5. Party

Chad was way too excited about going to the party that he prepared before the D-Day.

"I can't believe you brought me to your house so I can help you decide on what to wear," I grumbled, settled on his bed.

He shrugged. "I want to dress cool, Val. You know it's not everyday we–well, you get invited to parties."

"Well, it's the first time Maria's invited you to a party. So it's the first time for the both of us."

"True," he agreed. "Anyway, I'm going with Winter."

"I didn't think you weren't."

"So she has your number now, huh?" He asked, putting on a white top to match the white pants he had on.

"Yeah. I don't know where she lives and all, so she'll either text or call."

"I'm really interested to see how your love story unfolds, Val."

"You're insane, but I guess that's okay." I paused. "The white is good. You don't have to test everything in your wardrobe. This is like the fourth outfit you've shown me, we're not going to a fashion show."

"But she's a fashionista," Chad whined. "Don't you know that if we dress really well, she might invite us to her next party?"

I sighed.

"Next up, we're going to your house. I'm going to show my outfit to Winnie," he said, taking a photo of himself as he faced the mirror.

"I'm really not interested in going home to face my family members now, Chad," I groaned.

Of course, he didn't care much about what I thought because we went there anyway. And I hated it. Everyone at home knew I was invited to a party, and by whom. My parents- mom especially- and my three siblings wanted to join in finding something for me to wear but I locked them out.

What a trash friend I had in Chad.

***

Friday night came quicker than I expected. Chad and Winter were excited and nervous, but I was indifferent, curious to see where Maria lived though. And just how rich everyone claimed she was.

Maria was in all my classes, and each time she'd been nice to Chad too and sometimes tried to sit next to me. I didn't mind, to my own surprise. Could it be that for the first time in my life I was comfortable with someone?

She'd called me like she promised and reminded me of everything, gave me some information about the party and that was it.

Winter had a driver, and so that's how we were able to get to the location of the party. Honestly, I don't think Chad had a plan for us getting there. It was a good thing his girlfriend had more money than he did.

So... Maria's house was a mansion. We'd driven a long way before we finally got to her location and for the first time I was in awe of someone's house. And we were just outside, not even inside.

"How do we get in?" Chad whispered when the car stopped in front of the gate.

We saw others behind us, but didn't see the need to ask them anything. They weren't the owners of the house.

I felt my phone vibrate. I could guess who it was.

"Yeah?"

"Are you here yet?"

"Yes," I answered. "How do we get in?"

"Just take out your card and show it to the security guard. He'll let you through."

"Okay. Thanks."

I related the information and we did as required and were let in. There were even cameras watching us. Rich people.

"Damn, I felt my heart stop when the security guard was staring at me back there," Chad said.

Winter laughed. "But you're okay now. We were let through and that's all that matters. You're going to have the night of your life, just as you've said a million times since you got the invitation." She looked at me. "You too, Val."

I smiled. She didn't annoy me like I'd expected. "I'm not a partier."

"Maybe you'll change today."

***

I definitely was not a partier because just a few minutes of listening to loud music and sipping a glass of wine, I went to the balcony. I wasn't actively looking for it though, but I found it and I was happy about it.

Cool breeze and a drink. Away from the noise and staring into the night. Which was beautiful.

When we got into the building, we were taken aback by how beautiful the interior was. There were paintings, chandeliers... I was a bit worried that things would get destroyed when everybody got there, it would be expensive to fix. Teenagers weren't really the most sane when it came to parties. I'd met Maria and her friends, and she looked excited, and she was beautiful of course. But I wasn't able to focus on her too much because she left to talk to others coming in, so I went to entertain myself right after Chad and Winter abandoned me. Good for them though, because I would ruin their night with my boringness.

"So this is where you ran off to," I heard a voice say in the silence. I'd jumped in shock, but realizing who it was, I calmed down.

"Maria," I said. "I thought you were busy being a good host."

I couldn't blame her. If it were my house, I'd very much not have fun and instead, be a vigilante. But that was just me.

"I was, for a while," she grinned.

She looked really pretty, I had to admit. She wore a green silk dress which matched beautifully with her eyes. Was it intentional?

"You look beautiful," I said.

Her eyes widened. "Uh... Thanks. You too. I mean, you look nice."

I smiled. "Thanks."

"So, you're not enjoying the party, are you?" She asked after a few seconds of total silence.

"I'm not really a partier. But I came because you invited me," I said. "The place is beautiful and the wine tastes good."

She chuckled as she stood beside me. "Thank god you like something."

We grinned into each other's eyes.

"I like your eyes," I said, surprising both of us.

I looked away from her. I wasn't really embarrassed at my words, but I felt uncomfortable. I usually said whatever came to mind, but now I was worried that Maria would feel offended by my words.

"And I like you."

My head snapped so fast to her direction, trying to make sure I heard correctly. To say I was shocked was an understatement.

I could see her turning pink.

"Wh- what did you say?" I asked carefully.

She cleared her throat loudly, not looking at me. "I said I liked yours too. Your eyes."

I blinked. What the..? Did I hear incorrectly? Was I going crazy? Did I imagine her saying that she liked me? Was I letting Chad's teasing take over my thoughts?

"Oh."

"Yeah."

Things had become awkward all of a sudden.

"I'll go get a drink," she announced as she moved away from me.

I nodded, not knowing what to say.

"See you later," she said as she practically ran away from me.

Did I imagine those words?