As soon as I opened the door, my nerves skyrocketed. My breath quickened and for a second I thought about turning around and leaving. There were bright lights and crowds of teenagers dancing to migraine inducing music. I thought this was a birthday party, not a freaking rave.
I wove my way through the people trying to look for someone I knew. I eventually found a few girls from school and talked with them for a while.
This wasn’t what I was expecting at all. But I can adapt and have fun, I guess.
I started getting thirsty and went to look for a drink. That’s when I spotted Cory. Kissing a girl.
I quickly backed up, not wanting to be anywhere near them. I rushed into the closest bathroom and locked the door. How am I supposed to enjoy myself now?
No. I wouldn’t let him ruin a perfectly good night for me. I’d get my drink, talk to more people then leave. I remembered James’s words. “Have fun.” That’s what I’ll do.
I marched on over to the drink table, past Cory and the girl, who were now just talking, and grabbed a soda. Just then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Hey Cleo! Glad you could make it. What do ya think?”
”Great party. A little extreme, but cool.” I gave him a tight lip smile and popped open my Pepsi.
“Thanks. My parents went all out. They even let me have the house to myself so they could stay outa the way.” He half smiled. “I knew if I told you how it would really be, you wouldn’t come.”
Oh great. No parents? This seems very irresponsible. But the fact that he wanted me here still made my heart flutter.
“You wanna join our truth or dare game? A bunch of people are playing it in the living room,” he asked with a wink.
How could I refuse? “Why not.” I said smiling.
I hadn’t forgotten the girl he’d kissed, but maybe she kissed him. Maybe it wasn’t mutual.
A large group of people sat on the couches in the living room, and the game started again once Cory and I got there. We played along for a while, using a truth or dare website to keep it interesting. I didn’t get too many hard ones, just a few gross food combinations and slightly embarrassing confessions. Nothin I couldn’t handle.
People we’re starting to leave, that’s when I noticed it was ten. Wow, time flies when you’re having fun.
The music had been turned off to here the game better. Cory was just about to do his turn, when there was a loud thud from across the room, followed by a frightened scream. My training kicked into gear as I turned around and saw a girl my age had collapsed. I jumped over the back of the couch, and rushed to her side.
”Out of the way! Gimme room!” I felt her pulse. There was none. I pointed to a boy. “Call 911, Now!” There was no pulse or breathing, so I began CPR. I kept my elbows locked and made sure the chest compressions were at least two inches deep. I gave thirty compressions than gave a rescue breath. Nothing. I kept going, thirty compressions, two breaths. Again and again.
After a few minutes I heard the sirens in the distance and my hope for the girl was restored. CPR can double or triple a patients survival rate, if they get to the hospital in time. A medic rushed into the room and brought an AED. I backed up and sat against a wall. Lots of people had started to leave. Good, I thought. Yeah they were scared, but better that’s them being in the way of the professionals.
The ambulance rushed off, but the fire truck was still there checking on the others. A female firefighter walked up to me.
”You we’re the one giving CPR?”
”Yes ma’am, that’s me.” I was still a little shaken up by the whole thing.
She patted me on the shoulder. “Good job kid. You gave her a really great chance at surviving this.”
”Do we know the cause?”
“Cardiac arrest. Uncommon in people your age, but not impossible. How did you know what to do?”
”Lifeguard training. First time I’d had to use it on someone other than the dummy.”
”Well, I’m impressed. Good to know there’s people out there with some seriously helpful skills.” And with that, she left.
I had called James right after talking to her, told him a little about what happened, and asked to be picked up. I didn’t talk to anyone else at the party, everyone was freaked out a bit.
Because of that situation, I was glad I went. Hopefully the girl would be alright.
James’s car pulled up and I gladly hopped in. I let out a breath, happy to be going home.
”You saved a girls life?!” James asked shocked.
”I don’t know that yet, but the CPR will help.” I answered.
”That is so awesome. How’d it feel? Was it scary?”
”Oh I was terrified. But my body kinda took over, remembering the training I had. I was just praying that the professionals would come sooner.” I kinda laughed, but it sounded stressed.
As soon as we got home, I scrubbed my makeup off and went to bed. The night really took a toll on me. The parties events played over and over in my head. Cory kissing the girl, the stress of me giving CPR and what would’ve happened if I failed. Eventually, I fell into a restless sleep.
A/N: If you don’t know, cardiac arrest is when there is sudden loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. During cardiac arrest the heart is disturbed, leading to blood not being pumped to vital parts of the body, like you’re brain. This leads to unconsciousness and needs medical attention immediately. Just so you know 😅
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