"I'm not sure this was a good idea." I panted looking forward at Rickon's Grill, the oldest bar from all town that now was filled to its rim with teenagers. The street was already dark so it's music and tenue light stood from the chilling of it's surroundings.
"Uh?" Macy frowned unbuckling herself and gaze fixed there too. "Why?"
Because things always turn sour for me in this social events. My guts twitched making me flinch. "I'm gonna throw up."
"Oh please." Norah scoffed, rolling her eyes and opening the door as if urging us to do the same and hope out the Jeep. "I'm in terrible need to get a drink and you girls need to keep an eye on me so I can get shit faced." today she was moodier than usual since apparently her and Connor get into a fight before they picked me up from work.
Macy pursed her lips. "You really need to get drunk?"
"Well, do you have any other idea how to get my mind off? 'Cause I'm all ears."
Even through my frenezy in the back seat I noticed the sudden intensity when they locked eyes and how the air around them changed as the seconds stretched . One, two... five, and finally Macy blushed, looking away. "No. Nothing that I can think right now."
What looked like disappointmet and hurt crossed Norah's gaze but she was quick in hiding it with another smile. "We're on the same page then. Lovely."
But the tension as she got out the car was anything but 'lovely'. Macy sighed, shaking her head to her self and I knitted my brows together. They clearly had something going on that I wasn't aware of. Did something else happen after that almost kiss in Lydia's party? Our eyes met through the rear mirror and suddeny my anxiety didn't feel so overwheling as my lips curved upwards.
"Do I want to know?"
Her blush deepened. "There's nothing to know."
"Riiight."
"Are you coming or will I have to drag you asses in there?" Norah called for us from outside, whining like a little child and we finally slipped out the vehicle. She smiled beamingly right after locking the car, sliding her arms over our shoulders. "My girls, shall we honor the founders?"
I almost snorted, as is any of the presents were here to actually give a tribute to the fundators on the Founders' Day. No, it was just a excuse for young people to celebrate and old ones to organize auctions or those kinda things. Either way, I let her pulled me towards the Grill, knowing I needed her urges or I wouldn't had stepped in by my own foot.
Just like it looked like from outside, the place was full, people everywhere, dancing, drinking laughing. Macy spotted a small table that just got free from some girl that move to the dance floor and take my hand dragging me there as Norah approached the bar.
"Wow." Macy huffed as I slid out my coath, the heat in here almost suffocating. "The place is crowded, uh?"
I smiled dropping the cloth on the spot in the bench between us. "Guess that's what we got for showing up this late."
"Fashionably late." Norah corrected reaching the table too and skillfully settling the six shots she'd ordered in the table, earning some glances from us. "What?" she too took off her jacket and threw it over mine. "I told you I was in need for a drink." then grabbed one of the tubs and tilted her head backwards downing it in seconds with a grimace. "Damn, this shit sucks."
"Then why did you ordered six?" I frowned but Nors rolled her eyes.
"Stop complaining and have a go." she slid two in front of each of us, already raising her second. "We need to loosen up, it's been a hell of a week. Cheers for that."
"Norah, take it easy." Macy bit her lip, concerned as she played carefully with the glass vessel in front of her, not fully convinced.
"Yeah, "I chipped in, surprised that she was like that. "It hasn't been that bad, now has it?"
"Easy for you to say." she grumbled digging her elbows in the not so clean table. "Not all of us had Lover Boy spreading his charms all over the place for us."
I chocked at the bluntness. "I-it's not like that."
"Suure it isn't. A hot boy on your tail, being your chauffeur, begging forgiveness... any dom's wet dream, that's it." a violent heat climbed up my neck but she wasn't done. "And yet, here you are. Metting up with that model."
"You were the one that kept going on about how I should open up to boys and stuff." I frowned, confused and ashamed as to why would she looked upset about it now.
"I did. But not when you're already seducing somone else."
"I-" My heart skirted. If I wasn't blushing enough before, I shurly was now. Seducing Brett? Harldly. True that this week I'd been more responsive, finally deciding to move pass the cold shoulder. He'd been sweeter than usual, walking me to classes and joking and... well. Acting like the old Brett. Making me feel comfortable with him again, and if whether there was still a lot of things for us to work through, at least now it feels like we were moving forward. Slowly, damn slowly, but somehow moving. But seducing him? "I'm not seducing anyone." my voice came out quiet and confused, maybe a bit hurt for the way Macy cleared her throat.
"Nors."
"You are, you just don't realized it." Norah sighed at my baffled look and leaned back in her chair across from us. "Don't mind me. I didn't mean in a harsh way, it's just... if you like them maybe you should chose just one to pursue?"
A pang hit my chest in disbelieve. "I don't like Brett."
The pink haired mumbled something that sounded like 'bullshit' and 'delusional' but didn't clarify it before plastering back her smile, vanishing part of the tension and gesturing towards the tubs in front of us. "Come on. You need them."
"I'll drive, remember." I reminded her gently pushing mine in front of her. "You can have them."
Norah gave me a playful grin. "Always the responsible one, uh? Say no more." and took one before drowned it no time, making a grimace right after and turning towards Macy that had delicately took one and was analyzing it carefully. "You got no excuse, Macy-bu. Down it."
Swallowing her hesitation, Macy tilted her head to drink hers and I didn't missed the way Norah's eyes slid from her mouth to the way her throat move as she swallowed, adverting it just as I thought she would keep lowering. Her hand clenched around the empty tub, glaring the table for a second before composing herself back when Macy coughed at the burning of the alcohol. "Good shit, isn't it?"
Macy shook her head, nose pursed. "It tastes awful."
"That's how you know it's good."
"Mendley!" we turned to see who called for Norah over the booming music and saw a girl from our course, Rita Staicy, I thought was her name, with a couple other guys our course on the dancefloor that smiled and wave.
Norah's expression lighten up. "Hey!" they gestures for her to go and she nodded, downing her last shot and standing from the chair before gave us a puppy look. "Come dance?" I immediately shook my head, more shy than anything in the moment, especially since several of our school mates where in the Grill. She pouted and looked at Macy with that adorable pleading look. "Please?"
She looked down at her second tub, fiddling with it as she considered it. "Need some more loosen up here." and smiled apologetically. "But go, I'll catch you up in a sec. "
"Alright." the disappointment in the pink haired expression was painfully obvious, making me want to reconsider my answer... But it wasn't me who she wanted to dance with.
"Don't take it seriously." Macy said softly as Norah reached those guys and I turned to see my friend not taking her eyes out the excentric girl. "She's mad with me so she is taking it out on you."
"Do you like her?" I decided for a straight approach, making her eyes widened, finally tearing them from Norah to me.
"What?"
"Do you like her, M? Because you did, but now it looks like you're holding back."
"I... She's my friend." she retorded, but it sounded forced, like something she'd memorized and not something she was feeling in her guts. "A good friend. It's not worth risking that."
"How do you know that?"
"Really?" she perked one brow and gave me a questioning look. "Are you going to lecture me about that?"
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Why didn't you ever told Brett you liked him?"
My heart dropped to my stomach. How could she know that? I never told anyone. "I... That was different."
"Sure." she laughed but it sounded almost sad. The feeling only grew stronger when she drowned the second shot, her eyes searching for Norah again. "You know?" she mumbled after some seconds and tuned to look at me again. "I used to think you'd end up together."
"What?" Me and Brett? For umpteenth time my heart somersaulted, making me wonder if the topic would ever be approched without me feeling this things. "Why?"
"Oh my... I don't know." she hummed swinging her head softly to the beat, a bit lightheaded already. " You were so into each other it was emetic. But no one ever make a move. You were so frustrating."
"You mean like you and Nors?"
Her face turned crimson red but smiled knowingly. "Exactly."
I shook my head. "That was different, M. Norah is clearly into you and had already made a move. Brett liked Jade, remember?" I felt sick just by mentioning her name, and even sicker at the images of their kissed that suddenly drowned my mind.
"Not what I remember." Macy's voice helped me unfocus from those awful images.
I gave her a scowl. "Then we remember different things, because I clearly remember how they were so easy to turn against me."
"Please." she surprised me by scoffing. "Brett's an idiot, I guess we all agree in that. He was an immature jerk who didn't know how to deal with his shit. But Jade? Why do you thing she hated you?"
What? She was making no sense. Jade hated me because Brett did. Just as simple. I knew he didn't anymore, but back then it was so obvious. Why else would he acted in such a way with me? And Jade just sided up because that's what she does. She was Brett's puppy up until recently when he boarded schools last semester and she had to take charge. While Brett took that time as a break to reconsider things, she only build up her hate and took it to another level.
I shook my head, a pang of hurt lacing my chest in a tight knot.
"I don't wanna talk about this."
"Okay." I was glad when she didn't press the topic. Instead she smirked and slid closer. "So, about Dylan. When are you meeting him?"
And just like that the anxiety vanished. I found myself grinning. Ever since those texts Drew forced, we've been talking a bit and I have to admit I like it. I wasn't sure to what level, but I enjoy our small interactions.
"He's supposed to be here with some friends. We're bound to meet at some point since this isn't that big."
Her smile grew, just as excited as me. "Are you nervous?"
"You got no idea."
She chuckled and from there the enviroment became light and carefree, the conversation easy-going. Macy ordered herself another shot but I asked for water, not really interested in drinking more than that -not to mention what I've said earlier was right, I'd have to drive us. We kept laughing, losing the track of time as the songs jumped from one to another and the night evolved wonderfully.
We were in the middle of a would you rather when Norah came back, happily letting herself sat on the bench by Macy... well, almost on Macy.
"Hey." I could smell the beer -when did she got it?- in her breath even from here, so I wondered how Macy managed not to wince when the pink haired leaned alluringly closer to her, twisting one dark curl around her finger. "Would you push me away again if I try to kiss you again?"
Macy blushed but the corners of her mouth twitched as if restraining a smile. "You said again twice."
"Mh, would you?" Nors leaned into her neck and I took the hint.
"I'll just- Yeah. Bye." not even elaborating a decent excuse I slid off the bench, not like I needed one thought.
Maybe it was time for me to look for Dylan and for them to talk thing out... or at least solve part of the tension they've been building lately.
Dylan... this place wasn't that big, I'm sure if he was here I could find him. Unless... unless he didn't came at last. Unless he decided it wasn't worth it, I wasn't worth it. And what would I said to him? Oh God, there I was, overthinking everything again.
I took in a deep breath, straightening the cute top Norah had let me borrow. This time covering more skin than in Lydia's party -I wouldn't risk to something like that happening again- but still far nicer than anything in my wardrobe.
You got it, Alyson. He already want to be your friend, so just chill out and everything would be alright.
Once I found him, that's it.
Gathering enough courage to move but not enough to made the churns in my stomach stoped I mover boredering the dance zone, near the bar, casually glancing around. I recognized several faces from Clayton here but also teenagers I had never seen. That okay, considering the Founders were from all town and not only the northpart we were. That's why this celebration affected Dylan as well.
I slippdc through the bodies, my chest lightly contorsing in raising anxiety. What if he didn't came? What if he stood me up? If that could even be considered 'stood me up' since we didn't even decided to meet, it was more like a 'we'll see if we coincide'.
But just as I was about to let my dejection win over I spoted his golden hair on the other side of the bar talking to a group by the pool tables. He look gorgeous, as always, rocking a simple pair of jeans and a casual franel shirt and somehow he still looked like a super star. No wonder he was a model. What I did wonder was how someone like him would waste time on someone like me.
As if sensing my gaze his eyes lifted to find mine even through the distance, making mine widened in shame at having been caught staring. Dylan smiled genuinely and gestured me to approach. That's it. This why I came to the Grill in the first place. I took a shaking breath. You got this Alyson. I shyly grinned back and was about to but the group beside me laughed as they joked and pushed one guy making him stumble backwards and to me almost making us both fall.
The story of my life.
"Oh, shit" the buzzed guy began apologzing. "I'm sorry... Alyson?" I looked up frowning once regaining my balance and met some known brown eyes and the remains of my good mood clouded for good.
Jace Tormunt.
The guy that spread the first rumors about me.
Sweet.
And apparently he was as shitfaced as Norah, the jerk drawn a half smile and slurred: "Hey."
My brows knitted together, not pleased by his presence. A quick glance behind him was enough to notice a few faces I recognized from Clayton in that group, but no one really bothering.
Considering what Jace made out of our walk on the park back in eight grade I didn't want to stick around and gave him more material for his sick stories. I went to move pass him but he prevent me to taking my hand.
"Whoa, hold on. Wanna join us for a while?"
My chest clenched. Past experiences with parties in general and him in particular didn't exactly settle the best scene for me to feel comfortable.
"Not really."
"Wait." he called after me as I walked away and by the way his friends called for him I could only guess he followed me. It was confirmed when Jace stepped in my path, halting me again. "Wait, I need to tell you something."
Anxiety spiked in my stomach. "I-I don't wanna hear it."
"Oh come on-"
"No. Stay away from me." I shook my head stepping backwards but he followed not to let the crowd separated us. What the hell?
"I need to tell you-"
"Jace-"
"Fuck!" he stumbled forward and hold on my shoulder for support. My God, he's wasted. "Sorry, I drink a bit too much..." he chuckled hushkily, his unfocused eyes met mine and I knew he was speaking the truth. "Please, just hear me out. Five minutes. I need to get it out."
His words baffled me further and I watched him carefully. Need to get it out? We literally hadn't talk ever since eight grade. What can he possibly need to tell me? But the look in his eyes was raw and apologetical, call me naive, but a part of me felt sorry. I bit my lip, "Two minutes." I shrugged off his hand and he straightened again, sighing in relief.
"Thank you."
But I paid no attention to that. "What do you need to tell me?"
He opened his mouth, as if to answer, but then glanced around, flinching and probably realizing the loud music and tones of people weren't the best for our conversation and dragged me out the crowd. I had to supress the urge to shake off his hand on mine, bitting my lip to supress my anger and unsettling bite inside me.
When we reached the much quieter terrace, Jace finally let go and turned to face me. "Alyson, I'm sorry." he bursted out, as if the faster he said it the less it would hurt. My muscles stiffened at the sudden apology and I crossed my arms trying to make it less evident.
"What for?"
"For those- Ugh, those rumors." My fingers dug in my biceps. It'd been several years but here it was. The apology. Was it because he was drunk? Whatever it was I refused to feel bad for hearing it on such a vulnerable state. He gulped brushing his face stressfully. "I never mean to."
Really? "Why did you spread them, then?" I spoke through clenched teeth.
"I never meant to." he repeated shaking his head. "I never thought it would be such a big deal. Everyone was pushing and pricking..." he blinked, as if trying to clear his mind, which, considering his state, I bet it must be confusing mess of thoughts. And then looked up at me, looking sad and apologetical under that boozed exterior. "I liked you, Alyson." my stomach flinched. "I really did, but it was useless because you only had eyes for Brett."
Whoa. My cheeks flamed at the sudden turn this took. What's up today with everyone bringing him out. "I... I did not."
"Of course you did." Jace huffed and I glanced around to make sure nobody was listening, but the several people out here were too far to hear. Jace kept going. "You did, and everyone knew it. It was so frustrating. So when we hanged out and didn't do anything... in the moment it was fine but then my friends kept asking, and Brett kept sending me those glares and I thought... I don't know. I didn't want to be that guy, you know? The friend-zoned. It would be so lame. So when Jade asked I just followed her lead."
My blood run icy-cold. I didn't see that coming either and just at her mention that episode in the changing room flashed in my mind sending chills down my spine.
"J-Jade?"
"Yeah... yes. She was kinda prying and took things all the wrong way... nasty. But as I said, at that moment I felt like it was the best to let them think something did happen." I gaped at him, anger and disbelief swirling in my chest as he scratched the back of his head remorsely. "I thought it would be a win win situation. You could make Brett jealous and I could play the part, you know?"
"No. I don't know. " I stuttered, thinking of how things had spiraled down with Brett from that 'date'. And now on top of that Jade messed further in that lie? I was getting so upset that my words have trouble passing from my ragged mind to my mouth. "You spoiled everything!"
"I know that now. And I'm sorry." he took a step forward but I matched backwards instantly. "I never intended on things going that far but ever since Jade... Well since she's gotten expelled I guess it made sense."
"Sense?" I snarled, so furious I couldn't think straight. So he had spread rumors not to get stuck in the friend zone?
"Yeah, I'm so sorry. Back then I thought it all would only be... I don't know, a meaningless rumor, you know? But then she keep bringing it up, and adding nasty details and I couldn't deny it, you know, because that would mean telling them I lied in the first place. Jade knew and blackmailed me with it. Uh," he covered his face with his hands, I didn't know if out of anger or shame, maybe both? All I know is that my mind was going full speed trying to process it all. "I was a fucking idiot. I am. But I never thought it would escalate this far. I know you won't forgive me... I mean, how would you? But just so you know- that I'm sorry. That I never meant nor intent for this shit to end like this. I am really sorry."
What on earth was happening?
What was he saying? That Jade was the one that impulsed this whole rumor from the start? That she builded me this image since day one? I always thought it was Brett who turned her against me, but what if it was the opposite?
Macy's voice from earlier came back to me. Why do you thing she hated you?
My head hurt.
"Alyson-"
"Hi," both our heads snapped towards the new comer, and my guts twisted at the sight of Dylan stepping closer to us, watching me carefully, a hint of concern in his gaze before sliding it towards Jace and back to me. "Is everything alright?"
"Y-yes." I cleared my throat, getting rid of the sudden stiffness that overpowered my body and forced a small smile. "Yes, it's alright."
"Okay." he didn't look convinced and his green eyes trailed back towards Jace who took the hint.
"Just, think about what I said, okay?" I nodded and he hesitate before sliding back inside, taking with him most of the headache he jut put me through. Everything about Brett, about Jade... I would worry for them in the morning, tonight I wanted to enjoy myself a bit.
"Are you sure everything is okay?" asked the blond again, wanting to made sure and this time my smile was firmer, convincing him.
"Of course."
"Good." he returned the gesture. "You know? We're about to play beer-pong and I was wondering if you'll be my partner?" he scratched the back of his head and I almost melt when his cheek tinted in soft pink. So cute.
I simpered, nodding and just like that Dylan relaxed again, leading me towards the ping pong tables where his friends and mine were already waiting. Norah was ecstatic, almost jumping around as she instructed how the game was gonna go but her hand was firmly wrapped around Macy's, pulling her along. When we reached her side Norah smiled brightly at me and keep arguing with the guys. Macy, tho, was smiling too but kinda shyly, more when she noticed my gaze fixed on her.
"What?"
I grinned, unable to help it. "You got a little something." I pointed my own lip as demonstration. "Right there."
Her eyes widened, and used the back of her hand to wipe Norah's lipstic as the pink haired snaked one arm around her waist casually, almost out of instinct. I couldn't help but felt joy in my chest for them as I took the paddle Dylan was handing me.
"Ready?"
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Hey! There goes another chapter! What do you guys think of what Jace told her? Who disliked her first, Brett or Jade? Or both? Let me know! And also let me know what do you think about Norah and Macy! I'll be dying to read you :)
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