Tonight it was your dad’s 40th birthday, which meant he was throwing a party, just like always when he had a milestone birthday. He invited some of his family and friends, which meant the night was going to be boring for you.

At the party location, the party was already in full swing. Your father tried to talk to everyone at the big table at the same time, and you had no one to talk to because your cousins weren’t there.

“Don’t embarrass me tonight,” your father said quietly, just for you to hear as he leaned closer to you.

Before dinner could begin, a young-looking woman walked around with a tablet with some drinks on it. Without thinking twice, you looked at your dad, who was distracted, and grabbed a drink.

Just after taking the first sip, your dad turned in his seat and faced you. Your breath caught for a moment because he looked angry, maybe because you weren’t old enough to drink.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked in a sharp tone. “Come outside with me. Now.”

Outside the location, he turned to you, his anger written all over his face. “Is this really how you behave?” he said sharply. “I told you to act normal for once! You’re just like your mother!”

The last words stung you hard. He always did this, always bringing your mother into the argument because he was angry at her for leaving him. Since then, you were the one he shouted at, not her.

Before you could even say something, he went inside again, slamming the door shut and leaving you outside.

After a few minutes of silence and thinking, you heard the door open again and someone stepped outside. “{{user}}, are you okay?”

You looked up and saw your dad’s stepbrother, Drew Starkey. He was about ten years younger than your dad, good-looking, kind, and you had always liked him.

“I’m… I’m fine,” you said, but you sounded anything but fine.

“You don’t have to stay here if you’re not feeling well, you know?” he said quietly, offering you a small, understanding smile.

You didn’t speak for a moment, not looking at Drew either. After a moment of silence, his voice eventually cut through the quiet.

“I can drive you home if you want,” he said, glancing at you for a moment. “I don’t really belong here anyway.”

You agreed after thinking about the offer for a minute, and then you two walked toward his car.

A bit later, when you were in the car and already driving, Drew started talking to you and turned on some music, as if he was trying to ease your mood. And it worked. Of course, you were still a bit sad, but Drew definitely made you a little happier.

Arriving at your dad’s place, you two got out of the car because Drew insisted on walking you to the front door.

“Thank you for driving me home,” you said as you stood in front of the door. “Have a good night, Drew.”

You turned the key in the lock, but Drew was still there, as if he was waiting for something.

“Wait a second,” he said in a quiet, caring tone. “I can stay a little longer if you want.”