Chapter 5

After my Aunt texted me, telling me to be home by 2A.M, I sighed as I leaned back in the passenger’s seat, crossing my arms. I'm not used to this type of treatment, on a normal day- my curfew is 8 o'clock sharp but now that my aunt is here, she allows me to stay out until after midnight? Most teenagers would be grinning and smiling but me, I'm a bit nervous and uncomfortable. I doubt I'll even stay away!

“You act like you’re being brought to your death. It’s only a party, if you want to leave during it- just text me,” She said, rolling her eyes as she smirked.

I glared at her with an annoyed look on my face. Does she not understand? Not only am I uncomfortable going to the party- I hate what I’m wearing, that jerk is going to be there, and I’m probably going to be the laughing stock of the whole entire party! What 17 year old girl wears so much pink? I ought to strangle my Aunt!

“And if you’re worried about your outfit, you look fine. I know you added that jean jacket yourself because your Aunt would never let you leave the house with two different colored jeans on.” She sneered. I gave her an annoyed look as she smiled innocently.

“It’s not only that, Jess. It’s the fact that not only am I wearing this horrific outfit,  mind you that I never wear pink, it’s because he’s going to be there!” I snapped, gesticulating so wildly that I even cut off Jessie’s vision of the road at one point. Aren’t I grand?

“Who?” Jessie asked stupidly, jerking her head to the side to see the road. I retracted my hands to my sides and gave her a look as if she was stupid. She sure is acting like it!

“Adrian! Adrian Easton!” I exclaimed. She winced and cringed back, giving me a confused look. 

“What did he do wrong? The only thing I can think of is being that hot. You have to have a license to look that hot.” She said dreamily. I should smack her in the face. I would if she wasn’t driving. Instead, I snapped my fingers in her face.

"He isn’t hot! He’s annoying! He called me ugly!” I retorted, frowning and sinking back into the chair once more.

“What? When did he do this?” She asked, a look of outrage covering her face.

“He said it yesterday! That’s the whole reason why I’m even going to this party!” I exclaimed, running my hands through my curled hair. It felt soft under my hands, the dirty blonde highlighted hair allowed my hands to drift through it easily.

“What? Why didn’t you tell me?” She asked.

“I am right now, aren't I? He said it after I’d asked him a stupid question!” I told her, sinking even lower in the chair due to embarrassment.

“What?” She asked, confused.

“He’s not only my neighbor but his room is right next door to mine! We barely have any space between our houses! When he was coming home from the party, I’m guessing, I left the window open because I was cleaning and dancing. I couldn’t sleep and he ended up scaring me. He then continued talking to me and decided to answer my question with ‘You’re the ugliest person I’ve ever seen.’” I huffed, suddenly annoyed.

“What was the question?” She asked, curiously. That’s what I was afraid of- she was going to ask what the question was.

“You remember the day he was staring at me right?” I asked and in response I received a nod from her. “Yeah, I asked him why he was staring at me.” I said in a whisper.

Jessie looked outraged as she stared at me with an angry look on her face. She huffed and stumbled over her words before replying. “What did you say?” She asked me, eyes widened as she glanced between me and the road.

“I didn’t say anything. I closed the window and went to sleep.” I replied, biting my lip. Jessie looked like she wanted to punch me in the throat.

“Did you cry?” She asked.

“No, but-.” I began to speak but she cut me off.

“Did you cry?” She asked, emphasizing her words.

“No.” I answered, knowing not to be stupid when Jessie was like this. She wanted answers, no explanations, just answers.

“He’s going to pay for this.” She said in a low voice as her grip visibly tightened on the steering wheel.           

“No, Jess. It’s okay. I got it.” I said, in an attempt to calm her down.

“What are you going to do? Close the window?” She asked, annoyed. She always gets angry about the fact that I don’t stand up for myself enough. She means no harm by her words, though.

“No, I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. But Jessie, I can assure you that I’m going to do something.” I told her in a promising tone, but that wasn’t enough for Jessie.

“Do you promise?” She asked, her voice stern and serious. Nobody would be stupid enough to undermine her.

"I promise.” I stated with finality and we continued the journey to the party in a quiet car, but I knew she was counting the days until she would finally snap and run to my side. And honestly, I was too

___

I felt my ankle almost give out when I got out of the car. Jessie snickered as my knees began buckling like a baby foals. I wrinkled my nose as I got the hang of walking in them. Even though they were classified as wedges, my ankles still felt like Jell-O. 

“You’re walking pretty well in them.” Jessie said as I got the hang of them. I was taller than her when I walked in them. I rolled my upper lip as I felt my ankles shake once more.

“I hate them.” I stated, staring at my feet. As we passed by a car, I couldn’t help but glance into the mirror. I looked like a whole new person. My feelings were mixed about it. In some parts, it was okay because it was a onetime thing and maybe, just maybe, I’d meet a cute and nice guy who recognizes me under this entire pound of gunk and he’d actually talk to me at school and wouldn’t snicker when I pass by. Don’t dream too hard now.

“You look good in them, now let’s get inside. I’m dying for something to drink.” She told me, sighing. I gave her an annoyed look.          

“Didn’t you say you weren’t going to drink?” I asked, placing an impatient hand on my hip. There was no way I was letting her drive home drunk. She’d have to crash at my place.

“I said I wasn’t going to drink that much.” She said, shrugging as she continued walking. Her heels clacked against the cement, resounding through the warm air. I stomped after her, ignoring the fact that my ankles were going to give out at any given moment.

“I’m not going to be carrying you inside my house because I’m not letting you drive yourself home drunk.” I stated.

As we approached the large bright house, I started to notice the amounts of teenagers talking. Half of them were guys, and half of those guys were jocks or popular in school. And the rest, well, were more popular than me. I wouldn’t blend in well enough. I’m like a grape in a bag of cherries, terrible analogy but you get my point. I wasn’t fitting in here because everyone here probably was invited while I was crashing this party.

“Please, honey. By the way you look; a guy will make sure you don’t go home either.” She winked at me. I felt my heart drop into my stomach. Is that the one most important thing that I’d let slip my mind? The amount of inappropriate interaction in this party is greater than the amount of F’s Easton receives on his report card. We entered the house and I immediately felt the flee instinct.

“I want to leave.” I stated, sighing loudly as Jessie gave me a flat look and struggled to speak over the music.     

“Wait 15 minutes and then call me to tell me if you still want to go home.” She said, placing a hand on her hip.

“Text you? You’re leaving me?” I asked, frowning. I felt the abandoned feeling arise once more as I furrowed my eyebrows.

“Well, I’m going to get a drink and you can rarely find your way out of that circle. I’d tag you along, it’s just that everyone around the table is either drunk or really close to it and I know that you don’t want that.” She said, waving her hands around.

I just nodded, looking around. People were just entering the house and even more were already dancing on each other on the dance floor. I felt vomit rising up my throat as my eyes glanced at a couple intensely making out. I quickly looked away and unfortunately, they made their way toward the popular girls.

“Have fun.” Jessie’s fading voice said as I muttered a goodbye. My eyes were still glued to the popular girls whose faces were caked in makeup and their torsos clad in thin material dresses. Half of the dresses didn’t reach the middle of the girls thighs, they reached just below the waist, short enough that you’ll see if it you were to walk upstairs behind them.

The center girl, Brielle Deleon was the girl that her minions strived to be. She was Cheerleading Captain and also in an on and off type of relationship with the devil himself, Adrian Easton. Sure, he’s not a player, but that doesn’t exclude the idea of a relationship from his mind. And he chose the worst person possible for a girlfriend (or lack thereof), not that I care. In fact, I’m glad he chose her.

Even though when they break up, that night they go to the same party and chose someone to ‘hang’ out with. The person doesn’t mind and neither does the other partner of the relationship. Brielle knows that in the end, Adrian will always be hers and vice versa. I know that Brielle will wreak havoc onto whoever steals Adrian away from her for longer than 2 days. Everyone knows that if he asks you to any dance or school activity, your answer better be ‘no’ because she will ruin your life.

My eyes melted away from them, horrific memories clouded my mind and they needed to escape. I heaved in a breath of air and realized it smelled of cigarette smoke and beer. I wrinkled my nose as I tried to find a door. I squeezed through crowds of people, making sure to apologize if I hit someone, although they never seemed to care.

Caught up in what I was doing, I didn’t hear someone calling my name. I’m not sure who it was, I just know that as soon as I exited that door, I heard a faint but comprehensible voice saying ‘Fiona.’ Instead of turning back like a polite girl, I continued my journey throughout the yard that I’ve arrived at.

I approached some trees that had a perfect view of the moon but there was enough light to make out what was around you and noticed that a hammock was set up. This was probably the only place that wasn’t occupied with kissing teenagers. I sat down and placed my earbuds into my ears and turning on my music. I listened as I closed my eyes. I wasn’t tired and knew I wasn’t going to fall asleep; it was just a soothing action.

A few songs in, I felt the presence of someone else. I ripped the earbuds from my ears and my eyes darted open. I looked around to see someone’s shadow in the trees. My heart dropped into my stomach as I exclaimed loudly. The first time a word such as that one escaped my mouth and it was right before my death. At least nobody would know about my slip up.

“Well, someone’s got a potty mouth.” A teasing voice spoke. I recognized the voice instantly and I felt my stomach churn. Why was he here? You’d think he’d get the message after having a window slammed in his face but then again- stupid people are, well, stupid.

“What do you want, Easton?” I asked, annoyed as I paused my music that was still playing. I still heard it even though the stray earbuds were sprawled on my lap. I slowly began to wrap the earbud wires around my phone as I stuffed it into my pocket.

“Well, I want a lot of things. For example; I want a pony.” He joked idiotically. Instead of laughing like any other charmed girl would, I just displayed a flat look on my face.       

“Well, I want you gone.” I stated, readjusting myself on the hammock so my legs were hanging lazily off of it and my face was hidden in the shadows. I didn’t need him seeing and laughing at my makeup. I uncrossed my legs and swung them lightly.

“That’s such a scary threat from someone whose feet don’t touch the ground from a hammock that’s a foot from the ground,” He smirked, stepping closer to me so I could see his face in the moonlight.

His jaw was prominent and well defined, almost like a Greek God, as overused as that saying is- it's true. His eyes were leaning more towards green from what I could see. I felt my fists clench and he smirked, noticing this. “Awe, is Fi-Fi mad?” He asked, jutting out his lower lip. I felt anger ripple through my body and I tightened my grip on the thick material of the hammock.

“Just leave me alone,” I replied, closing my eyes and staring at my knees intently. My feet did struggle to touch the floor… and I was mad. I wasn’t all that scary, in fact- I’m as scary as a teddy bear. “I’m really not in the mood for your comments.” I stated, rubbing my face tiredly. I wish I would've took Jess up on her offer of getting rid of Adrian.

“What’s wrong with you?” He asked, more in a ‘what did I do to you’ manner than a caring one. I just sighed, feeling my phone vibrate from inside of my pocket. I fished it out of my pocket and saw that it was my Aunt.

“Hello?” I asked, licking my lips which felt dry as I held the phone up to my ear.

“Hey.” My Aunt casually said. I was confused. Why was she calling?

“Uhm, not to seem rude but why are you calling me?” I asked, furrowing my eyebrows. Instead of being offended, my Aunt laughed.

“I just wanted to make sure you’re not drunk.” My Aunt joked.

“It’s only been 30 minutes. Besides, I’m not drinking tonight.” I said, rolling my eyes. I swear I heard a ‘yet’ from the guy 5 feet away from me.           

“I can’t blame you. Drinking stinks, it may seem fun at the time but it’s a killer in the morning. Even a pin dropping makes you cringe. Where’s Jessie?” My Aunt asked. I thought for a second.

“I’m not sure.” I replied, shrugging casually.

“Where are you?” My Aunt questioned me curiously. I looked around.

“I’m in the backyard which is pretty secluded.” I retorted stupidly,, realizing the danger I’d put myself in. What if instead of Adrian Easton, a mass murderer was sneaking up on me? I’m surprised to say I’m glad it was Easton.

“Don’t get hurt. You’re alone?” My Aunt asked me. That’s the question I was dreading.

“Not exactly.” I replied not wanting to lie to her. I glanced up at Adrian who was awkwardly standing there, watching me talk on the phone. He had the same look on his face as he had earlier this week when he was staring at me.

“Who’s with you?” My Aunt asked, her voice clearly amused. I licked my lips again before replying.

“Do you remember that guy from the restaurant?” I asked, trying to seem like I didn’t tell my Aunt every detail of him. I hope my Aunt played along. I’m pretty sure that Adrian can hear every word she’s saying.

“No, I don’t, actually. Can you describe him?” She asked, the smirk obvious in her voice. I gritted my teeth, it didn’t matter.

“You know what? It doesn’t matter, I know him.” I shrugged carelessly. I saw Adrian smirk out of the corner of my eye.

"Yes it does! You’re my niece. I need to know who you’re with if anything happens to you. Now describe this boy to me.” My Aunt stated. She was acting like a caring, Aunt. That liar. I looked at Adrian and decided to say the basics. She can’t make me endure this type of torture.

“Well, uh, he has dark brown hair,” I said, looking at his hair which was fluffy and looked slightly tamed. “His eyes are,” I began, squinting to see his eyes and he quickly raised and dropped his eyebrows twice and sent a wink my way. “Green, his eyes are green.” I said, feeling as if I’d said enough.

“What about his mouth?” My Aunt asked, trying to sound curious but it was obvious that she was enjoying this. I gritted my teeth and sighed loudly into the phone. I looked at his mouth for a second.

“His lips are light pink and he has white teeth,” I stated dully, trying to sound the least bit interested. He made a kissing face and I scowled. I quickly decided to rush into the next group of details. “He’s about 5’10-5’11’’.” I looked at him up and down.

“I’m 6’1’’.” He assured, raising an eyebrow at me.

“He’s 6’1’’,” I informed her. “And that’s about it.” I stated, finalizing my description.

“Does he have a big butt?” My Aunt asked. Adrian laughed loudly.

“Okay, I think that’s enough questions for today.” I stated, sighing loudly before hanging up the phone. She’s too much.

“Do I?” Easton asked, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. I raised an eyebrow.

“Do you what?” I asked, blinking twice.

“Have a big butt? Cause you know, I can’t see from this angle.” He asked, struggling to turn around to see his butt. I felt a smile quirk at the corner of my lips but I held it back.

“It’s flat like a wall.” I stated, shaking my head while rolling my eyes. His eyes lit up and he smirked.

“You mean, flat like your chest?” He asked, his smirk widened.

I shrugged, biting back whatever tears were threatening to fall. First I’m ugly, now I’m flat chested. That’s great for my already low self-esteem. And honestly, I was just tired of it. And it’s even worse when he says it because I know that when people say it in front of a crowd are most likely only saying it because they want to embarrass me. But right now, there is no crowd. Yesterday, there was no crowd.

“No, flat like your face is going to be when I slam it against a tree,” I muttered, biting the inside of my mouth as I glared at him. His eyes widened slightly and he looked shocked. “What? You expected me to slam my imaginary window?” I snorted.

“You’re… violent.” He said, yanking his head backwards as my words registered into his mind. His eyes darted to the nearest tree and he stepped aside, moving away from it.

“So… what are you doing out here?” I asked, waving my hand around. He’d been out here for 15 minutes now, half of which was spent by me using the phone. I sat back deeper onto the hammock, hiding myself in the shade. I wasn’t surprised that he hadn’t commented on my makeup usage because I was stuffed back in the shadows. It was getting slightly cold.

“Well, I thought I saw a hot girl run out of the house, but it was just you.” He admitted, shrugging slightly. I blew out a strained breath before I rolled my eyes, but he couldn’t see it. Another ugly comment, just great.

“Look, I didn’t come to this party to be insulted.” I stated, giving him a flat look. His eyes twinkled for a moment before he spoke.

“Well then, why did you come to this party? Most people come here with one of two intentions- either they want to get drunk or they plan on having… special types of fun,” He explained, editing the words as I grimaced. “And you stated that you weren’t getting drunk.” 

“I didn’t come here for either of them.” I stated, biting down onto my teeth hard.

“Then why did you come here?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Because I was forced to,” I spoke, wanting to end there but I already knew that he was going to ask: by whom and why. So I decided to answer them now. “By my Aunt because… she wanted me to live a little.” I lied about the latter. Since it had something to do with him, I decided it’d be best to not say it.

“You’re a terrible liar, you know? Now what’s the real reason why you were forced to be here?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

“My Aunt wanted to give me a makeover.” I stated, partially telling the truth. I was lying but it was only by omission. I was leaving out the small part about how she wanted to give me a makeover because of his words.

“Is that why you’re leaning into the shadow with your back all crunched up?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. I shrugged.    

“Somewhat.” I muttered, biting my lip.  

“Well, can I see you?” He asked. I laughed loudly. Out of all people why would I let him see me?

“Out of all people, why would I let you see me during a time like this?” I snorted.

“Well, I’ll just act like that doesn’t offend me. You’ll eventually get cold or hungry, or maybe even thirsty and you’ll have to come out of that little cold corner.” He shrugged, smirking evilly.

“Yeah, and you won’t be there. Your legs are going to get tired eventually.” I shrugged.           

“Did you forget the fact that I play sports? Besides, if I get tired- I can just kneel down or sit down.” He stated, implying in the former that he stands often. With the latter, I smirked.

“Why are you smirking?” He asked me.

“Do you kneel often?” I asked, pressing my lips together to avoid bursting into laughter.

“I… guess, why?” He asked and I lost it. I completely lost it. During my laughing fit, I’m guessing he came to a realization.

“You’re a pervert,” He stated, annoyed. He would’ve been laughing if the joke was aimed at someone else. For example, if it was aimed at me. “Do you hear that?” He asked, face turning serious. I quickly stopped laughing.

“Stop playing. It’s not funny.” I said, lowering my voice instantly. He shook his head.               

“I’m not kidding.” He said, stepping forward. He was about 3 feet away from me now.

“Seriously. Stop. It’s not funny,” I muttered. “Stop lying, you lying liar.” I hissed.

“Come on, we have to go.” He said, quickly backing up and staring over my shoulder as if something was going to appear there. I quickly looked back before standing up and walking towards him. He quickly maneuvered me so that his hands were clutched on my shoulders and my face was in the moonlight. I realized what he was doing and I immediately got angry.

I began moving around as he examined my makeup covered face. He easily avoided my hits but I knew a hit that he wouldn’t be able to avoid even if he tried. I raised my knee quickly and he let go of my shoulders and let out a whimper.

I quickly started to jog away, knowing better than to run and lose my breath in 42 seconds. I heard him shout from behind me.

“Makeup doesn’t make you look any better!” I quickly ran away, knowing that If I stayed I would definitely cry… or worse, run back there and kick him again.