Perfect

When we got to the party it seems that everyone from school was there. We found Michelle and Patrick by the pool with some friends. There was also a stage set up at the far end of the pool where some guys are jamming, not really playing anything in particular. Raiden asked if I wanted anything to drink and I said some juice would be fine.

We had to yell to be heard so we (Michelle and I) just contented ourselves with texting. Mostly, we did it so we can talk about the guys without them hearing what we're talking about. I found myself scanning the party for Mark though I was trying to stop myself from doing so. Maybe he's somewhere inside, it's a pretty big house. When Raiden got back with the drinks he asked if I wanted to go around for a bit and say hello to people. My social butterfly, I thought as I agreed. I told Michelle through signing and mouthing that we're going around (I mouthed "We're gonna go around while doing a circular motion with my index finger pointed upwards). It seems that she got it haha!

We went inside to look for the host and say hi. It was a senior named Maddie, a cheerleader and her boyfriend Tom is a friend of Raiden's. They're in the basketball team together. I gathered that the band outside is her younger brother's band and they thought this was the perfect opportunity to showcase their talent, if they ever find it. It seems that I do like being with Raiden but it also scares me in a way that It might change who I am. I'm sort of enjoying all the attention I'm getting as his girlfriend. People want to talk to me and they look interested in what I have to say. I have to admit that it feels good to be somewhat relevant, even if it was just because of who I'm with.

As the night wore on, I had to admit that I was having fun. Mark was in the kitchen checking out Heather's tonsils or something but I was glad to have psyched myself and I was surprised that I wasn't as affected as I thought I was. I told Michelle this as I dragged her in the front lawn for small talk since no conversation is possible inside the house at all. The noise level is deafening and I'm not gonna scream all night just to be heard. Most of the conversations I had with other people includes me, just nodding or laughing along with the other people. There's a few places that were decent for conversations and I did connect with some people there (I think).

"Mark's here with Heather." I told Michelle.

"Uh, we knew that, or should I say, we assumed that?" She said sarcastically. "Look, Cassie, you came here with Raiden and you're having lots of fun as I can see. Let's just keep it at that. Don't be too selfish because one hot guy is enough." She sounded a bit annoyed.

I sighed, even I was getting annoyed with myself. "Sorry Mitch. Please promise to pinch me if I mention him. I'm not trying hard enough, I know. I will def need your help."

She hugged me, "Oh Cas. Sorry for snapping at you too, but you should be able to see and feel how lucky you have it."

I nodded as I took her hand and led her back to the party. To our surprise, the house was almost empty. Where did all the people go? We went to the pool area where we left the guys. It was packed and you can hear someone talking on the microphone, "...so get up here and show your stuff. Happy Halloween!" we caught Madison saying.

I took Raiden's arm and asked what's going on. "Maddie has created a talent contest. Someone's passing an ice bucket for the pool money which will be divided for three winners."

"Hmm... I wonder how much the prize will be..."

"You gonna join?" Raiden asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"You know I can't sing for the life of me! Haha!" I swatted his arm playfully.

"Then, I shall win it for you, my lady!" He said with a deep bow

"What's going on here?" Michelle asked.

"This guy is saying he'll join the contest for me." I laughed.

Raiden walked off. "Hey, where are you going?" I tried to stop him. He just looked back at me and gave me a thumbs up sign. Why do I have a bad feeling about this? I looked at Michelle and she just shrugged.

About three talents after, Trent, Maddie's brother announced "For the fourth contestant, we have Mr. Raiden Patterson, who's going to sing for us," he then gave the microphone to Raiden while two of Raiden's friends took their place behind him. One took the guitar and the other one took the piano.

"Cassie, this one's for you." Everyone clapped and yelled then turned to find me and soon after, everyone is just staring at me, following hoots and catcalls. I wanted to melt right there but my heart wants to explode from happiness. I felt giddy, excited and mortified all at the same time. Michelle squeezed my arm as she giggled and yelled, "Go, Raiden!" Along with other girls who felt like doing the same.

When the music started, my heart stopped beating and my whole world halted. It was a song I kept mentioning to Therese that I'd die if someone sings this song for me. "I found a love, for me. Darling just drive right in, follow my lead. Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet...," Ed Sheeran's Perfect. I was happy I didn't die but I could feel tears threatening to fall from my eyes. I had to look up to keep it from happening and embarrassing myself. Raiden has a really nice voice, I thought as I looked around. Couples have started to pair up and dance to the song. I guess that's points for him, audience impact. I heard a chair fall and I saw Taylor walking away hastily with her minions in tow. Mark was with them. our eyes met for a moment before Heather pulled him away too. Who needs Mark when I have this real thing with someone who thinks I'm perfect.

After the song everyone was quiet since most of them were couples dancing. Raiden ended it with a short message for me, "I love you, Cassie. You are the perfect one for me." Then he exited the stage.

Instead of Trent, it was Maddie who went up the stage. "Well, who can top Mr. Raiden "Perfect" Patterson. He has always been a tough act to follow, so good luck!

When Raiden got back to where I was I could feel most eyes were on us. "Did you like it?" He asked.

"It was perfect." I replied as I tiptoed and kissed him. I wanted everyone to know that he's mine.

It was like a movie and it was only when I opened my eyes that I heard everyone cheering. I should stop blocking everything, I told myself. One of these days it's gonna land me in big trouble. "Get a room, you guys!" That was Michelle jeering.

"Jealous much? Why don't you give Patrick a kiss too!" I returned, her eyes growing wide with surprise at how brazen I am.