A week had passed since that fateful day Ivory met Seth. Despite how she would anticipatingly look for him at the school tree when she arrived for class and before she left back home, he was never there.

The clock in her room chiming every hour grew excruciatingly annoying. She debated throwing it out her bedroom window. This feeling almost reminded her of the days she would wait for her dad to return home from work. Ten years ago was a long time but not enough to forget.

Of course waiting for Seth was much different, but still, she wondered if he would really come back. Waiting around was like watching rain fall on a cloudy day. The puddles would slowly evaporate on the pavement, waiting to be filled again in the next shower of storms.

With her legs propped against the wall, she laid on her bed in a restless position, wallowing in her misery. She really wanted to see him again and had to admit that she was pouting like a child about it. Her life has been so boring these days. She was grateful for the quiet life her mother offered her to finish school, but unwillingly, she always craved for something more exciting.

Downstairs her mother hummed to a popular song about fireworks while playing a puzzle game on her smartphone. The image might usually make Ivory laugh with endearment, but with her sour mood she couldn't find the urge to do anything except frown.

Her room was on the small side but everything seemed to fit neatly and have a place. The nightstand by the bed, which she laid upon, had her phone and a clock on the surface. A mirror reflecting herself hung over the closet across from her bed. The walls were painted a lilac color offsetting the white carpet that gave her room a very cozy feeling. Overall, it was a beautiful little room that she adored.

Her phone suddenly buzzed by her head. Lazily, she reached to grab it off the nightstand.

The screen lit up, revealing a text from Lilith.

Lilith: [Hey, what are you up to? I thought we were going to hang out today. *sad face*]

Ivory suddenly felt even more agitated with herself that she forgot about their commitment. She texted back quickly.

Ivory: [Sorry... I forgot. We can hang out later, promise.]

Her phone went off as soon as she sent the text. Lilith was typing really fast which couldn't bring good news.

Lilith: [I'm glad you said that. There's a party later at 9pm. Everyone from school will be there.]

Her expression twisted with uncertainty.

Ivory: [I don't know. Parties are not really my scene...]

Lilith: [Bruh I know you're sitting around bored af. Let's go have fun. Where's your sense of adventure that you always talk about?]

Admittedly she couldn't argue against Lilith's allegations. Taking her mind away from Seth for one night might not be such a bad thing.

Ivory: [Where is it?]

Lilith: [I'll pick you up in an hour. *smiley face*]

Only an hour to get ready? Ivory sighed, already regretting her decision. She put down her phone and prepared to get up and dress. She was almost an adult so she tried to convince herself this would be a fun event and quite safe. Mingling with other students was something she wanted to try but never had enough courage. This party could be a good thing.

Yes, except Lilith was a party animal and would likely never let her rest. She closed her eyes, knowing she was doomed to an overly eventful night.

. . .

Before leaving her room, Ivory took one last glance in the mirror admiring her work.

She wore a sparkling gold sleeveless dress that was v-shaped and dropped some ways below her neck. Her back was also exposed in similar fashion. Laced heels ran up her legs. Her hair was curled with a heating iron, twisted into a side braid. Lastly, she applied a light foundation of makeup, some cherry gloss for her lips, Her eyes seemed to twinkle like a dozen fireflies just waiting to burst and escape their luscious green blossoms.

Lilith came into her room, admiring her softly. "You look stunning."

"You look good yourself." Ivory replied back with a smile.

Lilith wore a dress that resembled the deep sea with laces of blue fabric and many layers that twisted around her firm waist and full bodice. Her dark eyes sparkled with excitement. "Let's go. I paid for the limousine to wait and what a worthy expense it was when we finished looking like this."

Ivory laughed and followed after her. Sometimes having a rich friend who didn't mind spending money came in handy.

The ride was luxurious, she had to admit. She almost fell asleep from feeling so comfortable.

They arrived at a three story building with a brick exterior. Exiting the vehicle, Ivory's discomfort returned when she saw how dark and vacant it was outside. There were two men in black suits standing by the entrance.

Ivory pursed her lips and sighed. Would it be too late to turn back? She glanced towards Lilith to see her reaction. She appeared unfazed. Maybe Lilith was already prepared for this type of situation. Ivory had no choice but to follow as Lilith got closer.

"Maybe we should just come back later..." Ivory tried to voice her doubts.

Lilith forced a large smile at the first man. "Hi."

The guy grunted in reply, looking towards his partner.

"We were on our way here, having soooooooo much fun when we realized we forgot," She tapped her forehead dumbfoundedly. "Our ID's!"

"LOLOLOL. She doesn't think that's going to work, does she?" A familiar voice commented behind Ivory in laughter. Seth peeked around her shoulder before she could turn her head. With an index finger placed on his lips, he winked.

Her eyes whirled at him in surprise, but she kept quiet. For some reason she suspected the others didn't see him since no one said anything as he approached.

"You want us to let you inside?" The security man repeated in question. "Without seeing your ID'S?"

Ivory's mouth tried to drop open but she kept it shut. We're they actually buying this story? What?

"Would you?" Lilith said sweetly, then she gasped. "My goodness! Have you been working out? If I had a boyfriend he would be soooo jealous right now. May I?" She asked and gestured towards his arm.

At this point, Ivory looked away unable to watch anymore. Lilith seemed to lack any redeeming qualities. In fact, she probably was missing some brain cells too, but that did not make her a bad person. She was just naïve. "Are they done yet?" Ivory whispered to Seth from the corner of her mouth.

He glanced over her shoulder. "Not yet." He replied regrettably. He continued to watch until he turned back to her. "Okay. They're done."

Phew... She could finally breathe again. How awkward that she stood here while her friend touched some strange man. Lilith suddenly tugged her inside the building.

A bass could be heard beyond the doors ahead.

"Oh my god." Lilith exclaimed with a laugh when they were finally alone. "That guy was so gullible."

Weakly Ivory smiled, pulling her arm free. "That was indeed... unexpected."

"He really had such big arms though. I think he enjoyed my service."

Ivory could no longer keep up this pretense. Her temper slipped just a bit. "You lied to me."

"I didn't lie!" She protested, swinging her head around to meet Ivory's gaze. "Students from our school are really here. They have a pass from someone that knows the owner. Unfortunately, I wasn't so lucky to buy their favor." She admitted.

"So, not only are we at an adult club, but we're not even supposed to be here?" She snapped, surprised at the amount of anger she had suppressed. "Did you think about the fact my life would be ruined if I'm arrested? Not all of us can simply pay our way out of situations!"

"Ivory." Lilith clicked her tongue, growing sour from being scolded. "Don't be this way. We're here to have fun, lighten up a little?"

She began to think maybe Lilith was right and that she was being too serious. She closed her eyes and then finally nodded, allowing herself to be pulled to the other room.

The music seemed to buzz with life, changing beats with the lights that flashed above the enormous crowd. Couples mingled closely, including some that she recognized, but oddly her feet didn't carry her any further to approach them. The place reeked of sweat, alcohol, and unearthly fumes that would make anyone want to pass out.

Ivory never felt more out of place.

She knew this was a mistake. Why did she let things get this far? She didn't belong with these people. She would never be like them, slowly wasting away their life. A part of her even felt sorry for them.

Seth was suddenly trying to speak to her. He looked a bit serious but she couldn't hear him over the music. She tried to read his lips but to no avail. Her face twisted in confusion. Lilith had already disappeared into the crowd somewhere, long gone. Perhaps it wasn't too late to find her. No, actually wouldn't it be better to leave?

While she debated this, Seth took her hand and led her into a nearby storage room that was quiet. "Why did you let her drag you around like that? You looked so uncomfortable." His face contorted with concern.

Ivory looked around, making sure the room was empty. She sighed in relief, finally able to talk. Realizing what he said, she grew a bit heated or maybe what she felt was defeat. "You wouldn't understand. You don't know what it's like for me."

"Then tell me so I can understand." He encouraged further.

"I'm invisible." The words left her mouth so fast she almost thought she hadn't said them.

He gave a pained expression that mirrored her feelings. "And you think I wouldn't understand that?"