As Jo was dragged down the hall toward the half-working elevator, panic began to work itself into the pit of her stomach. Her heart rate picked up as the palms of her hands were suddenly dripping with sweat, mouth deathly dry. ‘Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no.’ 

The sound of a car door opening caused Jo to snap back into the present. “Eyyyy! Sky took you long enough!” A male voice yelled. 

“Sorry Topher. I had to drag my sister out of her hobbit hole.” Sky laughed as she let go of Jo’s arm, leaving her standing on the curb. The cool air of the night filled her lungs as she breathed deeply. It felt as if she were treading water, just barely managing to keep her head above water. 

“So, this is the mysterious sister, eh?” Another voice said, this one female, but Jo didn’t dare look up because if she did, she was sure that she would bail. Bolt right back inside, where she was safe and where nobody could see her. She chanced a look just to see Sky scooting into the seat. “I thought you’d look more alike.” 

“Yeah, well, she’s adopted.” Sky offhandedly said, it was easier than explaining the truth on how they were actually related. God knows Jo didn’t need that extra attention on her now. 

Jo felt her chest tighten as they began talking, anxiety coiling itself tightly around her chest. They were talking about her, which meant people were looking at her. Looking at her and her face. Her scared, marred and ugly face.

‘Fuck. Don’t look at me. Stop it. Stop talking about me.’ Jo’s chest was tight as her breath hitched in her throat. ‘Why did I fucking agree to this? Why did I say yes? I knew this would happen. I knew they would just stare at m–’

“Come on, Jo.” Sky’s voice cut through Jo’s panic, and she jerked up, realizing that Sky was leaning out of the car. “Or we’ll leave you behind.” She said with a laugh, obviously joking, but Jo couldn’t find the humor in it. 

‘Yes. Leave me behind. Let me go back inside where it’s safe. Where I’m safe.’ Jo thought even as she was climbing in the back seat, where she was squished up against the door. There were definitely too many people in this hatchback. 

“Are you okay?” A different female voice spoke. “Sky, is your sister okay? She looks like she’s gonna throw up.” 

“She’s fiiii–yikes.” Sky cringed, leaning forward, placing a hand on Jo’s knee.  “Are you okay, Jo? I can have Topher turn back.” She asked, and Jo could barely manage a nod and a quiet.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” Jo leaned as far into the door as she could manage. ‘God. I’m such a fucking liar.’ 

“Okay. I’ll trust you.” Sky sounded hesitant as she removed her hand from her knee. She leaned forward as she shouted. “Alright! Turn that music up, Topher!”

 Jo turned to awkwardly stare out the window as she fiddled with the patch on the hem of her jacket. It’s frayed edges pulled from time and years of abuse. Her pulse thudded in her ears as she half listened to the conversation that was happening around her. “So, Jo,” The artist jerked forcefully back into their body, into the situation that was causing her nothing but uncomfort. “What do you do for a living?” 

Jo looked up before glancing down, mumbling under her breath. “I’m, uh, an artist.” 

“An artist?” The guy, Topher Sky had called him, spoke and Jo nodded, letting out a quiet, barely audible. 

“Yeah.” 

“So, what? You just paint pictures all day? Like some modern day Picasso?” One of the women whose names she hadn't gotten continued. She couldn't tell if they were jealous or mad. 

“I, uh–” Jo fumbled to respond. 

“She takes commissions. Isn’t that right?” Sky added, obviously trying to help, but it was just putting Jo further on the spot than she wanted to be.

“Uh, yeah. Sometimes.” Jo awkwardly mumbled. 

“So, do you have an insta?” The other woman asked, leaning in close to Jo. 

“I don’t really do social media. It stresses me out.” Jo said with a half shrug.

“Okay! That’s enough about my lame ass sister!” Sky yelled, reaching to shove her hand in Jo’s face. “Let’s focus on the reason for this party: Me!” 

‘Yes. Pay attention to Sky. To the person who actually wants to be the center of attention.’ The talk continued, but no longer was it directed at Jo. She reached up, wrapping the drawstring of her hood around her index finger until it cut off the circulation. She focused on the sensation, distracting herself from the anxiety that had dug itself until the pit of her stomach. 

The car came to a jerking stop, causing Jo to look up. “And we’re here!” Topher said, and she looked out the window, noticing the busy bar they’d parked across the street from. People milled about outside, smoking and talking, while music flowed from the open door. 

‘Fuck. Am I really doing this?’ Jo watched as the occupants poured out of the car. 

“Are you sure you’re okay, Jo?” Sky asked, leaning down so that she was blocking out the rest of the world. “You really do look like you're about to throw up.” 

“Uh, yeah, I just need a minute. Can I get that?” Jo tried to give Sky a reassuring smile, but was sure it didn't come across that way.

“Okay. If you say, so I’ll take your word for it.” The sound of boisterous laughter sent waves of anxiety through her as she leaned back, closing her eyes.