HOUSE PARTY

Lyrical was all set and ready to leave, when her friend Jennifer came home to meet her. 

"Hey girl!" Jennifer chirped and pulled Lyrical into a tight hug. She looked around suspiciously.  "If you are looking for my boss, then she is not here." Lyrical clarified. "I will be working out of office for few days, my boss has requested my help with a client."

"That's cool. But, I am not looking for your boss. I am looking for your uncle and aunt, because of what I am about to say." Jennifer replied, smirking at Lyrical.  "And what is that?" Lyrical folded her arms around her chest and looked at her friend.

"Umm.. I am here to invite you for my weekend party." Jennifer hesitated, still looking over her shoulder. "It's a house party at my place." She whispered moving closer to Lyrical, so only she can hear whatever Jennifer has to say. Lyrical nodded in response.

"My parents are out and it took me a lot of pain to convince my brother to let me have this party. All of my friends are coming and you have to come too." Jennifer warned, scolding her lovingly.

Lyrical shook her head and told her about her aunt's condition. "Sorry Jennifer. But, I don't think I can come."

Jennifer was obviously disheartened, but she believed her aunt's health was most important. So, she patted her friend's shoulder and went inside to meet her aunt.  Lyrical excused herself, as she was getting late for work.  On her way she called up Joey. Melody had sent her all the details about what help was needed from Lyrical for this event.. this morning. Lyrical intimated him that she would reaching in an hour or so, then they could immediately start to work.

When Lyrical reached the location, as expected she found a beautiful man wearing a halter neck top and pink pant, shooting his radiant smile to Lyrical. He pulled Lyrical into a hug and kissed her cheecks.

"I must say, I still can't distinguish you." Lyrical bluntly said and Joey laughed.  "I like that you are very frank, just like your boss." Joey it her hand playfully.  "So, does that mean, you find me beautiful?" he winked at her.  " Well! I can't deny that. And the way you speak, shows you are definitely friends with my boss." Lyrical countered with a slight smile.

"Don't tell your boss, I told you this she would kill me. She has already warned me to keep my hands off you," Joey rolled his eyes whilst he remarked.  "Is it?" Lyrical perked her eyebrow.  "I mean really, she can intolerably bossy at times." Joey shrugged and Lyrical nodded in agreement.  "Ok, let me tell you this. No doubt I love that woman, a lot. But frankly, I have a huge.. huge crush on you too," Joey confessed. Then winked after a moment.  They both laughed.

Lyrical never imagined this would happen, but she was getting along with Joey quite well.  Surprisingly, working with Joey was also not that bad. He was fun loving and very enthusiastic in his work. Lyrical was amazed with his dedication and the depth of knowledge about art. She started to believe that she would be able to learn new things, working along with him.

Until yesterday, just thinking about sharing the same space with Joey may have made her cringe, but by the time the day ended, she found herself smiling and laughing. Joey offered to take her out for dinner and she didn't want to say no. However, her aunt was not keeping well, so she politely turned him down and left.

Joey received a panicked call from Melody, "Where the fuck are you guys? Why is she not reachable and you are not answering your bloody phone."

"Whoa! Calm down, love. Your assistant is safe and she just stepped out of the door. She must be on her way home." Joey teased playfully.  "Stop her right there, Joey. Tell her to charge her phone and I'll come to pick her up." Melody had calmed down a bit after knowing Lyrical was still with him.  Joey immediately went out to stop Lyrical from leaving.

"Darling! Your boss seemed very worried because she thinks I have kidnapped you or something like that. You better charge your phone, while she is on her way to pick you up." Joey jokingly said to Lyrical, while Melody was still on the call.  "Oh! Shut up, Joey." Melody huffed. 

Lyrical shook her head and wanted to leave, but Joey stopped her.  "Darling! You just told me that your aunt is not well. Just think about how worried your aunt would be if she doesn't get through your phone. Charge your phone and have dinner with me, Melody will be here soon."

Lyrical still shook her head and wanted to leave, "I think at least your family will be assured to know you are still at work, instead of panicking when they don't get through your phone. Once, Melody is here you can leave and will reach in no time." Joey tried to reason with her. Lyrical sighed, "Fine" and Joey wriggled his hip to show his happiness.

"Can I ever.. like ever win with you and Melody" Lyrical grunted and rolled her eyes. Joey chuckled, "I have my doubts!"

Once her boss came, they had dinner. Melody strictly warned Lyrical as well as Joey, "I won't be able to come and pick you up every day, so make sure you keep your phone charged before you leave. Even better, call me and your uncle before leaving, every day."

"Calm down love." Joey said and Melody gave him a stern look.  "Fine!!" Joey groaned tiredly, "I promise to make sure Lyrical reaches home safely. OK?" and Melody nodded in approval.  "I'll take her home with me," Joey stuck out his tongue to Melody. Joey and Lyrical busted out laughing.

The following day and the day after Lyrical came and worked along with Joey and enjoyed every moment of it.  Melody called her sometimes, but she was most of the time ignored by both Lyrical and Joey.

Friday came sooner than expected, the day Lyrical dreaded going for the doctor's visit.

Lyrical called Joey requesting to report late for work, but Uncle Simon stopped her from doing so. He promised Lyrical to call her as soon as they are done with the doctor's visit. Joey heard the conversation, because Lyrical had forgotten to disconnect the call.  Reluctantly, Lyrical nodded her head.

After her uncle left her room, she noticed her phone screen. Joey was still on the call, and Lyrical bit her tongue.

"Hello. Oh, goodness. I totally forgot.." Lyrical started to say something, but Joey cut her short. "You should go to the hospital. You were worried about your aunt. Coming to work won't do any good anyways, since, you won't be able to concentrate."  Lyrical did not reply anything. For few moments she just stood silent.

"You there Lyrical or am I talking to myself?" Joey chuckled.  "I have no doubt you are Melody's friend, you both are hell bent on making me indebted to you and cry one day." Lyrical confessed, may be even exaggerated a little while expressing her gratitude..

"Oh, shut up darling. And get your sexy arse here, as soon as you are done with visiting the doctor." Joey replied dramatically. 

Lyrical accompanied her uncle and aunt to the hospital. They spent about three hours, having a thorough discussion on further course of action, medication and precautions that needed to be taken. After  they were done with the visit, her uncle and aunt left for her father's house for two weeks.

Since, it was still a new job for Lyrical, her uncle decided Lyrical should not be taking such a long leave.  They left in the afternoon, Norman had made all the arrangement for his parent's travel to his uncle's countryside house. 

Lyrical went on with her day as usual. As always, working with Joey cheered her up a little and helped her forget about her pain.  She received a message from Jennifer in the evening inquiring about the doctor's visit. Lyrical called back and told her everything, also that they had left to visit her father.

Later in the evening when Lyrical was almost done with her work, she recieved a call from Jennifer. As soon as she answered the call, Lyrical could hear her friend's cheerful voice, "Hey girl! You done for the day?"

"Yes. But why are you yelling?" Lyrical asked her.  "Come with me. Don't be alone on such a nice weekend. I'll wait outside your house. And mind you, I'm not going anywhere without taking you along with me." Jennifer replied adamantly.

Lyrical was about to say something, when her friend interrupted. "No excuses please!! Why do you want to be at home, being sad and all. Let your hair down and come to the party. That is just what the doctor ordered for you to come out of your shell. Plllleeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeee," she pleaded.

"Yeah right! But, I have nothing to wear." Lyrical still came up with useless excuse. But Jennifer was adamant.  "Borrow mine." She suggested and giggled. "Who the heck cares what you wear, if you look edible enough."

"Do I need have a partner? Because I don't have one." Lyrical threw one more excuse.  "If you have a partner, good. If you don't have one, not a problem. But… do not bring your boss phuleez" Jennifer groaned, teasing her.  Lyrical grunted "Fine. I'll send you my location. Pick us," and disconnected the call.

After disconnecting, she turned to look for Joey. When their eyes met, she smiled sheepishly at him. "What's wrong with you?" Joey perked his eyebrow in suspicion. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it in between both her hands.  "Help me Joey. Please work your magic on me and help me dress up for a weekend party and also.." Lyrical hesitated.

"Tell me darling." Joey probed and tilted his head a little.  "Come with me to the party," She whispered softly and silently stood looking at her shoes, expecting a rejection.  When Joey did not reply, she looked at him and found him staring at her warily. "And... Why not, Melody?"

Lyrical sighed and told him what Jennifer thought of her and took a promise from him, not to ever tell Melody about this. Joey nodded.  "But, those people are your friend. What's the problem in going alone?"

Lyrical remained silent, but only briefly. "I am used to having my brother accompanying me, whenever I went to parties. Recently, I went to a club – I mean a gay bar, only because Melody was with me and it is owned by her friend. To tell you the truth, I might know everyone in this party, but I still need at least one person I can be comfortable with or I'd feel lost." Lyrical admitted. Joey paused, then nodded his head.

"C'mon darling. Let's work my magic on you." Joey swayed his hands up dramatically and also agreed to accompany her to the party.

Joey wore a nice blue sparkling crop top and a short pant to go with it, while Lyrical wore a black and red mix sequined short dress.  Lyrical put on a light make-up to match up with her outfit. She was never a fan of coloring her face, from the start. She believed the simple look she always wore, looked best on her.

"You look.." Jennifer gasped as soon as she laid her eyes on her friend. "..different and amazing," she complimented.  Lyrical blushed and held Joey's hand "My magician," she giggled and introduced them.  Joey quickly took few pictures with those two beautiful girls.

"Let's get our asses in the car. We've got a fucking party to attend." Jennifer yelled while Joey took a video and secretly sent it to Melody with a stuck out tongue emoji.

As Jennifer put the car to ignition, Lyrical yelled, "Stop" and she immediately stamped on the break.  Jennifer, her friend Elle and Paul along with Joey, all looked at Lyrical with shocked expression.

"What the f..?" Jennifer cried.  "Shouldn't we reverse the car? Your house is on the opposite side, isn't it?" Lyrical innocently questioned.  "My dear friend, such parties don't happen in a small apartment. This is BIG..." Jennifer smirked.

Lyrical called her uncle to check up on them and lied that Jennifer is having a girl's night out party and that is where she was headed to.  Since, Jennifer was with her, they did not question further.

Goosebumps scattered all over her body when Lyrical stepped out of the car. She had never been to such a party, not even with Norman.  As she walked towards the big house that stood in front of her, Lyrical found it was radiating flaring light, loud music and had lot of drinks. Girls and boys swaying, laughing and having fun.

"You!!!. Girl! Are you this rich? Then why were you working your ass in that small office at Mr. Park's?" Lyrical nudged Jennifer.  "I am not rich babes, my father is." Jennifer winked.

Even though she secretly felt guilty for lying to her uncle and aunt and for reason unknown she even missed her bantering with Melody. But that was nothing as compared to the excitement and enthusiasm that filled in her.

'It's only one party, what could possibly go wrong. I will call Norman first thing tomorrow morning and confide in him. Tonight, it's about me and just me.' Lyrical murmured to herself.  She fixed her hair one last time, before walking inside the house.

Jennifer introduced her to all her friends, some of whom she already knew. Few of them had been Norman's friends, and she had met them back then.  They asked Lyrical about Norman and his family, smiled cheerfully at her and made her feel comfortable. However, Lyrical did not let go of Joey's hands. She introduced Joey to all of them as his friend from office.

Lyrical mentally made a note, she needed to talk to Norman tonight itself before this news reached him through one of his friends.  Those guys dragged them on the dance floor, so Lyrical held Joey close to herself to feel protected, laughed and danced only with him. Meanwhile, Jennifer brought two huge glassed filled with cocktail.  Lyrical gulped it down her throat, partly because she was thirsty and also because it tasted good.

They played games, danced and flirted. Lyrical moved closer to Joey and whispered, "I can't thank you enough, Joey. I wouldn't have felt comfortable without you here" and received a smile from Joey.  He took her hand and spun her around. "Anytime darling."

On the other hand, Melody was unaware of the party and all the things that was happening there... until now. She was so busy the entire day, that, she had no time to look into her phone. Melody was driving when she suddenly pulled out her phone to call Lyrical and check on her, when she noticed Joey's message. She unlocked her phone and abruptly stamped on the break as soon as she saw the image, the video and the short dress Lyrical wore.

"Joeeeyyyyyy!!!!!" Melody screeched loudly, still sitting inside the car. The very next moment, Melody dialed Joey and the call immediately went through. She breathed patiently waiting for Joey to answer it.

Here, at the party Lyrical was too busy dancing on the amazing soundtracks that was being blaring through the speaker.  Joey sneaked out to take the call, as he wanted to tease Melody.  As soon as he answered the phone call, Melody bellowed in anger. "Where the hell are you people and how much did you both drink?"

"Worried huh?" Joey teased playfully.  "If you don't want me to kill you Joey, do not let her drink at all." Melody ordered, gritting her teeth.

Melody took a deep breath, "She is very light headed and can't handle drinks. I'll come pick you up, just send me the location. Okay, Joey," and disconnected the call.

When Lyrical couldn't find both Jennifer and Joey, she suddenly panicked. She looked around everywhere but couldn't find them. At a corner, Lyrical saw stairs to go up, so with her wobbly legs she climbed up hoping at least she can find a terrace or a place where she get away from the commotion and can call either of her friends.

Lyrical knew she cannot call Melody, because her boss would be angry and calling Norman was out of question. And anyway, either Joey or Jennifer must be somewhere around, and can reach her within seconds. Then she won't be alone in this party.

Joey rushed back into the house and looked around for Lyrical. He managed to find Jennifer and told her he had stepped out for a moment and now was unable to locate Lyrical.  Joey cussed himself as he remembered Lyrical confessing that she feels lost, alone in the party.

He unwillingly called Melody, as he knew she would be very upset and exactly that is what happened.  As soon as Joey told Melody he had lost Lyrical, she roared. "FIND HER. NOW"

When Lyrical reached upstairs, she saw a door at the far end and started walking towards it.  She suddenly felt someone's eyes on her and started to squirm with the intensity.

She hesitatingly turned around to found a handsome face with beautiful hazel eyes, prominent cheekbones and beautiful lips looking at her. She also noticed, he had broad shoulders, toned muscle and.. 'Stop. Let's not go down there' she murmured to herself.

"Go where?" the handsome face asked, but with concerned look on his face. He moved forward and grabbed her arms. She bumped into him.  A tingle began in her chest and radiated through her entire body, as she kept staring intently at his handsome face.

There were people passing through and were about to collide with her on the way.  He looked down at Lyrical and found her smiling at her, "What you looking at? Are you lost?"

Lyrical tried to stand straight but staggered instead. "Oh..k pretty girl. Let me help you" He picked her up and placed her on a bed inside a room. "So, tell me who are you here with?"  Lyrical still did not answer and kept gawking it him.

"Am I that handsome?" He flashed the most amazing smile at Lyrical and she couldn't help but move forward and kiss his jaw.  "Wee-thou anee daut." She slurred flirtatiously and giggled.

"You are drunk and I don't take advantage of drunk girls." He responded.  "Buh, yau aar not. So kha-nai tek n-an-van-age o-few?" she slurred again.  He couldn't help but smile at her silliness and adorable slurring.

He moved towards her and pecked her cheeks and Lyrical let out a giggle. He was still closer to her face, contemplating.  'She has the most kissable lips,' the handsome faced man thought. He felt drawn towards Lyrical and her lips.  So, he moved his face closer and kissed her lips lightly. Lyrical shut her eyes tightly engrossed in the kiss.

Then, he sucked on her lower lips and she responded, gripping his shirt. He cupped her face and deepened the kiss, their tongue wrestled.  "Melody..Fu--k!!" she moaned. Suddenly something flashed in front of eyes, like a memory. But, since it was just for few seconds Lyrical couldn't understand it.

"Lyrical?" she heard a female voice call her name.

And the very next moment the door opened. "Bro. I need your hel-" Jennifer was stunned at the sight in front of her.  "What the fuck, Kev", she yelled at her brother.

"Goodness Lyrical, here you are. I've been looking for you." Jennifer pulled her into hug.  Joey, who was standing right behind her was equally shocked.  They managed to drag her out of the house and get into Jennifer's car. She drove until they reached Joey's house.

"I'll leave her at your care, Joey. I'll call her later, ok?" Jennifer immediately left.

Joey texted Melody and when she reached, Joey evaded her gaze as he was guilty and speechless because of what he had witnessed tonight.

"What happened?" Melody questioned suspiciously.  "Wh-what? Nothing happened. She was drunk and made a little fool of herself, that's it." Joey shrugged dismissing her doubt.  "Cut the crap, Joey!! I know her and what she is capable of, so TELL ME!" she yelled when the last words came out of her mouth.

Joey knew what Melody felt about Lyrical. It was quite evident on Melody's face and those who knew her, could read it on her face.  Hence it was obvious that Joey did not want to disclose the intimate details, so he told everything leaving out the only part that, he knew would hurt his friend.

But.. how long could he hide it?

"Mmm. Yau-aar lee-ps aahh sso softtttt.. n yau aar hunsum thoo!!" Lyrical slurred in her sleep.

Melody looked at her, then back at her friend. And Joey face-palmed himself.  "Don't ask," Joey shook his head and averted his eyes.