Before Moving Out

My lungs started to tighten with the amount of air I was breathing. I stood there looking baffled, processing what Alicia said. Not again. Another unnecessary gathering.

"I know that look. Relax, ok. Just breathe." Al started to lead the breath-in breath-out exercise we had always done since we were preschoolers. "It'll be fun I promise. And no backsies."

Fun... Not when Stephanie's there it's not.

Before I could say anything, I noticed our driver was already waiting for us outside.

"That's our limousine. Yep, my parents agreed alright." I said sarcastically.

Alicia only giggled as she high-fived our driver, heading inside the car as her newly bought dress danced, "Yay!"

"Now I understand why you insisted on me wearing this tuxedo on the go," I said in a monotone voice.

Alicia smiles. "Don't hate me for it, I'll make sure you'll enjoy your first real party."

"What's that supposed to mean? I've been to parties!"

"My debut and your family's ribbon cutting don't count." Al started doing her makeup while she spoke, "And besides, you just ate your way to the end of those parties, moping around the corner, pretending you're talking to someone on the phone. It's time you go out there and meet other people!"

"You know I hate people and talking is exhausting. I can barely manage to interact with you!" I gave her a bombastic side eye, moving slightly away from her.

"You're overreacting! How could you find your future love if you're acting like this?" I already found her though. I thought to myself.

Her voice breaks into a mellow tone. "You have to try. I'm not doing this for me, it's for you." She took my hands in hers. "I can't always be there beside you, talking to people on your behalf because you're shy or you fear you'll stutter or you'll be judged. We're social creatures by default. And humans communicate, even for a little. Promise you'll try?"

I gave a weak yet genuine response. "I promise."

She embraced me tightly and a whiff of sweet rose blessed my senses. I wish we could stay like this forever.

She breaks the hug, hyping me up. "Now! Let's practice that smile!" I flash a grin, showing more teeth to really encapsulate a friendly face.

"What do you think?" I asked. Al touched my face, properly positioning my smile.

"It still needs some work but thank you, for indulging me." Alicia smiles again and I swear she's getting beautiful whenever she does.

"All righty lads, we're here." Our driver's voice echoed, "Enjoy your time." Saying this while raising his eyebrows suggestively at me and Al. I just shrugged it off as I opened the door for Alicia.

"You look absolutely stunning by the way." I tried not to blush but her smile is really breathtaking.

"Of course! Got to look my best." Al smooths her dress and my hand instinctively reached for the stray hair on her face, tucking it behind her ear. Her smile widens and my heart flutters. Score!

"What are you doing?" She raised her voice. "It's supposed to be there, silly." Al puts the stray hair back to where it was minutes ago. Fuck...

She locks arms with me, leading me inside Stephanie's mansion.

The party already started and people were all over the place. This looks absolutely mind-numbingly boring. Only the smell of lavender and sweets in the air made me quirk into a smile. My eyes wander around, looking for the food tray. Viola! There it is! But before I could indulge myself, a voice was heard followed by a loud shriek along the hall. "You came!" Welp, that was early.

It's Stephanie in all her glory, she beams down to hug Alicia tightly. "Hey! What a beautiful princess you are!" Al breaks the hug, caressing Steph's shoulders.

"A compliment from a fellow princess. Not as good-looking as you though, you're hotter than me in that dress of yours." Steph replied. They both giggled, slapping each other faintly.

"Nice to meet you too Stiff, oh I mean Steph! Sorry."

Her smile faded. She flicked open her fan and a staring contest began. "Oh great, you're here."

I let out a restrained laugh, "Great party! What a way to stroke your ego, just like last time."

"You just won't let that go, would you? It's a joke!" She cleared her throat. "I prefer to not spar with you little man, just this night though, to honor your fantastic company and my position as the hostess." She saunters over my front and she breaks into a fake snake smile. "Enjoy this 'great' party! Al said you needed it." She waves to Alicia before leaving.

"Can't you try to get along with her?" Al wanders beside me.

"I can't. She humiliated me and thanks to her, I have a new fear of pools and I don't wear trunks anymore. She's also bitchy to me if you somehow missed that."

"You're the one who started. I mean, if you both say sorry maybe you'll get along?" We walked together and I subtly guided her to the food table. "Nah, I'm good," I replied, stocking my tray with sweets. "You're eating your way to the end again." Al sighs.

"Oh come on, I need to eat one sweet for every person I see, they're all giving me anxiety." I took a bite as I intently looked at Alicia.

Al's eyes shrink and she pouts. "Ok. Here's what's gonna happen. I'm going over to Steph's side and you have two choices. Either you apologize to Steph and I'll accompany you tonight, or find someone to talk to and you'll give the deets later. Ok?"

"Hey! That's not fair! That's a trait of a bad friend!" I almost fell to a scream.

She backs away slowly. "Well I wouldn't want to give my friend anxiety now, would I?"

"I'm kidding, ok?" People started to look at us and I fell into a whisper as I followed her. "I'm hyperventilating... Please don't do this to me or I'll go home."

She placed her hand on my chest and I felt my heart rate slowing down. "Hey, it's ok..." You've already met all the people here, you just have to spark a conversation. Or even learn how to hold one with someone."

"I can't--"

"You can!" She cut me off. "I believe in you. And I know you'll not leave because you never break a promise." She took a cookie from my tray before disappearing in the crowd."Ok, but can you at least tell me where to find you guys? Nope, she's gone."

People started bopping their heads to the rhythm as the music got louder and louder. How could she expect me to talk to anybody when they're all like this? I feel so vulnerable here...

I should just apologize to Steph. Maybe I'll do it later. The night is quite young. I need to blow off some steam first. I quickly glanced around the living room for some discreet location and the angels sang in unison, pointing in the direction of a maze outside. It's void of any sound, only the cold winds to calm me down.

The smell of fresh air and soft flowers brought me comfort until I heard the sound of... Moaning? I can hear two people just around the corner with intensifying groans. It's quite loud and frankly, disgusting!

I slowly backed away when they suddenly appeared. A guy cradling the girl in his arms as she bounces up and down. I locked eyes with the guy and the girl followed his gaze...

"AAAAHHHH!"