CHAPTER SEVEN

Tennyson helped me to my feet, his grip firm but gentle. I quickly glanced around, hoping no one had noticed what had just happened. To my relief, everyone was too preoccupied with dancing, making out, or wandering aimlessly around the yard.

"Thanks," I muttered, unsure if he could hear me over the blaring music. Before I could turn to leave, his hand tightened around my elbow, and without a word, he began weaving through the crowd, guiding me with him. I barely had time to react, silently following his lead.

He brought me to a secluded area of the lounge, away from the speakers and the thumping music. It was quieter here, with fewer people around—mostly seniors scattered about in conversation. I finally had the chance to take in his full costume.

Tennyson was dressed as a Demogorgon from *Stranger Things*. The body suit clung to him, made of a stretchy, dark material that mimicked the creature's slimy, scaly skin. The headpiece was its most striking feature—a monstrous flower-like mouth with open "petals" exposing jagged teeth. He wore clawed gloves that accentuated his muscular frame, giving him a menacing appearance. He looked both dangerous and, somehow, dashing. I silently commended his effort.

"Thanks again for earlier," I said, my voice a little steadier now. "If you hadn't come just in time, I might've drowned. I don't even know how to swim."

He grinned, leaning slightly closer. "It's nothing. A pleasure to rescue a damsel in distress. I may be dressed as a monster, but I promise you, I'm no less than a knight."

I laughed, fiddling nervously with my hands. "Well, thank you, Sir Knight."

"Wait here. I'll grab us a drink then we can talk." Before I could protest, he was gone, disappearing into the crowd. I sat down uneasily, scanning the sparse gathering. The area was mostly filled with seniors, and I could not help but hope that Dixie was still by the pool. If she saw me here, I had no idea what she'd do.

Suddenly, I remembered. Ceecee! I was supposed to meet her up in the public lounge with drinks. I sprang from my seat and pushed my way through the crowd, searching for her. The LED lights made it difficult to see, their sharp glow distorting everything. Finally, I spotted her, huddled in a corner with a guy crouching beside her, whispering in her ear. She looked uncomfortable, shifting in her seat every few seconds. Timid as she was, Ceecee clearly didn't know how to get away from him or the situation.

I marched over, placing my hands on my hips, the feathers of my parrot costume swaying dramatically. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you," I said, feigning annoyance. "Come on, I've got the drinks, and someone's watching them for us."

Ceecee stared at me in confusion, not catching the hint. Without hesitation, I grabbed her arm and started pulling her away.

"Hey! Can't you see I'm having a conversation with her?" the guy slurred, stumbling to his feet. He reeked of alcohol, his words thick with intoxication. "Where do you think you're going?"

I ignored him and continued pulling Ceecee along, but he quickly moved to block our path. He was tall and sturdy, glaring down at us menacingly.

"Move," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "We need to leave."

He let out a laugh, loud and mocking. "What? You don't have time for me? I wasn't even talking to you, sweetheart. Go to hell for all I care, but leave the girl."

I tightened my grip on Ceecee's arm, determined to push past him. A few people had turned their gazes in our direction, their curiosity peaked by the growing tension. Ceecee was trembling, and though I was nervous too, I wasn't about to let this guy intimidate us.

"What's going on here?" a firm, familiar voice cut through the noise.

I breathed a sigh of relief, turning to see Tennyson approaching, two glasses in hand. His eyes darkened as he assessed the situation.

The drunk guy immediately switched his tone, trying to play it cool. "Oh hey, Ten. Nothing to see here. I'm just having a fun conversation with these two girls, but this one"—he jabbed a finger in my direction—"thinks she's too smart."

Tennyson's gaze shifted to me, then back to the guy. "I'd like to leave now," I said, my voice sharp.

"Shut up," the guy snapped. "I said you could go. Just not with her." He nodded toward Ceecee who was by now trembling in my arms.

Tennyson's expression darkened further. "Last I checked, this was my party," he said, his voice low, almost a growl. "And you don't talk to people like that in my house. Get out."

The guy chuckled, clearly not taking him seriously. "Are you really kicking me out for some junior-year b*tches? Come on, man."

Tennyson didn't flinch. "Do not make me repeat myself. Get the f*ck out of my house, Chess. Now!"

There was a dangerous edge to his voice, and I noticed the way his muscles tensed, veins bulging beneath the dark fabric of his costume. The tension was palpable now, and more people were starting to gather, the music lowering as if the scene demanded attention.

Before anything else could happen, a figure stepped forward from the crowd, dressed in a striking fairy costume. Her skirt was made of soft tulle, shimmering in lavender and pink glitters, and a pair of delicate wings adorned her back. She wore a flower crown on her head, and her sparkling makeup added to her enchanting look, her soft brown hair flowing freely around her shoulders.

Without a word, she glided between us, gracefully took one of the drinks from Tennyson's hand—and promptly emptied its content over my head.

The cold liquid soaked into my hair, trailing down my face and onto my costume. The crowd gasped, and for a split second, everything seemed to freeze. I stood there, dripping and stunned, as the fairy smiled, a smug, satisfied expression on her face.

"Oops," she said sweetly. "Guess this damsel's in distress after all."

Tennyson's jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought he might explode. The atmosphere around us crackled with tension, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

Silently, I wiped the dripping drink from my face, and through gritted teeth, I said, "Let's go, Ceecee."

Without waiting for anyone's approval, I grabbed her hand again and walked away, my heart pounding in my chest. Behind me, I could hear Tennyson's voice calling out loudly after me but I did not stop nor look back.

I couldn't look back!