Chapter Fifteen

When it was late enough, Briana and I left her house, using the excuse that we were studying at mine, and drove to Jenny's. It was my first time there, and as we turned onto the street, I widened my eyes at the vast house at the end. The mass of cars parked along the street indicated a huge crowd.

"Shit. It looks like the whole school's here."

"Knowing Jenny, probably." She's always been one for attention.

I parked the car, ignoring the nagging thought of parking tickets and driving. My eyes were drawn to the people hurrying to the front door, carrying bottles of liquor.

"Scar, hurry up, let's go!"

I picked up my pace, following her in my heels. Inside, I scanned the crowd. He won't show up. It's all talk. Am I disappointed?

"Oh my god! Everyone's here! Kitchen, Scar! Let's get drinks!"

Music pulsed from speakers in the living room, spilling into every room. People danced, the smell of sweat, liquor, and sex thick in the air.

"I want to dance, but I need to get drunk first!"

I laughed, following her to the kitchen. It was packed, but Briana's personality helped us push through to the counter, littered with cups and beer bottles.

My eyes shifted to the wine, punch, and liquor. Jenny outdid herself. No surprise. I'm not comparing.

"What do you want?"

"Wine for me."

"Gotcha!" Briana grabbed wine and handed it to me.

"Thanks."

Briana grinned, grabbing a mug and filling it with punch and vodka. I cringed.

"If you drink that, it's your only drink. I don't want you to die!"

Briana rolled her eyes, taking a gulp. "Okay, Mom! You're overdramatic."

"Ha! When you're throwing up, I'll say I told you so."

"It's not fun unless you throw up!"

This bitch... I grinned and shook my head. I scanned the crowd and noticed a guy from chem class staring at me. I blushed and looked away.

"A lot of people are eyeing you, Scar."

"Really?"

Briana nodded. "I noticed Jayden staring at you."

Briana bumped me, laughing. "Girl, go get on that!"

"I'm not about to get pregnant."

"I am."

Especially not by Jayden... if I were to sleep with someone... I shook my head. Was I about to admit I wanted to...? I need a drink.

I finished my wine, and Briana grabbed me another. She pointed at Jayden. "Go talk to him."

"No way! I've said like two words to him all year."

"He's clearly into you."

"Well, I had no clue."

"Well, you're about to find out because he's coming over!"

"Oh, fuck!"

I watched Jayden push through the crowd and wave.

"I'll leave you two alone," Briana said, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Please, stop. Go."

"Scarlett."

"Jayden."

He chuckled, and I managed a conversation.

"I'm glad to see you here."

"You are?"

"Yeah. It beats class."

"Yeah, that's true. Do you know about the project partners?"

Jayden shrugged, taking a sip of beer. My eyes swept over his face. He's cute. Not like Oliver. But boyish. He's not as tall. Oh my god. I need to shut up.

"I'm hoping we can pick."

I nodded. "Do you have a partner in mind?"

"No one in particular."

Jayden held his hand over his chest. "Wow, you didn't consider me?"

Damn... he's into me. "Did you consider me?"

"Oh yeah."

"Oh. Well, I'll take you up on that Monday."

"I'll hold you to it."

An awkward silence fell. I glanced back at the kitchen.

"Well, I better find Briana."

"Ah, yes. Well, I'm gonna hold you to what you said Monday."

He smirked. I raised a brow and chuckled. "I'm sure you will. Later, Jayden."

He waved as I went to find Briana. God, this house is huge!

I made my way to the dining room, finding Briana hugging Emily, a girl from gym class.

"Hey!"

"Oh my god, you have to come quick, someone's skinny dipping in the pool!"

"Holy shit, who?"

"I think it's Tessa Scott! She got drunk and took her clothes off."

I covered my mouth. "Are you serious?"

Emily nodded. "Yes! Someone showed me a picture."

I gasped. Tessa's gonna be mortified. And people are videotaping.

Briana bounced. "We have to check that out!"

I'm all for fun, but Tessa gets bullied, and this will make it worse.