-----
I entered through the door and almost fainted at the amount of people on the other side.
Disco lights, balloons, drink platforms, music that got you in the party mood, and even a chocolate fountain awaited me. It was my first time attending a party, and I had managed to secure an invite from Liam Evans.
The Liam Evans.
Though, Katelyn had chipped in to get me an invite. Still, It was Liam we were talking about. He had an entire villa just for special occasions, like parties.
I just stood there, taking everything in— the happy chatter, the footsteps shuffling, and the amount of food— oh my god— noodles, brownies, sushi, about ten different kinds of meat, and quesadillas.
Quesadillas.
My mouth watered at the sight of the food, but I was more excited for the chocolate fountain. One of the main reasons that Lyn had bribed me over to come to the party, was the free food.
And no one can deny free fucking food.
"So, what do you think?" Lyn asked. I flinched at the sudden interruption, but gave her a thumbs up.
"See? I told you! This was worth it."
I wouldn't say that, but I smiled anyway. I flattened my dress, my stomach fluttering with nervousness. I was wearing a black dress with a coat on top, and black boots. My hair was left open, ash brown curls cascading down my shoulders. Not too underdressed, not too overdressed.
That's Ashley Jones for you— average. Basic. Ordinary.
Not that I minded, I liked being like this.
I scuttled towards the kitchen, wanting nothing to do in the party other than eat. Katelyn turned away to mingle with the crowd. I sighed. I did not want to be alone for the rest of the party, but I would catch up with her later. Besides, she was the extroverted one among the two of us, while I was the complete opposite.
The kitchen was perfectly furnished, the mixed smell of various foods in the air. There was no shortage of people there either. Some were already diving in the goodies, while some were eyeing the food while talking to their peers with a bored expression. I went for my favourite snack of all time— pop tarts. They were lined up neatly, organised by flavours. I chose the cookies and crème.
"Didn't expect to see you here, Ash." A voice drawled, just as I was about take a bite of my chosen pop tart. "I bet you'll leave in like, a second." I recognised it immediately.
Way to ruin the moment, Aiden.
"Well, expect the unexpected from now on." I scoffed.
Aiden smirked, but before he could say anything else, some people called him over and he went away. Just like that. I saw him laughing with them before I took a bite of my pop tart. They did not taste as good as they would have if Aiden hadn't shown up.
He always ruined everything.
I attempted to forget about that encounter, and actually enjoy the party. I walked through the living room, trying to search for Lyn, but to no avail. I hoped that she didn't leave me or—
Before I could finish that thought, I bumped into someone. The person was a little shorter than me, so they bore the brunt of it. They were about to fall, so I held their hand and tried to steady them. Upon closer inspection, I realised that the person was a guy, maybe a little older than me. I'd never seen him before.
Long hair, and dark green eyes that looked empty and lifeless, with bags under them.
-----
I jolt from that memory, and cold realisation seeps into my veins.
The person I had bumped into was Brandon.
After that encounter with the guy who was actually my secret stalker/admirer — in the first party I'd ever attended— things had started going south.
I had spilt fruit punch all over my brand new dress. Then I had lost my balance, causing the entire chocolate fountain to collapse, melted chocolate ruining the perfect wooden floor. It was so embarrasing, and everyone had been talking about it in school for two days after that. I'd avoided going to parties since then. I feared that it would happen again, in one way or another.
But that's not the point right now.
I try to remember what happened after we had bumped into each other, but before I could do so, a voice snaps me back to reality.
"Hello? Earth to Ashley." A bored voice says.
I completely forgot that Aiden is here, and that we're in a library. I recall the past ten minutes. Right... I had asked him about Claire's party.
"Oh, yeah. Can we talk outside?"
-----
"I'm coming. To the party." Aiden concludes, as we walk out the library. "Why would I not?"
"Just... forget I asked." I mutter, a different party in my mind. Aiden shrugs.
"Okay."
We walk in silence towards the street where our houses are.
"I met him before." I finally say, not being able to contain myself.
"What?"
"Brandon. In that party. I bumped into him— literally."
"Ok... and?" He asks, completely nonchalant. I sigh. Why did I think he would show the least bit of interest in my life?
We are enemies after all.
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