Chapter 4 Four

"Well, last time I saw them, they were speaking with a business associate, who's also a parent to one of the graduating students. Who cares where they are? They can find their own way back home." Sage replied nonchalantly.

Lillian wasn't oblivious to the fact that Sage wasn't really a fan of their parents. In fact, she was sure he doesn't really care about them. She had tried to find out why it was so but never succeeded.

"But Sage-" She started but he cut her off, signaling to one of their bodyguards.

"Come here." He said to Lillian who stepped closer.

He took off her graduation gown and hand it together with his, to the bodyguard.

"Take care of it." He told the bodyguard before taking his sister's hand and walking away.

"Sage. Where are we going?" Lillian asked trying to catch up with his pace.

"Pete and the guys arranged a party for me, I was just informed. It's supposed to be a surprise which means I have to be there. It will be fun, I promise." Sage answered, opening the car door for her.

"Wait. You are taking me with you?" Lillian asked with wide eyes.

"Calm down Ann. It's just a graduation party, it's not like I'm taking you to a strip club." Sage coerced, using his nickname for her in hopes that it would calm her down.

"But dad will get angry again." She protested.

"We all know he could never get angry at you. Stop making excuses." Sage smiled.

"I mean with you. He's going to get angry with you." Lillian said worriedly.

"That's not new. Get in the car."

"But-"

"You are twenty one, Lillian. You are not a kid, you care too much about what dad wants. I will be with you the whole night, I promise." He said and practically shoved her into the car, ignoring her protests.

*** *** ***

Lillian listened attentively to the guy's discussions, they were funny and she was really enjoying her stay. The music was loud but their booming voices made it easy to hear whatever they were all saying. Where they were seated was separated from where every other person was.

There was really nothing indecent about the party. Even though there was alcohol, the guys were not overdoing it and she was glad for that. Those that were not sitting down were busy moving their body to the music.

She looked at Pete again. That was the first time seeing her brother's best friend. Sage often talks about him but Lillian has never met him. In fact, none of his friends were from their school and she has never met any of them, which all changed tonight.

Sage, true to his words, hadn't left her side since they came to the party. Even when he went to pick a drink, they went together.

She doesn't know that Sage talks this much, the way he was engaging with his friends was strange to her since he doesn't even have friends in school, nobody messes with him as he loves being alone or being with her.

She could tell he was really happy here. He already laughed enough times more than she could count since they arrived at the party.

No wonder he doesn't stay at home, Lillian thought. Sage always prefers staying at his best-friend, Pete's place than come home.

There was a time she even concluded in her mind that the only reason why he still lives with them is just to see her since she was the only one he really engages with in the house but she dismissed that conclusion since it doesn't make much sense to her.

She was happy that he was happy.

She starts shifting uncomfortably beside Sage, who noticed and diverted his attention away from the guys to her. He watched her place her juice on the table, the glass was still full.

"You don't like it? Should I get you another type?" He asked with concern.

Lillian was confused for a moment before she realized that he was talking about her juice. It was apple juice so of course she loved it. But drinking it would only put more pressure on her bladder.

"I'm pressed." She replied, looking around.

"Okay, let's go to the-" Sage starts talking but was interrupted by his sister.

"I want to go alone." She whispered, looking sneakily at the guys, who weren't even paying attention to them.

Her action doesn't go unnoticed by Sage. She felt embarrassed of what they would think of her going everywhere with her brother, she's not a baby.

"Ann, they don't care." Sage chuckled.

He took her hand as they stood up together, leading her to Pete's room so she could use the bathroom.

When it was Half past two in the morning, Sage decided that they've stayed enough and after informing his friends, he left the party with his sister, heading for their house just to drop her off. He planned on going back to the party after making sure Lillian got into her room safely.

Lillian suggested they go through the backdoor in fear that either of her parents might be in the living room.

And that was exactly how she ended up having a night that she would never forget.