Chapter 23- That's Impossible

Anastasia's POV

After I texted Brandon, I went home just as Trina arrived with her friends. She announced, "Hi Anne, I'm having a party tonight."

"I know, but don't worry about me; I'm leaving by 9," I replied.

"Great, because I don't want to babysit you." Since when has she ever babysat me?

7:00 PM

Music blared as I stood on the staircase, dressed in leather jeans and a tank top, my hair in a bun. Brandon said he'd arrive by 7. The twins, Kyle, Arlene, and Carlos were already there. I wasn't sure if Justin was coming, but Luke couldn't make it.

I walked down the stairs into the kitchen and saw Stephanie making out with a guy. She wore a mini skirt and a red strapless top.

Someone handed me a cup with a red liquid and said, "Hi Ana." I turned to see Gregory in joggers and a blue blazer.

"Hi Greg, welcome to my house," I said, and he looked stunned.

"This is your house?" he asked, and I nodded.

Stephanie chimed in, "Glad you could make it, nerd."

"I've always been here; I live here," I retorted.

"Oh really? Then prove it," she challenged. I grabbed her hand and pulled her into the living room, pointing to a framed picture of me on the wall from the first day of senior year.

"That's impossible! Whoever owns this house must be rich. You can't have a bigger house than mine—you're probably related!" she exclaimed.

I smirked. "I'll be right back," I said, heading to my dad's usually locked office to get the keys. I retrieved a framed picture of my dad and me from last year's fair.

When I came back, Stephanie was trying to get Jordan's attention, who appeared to be already drunk.

"Don't believe me? Explain this," I said, handing her the picture. She gasped. "Mr. Montez is your father?" I nodded.

We had the same hair color and nose. She handed the picture back and went outside. Gregory, looking bored, sat on the couch with a drink, so I joined him.

"Enjoying the party?" I asked. He shrugged.

Suddenly, a tall figure loomed over us—Brandon, arms crossed and furious. Gregory stiffened.

"Care to explain what's going on, Ana?" Brandon demanded.

Sighing, I stood and took Brandon's hand. "Let's talk in the game room; it's soundproof." As we walked upstairs, I spotted Justin making out with a college freshman but ignored them and locked the door behind us.

Brandon pinned me against the door and started kissing me. I froze briefly before kissing him back. He pulled me closer, and as I ran my fingers through his hair, he moaned into my mouth. I pushed him slightly away, and he paused, looking into my eyes. Blushing, I said, "There's nothing going on between Greg and me."

"Are you sure? Because just before I arrived, I saw a picture of you two talking," Brandon said, referencing Justin.

"It's Justin; don't worry, I'll talk to him," I assured him, and he smiled.

"Let's go back downstairs; I'm thirsty," he suggested. I nodded.

When we returned, the place was chaotic and crowded. We went outside by the pool, where Kyle, Arlene, Jacob, and Carlos were gathered around the mini bar.

"Anne is in the house!" Kyle shouted, and I laughed, shaking my head.

"Let's play truth or dare!" Jacob proposed, and Arlene looked at me expectantly. I was about to leave when Brandon declared, "Ana and I are in." Oh no.

Sighing, I sat down next to Arlene. Carlos said he'd fetch Jordan, Justin, and four more girls.

"It won't be that bad, I promise," Brandon reassured me.

The girls were from our grade: Stephanie, Jackie (Stephanie's minion), Nikki (another minion), and Heidi (a cheerleader), alongside Arlene and me. Justin began, asking Jackie, "Truth or dare?"

"Dare," she replied.

"I dare you to do a body shot with Brandon." I froze. Brandon turned pale as Justin smirked, and Jackie sent Brandon a flirtatious glance while Stephanie grinned.

Five minutes later, after Brandon was coerced into doing a body shot with Jackie, it was Jordan's turn.

"Anne, truth or dare?" he asked.

"Truth," I answered, dreading what he'd ask next.

"Is it true you're a virgin?" he inquired, clearly under the influence.

Blushing, I looked down at my hands and mumbled, "Yes."

Nikki sneered, "What a loser." Brandon tried to comfort me, but I pushed him away and got up.

I left for my bedroom; it was now 9:30 PM. Changing into my pajamas, I went to the game room with my pillow and blanket and locked the door. I silenced my phone and fell asleep, tears streaming down my face.