House Party

Back home, I stressed myself out for the next couple of hours.

I sent a text to Annie, asking for the address and she was quick to reply with all the details.

In the back of my mind, I was worried it might be some sort of a set up. Was I being sent to a different house to where the party actually was or was I about to walk into something I would regret like one big set-up?

Even if it was a normal invite to a party, the most reasonable option... I was still worried. My friends wouldn't be there, I doubt Annie would want to hang out with me for very long and I didn't have a ton of experience with alcohol.

I told my parents that I was going to my friend, Michael's house, just to keep them off my back from asking me too much. Then I set off on a walk to Declan's house, not far from the school.

***

Music blared.

The backyard was packed... the entire back deck full of eighteen year olds drinking. I walked around slowly, looking out for Annie. I felt like I was invisible, nobody seemed to notice me walking around which was certainly better than being stared at by everyone.

The property was huge, I knew walking into the neighbourhood that Declan’s family were wealthy. There were so many people here, mainly high school seniors from Templeton High but also quite a few unfamiliar faces, presumably from nearby schools.

As I crossed the back deck, a guy that was a full head taller than me stumbled back into me. Because he was so much bigger than I was, I could barely keep my feet as I was pushed into the back of a girl on my right.

She made a noise as I crashed into her, her red plastic cup in her hand spilled out her drink all over herself.

Fuck.