Free Picturing Perfect by Melissa Brown, Lori Sabin

like I'm failing."
    "Not true," I argued. "You're one of the most outgoing people I know. You're anything but a failure."
    "I don't know what it is. But, I'm miserable."
    "I'm here for you, honey. We'll figure this out together."
    "Okay," she said, her voice soft as she drifted into sleep.
    "Auden?" I said, touching her lightly on the leg.
    "Mmmm," she said, eyes and lips closed.
    "I need to tell you something. It's big. And I'm probably only telling you this because I'm pretty sure you won't remember tomorrow."
    She mouthed the word 'vault' as her eyes stayed shut. God, I loved her. Even in her state of drunkenness, she lived and breathed by our code.
    "I'm pregnant," I said, my voice faltering. "And I have no idea what to do."
    "Ohhhh, that's nice," Auden said, her voice trailing off. And within two seconds, she was snoring. I shook my head and let out another uncomfortable laugh, sitting back against the wall wondering what the hell I was going to do with my passed out friend.
    Just then, there was a knock on the stall door. Climbing to my feet, I opened the large metal door. An irritated Maya stared down at her sister in disbelief.
    "Oh, for God's sake," she muttered. "Did she throw up?" Maya placed her hands on her hips.
    "No, but I thought she might."
    "Good. The world would've come to an end if Auden Kelly had to vomit," she said, rolling her eyes. "I'll get Jason and we'll carry her drunk ass out of here. I have to get home anyway."
    "Okay." I gave her a half smile as I looked back down at the snoring Auden.
    Jason walked in, trying not to laugh at his sister. He was trying really hard. He was such a good guy.
    "I'm gonna drive her home. You okay to drive?" Jason asked, looking concerned.
    "Me? Oh, yeah. Fine, totally," I stammered. Why did I embarrass myself like this around him?
    Jason bit his lip and smiled, holding back a chuckle. Completely mortified, I was certain my cheeks were blushing again. Could he sense just how much he still affected me after all this time? Lord, help me.
    "I'll call you about the dance stuff," he said, patting his cell phone in his pocket.
    "Great" I said, helping him pull Auden to a standing position. She opened her eyes and let out a small burp. I smelled the tequila on her breath and had to turn my head as my stomach threatened to turn in my belly. If there had been any part of me that wanted to drink tonight, that part just went running from the room. Holding my breath, avoiding the smell of tequila, Jason and I locked eyes.
    "Niiiice, sis," Jason said to Auden, shaking his head.
    "Oops, sorry." Auden smiled before leaning her head on Jason's shoulder. "Thanks."
    "No worries. I got ya." He put his arm around her hip and guided her out of the bathroom. I followed him back to the table to gather my things and say my goodbyes. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly didn't say much, obviously embarrassed for Auden. But, I suspected they were also concerned about their daughter. She wasn't happy…not at all. And now we all knew it.

 
    Her number had been programmed into my phone for days and I was finally getting enough nerve to call her. I'd known her for most of my life, why was I so nervous? I picked up my cell and dialed her number.
    She answered after three rings, just when I thought it would go to voicemail. I had to clear my throat before speaking. God, what is this girl doing to me?
    "Haddie?" I asked, embarrassed. Pull it together, Kelly .
    "Jason, hi," she said. Her voice cracked and for some reason, I felt like she may have been crying.
    "Everything okay?" I asked, concerned.
    "Oh sure, just watching a movie."
    "Which one?" I asked, secretly hoping it was a certain John Hughes movie we watched together years ago.
    " Pretty In Pink, " she answered.
    That's it. That's the one. And I don't think I'll ever forget it.
     
    "Jason, get out of here," Auden said, her hands on her hips, staring down at me as I lounged on the couch in the basement. It was my favorite spot. It's where our big screen TV was