Have you ever seen this cliché scene inside a teen movie, where the nerd girl goes to a party for the first time and she makes a big entrance, looking around like she just found the door to a different dimension?

Well although I'm not really a nerd and I've been to a couple of parties before, at that moment I was exactly that girl.

My eyes popped open the second I walked into the house.

Wow...this looks more like a Gossip Girl kind of fest, than a typical college party. And if it wasn't for the girls with the tight short skirts that barely hide their body parts, or the guys drowned in cheap beer, I maybe would believe it.

Glass doors surrounded a big living area, with a bar full of alcohol. In the center there was a pool table and next to it, two foosball games.

People were scattered around, playing or dancing under the colorful lights. A lot of them were making out in the couches and smoking, probably weed.

The smell of it combined, with the hot atmosphere and the alcohol made me dizzy. But I tried to brush it off.

''You like it?'' Bob screams to my ear.

''Yeah'' I nod.

''Ok guys I'll see you later!'' Teddy is the first one, moving inside the crowd of people and quickly we lose his sight.

''We're gonna get some drinks. Wait here.'' Theo says walking away.

Bobby whispers something to Isaac and I can see his eyes stopping on me for a second, before he follows Theo.

I stand looking around awkwardly, until I feel a hand grabbing my arm not too hard, but steady enough to make me turn.

''Let's go'' Isaac says, dragging me behind him.

I want to speak and ask him what he is doing, but the music is too loud. So, I just stare at his back instead.

Soon we make our way to the backyard were a pool party takes its place.

People are swimming inside, some of them only in their underwear. Their screams sound everywhere, and I can't help myself but wonder, how the neighbors haven't called the police already.

A sudden push takes me out of my thoughts. I almost land inside the pool, but Isaac holds me.

''Watch it asshole'' He spats to the drunk guy, who makes a dive in the water.

Loud cheers echoes and Isaac rolls his eyes.

''Thank you'' I say.

He doesn't answer and looks around instead. It seems like he is searching for something, or someone although I can't be sure.

A girl wearing a small red bikini approach us. She blinks her eyelashes, before she puts a seductive smile on her face.

''Hello handsome.'' She says touching Isaacs hand.

''Cherry. Hi.'' He answers keeping a blank face.

Cherry? Really? That sounds like a hooker's name.

''I missed you. How about we make a dive together?'' She continues, moving her hands to his torso, caressing it.

I see her brushing his member slightly and I look away.

It feels like I'm a third wheel or something and I pray for Bob to show up.

''No thanks'' He says, detaching her hands from his body. ''I'm not in the mood to catch syphilis tonight.''

The girl looks shocked pushing him away. ''As you wish jerk.''

I watch her walk away, while Isaac keeps a satisfied smirk on his face.

''That was rude.'' I say bluntly and his eyes drift on me.

This is the second time we make eye contact tonight and I remember why I felt so vulnerable inside the car.

His gaze is dark, almost dangerous. I take the time to watch at his features closely.

Although he has a nice posture, he is not really tall, neither built up. The paleness of his skin takes me by surprise, especially combined with the ash blonde of his hair.

He reminds me of that gang leader I met inside the garage, weeks ago. Jackson's friend.

I keep looking at him curious. His lips are thin and they look particularly soft.

Wait did I just think about the softness of his lips?

''Like what you see?''

His hoarse voice makes me blush and I instantly look away.

''As if.'' I scoff.

''I think you do.'' He says, taking a step closer, touching my chin.

''I-I...'' My words get swallowed, while I stutter.

''Everything alright?'' Bob's voice interrupts us and I couldn't be more happy, for my guardian angel's appearance.

''Yeah'' I say walking to him.

He gives me a cup with beer but pulls back before I take it.

''You only allowed to take drinks from me. If you want something else, ask me or Theo. Ok?''

''Yes dad.'' I say rolling my eyes.

I can see Isaac gulping his drink in one go and throw the empty cup away.

''Ok now that you are here, my baby sitting is over.''

And just like that he leaves us behind, not even glancing back.

''Don't mind him. He is a little jerk. But a good guy.'' Theo says with a smile and I chuckle.

''I can tell.''

Bob takes my hand and shouts ''What are we waiting for? Let's get this party started!''

I feel my head light. My legs move following the sound of the music, but it feels more like I'm dancing on clouds.

I finish the 7th cup of beer, drinking it in one go.

''Wow...take it easy. I don't want you wasted on the floor.'' Bob says and I laugh.

''Shit. You are wasted.''

''I-I'm not!'' I shout pouting.

The truth is I haven't drink in a while, which means I was out from the 3th glass.

''I'll bring some water.'' He turns around but I clutch to him.

''Noooooo stay hereeeee'' I whine tugging his sleeve.

''Ok, ok. But no more drinking for you.''

I nod and start dancing again.

Half an hour later and we're still on the same spot. People surround us, some of them Bob's friends, other strangers. I see familiar faces, but I'm too out of place to remember their names.

Letting the music fill my drums I keep moving, forgetting everything and everyone.

I don't have to pretend the good daughter, the good friend, student...I'm free from judgment. I'm just me.

I hear Theo whispering to my ear that he is going for a drink. Bob is in the bathroom, so I just nod and close my eyes.

A few seconds later someone shakes my shoulder and I find a girl smiling widely.

''Hey Daphne. Have a drink with us.''

I can't recall her name, although I'm pretty sure Bob introduced us at some point.

I think about it. I mean I promised him I'm not going to drink, but it's just a shot.

What harm can it do?

Right?

Smiling I take the shot cheering with them.

The moment I drink the liquid I feel my throat burn. The heating sensation travels to my body and I get dizzy.

I don't want Bob to see me like this, so I walk away on the back yard. I need some fresh air.

I push people on my way and soon I find an exit. It's more like a back door, but I don't care. I just want to get out.

The chilly air hits my face and I inhale deeply.

I don't see a lot of people in this part of the yard, so I sit down and rest.

''Are you ok?'' A couple asks after watching me lay down on the lawn.

''Yeah.'' I say, closing my eyes.

I block the sounds letting my body relax. This feels so nice.

''What the fuck are you doing?''

My eyes shot open at the familiar voice.

Isaac stands upon me looking at me confused.

''Mmm nothing'' I say sleepily.

''Are you drunk?''

''Pfff...of course not.''

''I guess Rob wasn't a good babysitter after all. That's why he recruit us, to do his job.''

''Your voice gives me headache.'' I mumble. ''Lay down with me.''

I don't know what he is doing since I keep my eyes closed but soon, I feel him next to me. The warmth of his body slightly touching me.

Letting a few moments pass I whisper. ''Nice isn't it?''

''Yes, until you spoke.'' He responds bluntly.

I huff annoyed.

''Why do you hate me?'' I ask turning my head to look at him.

He keeps his gaze at the sky, while I study his profile.

''I don't.''

''Yes, you are. You've been a jerk to me from the first minute.''

He keeps silent, before he turns his head to me. Our faces too close for comfort.

''I'm a jerk to everyone princess.''

I scoff at the pet name. ''What's up with you guys calling a girl kitten, or princess, or babygirl. We are not in a wattpad story.''

And he laughs. For the first time since I met him, he laughs. It's not a smirk, but a genuine laugh which makes me smile.

''Ok. Then how do you want me to call you?''

''I don't know...Daphne?'' I say raising an eyebrow.

''That sounds good. But I'm not going to take it. I'll find something else to suit you.''

I roll my eyes and he stands up.

''Where are you going?''

''I have to be somewhere. And you need to go home. It's too late for you kid.''

''I'm not a kid!'' I say standing up too.

''Yes, you are. Go find Rob and tell him to take you home.''

And just like that he walks away for the second time tonight.

What a jerk.

*

Finding Bob in the sea of people wasn't just difficult. It was impossible.

I looked around everywhere, but I couldn't find him or Theo.

Fuck. Where could they be?

After about 20 minutes I gave up.

Good job Daphne. I scold myself.

Now you are all alone, in a house full of strangers, without a ride to go home.

Walking at the front I stare at the people until I find a familiar figure.

Well it's not like I have a choice.

I approach the five males sitting afar from the others. As soon as they see me, they start whistling.

Disgusting.

I try to keep my dress down, but the chilly weather doesn't help me.

I wish I had my jacket with me. I'm not sure where I left it, but I don't think I'm going to see it again.

''Can I talk to you?'' I say to the only guy who hasn't turn around.

Soon, I met the brown orbs I was looking a while ago.

''Isaac, who is this?'' Someone asks and the others laugh.

''You haven't told us about your new friend.''

''She is not my friend.'' He says walking to me.

''Well that's even better.'' The guy gives me a wink, but I don't have the time to respond since Isaac grabs my hand harshly, dragging me away.

''You are hurting me'' I say.

He lets me go and I rub my hand. ''Why so violent?''

''What do you want?'' He asks angry.

''I-I can't find Bob. I mean Rob.''

''And?''

''And...I don't know how to go home. I can't call him cause, I forgot my bag inside Theo's car, and he is nowhere to be found.''

He looks at me blankly for a moment, before he takes his phone and make a call.

We keep our gaze, but I soon look away rubbing my arms, trying to find some comfort.

It's really cold out here.

''Fuck'' He spats ending the call.

''What?'' I ask.

''They don't pick up. I'll call you an uber. And pay for it.''

I stare at him shocked before I mumble a thank you.

He makes another call and curses again.

''What the fuck is wrong with all the services today!''

''Hey Isaac! What's going on man? Are you trying to book her a hotel?'' One of the male shouts laughing and I look away.

''She can stay with us while you take care of your business. We'll treat her really good.''

Isaac glances at me and I see something different in his eyes. Softness?

In an instant move he takes his jacket off, putting it on my shoulders.

I stare at him speechless and he whispers in a low tone.

''You're coming with me.''

I walk fast behind him trying to catch up with his speed. We're keep silent, but ultimately it takes the best of me and I speak.

''Where are we going?''

''Just when I thought you wouldn't be annoying.''

''Well I'm sorry, I just want to know where are we heading?''

''I have some business to do and since I can't leave you alone, I'm taking you with me.''

''What kind of business?''

He suddenly stops and I crush on his back.

''Nothing you should know.''

''But...''

''Listen here.'' He says standing in front of me.

''I don't want you asking any more questions. And where we head to, you keep your mouth shut ok?''

I get angry at his words. ''Hey if you didn't want me here you should have left me behind. I don't want to be close to you more than you do.''

''You really are a brat, aren't you?'' He asks annoyed.

''Oh, fuck you!'' I shout turning away.

''Hey you! Come. Now.'' His voice is stern and warning.

I keep walking.

''I'm not leaving you behind because Rob is going to kill me if something happens to you. He made it really clear when we met. Besides, I'm not in the mood to fight. So be a good girl and come here.''

I open my mouth to say something, but close it again.

''Ok.'' I whisper.

He looks at me shocked for a moment before he turns around. ''Good.''

After a couple of minutes, we find ourselves into the back yard. We walk away from the people partying, moving to the fence in the very back.

Isaac jumps over it and stares at me. ''Come on I'll catch you!''

''What are you talking about? I'm wearing a dress.''

''Tsk. I won't look. Now jump.''

I huff putting my one leg over it.

Isaac smiles mischievously ''Nice underwear babygirl.''

''Shut up!'' I spat, my cheeks blossom red.

I let my legs hang and make a small jump landing on his arms.

He puts me down slowly, letting his hands linger on my sides for a while longer.

''Thanks'' I whisper.

''You say that a lot. I should be the one thanking you.''

I look at him confused.

''You just put on a nice show. Made my night.''

I slap his arm ''Shut up.''

Chuckling he takes my hand and tugs me with him.

''Come on. There is a greenhouse here. It belongs to the property, but it's distanced from it.''

''How do you know this house so well?''

Taking a small breath, he responds darkly. ''I used to leave here.''

We stand in front of the greenhouse and he stops looking at our locked hands.

''I'll be fast. I promise. They are not going to hurt you.''

Hurt me?

My heart starts beating faster feeling the danger.

''They?'' I ask, voice trembling.

''Don't worry about it. Just stay on my side and keep quite.''

His tone is reassuring, but I have already a bad experience to recall, which puts me on edge.

We walk inside holding hands.

The atmosphere is thick and heavy. I guess because of the plants. I try to look through the darkness but it's too hard to see clearly. I instinctively squeeze Isaacs hand.

Suddenly, muffled sounds echoes around us and lights open up one, after another.

I blink my eyes trying to adjust at the sudden lighting, when three figures make their appearance.

I look over them and my breath stops. My eyes landing on the man at the back.

Our gaze lock and I feel like hyperventilating.

It's him.

Jackson Wald.

My Joker.