Free Weekend by Christopher Pike Page B

Sol said, beginning to search through Angie's albums, littering them over the already cluttered floor. Shani wondered what Kerry was talking about. She had come in her dad's car; she didn't need a ride. Poor girl, she didn't know yet that she was spoiled goods.
    Thankfully, Lena had taken Angie's suggestion that she not put in an appearance. Probably because her sister had not come, Robin had also bowed out; a shame. Shani had been looking forward to seeing her.
    Robin didn't drink either, usually.
    "Beethoven incarnate," Park swore, belching loudly. Having no respect for the melody structure or the vinyl, Sol picked up the needle at a lousy angle, scratching it badly. "Hey!" Park protested.
    "Surfing crap gives me a headache," Sol muttered, putting on Michael Jackson and twisting the volume dial.
    "You surf!" Park said loudly.
    "I've got to get up early," Kerry whined.
    "I don't sing about it," Sol said. "Listen to this; it's got a beat." The booming bass vibrated the lamp on the glass table beside her. "It makes you want to move." He stood and started to dance. Half his grey matter was anaesthetized but his style, nevertheless, was as fluid as that of the artist on the record. Now if only he could find a place for his beer and cigarettes, he would really be in business. He poked Kerry in the stomach. "Shake your ass, babe. What have you got to go home to?"
    Kerry went from angry to pleased in a moment. She kicked off her shoes, and joined Sol. She was clumsy as Chevy Chase, tripping over empty cans. They would have to organize a repair crew, or Angie's parents would have a fit when they came home tomorrow. Damn whoever was in the bathroom!
    Shani closed her eyes, concentrating on her bursting bladder. Someone walked by, brushing her leg.
    "Anyone want chocolate chip cookies?" Angie shouted over the music.
    "I'll take one," Park said, his slurry voice nearby. Shani was too tired to open her eyes to be sure, but he seemed to be sitting on the floor by her chair. He must have moved. Angie appeared to plop beside him.
    "I baked these this afternoon," Angie said.
    "Best I've ever tasted!" Park said.
    Angie laughed. "Are you stoned?"
    Park giggled. "I'm bouldered! What is this music that Sol's put on? It's such a loud record."
    "Michael Jackson. Want another cookie?"
    "Yeah! Ate my first one, I did. Give me that big one. Thank you very much. You're a fantastic hostess.
    You ought to have a party ever week, every blessed week."
    "Park?"
    "Huh?"
    "Robin didn't come."
    "Right! Where is she?"
    "She didn't come. Did you invite her?"
    "I did, but Kerry hates Lena and I hate Sol. He scratched my record, scratched it without permission…
    God, I'm so wasted. What time is it?"
    "It's not too late. Do you want to go swimming?"
    "Don't got my board."
    "We can swim in the pool. It's heated; just the two of us."
    "Don't like chlorine. Goes through your ears, rots your brain, pickles it, like too much beer."
    "Come on, it'll be fun; just the two of us."
    "Gimme another cookie."
    "Take as many as you. want. Shani, do you want any? Shani?"
    She was still conscious, but couldn't be bothered answering. She wondered, if she did fall asleep, if she would pee in her pants. Interesting how Angie was trying to get Park alone…
    "She's bombed out," Park said. "Too much grain in her syrup." He was proud of that one, laughing his fool face off.
    "You really like her, don't you?" Angie asked.
    "Love Shani. We're like twin brothers. Did I tell you how in kindergarten she stunk up her pants?
    Wasted them! Are you wasted?"
    "Sure am," Angie said. Shani had not seen her drink more than a can of beer all night. Angie continued:
    "I meant, Robin. How do you feel about her?"
    "Wonderful! We're like mother and wife."
    "She's more like a friend?"
    "Good friend, great friend. Sol's face should lower down those drums, there. Hurt my ears."
    "I thought so. Have you ever, you know, done it?"
    Park giggled. "You mean, have we ever hadsex?"
    "Shhh. Yeah, have