Party

Ocean Pearl,

California,

11:30 PM.

**l**l**l**l

Rowan

**l**l**l**l

"The Addams Family sure likes to show off. Throwing a party for the slightest victory? Totally their style." I thought as I scanned the party venue.

"A wave of mixed emotions washed over me as I stepped through the door.

It's a whole different world in here, it's nothing like the functions I attend with my Grandfather.

No, it's different, it's noisy, the kind of noisy from movies, a vibrant chaos.

The pulsating music reverberates through my chest as I try to blend into the small crowd.

Quite a lovely scene I admit, the symphony of laughter, conversation, clinking glasses, and the sight of people singing along.

I looked around and couldn't help but feel that this isn't my scene really, it'll be a long night.

The last time I went to a family friend's party, it didn't end well.

It was supposedly a birthday party but of course, a birthday party with parents and teens can only be for three major reasons; the search for perfect candidates for future matchmaking, show off of achievements and most importantly forming new connections.

I did try to make friends without using the Parker's name but as reality would have it I ended up with only four of which I was already familiar with two. I really can't stand some kinds of people, the sorts that are obsessed with flaunting their achievements to gain standing and hypocrites. It just happened that a lot of them were guests at the party.

Don't get me started with the girls, well they're girls and of course I'd take my chances!!!

The girls were not bad, a lot of them were starting to chase their dreams or not, perhaps the dreams belonged to some of their mothers. Who spends millions on learning the Tea art!!! Spend millions on learning from legendary music masters when they don't even have the talent for it.

Some girls never cease to amaze me but of course, there were also outstanding girls. Such a pity that most of the outstanding ones were taken, I'd definitely not like to get in a fight with their possessive boyfriends. And the ones that haven't been taken?? Uhhhh, no-go area, I didn't have the energy for feisty girls that evening.

So I ended up talking with my little friend circle till the party ended.

Grandmother scolded me for a few days but if given another chance I'd do the same thing again.

This is the first party I'd attend without a chaperone. I can't exactly place my hand on what I feel about it. I'm excited and looking forward to a great night but I just can't seem to stop having "worst scenarios" thoughts….really hope everything goes smoothly.

Ooph, it's gonna be a long night." I thought as I swirled the wine in my glass and watched everyone.

Who am I kidding? Every drop of boredom in me seemed to evaporate as I sighted some familiar faces and made my way over to them.

"Rowan" I heard a voice hollering behind me.

"Oh Owen is here too, could this get any better!!" I thought as I shot him a smile and made my way over to him.

"Oh sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you. Are you okay?" A soft voice sounded.

"It's alright, it was a mistake, no need to worry about it," I replied with a smile.

"Okay, thanks..uhm nice to meet you?" She said awkwardly, extending her hand.

"Oh, nice to meet you. I'm Rowan," I said with interest as I shook hands with her.

"I'm Raven, I.., I'll see you around," She said hurriedly and walked away briskly.

"Okay," I muttered as I walked towards a particular someone grinning at me like a bear.

"Tell me everything," Owen said eagerly as he pulled me towards the bar.

"Tell you what?" I feigned ignorance.

"Come on buddy, you know what I mean," he replied, wriggling his brows.

"My my, we've not even exchanged greetings and the first thing you ask me is about a girl, I feel betrayed," I said, clutching my chest dramatically.

"Tch, just tell me you won't tell me about it, anyways let me show you around, this place belongs to my brother," he said, hanging his hands on my shoulder as he led me upstairs.

Ocean Pearl,

California,

I**ll**ll**l

Raven

Okay, I think I finally made a friend on my own after trying for so long.

Leave it to luck to create such a favorable coincidence.

We arrived at the venue about an hour ago.

I expected the whole sneaking out to be so stealthy and all but it wasn't at all. It was just going out of the school through the back gate to get into a bus waiting for us.

It wasn't stealthy but it was definitely risky in a lot of ways.

Do I still think it's fun? Yes, I felt thrilled. Was I scared? Yes, and I'm still scared. Would I like to do this again? Absolutely..well reluctantly but yessss.

Tia and Grace introduced me to most of their friends. It's refreshing to meet new people and personalities.

While some gave me cold shoulders, there were a lot of friendly persons too.

Grace was in the middle of fishing for juicy news from her friends and Tia said something about networking earlier. I didn't quite catch it but the point is; I'm on my own.

I tried striking up conversations with a few people but decided against it at the last minute.

I was on my way to get a glass of fruit punch earlier when I bumped into someone. Of course, silly me just had to make it awkward. Fortunately, he's a nice guy and gives off a comfortable air and I'm totally going back to talk to him..I think.

We did introduce ourselves so I think we're friends… I don't know really but I do hope.

I really needed another drink to quench my thirst after having a go at some new pastries I had so I had to excuse myself.

The music got louder, the dance floor almost saturated, and yeah..I lost him.

"Raven," I heard a voice scream and tried to pinpoint it.

"Up here, games." the voice continued.

"Oh games, could this get any better! I'm totally in. That's Tia, I guess she's finally done with her stuff." I thought, finding my way through the crowd to go up the stairs.

Oh, my world! "I can hear my heart racing with excitement," I said unconsciously.

"I felt like that a few minutes ago too, whoever designed this did an awesome job," Tia interrupted my mental joy dance.

"I thought it'd be a shame not to have you grace this floor with your presence, so I'll simply leave you to your thing, I have to get back tooo...um, a new friend, yeah, a new friend, catch ya later." She chirped somewhat excitedly?

In awe, my gaze wandered across the floor. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen before; it was sort of an arcade? With two different themes and styles but somehow merges.

The first half is where Tia vanished, and it's entirely an arcade.

The sight of classic pinball machines, flashing dance games, rows of vintage arcade cabinets, and neon lights bouncing about piqued my interest.