You all rock, amazingly hard. I love you all, especially Ren. (Who hates me right now.)
Enjoy!
Nation, forgive us.
The loud music thudded throughout the small house Nick found himself in. Bennett Nation was an avid partygoer and host, and Nick had found himself in a rather good friendship with the other boy. Bennett was slouching against a pretty blonde who looked half-amused and half-disgusted and Nick laughed at the predicament his friend was in. He would definitely feel the effects of whatever it was the next morning.
He didn’t even bother saying hello, knowing Bennett wouldn’t know or care about the fact that he was even here, and instead chose to mingle with the other “guests.” Bennett’s parties were usually open invitation, and so Nick never really knew who to expect. He could breathe easy knowing nobody in his “normal” life would be here though, so when he was asked to dance he nodded quickly, his smile growing.
The lyrics of the song were lost in the amplified sound, and the only thing heard was the beat as the two danced together. She was dancing to him closely, one hand in the air and the other clutching a plastic red cup. He didn’t know or care what was inside it.
The song ended with a brief pause and the next one started, as loud as the first one. Nick politely excused himself and began to walk around. He saw a few people he’d seen at other parties or clubs, and nodded in recognition when spoken too. Tonight he wasn’t getting that usual rush of fun and entertainment for some reason. He just felt as if something were missing.
He was on the last step, getting ready to just go home and call it a night when he saw her. Her dark brown hair was in a careless ponytail as she maniacally drove a car that screamed danger. He paused in his tracks as he watched her pull into Bennett’s driveway with ease and then slam the car door shut when she’d gotten out of it. He could tell she was trouble and he was drawn to her like a moth to the flame. She didn’t acknowledge him when she passed by, so he watched her make her way to Bennett.
His inebriated friend stirred slightly as she whispered something in his ear, perking up slightly at something she said. At his nod, she smiled and weaved her way through the crowd. Nick knew he had to speak to her.
Making his way to where she was standing, he introduced himself. “I’m Nick,” he said, flashing the grin that seemed to attract ladies.
Her light green eyes looked him over quickly, and Nick found himself inexplicably blushing. It was as if her eyes were searching for something and it made him nervous. He ran a hand through his curly hair and waited for her response. After a few moments of awkward silence she tilted her head to the side and smiled. Not a friendly smile, but one that was decidedly less cold than the stare she’d given him earlier. It sent chills down his spine and he wondered what a real smile would look like.
“Ashley,” she said, nodding at him. She was about to open her mouth to add on to her introduction when they heard police cars in the distance.
“I’ve got to go!” Nick said, panicking. He couldn’t get caught at this party. If his family or friends found out he was here he would be in huge trouble. Looking up at Ashley, Nick saw a grin playing on the edge of her lips.
“Chill out, Bible boy,” she said, and Nick froze. How could she know? “If you come with me you won’t get in trouble, and I’ll make sure you’re home before bedtime.” Not knowing what to say, Nick nodded, sending a short prayer to whoever was listening that things would be okay.
