Chapter Nineteen

I was going to the party not because I wanted to party or socialize but because I was angry and hurt. I wanted to get back at Sam. Of course I was going to forgive him but that would be after some serious apology. I understood why he sounded like that, he was jealous and confused, but I hated that he did doubted me. Like hey, just how lowly did he think of me. We could have had a good conversation and sorted whatever misunderstandings he had but no he had to be an asshole.

So I was going to party and I was on the way there with dad. Both Sam and Catch had offered me a ride but I had declined. I turned down Sam's offer because I was angry with him and Catch's because...well, because Catch was Catch. I did not see him in a new light yet even if he had apologized and I had forgiven him.

"You sure this address is right? I don't see any vehicle on this road". Dad complained bringing me put of my thoughts.

I rolled my eyes and looked outside the window into the dark night at the trees as they passed by in a blur. He said exactly the same thing just five minutes ago. "Yes, I'm sure. Dad, tell me the truth, you scared a bear will come out of these woods?"

"So it's obvious".

I snapped my head to him taken aback by his admission. "Seriously?"

"You must think me a coward". He sniffed as if hurt.

"So it's obvious".

"Hey!! I'll throw you into the woods if you don't mind your manners". He joked. I laughed.

After a while, we finally arrived our destination. Dad parked the car in front of the entrance leading to the woods where many other cars were parked. Just how much people were invited to this party? Catch had said we wouldn't be much, just something like a friendly get-together. The cars right in front of me were more and no less than fifteen and we all knew not everyone came with cars of their own. Some hitched rides or took taxies or were dropped off.

Yup, people like me. Only I doubted there was someone other than me that was dropped off, that too by their dad.

"We are finally here". Dad announced unnecessarily. "I'll come get you around eleven".

I nodded and got out.

He winded down the window with an unsure look. "I think I should escort you. This place looks rather spooky". He started to unhook his seatbelt.

"No, dad, you can't do that!" It was embarrassing enough that I had to ask him to drive me here without mentioning him walking me to the party and everyone getting to see us. I shuddered just thinking of it. I would hate to come across as daddy's scared little girl. "I'll be fine. Thanks for the ride but you can go home now. We aren't in some shitty horror movie so stop getting funny ideas".

"You know the world's not what it used to be now. It's a very dangerous place that's why—"

"I get it, okay? I can take care of myself". I quickly walked off before he could insist and follow me.

In the distance ahead there was smoke going up penetrating the wintry air and blending in with the darkness making it almost invincible but for the little light from the moon and the sparks flying into the sub-zero air around the grey smoke and falling back down. Because of this, I was able to find my way between thick trees.

I came into the clearing and a smile automatically came to my mouth. A fire crackled in the middle of the large space projecting long shadows on the surrounding area. The light casted by the flames danced across the dark trunks of the trees, twisting and curling in obscure shapes and providing a small radius of light. The fire itself was pulsating, the glowing embers seemed to move in rhythm with the flames, matching every dip and sweep. It was mesmerizing to watch, colours of orange and red gave way to yellow and white near the centre, where the emanating heat was the greatest.

There was nothing like the warmth I was feeling right now in my chest. There was an outdoor speaker quietly playing a slow song. A slow romantic song which three couples were dancing to.

Why, no one told me Olive High's boys were capable of putting together something as beautiful as this. A beautiful change from the normal messy parties I was used to.

I just stood there observing everyone and everything. Those who weren't dancing were gathered around the fire sitting close together on mossy logs. Someone was talking and everyone was listening with rapt attention. I couldn't see all their faces but the faces of those I could see—girls—showed fear.

Must be a ghost story something. I chuckled quietly.

The people present were not as much like I had initially thought. I was about to go meet them when I saw someone look my way. I doubted my face could clearly be seen, just my figure and perhaps my outfit. I had worn a plain white singlet and thrown on a black jacket on top black skinny ripped jeans and black booted heels. I had let my hair fall down freely too.

"Who's there?!" The person yelled and gained the attention of everyone else who all turned to look at me waiting for me to say something.

I mentally cringed.

I did not answer and I did not move either. Wow, good going gal!

Sure some were already thinking of me as the ghost in whatever ghost story they were listening to. As if confirming my thoughts, a girl scooted closer to her boyfriend. I rolled my eyes at that. Come on, I wasn't wearing a white garment.

Another person called out, "Alex, is that you?" Now this voice was familiar.

Way to announce my presence, Catch.

With a deep breath I made my way over to them with an expressionless face. "Hey guys". I greeted. Some flashed me smiles that significantly told me I was welcome and others simply let out sighs of relief. Some were not so welcoming. They were glaring at me.

Samson. Mirabel. Three girlfriends of Mirabel whose names I did not know and didn't want to know. Couldn't have cared any less.

Catch got up with a wide grin and came to my side. He whispered into my ear, his breath fanning the side of my face. "I'm glad you could make it". I smiled and warily shifted inches away from him under the cover of kicking empty drink cans.

"Me too".

He nodded before turning to the watching audience. "I'm sure most of you if not all already her but still, meet Alex". He draped an arm round my shoulders bringing me closer to him than before. I self-consciously wiggled out from under him and earned from him an amused smile.

Hi's and hellos came to me from the majority of the people. I couldn't help the flutter in my heart. I felt welcome.

"Couldn't you have come here and made your presence known like a normal human being?" Mirabel shot at me with hot eyes. "But then again you were never normal". She sighed.

I rolled my eyes. "I wish I could see things from your point of view, unfortunately I can't stick my head that far up my ass". I shook my head like I felt sorry.

There were whistles. I smirked at Mirabel's red face and darting eyes. 'Cat got your tongue huh?' I bet she didn't see that coming one bit, must've expected me to swallow down her insult. Bitch.

Everyone started clapping and chanting while looking at Mirabel and I. "Battle! Battle!! Battle!!" Even Catch.

What? "Hahaha but no fucking way in hell is that happening".

"Battle! Battle!! Battle!!!"

"Well...I don't really mind". I confessed with a smug look. "Mirabel, you think you can beat me?"

She hesitated for a bit but quickly made up her mind. Of course she didn't want it but this queen here wanted to save face. "I know for a fact that I can". Laugh out loud here.

"So you changed your mind, what did you do with the diaper?" I raised a brow at her and everyone except her bursted out in laughter. Her so-called friends laughed too.

"You're so ugly, when you were born your mom said "What a treasure" and your dad said "Yea lets go bury it".

There were louder whistles and oohs from the audience. Okay, nice one.

"You better hide, the garbage collector is coming!" I half whispered and shouted with lots of urgency in my voice.

The audience snickered and cheered.

"They say opposites attract. I hope you meet someone who is good-looking, intelligent, and cultured". She fired and everyone went quiet.

Thank goodness I wasn't the only one who thought that was dry.

"I'd like to leave you with one thought, but I'm not sure you have anywhere to put it. If you were twice as smart, you'd still be stupid". I have her a thumbs up. "I'll still tell you though. Keep talking, one day you'll say something intelligent and I'll never forget the first time we met...although, I'll keep trying".

Mirabel laughed but it was so obvious that it was forced. I could see her clenching jaw and mouth set in a hard line. More than all that, her eyes were welling up.

Bitches cried? That was a new discovery.

Catch started clapping and more joined in whooping and cheering. "We have our winner. Alex!".

"Oh please". I blushed in embarrassment. "Thanks".

Catch went back to his seat on a log and tapped the space beside him. "Here. Come sit beside me".

Uh...

"Fat chance, Catch".

I whirled about to see Sam lazily walking over with hands in the pocket of his trousers and eyes shooting daggers at Catch. Butterflies played in my stomach on seeing him. I wanted to run to him for a kiss but I was still mad at him.

"What are you doing here, Partey?" Samson stood up growling in annoyance.

Sam wrapped his hand round my waist. "I was invited, dude, so sit down and be a good boy. I didn't come to pick a fight with you".

Catch whispered something to Samson and he grudgingly sat down. I removed Sam's hand from my waist and went to sit down beside Catch leaving him standing there.

Catch smiled at me and smiled even wider at Sam who looked like he would explode any minute. "Welcome, Sam and right on time for our next game which is none other than truth and dare".

Oh wow. I opened the nearest cooler and brought out a canned drink. Beer to be precise.