?” Pam asked.
 
“No, mame, no one else was here. They probably took off before the police came in. We have other patrols looking for others right now.”
 
As Beverly continued on with what happened, a forensic van pulled up behind one of the patrol cars. Two men got out and started bringing equipment into the house. As they were walking up, they passed two of the emergency personnel who were coming out of the house with someone on a stretcher. As they wheeled it by, Pam looked at the person on the stretcher and said, “That’s Dave!
 
Pam started to put things together and began to get anxious.
 
“What’s going on in there? Is my boyfriend alright?”
 
“Which one is your boyfriend?”
 
“Dan. The Blonde.”
 
“At this point, I can’t say anything.”
 
Detective Paulson was getting the story from Beverly, and then he asked her, “So what were you all doing before you got here?”
 
As she was telling him about the airport, the man in the tie and gun on his side, walked up to Detective Paulson and whispered in his ear. Then Detective Paulson said to both of the girls, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask both of you to come down to the station for more thorough questioning. You may want to call your parents and tell them to meet you down there.
 
Beverly immediately began to freak out. “Oh my God! My parents are going to kill me!! Pam also started tearing up.
 
“Listen, there is no reason to be upset. All we want to do is ask you both more questions. Since you are both minors, your parents need to pick you up to be released,” Det. Paulson tried to reassure them.
 
Beverly’s hands started to shake as she pulled out her phone to call her dad. There was no answer. She dialed her mom.
 
“Hello?”
 
“Mom, this is Beverly. I’m really sorry to tell you this, but I have to go to the police station. I’m very scared! Mom, I’m sorry,” she said as she cried and sniffled her way through, barely able to catch her breath.
 
“Beverly, calm down! What’s going on?”
 
“I was at a party, and things got out of control. I thought I was going to be raped. Now the police, who saved us, want us to go to the station and for you to meet us there.”
 
“Who are you with?”
 
“Pam.”
 
“Oh, dear. OK. What police station?”
 
“Sir, my mom wants to know what police station?”
 
“The detective answered, “Patterson.”
 
“Patterson?! That’s in the next town? I thought you were two blocks away with Kim?”
 
“I’m sorry. Mom. I really am. I lied to you and dad.”
 
“OK. Listen, Calm down. We’ll get through this. Don’t worry. See you down there.”
 
Pam called her parents, and they were furious. You could hear her dad yelling at her over the phone of how irresponsible she was. Pam didn’t cry though, as she has listened to all of this too many times.
 
The girls were then placed into the back of Det. Paulson's unmarked car, uncuffed.
 
“Pam, I’m so scared! What is going on? Why are we going to the police station?”
 
“I’m not sure, Bev. But I think something happened to Dan and Dave. We haven’t seen Dan.”
 
As they waited in the car, Beverly looked at the front windows of the house and noticed flashes of light.
 
“I think they’re taking pictures in there,” she said to Pam.
 
“Of what?” Asked Pam.
 
“I’m not sure. Maybe they found drugs in the house or something,” Beverly suggested.
 
Det. Paulson got into the car, and before he drove off, he looked back at both of them and said, “You two okay?”
 
“Yes, but were very scared,” Beverly said.
 
“I understand. We’re going to take a ride to the station. Buckle up, please.”
 
When they arrived at the station, Det Paulson walked them into the station and down a hallway, to a room with a table and a one-way mirror. He asked them both to have a seat, and then he introduced a female staff member, by the name of Sgt. Piper.
 
“Hello ladies, I am Sgt. Piper. I would like for you both to tell me everything that happened tonight, including the airport.”
 
Beverly and Pam explained everything; the drinking, smoking, Darren, Pete, and John. Beverly told her about the incident with Darren and how they were momentarily trapped in his house.
 
Det. Paulson and Sgt. Piper took notes and asked questions for about an hour. Then, they both walked out of the room for about ten minutes. When they came back, Sgt. Piper told them everything they learned so far.
 
“First, I would like to thank you both for being honest with Det. Paulson and myself. Here is what we know. Darren Peavey, who owns the house, was caught a few blocks away and arrested. We found a number of drugs in his home, as well as illegal firearms and other drug paraphernalia. He has a lengthy criminal history.
 
John Teabell, who was visiting, was also arrested. His vehicle was impounded from Darren’s house and is being searched right now. We are still looking for Pete.
 
Dave is in the hospital, in a life-threatening coma.
 
Now, I’m very sorry to tell you this, but unfortunately, Dan was already deceased when help arrived.”
 
“He’s dead?!! Pam screamed.
 
“Yes, I’m very sorry. They did everything they could. But he was already gone.”
 
Pam lowered her head, put her hands to her face and started choking up and crying. Tears were rolling down her face when she looked up at Sgt. Piper and asked, “What happened to him?”
 
“At this point, we think it’s a drug overdose. You said you all had about the same amount of drugs?” Sgt. Piper asked Pam.
 
“They both may have had a little more than me. But not much.”
 
“How were they when they picked you up?” Det. Paulson asked.
 
“They appeared to have already had a head start,” Pam answered.
 
“Pam, when you guys picked me up at the church, you also appeared to have been partying,” Beverly said to Pam.
 
 “We were. We had taken a few pills before we left to get you.”
 
“To be clear, as far as you know, they had already done some drugs before picking you up, Pam. Then you all did some more before picking up Beverly?
 
“Yes, I guess so,” Pam solemnly answered as she lowered her head again.
 
“What kind of pills were they, Pam?” Sgt Piper asked.
 
Pam began to cry again, just thinking about how they screwed up.
 
“Not sure. Dan just handed me a few. I just took them. That’s the way it is when you do drugs sometimes. You get careless and don’t ask too many questions. People always want to know their food is safe and not contaminated, not cooked in a dirty kitchen at a restaurant, or worry about drinking water with lead or something else in it. But when you’re doing drugs, and you’re high most of the time, all you care about is ‘Will it get me off?’
 
You don’t ask where it came from or who made it, because that would be uncool. If someone gives you something, you’re just expected to take it. I’ve seen girls trade sex just to get high off of heroin or OxyContin. Young, good girls, lose their self-respect for just a few hours high. And it never stops.
 
You lose all your inhibitions and sense of responsibility. Your social circle is filled with people that only want to make money and take what they can from you. Your life is cheap, and if you die, little happens to them. Heck, that may make their drugs even more popular. Users are stupid, selfish, and have no conscience. The same for the dealers.”
 
When Pam finished talking, she went into a full breakdown, just letting everything out. Beverly just sat next to her and watched, feeling helpless.
 
After five minutes, Pam started slowing down and looked up at Sgt. Piper and Det. Paulson and said, “Drugs f**king took my Dan! Those moth** f**king drugs! And for what! My grades suck, my parents hate me, I lost my best friend and then almost got her raped, and now my boyfriend, who I went out with for a year, is f**king dead!!!”
 
Beverly went to put her arm around Pam to console her. Pam put her arm around Beverly and said, “Bev, I’m so sorry to have pulled you into this.  You didn’t deserve this. You don’t belong here.”
 
Pam then looked in Beverly’s eyes and asked, “Please, forgive me and please, don’t ever touch this shit again in your life. In fact, tell everyone you know never to touch this shit, ever! And if they do, get them help before it’s too late.”
 
Beverly looked in Pam’s eyes and said, “I forgive you, and I promise to make sure others know.”
 
The girls were then taken to where their parents were waiting. Once Beverly saw her mom and dad, she ran to them and gave them big hugs.
 
“I’m so sorry mom and dad. I lied and did things you taught me never to do. I’m truly sorry.”
 
Beverly’s dad looked at her and said, “II’s okay. We are just so happy you’re safe. We love you very much and don’t want anything to happen to you. Thanks for calling and getting help, when you needed it.”
 
Pam walked up to her parents, and before they could say anything, she looked at them and said, “I’ve disappointed you both so many times. I really let you two down. I’m sorry for being such a huge waste.”
 
Pam’s mom, who had been very cold to Pam lately, took her into her arms, squeezed her tight, and just held on. Then she released her, slightly moved her back, so she could look into her eyes, and said, “We still love you. You are our only child. We only want the best for you.”
 
They all started choking up, even Pam’s dad, who barely got out, “Let’s go get something to eat and then go home. I’m in the mood for breakfast.”
 
 
E.
 

 

The World of Entopia Cares about you!
Beverly and Pam created WOE Care Cards for teens. 
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