I thought avoiding a party would had been easy due to my curriculum in not attending them and how awful had ended the few I did went to... But nah to the ah to the no. The moment I told Macy and Norah this last got so excited it was almost as if you gave candy to a child. High on sugar!
Granny didn't exactly help either. The moment I let it drop, hopping she would frown and told me about how insane and unhealthy this events were, her face lighted up.
"Finally, sweetie! I was wondering when would you began acting like a teenager your age."
Excuse me?!
I mean, yeah, I don't do parties nor any of this stuff, but it simply isn't my thing! Also if you add that half the royalty of Clayton High want me to bite the ground. Not exactly the best enviroment for me to step in and, I don't know, have fun relax or whatever it is that happen on those events. Honestly, I only attended two in my life and both were on the top 5 worst moments of my existence.
Macy was fully aware of it and was the most sensitive in this... unlike Norah, who barged inside my bedroom after my Friday's shift had end and demanded to see all my 'sexy clothes'.
Sexy clothes? Good luck finding any of that in my wardrobe. Considering the lack of chances I got to buy new clothes she'd be lucky if she finds anything nice.
I like my wardrove, I like my style whether pretty consciencious it wasn't the best. I think I did good with the little I was given. Most of it was from the street market but, hey! I'm not Kendall Jenner people!
Both of them, on the other hand, looked like the perfect mix of casual yet dolled up.
"I swear, Alyson." grumbled Norah throwing more clother on the bed between Macy and me. "If I see one more sweater..."
"I like them!"
"Oh, don't tell me! I don't get how could you have decent tops but just went and decided it's a good idea cover them up with those huge potato bags." finally sighing in resignation she sent me a smirk and moved to her bag by the door. "Lucky for you, I'm prepared for any situation."
Macy leaned over to 'whisper': "She scare me when she gets like this."
"Shut up, Macy-bu. You know you love me." and sat legs crossed in front of us, digging into her bag. "Damn, where is- Oh, here." and pulled from the bottom of it what it looks like a silky cloth. I got a bad feeling the moment I saw it and frowned.
"What is that?"
She gasped, holding it tenderly to her chest as if it was a baby. "That has feelings, Alyson. You shall not offend it."
As I gawked her deciding how to react Macy rolled her eyes. "Told you. We lost her."
This time Norah threw a pillow aiming for the brunette's head but she dodget it with a giggle. "You won't be that lucky." and turned back to me, tossing the cloth with a winning grin. It happen to be a maroon cropped top that laced on the nape and leave the back bare 'til the waist where the coth's hems met again. The fabric so soft it was lovely to just keep petting it. "See? I told you would love it."
"But-"
"No buts, I got jewelry with me as well. Go put it on so we could keep going." she shoved my high waisted jeans and pushed me towards the door.
Five minutes later I was back from the batroom with Norah's outfit and they looked at me appreciatively, making me blush as I keep tapping at the waist of it felling as if it was too exposing. "I don't know..."
"I do!" he pink-headed slapped my hands away and brought me in front of the mirror. "You look smooking, girl! Lover Boy's gonna have trouble keeping his hands to himself." my face burned harder, not only because of the name she insisted on using to refeare to Brett, but also because that moment at the library came rushing back to my mind. "See? You're already blushing and-"
"Let her be, damn it." Macy scowled at her, giving me a reasuring squeeze on the shoulder. "You look great, Alyson, really. Anyone with eyes can see that."
"Especially Lover Boy?"
I grimaced at her matter fact tone. "Why would you called him that?"
"Aside from the obvious?" Norah rolled her eyes and I wanted to tell her nothing like this would ever happen between us for the umptemth time, but after what happen last Monday I couldn't be that firm about that.
He make me want him. Even against my best judgement I somehow still wanting him, even if it was only for tiny moments every now and then. How could I felt this burning in my veins just at the thought of him pressed that close to me after all he'd done? I mean, yeah, he was gorgeous, but come on. What did this say about me?
Nothing good, that for sure.
********************
The front door opened and music became way louder, squeezing tighter the painful knod in my guts. I'd been feeling like throwing up ever since we left Granny's in Norah's Jeep. A part of me knew anything could go wrong tonight and that my self-esteem was hanging on a tighrope.
"You made it!" Lydia grinned brightly, hugging me closely, more happy than I thought she would be. "Hunter was teassing me about having made it all out. Hi!" she hugged the girls as well. "I'm Lydia."
"We know." smirked Norah. "It's kinda inevitable if you go our High School."
Lydia's smile faltered a bit, like wondering if that was a compliment or not. "Mm... thank you?"
"Don't mind her." Macy rolled her eyes, lacing one arm with Norah. "She's got a bigmouth but usually mean well."
"Oh, sure." and just like that her good mood awas back in the redheaded's face. "Please come in." Her place was nice, an avarage house politely decorated... or at least I guess. It was hard to tell with so little light and the amound of people occupying it. She guided us to a small room and pointed a pile of clothes. "You can leave the coats there. Yeah."
The moment the cloth was off me and breeze brushed my exposed skin I felt vulnerable. What if they made fun of it? But the look Lydia sent me was anything but mocking.
"Damn Alyson. You fullfiel your part." I blushed remembering her telling me to came up wearing something nice and she'll change the me not being a party person. "This way."
She then guided us to the kitchen, where a group of guys where challenging one another in the counter. I recognized several members of the soccer team. They where extremely happy not only for the party itself but for their massive victory some hours ago. My heart raced in apprehension as I immediately glance around but neither Brett, Jade not Noel where there. I let out an inward sigh of utter relief. Safe for now.
Hunter, on the other hand, was resting on the counter as well, cheering amused at their competition and exchanging bets with them. Lydia pecked his cheek when we arrived, moving over the cabinet and taking out several bottles.
"What can I offer you girls?"
Hang on, going to this party was one thing, but drinking... I scrunched my nose. "I don't drink."
"No?" Lydia gave me puppy eyes but Hunter casually snaked one arm around her waist.
"Leave her, Lyds. At least she's come." and winked at me, making me feel more welcomed instantly. "You look great, Alyson. All you did."
"Thanks." Norah smiled and stepped forwards to grab one of the bottles from the corner, carefully smelling it. "Wiskey."
"Yeah, it tastes awful but I got cherry coke to mix with that." Lydia yelled to one of the guys to pass the coke and it was tossed here fast. She handed it to Norah with a smile. "There you go." over the music we heard a faint ding from the doorbell and the redheaded straightened, pulling Hunter with her. "Take as much as you want and have fun! See you later!"
"She's nice." commented Norah pouring two cups. Then asked me: "You sure you don't want?"
To which I shook my head and repeated: "I don't drink."
"Be my guest." and after mixing it properly she turned, proudly handing Macy the other cup. She had been distracted glancing around but now narrowed her eyes towards it.
"What is it?"
"Something great." Norah forced it to her hand. "If we're gonna get to see you out that stick you wear up your ass you need to start loosen up."
Astonished, I muffled my sudden chuckled in a cough as Macy's face blushed.
"That... That's not-"
"Drink Macy-bu." and with an eye roll the pink haired lifeted Macy's cup-hand to her lips. "You'll thank me later."
Mumbling something under her breath the dark-skinned complied, grimacing immediately. "It tastes like shit."
"Cheers to that." And Norah drained hers as well quikly refilling it. Smirking when despites everthing Macy handed her glass to be refilled again. "Alyson?"
"I told you-"
"-you don't drink." she huffed. "Just a little shot?"
I'd seen what alcohol does to people. They numbed their senses to the point they do embarassing things they regret in the morning. I couldn't afford that kind of control lose here...I couldn't even afore being here alone, still not sure how certain people will react when they find me. In my daydreams, they ignored me and continued they nights without giving me a second thought. In the worsts... Last party came rushing to my memory and I wrapped my arms around myself to prevent a sudden cold that soaked me from inside. This was a bad idea. What if they repeated it? I shouldn't had come...
"I'll take that silence as categorical no." Norah shrugged lifting her glass to meet Macy's, who whinced again eying the dark contend after the first sip.
"It's less disgusting the more you drink it."
"Amen, sis."
I smiled at their charade and glanced around, attentive to any sign of them around. My chest relaxing a bit more when I still yet to saw any of them. Maybe I was worrying too much? Maybe they would just go their way and let me have a good time with my friends? Lydia invited me after all, I was welcomed here.
The girls helped me chill, at least a bit, and as the time pass and nothing wrong happen I began to relax and enjoy being there with my friends. Norah was as crazy as usual, constantly filling her cup, and Macy did loosen up after her second, but refused to take more. I get to even talk to some people I never once had adressed before and them all treat me nicely. Whoa, I could get used to this feeling.
As the night moved on we somehow ended on the almost forgoten playroom. It got a foosball and a couple couches, but only several people were here, most of them sprawled in the kitchen and salon. Macy and I on the couches and Norah on the floor, resting her head on Macy's thigh and feet on mine as we laughed like there were no tomorrow with the faint sounds of the guys playing few feet away as a soundtrack along witht the music. Guess parties weren't that bad. Music sucks and I still a bit uneased at times, but it was fun as hell. Way more than the torturous experience I pictured before.
Norah chuckled at something I'd said and hugged Macy's legs, snuggling closer. Not for the first time I noticed how close this two were getting. I knew that when I first introduced them Macy fancied Norah, she told me she was cute and funny, but when she began to hang around more often and at her extravagant personality Macy cowered away...
But did she really?
The way she was glancing down at the pink haired said otherwise.
Maybe the slurred of the alcohol not only allowed them to loosen up but to let other things shown. I almost feel like a third wheel but the glee of this realization that filled my chest was totally worth it.
Suddenly Macy's dark eyes flickered to mine and she frowned, hiding her smittened glance but not that well. "Why are you smiling like that?"
"Me?" I played dumb, unable to drop the grin tho. She so still into Norah. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Mh." the girl in the floor shifted a bit, dropping her feet to fully angled her body towards me -not leaning away from Macy, tho. Then smirked maliciously. "Thinking about Lover Boy?"
"W-what?" my heart somesaulted at that unexpected mention. "Why would you even say that? And stop calling him this." I hissed.
"I don't think so." her eyes flickered beyond my shoulder and my spine shuddered with anticipation. Please don't let it be what I think... "And maybe I just thought of it because, look, there he comes."
I tensed and the next second I turned and saw his amazing droll-droping smile as he sat beside me, on the free space in the couch making it dip. My body instantly react, aware of his presence. Gosh, has he heard any of what we just said?
"Hey ladies." he made himself home, leaning back to a comfortable position, arms spread on the back of the couch; so close I felt it's heat against my nape and bare shoulders, my small hair rose up. Brett, on the other hand, got his easy going smirk on, looking chill as ever. "So, what's up?" his blue gaze focused on mine, making those cramps appear.
"We weren't talking about you." I quickly stated, hoping to sound innocent but not realizing that it made me guiltier. My eyes widened and I mentaly face-palmed myself. Macy laughed.
One of his eyebrows liften in amusement. "Yeah, very reassuring of you, Lys." If I could only shrink in the ground right now... "Hunter said you've arrived a while ago. I haven't seen you around."
"Well you see Brettie." sighed Norah dreamely -not letting go of Macy yet. "We came here to avoid all those germ contenders you call friends. They got such large hands, you know?"
Brett's lips pursed and I was sure he was keeping down a laugh. I was still super aware of his nearness, squirming in my seat not sure if I like this bubbling or dread it. He was so confusing. The auburn then perked one brown. "You call me Brettie?"
"What if I did?" my friend smirked.
"It sounds weird..." he grimace. "Please don't call me that."
"Oh, I don't called you that." she gave one knowing glance and my insides froze in realization of what she was about to say next. "I usually call you-"
"Let's move, shall we?" Macy suddenly jumped at her feet, the abrupt standing almost making Norah fell backwards and successfully cutting her ramble. I sent her a thankful glance at the same time the pink haired glared up, but immediately regret it when she smiled slighlty and turned fully towards Norah. "I need another of your drinks. Come with me."
And just like that both of them were disappearing with knowing looks my way... leaving me baffled and alone with Brett. What the hell? The echo of the foosball player filled the shrinking room.
"You're friends are so weird." Brett chuckled nonchalantly, unaware or ignoring my tension and I pressed my lips in a thin line.
"They're not." but we both know they were. Still, even considering they just left me here traitorously, I felt the urge to defend them. "They're colorful."
"Same thing." he shrugged. "Didn't say it was a bad thing, just stating a fact." I hummed, not knowing how the hell was I supposed to act right now. "So," Brett cleared his throat and sent me a cocky smirk. "You did came after all, uh?"
I blushed deeply not really knowing the reason and used my hair as a blind. "It's not like I had a choice." Despites me actually enjoying it, 'til now at least, I really wasn't exactly in a position of denying. "Norah can be really intense when she wants something..."
"Whatever makes you sleep at night."
I squirmed further in my place as his warmth breath caressed my shoulder and neck. Shudders sliding everywhere from there. For some reason I felt ready to close my eyes and melt but I forced myself to remind who he was. Brett Ryder. My bully. Shifting in my spot I wondered what urge was harder, the one to stand my ground or the one that urged me to run before something explode, which, with him, it was bound to happen.
More goosbumps appeared when I felt his smirk right against my ear. I hadn't even realized we were this close. "You clean up nice, Lys."
"Yeah, well," I cleared my throat deciding for the last option, knowing after a compliment it most likely gonna be the prank. "I should go with them."
"What?" That did wipe the grin out hishandsome face. "Come on, don't be like that." his hand rested on mythigh before I get the chance to stand, freezing both me and my blood fluel.Tickling heat spread everywhere from that spot. He followed my stare to it and almostas if it burned him he immediately retreacted it. "Sorry." Ibreathed again, the feeling of his touch still lingering in my skin eventhrough the jeans. "I was just kidding, Giggles. I'll keep it down fromnow on."
My eyes found his and I didn't like the turmoil they caused in my guts. Why did he have to remind me of the sweet boy I fell for once? After everything I should be able to look at him without waking up such stupid memories, right? When my heartstrings were pulled along with the corner of his lips as he draw in a soft grin I knew I was screwed.
My head snapped forward again, confused at what he was able to do to me without even being aware of it and with a sigh I did stand, awkwardly, without Brett stopping me this time. "I really should go." Disappointment written all over his face and for some reason it hurt me but I determined myself not to fall for it.
I found the girls dancing in among the crowd, and they gave a weird look when I approached them and told them I want to leave. Brett was here, guess Jade must be around as well and I had no wish of sticking and look if they could spoil yet another party for me. Macy made a move to come as well but I disuaded her. The fact that I was banned from parties didn't meant the were as well, and they were having such a good time it'll be a shame I mess it for them.
Norah wasn't sure either but this time it was me who didn't gave them a choice. Ruining their night would only made mine even more miserable so the best for all of us would be that I exited that place before some stunt was pulled.
Luck proved once more not to be on my sidethe moment I entered the small room where we've left our coats and I was immediately greeted by two people drinking and smoking on the window's bench. Jade and Noel.
My heart halted the moment their eyes met mine, interrupting whatever they were saying and a mix of anger and disbelief clouded their gazes. The blonde narrowed hers: "What are you doing here?" and to my further mortification her disgusted look slided down my form, taking in my atire. They share a look and Noel smirked getting up.
That's it. Run, Alyson. Snatching my coat from where it was hanging I spun immediately to make a run for the door and wait the Uber outside, but my wrist was caught before I could.
"Ah, don't leave so soon." mocked Noel pulling me further inside and shutting the door making my anxiety grew, choking me from inside. The strong stink of alcohol in his breath got nothing on Norah's, which made me realize he was far more drunk than she'd been. This was bad. He was unpredictable and cruel on an average day, I could only wonder what him intoxicated was able to do. His smile gave me creeps. "Come chill with us."
"I-I really d-don't-"
"Wasn't asking." soon enough I was by he bench where Jade still sat, glaring at me and bouncing her crossed long legs up and down. She didn't look pleased at all.
Noel's hands moved to my shoulder and none too gently he pushed me so I was sitting on the spot he'd left free a minute ago, barely a couple feet away from Jade with only a transparent bottle and glasses between us. I didn't felt safe at all. My heart was pounding so hard I wouldn't be surprise if at any moment it dropp off my rib-cage. Worst when Noel let himself drop in the arm chair facing us, that drunken malicious smirk still lingering on his lips.
"Why the hell do you show up here, White?" sneered Jade, voice dripping venom. "I thought you got the picture you aren't allowed in parties. Your mere sight drop the mood."
I swallowed. "L-Lydia invited me."
"What difference does that make?" I bit my lip, about to start hyperventilating at any moment. This is what I'd been avoiding all night. This is why I shouldn't had come in the first place! "And dressed like that... Please." she rolled her eyes amusedly with a lighter expression but her words and the harshness in her eyes made me shrink. "Such a useless attention whore. If your parents only would had a life insurance you might had a boob job and this would be something worth looking."
I flinched, her voice sliding into me like poison, hurting to the very core. Only Jade would manage to insult my family and appearance in one sentence. I felt both ashamed and vulnerable and wrapped my arms around my frame, embracing my coat against my chest and glancing down. I knew I shouldn't had let Norah put this on me. I look ridiculous.
I couldn't stay here much longer. I need to get out.
But my bolting towards the door was interrupted by Noel's grabbing again, only this time he pulled and before I could process it I landed on his lap. The gesture itself was enough to freeze me but his arms wounded around my form. Panic gripped my insides at his mocking tone. "Look at her, trying so hard to fit in..." My heart speed as I struggled to get up again -I needed to get out!- only for him to held me almost painfully, his face pressed to the crock of my neck and again I smelled the alcohol. My head spun. "I tell you what, you do look hotter like this."
Tears pricked my eyes and a sudden urge to vomit rushed over me. "Please..."
"Oh, look Noel, she wanted it."
"I see that."
I shook my head frantically, afraid now as his arms only tightened more and more and shuddered when he let a sloppy awkwards kiss on my neck. I gasped in horror but my struggles were only met by his impassiveness as he let his mouth travelled over my nape and to my bare shoulder blade. I wanted to die.
"Stop." I sobbed but Noel seemed too out to listen to me. I'd never even got my first kiss yet, and him from all the people was the one doing this to me... unwillingly. This was assault, wasn't it?
They had never done something like this before. Making me feel this helpless and violated.
I hated it.
All the while Jade poured herself more from that bottle and casually drank it. Unbothered.
I shuddered in disgust when Noel lick his way back up to my jaw and hummed. "I'll totally do you right now."
My eyed widened in terror when Jade's only reaction was a small shrug and a malicious smile tugging up her lips. "Why not? She came looking like a whore after all, hasn't she?"
This was the punishment for coming? More tormenting? Assaulting?!
This was far beyond any line existent. Maybe they don't like me, but this was sick.
My elbow found Noel's stomach at last and he growled, immediately releasing me. Not waiting for any of them to react I bolted out, slamming the door and finally exiting the damn party. The cold wind brushed me and colded the wet paths down my face, nauseating as I still felt his hands and mouth all over me. Tattooed in my skin.
I felt revolted, disgusting and dirty. Their bullying never had got this physical before. Touching me like that, as if they had the right to... Was that what Brett wanted too? What if they came for more? What if they repeated again some other time and I didn't get this lucky?
I pulled my hair, sobbing desperate.
This had gotten out of hand and I didn't know what to do anymore.
********************
QUESTION: Any thought?
Don't forget to comment, vote and share.