^^Jordan Vega

We followed Toby to the kitchen, passing the living room. It was like every other typical high school party I saw in movies. The lights of the living room were dim, and the music blared as everyone danced… more like grinding to each other in the middle. We entered the kitchen and my eyes bugged out at the size of it. Their kitchen was double the size of my room!

I studied the white marble interior of the kitchen and my jaw dropped when my gaze landed on the huge double-door refrigerator. I closed my mouth before I embarrass myself and stood beside Chloe. The marble-tiled island in the middle of the kitchen was filled with beer bottles and different snacks.

Toby picked three bottles and one for me and Chloe. I brought the bottle close to my nose and sniff it, the powerful smell made my body shiver. I held the bottle but didn’t drink it.

I watched as Toby and Chloe cheered and gulped the drink down, then cringed at the strong taste making me giggle.

“What are you doing here?” We turned around and saw Benjamin looking at Toby in disbelief.

He wore a grey sweater shirt with black pants and grey shoes. The radiant smile on his face told me he was delighted to see Toby.

“Couldn’t miss your birthday,” Toby replied with a lopsided grin.

“And you didn’t tell me you were coming because...” Benjamin asked, eying Chloe and me.

Chloe looked between them, then glimpsed at me. “Lillian wanted to surprise you.”

Benjamin raised his brows at me. “It was your idea?” I shrugged my shoulders. Chloe clapped her hands together.

“Let’s go dance!” She tugged Toby’s arm and dragged him forwards while Benjamin and I stayed at our place. “You two coming?”

Before I could say something, Benjamin plopped his arm over my shoulder and shook me. “We’re good.”

Chloe smirked and winked at me. “Have fun!” She yanked Toby, who chuckled and followed her.

“How did you make him come here?” Benjamin asked, taking his arm off my shoulder. “He refused to come before.”

“You know the reason he didn’t want to come,” I replied, leaning on the counter. “So I offered him my help to get you and him some alone time.”

“Why are you doing this?” Benjamin frowned. “Shouldn’t you be hating me after what I did to you?”

“I got into trouble because of you but you also help me out of it.” I shrugged. “I wanted to repay you for that.”

He grinned, nodding his head. “Thank you.” I returned his smile.

“We started on the wrong foot so let’s do it again.” He stood in front of me and extended his hand. “I’m Benjamin Forbes but you can call me Ben.”

I clasped his hand, grinning. “I’m Lillian Smith but you can call me Lilly.”

“It’s my pleasure to meet you, Miss Lilly.” He bowed, making me giggle.

Benjamin’s scary when he’s angry, but he’s also kind-hearted. Maybe that’s what Toby likes about him. I was happy that I didn’t have to be frightened of him anymore and we could be friends.

“How’s this going to work?” He asked, referring to Toby.

“You two can go somewhere and if the Clichés try to find you Chloe and I will divert them.”

“You think you can do that?” He asked, raising his brows.

“I can try.”

“Alright then.” He nodded and walked backward. “When he comes back from the dance, tell him to come to my room.”

“Where’s your room?” I asked to inform Toby.

“He already knows.” Ben waggled his brows and gave me a suggestive smirk.

My eyes went round and my face heated. I shook my head to get the idea out of my mind and Ben laughed as he stepped out of the kitchen.

I pressed my hands over my face and tried to calm my blush down. I wondered how Ben kept their relationship a secret when he’s so open about everything.

My thought was cut off when the kitchen sliding glass door opened from my right and Nate entered. His eyes were on his phone in his hand, and a small smile was on his face. He wore a light grey shirt with Tommy jeans written over it and black ripped jeans with white shoes and a denim jacket.

He glanced up from his phone, and when his eyes caught me staring at him, his smile widened.

“Hey, Lilly.” I gulped and awkwardly shifted in my place.

“Hi, Nate,” I mumbled and waved my hand.

He walked up to me and took a beer bottle from the table, and leaned next to me.

“How are you?” He asked, taking a sip.

“I’m... good.” I suddenly felt shy. “H-how are you?” I asked, adjusting my glasses.

“Great.” He gave me a wide smile, showing off his pearl teeth. “You don’t drink?” He asked, eyeing the bottle in my hand. I shook my head. “I’ll get you something else.”

“You don’t have to-“ I was stopping him but he already sauntered to the double-door fridge that I was ogling before.

“Let’s see... They have apple juice...orange juice...red grapes...and what this...” He picked a green bottle, reading it, then his face scrunched. “I don’t know what this is.” He said, putting it back and searching for more.

“I’ll take the apple.”

“Excellent choice.” He smiled and picked up the bottle. I watched him as he poured it into one of the red solo cups, then extended it towards me. “Here. Refill it again.” He said, putting the bottle on the counter. “You don’t need to stay thirsty.”

“Thank you.” I smiled and took a sip.

Hm... This tastes good.

“You look cute in those.” His compliment made me choke on the drink. “Woah! Easy...” He patted my back as I tried to calm down. “Okay?”

I nodded my head and stood straight. My eyes widened when I realized how close he was to me. Heat crawled up my neck and my eyes darted into his dark ones as he gave a sweet smile. I realized I didn’t answer him.

“I uh... You look cute too.” He raised his brows, amused. “I uh mean cute handsome...” He chuckled, and I ducked my head, blushing.

I heard someone clear their throat and turned to see Andrew looking deadpan at me. “Can you make some way?”

“What crawled up your pants?” Nate asked and clasped my arm, making way for him.

“Something you shouldn’t worry about.” He said in a monotone and went to the refrigerator.

He opened it and took some bottle out. He turned to leave not before casting me a glance then darted it to Nate. “In the hall.” He said and left.

“I need to go.” Nate sighed and took a step forward. “See you around.”

I nodded my head, then stopped him. “Thank you for helping me that day!” I said, referring to the day when the Clichés kidnapped me.

“No need.” He shrugged. “I was the one who got you in that trouble.”

“Uh?” I dropped my head to my side in confusion.

“I gave them your schedule, and that’s how they found you. I didn’t know what they were planning and when I saw you trapped between them I told Ben.” I blinked my eyes and was astounded by how honest he was.

“Still you help me so thank you.” I gave him a grateful smile. He returned my smile and left the kitchen.

I stood there drinking the juice and watched as everyone come into the kitchen and took drinks. After a few minutes, Toby and Chloe stumbled inside, sweaty and flushed.

“It’s getting hot in here!” Chloe heaved, taking off her jacket. She had a gigantic smile on her red face and her perfectly styled hair was messed up.

“Yeah!” Toby blew breaths, calming himself, and looked around the kitchen.

“This guy...” Chloe patted Toby. “Knows brilliant moves!” She exclaimed.

“You are not that bad,” Toby smirked.

“Oh, you got me by surprise or else I would have beaten you.” She flipped her hair, making us laugh. “I need some drink.”

I watched Chloe as she bounced to the island and got her drink. I stepped closer to Toby and whispered, keeping my eyes on Chloe.

“Ben’s in his room waiting for you.” His face turned blissful and he thanked me, then dashed out.

“Where’s he going?” Chloe asked as she chugged the beer.

“Bathroom, I think,” I mumbled, adjusting my glasses.

“Oh.” She took another bottle and gulped it.

“You should go easy on it,” I said as she finished the bottle.

“I was dry-as-a-bone! Who knew dancing could make me want to drink the whole gallon!” She giggled.

I sighed. “You’re drunk.”

“Not even close.” She denied it, shaking her head.

“Yes, you are-“ She held her finger.

“I’ll show you.” She put the bottle down and tried to walk in a straight line. “See!” She abruptly turned and her feet got tangled. Before she could meet the floor face-to-face someone clutched her from behind.

“We should stop meeting like this.” Louis chuckled as he helped her straighten up.

“Uh?” Chloe blinked her eyes at him. He put his hands on her shoulders and scrutinized her.

“You okay?” She nodded her head slowly. “Good.” He beamed and let her go. “Hi, Lilly.” He greeted me.

“Hi, Louis.” I watched him taking a case of beer bottles.

“Enjoying the party?” He asked, looking at me and Chloe, who was still frozen.

“Yup,” I answered, knowing Chloe has gotten tongue-tied.

“Good.” He smiled and walked to the kitchen door, then turned his head. “Be careful next time and try not to fall.” Chloe slowly nodded. “See ya around Chloe.” With that, he left.

“Chloe?” I stood in front of her and her lips spread into a full-blown grin.

“He knows my name... Louis Young knows my name!” She squealed. I laughed and shook my head at my friend. “Oh my God, we have to follow him!”

I halted, and my brows knitted in confusion. “What?”

“Let’s go or we’ll miss him!” She yanked me outside.

People were still dancing in the living room and Chloe dragged me with her and followed Louis. He strolled out of the living room and past the staircase to the other side of the house. This side was quiet as compared to the other and few people were here and I recognized them from the soccer and cheer team.

“Wait...” Chloe whispered and stopped in from of a room in which Louis went.

We peeked through the door and I observed the hall room. There was a big painting on the wall and the front wall was of glass windows that gave a view of the front of the house. There were huge round sofas in the middle that covered most of the room and the Clichés and a few other team members were sitting making a circle around a table.

“What are they doing?” I whispered to Chloe as I watched Louis distribute the beer bottle.

“I have no idea.” She whispered back.

“It’s time for games!” Brittany clasped her hands as she stood in front of everyone. She glanced around the group, then frowned. “Where is Ben?”

Every one started murmuring, then Nate got up. “I’ll get him.”

Oh boy.

Without thinking, I stepped into the room. “Can we play too?”

“What are you doing?!” Chloe whisper-shouted, hiding behind the wall.

“This is VIP.,” a guy from the soccer team said.

“It’s alright.” I glanced at Brittany, who gave a mischievous grin. “Come in.” I gulped but still took a step. “You can stop hiding Chloe.”

“I uh... I wasn’t hiding.” Chloe let out a nervous laugh and followed me.

“Sure.” Brittany rolled her eyes and signaled for us to sit. “Take a seat.”

“Come here!” Madeleine pushed Nate from her right and made space. I glanced at Chloe, who eyed the empty seat between Louis and Nate.

“Ok,” I said and sat beside her, and Chloe sat with Louis.

To my right was Madeleine, Jordan few others I didn’t know then David and Tiana. To my left were Nate, Chloe, and Louis. In my front were Andrew, Fiona to his right, and Brittany to his left. I glanced at Andrew, who sat in front of me and gave me a blank stare.

What did I do to him?

“Let’s play seven minutes in heaven.” My eyes snapped to Brittany.

What?!

“I thought we were playing truth or dare?” Nate frowned.

“We were but now we’re not.” Brittany gave him a tight smile. “It’s my birthday so my rules,” Nate grumbled beside me and sank in his seat, crossing his arms.

Guess I’m not the only one who doesn’t want to play.

“We are out then,” Tiana said, and David plastered a smile on his face, agreeing with her. He looked like he wanted to play.

“The rules are simple. I’m going to spin the bottle and whoever it stops on will start the game and continue to spin to get the second player. If it stops on the same gender, you got a redo. Am I clear?” Brittany said. Some nodded and some grumbled. “Good.”

I swallowed hard as she spun the bottle and sighed in relief when it landed on some cheer squad girl. She spun it again and it landed on a guy. They both grinned at each other and stood up from their place. There was another door in the room's corner and they went inside it.

“We’ll let you know when the time is up.” Brittany closed the door, locked it from outside, and turned the lights off. “This is going to be fun.” She gave me a smirk and took a seat beside Andrew.

“Have you played this before?” Nate asked beside me, and I shook my head. “Then why are you here?”

“First time for everything?” I awkwardly answered. He shook his head, chuckling.

“Hi, Lilly.” I turned to my right and saw Madeleine giving me a guilty look. “We’re sorry for what happened last time. We were just curious to know who you were. Right, Jo?” She nudged Jordan.

“Yeah.” He nodded.

“It’s fine.” I smiled, and Madeleine returned it.

“That means we’re good, right?”

“Yup,” I answered, and the alarm blew.

“Time’s up, people!” Brittany knocked on the door and they both stumbled outside. Their appearance was messed up, and it was clear what they did inside. “Someone had fun.” Brittany gave them a sly smile.

They grinned and took the seat, and the game continued. After a few rounds, it landed on Fiona. The red girl grinned and eyed Andrew beside her.

“Fingers crossed.” She beamed and spun the bottle and unfortunately for her, it landed on Nate.

They both groaned, and Brittany scolded them to hurry. She seemed like she was losing her patients. After seven minutes Nate and Fiona came out and I felt light-hearted when I realized they did nothing.

“I’m done,” Nate murmured and left while Fiona set beside Andrew looking a little disappointed.

“You can spin again since he left.” Brittany gestured to her. Fiona spun and I suck a quick breath when it landed on me. “Finally!” Brittany grinned. “Your turn.”

Can I back away?

“No, you can’t,” Madeleine answered and beamed, gesturing towards the bottle.

I gulped and with shaky hands; I spin it. My eyes widened when it slowed down, pointing at Andrew. I prayed internally as it continued to move, finally landing on Brittany.

That was close.

I blew a breath in relief, then glanced at Andrew, who was staring at me with raised brows.

“You get a redo.” Brittany scowled. “Do it with a little strength this time.”

I nodded, took a deep breath, and spun it again and this time it landed on...

Jordan?

“You’ve got to be f**king me.” Jordan shuddered, looking bug-eyed.

“I wasn’t expecting that.” Brittany blinked her eyes at the bottle. “Whatever. Go you two.”

Jordan looked at Madeleine with a pleading gaze. “Rules are rules.” Madeleine shrugged and pushed us.

The door slammed behind and the light switched off, leaving us in darkness. I held my hands up to find the wall and it touched something flurry. I shrieked and jerked back and whatever it was fell on the floor with a thud.

“Can you stop moving?” Jordan growled from behind.

“Ok,” I murmured, and finally found the wall. I leaned my back on it and slid down, sitting on the floor, and hugged my legs.

I didn’t know how long we sat like that, but it felt like an eternity.

“Maybe we should-“

“I will do nothing with you,” Jordan grumbled.

“I was going to say talk to pass the time... But it’s okay if you just want to sit.” I said and shut my mouth.

I knew he wasn’t much of a talker and was the quiet one in his group.

After some time, he groaned. “Fine, let’s talk. What do you have in mind?”

I searched my brain for a topic when I remembered he plays soccer with Ben and Andrew. “We can talk about soccer.” I offered.

“What do you know about it?”

“My brother used to play so I know little about it.”

“You have a brother?” I nodded my head, then realized it was dark and he couldn’t see it.

“Yup. He’s in college now.” I heard Jordan hum. “Do you have siblings?”

“Two big brothers.”

“Where are they?” I felt a little movement.

“One is married and lives in New Jersey, and the other is in college in Boston.”

“Wow... Where did you learn to play soccer?”

I never saw him playing, but Chloe told me he, Andrew, and Ben were good at it.

He went silent for a second. “It’s going to sound weird but Maddie taught me.”

“Really?” I asked, surprised.

“Yeah. We were in junior high when she moved into the house next door to mine.”

Oh, so they’re neighbors.

I quietly listened to him. “She didn’t have any friends because of her aggressive nature and how she beat anyone that teased her. One day when I saw her playing alone in her backyard, I went to her and asked her to be my friend.” His voice sounded cheerful as he mentioned her.

“She made a bet that if I beat her in the game we can be friends, otherwise I will leave her alone. We played and she won because I was terrible at it.”

“You lost. Then how did you become friends?”