Joy

Part 3

The next day Martha skipped school. I hate when she does that cause I'm alone all day long. I call her,

Joyce: Where are you!?
Martha: I can't talk now, I'm at the dentist's office.
Joyce: Mart...

She hangs up. Dentist. She has perfect teeth, something's up. The next thing I know, someone's hand is over my shoulder. I hear a squeaky voice,

"What's up Joyce!?"

I turn and see Theresa. Her inked snake is looking at me.

Joyce: Hi...

That's all. What is she doing here and why isn't she with her friends?

Theresa: Glad you're happy to see me.

I'm silent. What does she want?

Theresa: Anyway, I wanted to ask if you have any plans this weekend?
Joyce: Em... I- N... Not really.
Theresa: Great!

Her voice is even higher- if that's even possible.

Theresa: I have a party on my mind, my house, 9 p.m.
Joyce: I...
Theresa: See you there, right?
Joyce: Em...
Theresa: Great!

Before I can say anything else, she's gone- far in front of me.

After a few hours, I'm stuck into endless conversation with Martha.

Martha: We have to go! Please!

I think this is the hundredth time she said "please". I'm trying to read my book "Fifty shades of grey" on my bed, but Martha keeps interrupting me

Martha: Common! It will be great! I promise! A little bit of dressing up, makeup, dancing, drinking... Maybe even...

She looks at the book.

Theresa: Is everything okay with you?
Martha: That depends- are we going?
Joyce: No! Two reasons- first, I don't wanna go, and second, I don't wanna go. Actually, I think I can come up with a third one...
Martha: Please. One time only.

I'm looking at her. That party means so much to her. And I'm also intrigued by Theresa's invitation. It never happened to me that someone like her asked me to go to a party.

Joyce: Okay, we'll go...
Martha: Really!?
Joyce: Yeah...
Martha: Thank you so much!

She gives me really tight hug.

Martha: Thank you so much!
Joyce: I'm doing this just because you asked me to.
Martha: I promise you'll have fun!
Joyce: I don't think so, but what can I lose?
Martha: You won't regret it.
Joyce: I already do. Now leave before I change my mind.

She smiles and hugs me again.

Martha: Thanks.
Joyce: Bye.

She closes the doors of my room and leaves. I'm alone in the house again. Thank God my parents are always on some kind of business trip.

Dylan's P.O.V.

Dylan: I know, I know. But it's too late now.
"No, it's not. This is stupid and you know it."
Dylan: If I give up now everyone...
"Everyone will think that you have a bit of brain, Dylan."
Dylan: What's the worst thing that can happen? Fucking Theresa. And you have to admit, that's not that bad.
"Dylan. I know you had a messed up childhood..."
Dylan: Don't bring that up! You know it's not...
"But! This is wrong. And you have to..."
Dylan: Look, if you want to, be there, if not, then don't.

With that being said I hang up. I know he means well, but it's too late now. Zach is the only one that wants me well and I know that. But I can take care of myself. Despite I hung up on him, I know he'll come to the party. He's the only friend I have and he always makes sure I'm okay. I can already see him driving me home cause I'm too high.

I'm looking in the mirror after a hot shower. The whole mirror is white because of the steam. I wipe it, just to see my face. When have I become like this? When did Theresa start controlling my life? Never. She's not. I look at the spider-web tattoo on my neck. When will I learn not to mess with her? Obviously never.

I just hope that blond girl will be at the party. And if she doesn't, well there's plenty more girls who will...
I ran with the hand through my hair- done. A white shirt and black jeans should do. That blond girl doesn't seem too hard to get- if she even gets there.

While driving to Theresa's place, I'm thinking about that blond girl. She's probably into books, which means this should be easy. She's probably desperate for something to happen. I'm thinking like she'll be there...

When I come to Theresa's party, it's 9:30 p.m. I immediately recognize Zach's car- a black honda. I park the car and glance at the house. People all around it- but I can spot Zach immediately. He's leaning on the wall by the doors, the only one without a drink or a girl.

Dylan: You came.
Zach: I'm not in a mood. Let's get this over with...
Dylan: I didn't say you have to be here. You wanted to come yourself.
Zach: Whatever, let's go.

We enter the house. A few guys at the pool table, a few girls at the drinking table, Theresa and Jensen at the couches... The blond girl is not here. Damn, looks like tonight's not the night. We start walking toward Theresa. She gets up and walks toward me.

Dylan: Zach, can you get us something to drink?

He looks at me- knowing I'm getting rid of him cause Theresa's coming.

Theresa: Hi guys...
Zach: Hi Trish.

He leaves.

Theresa: So... You're here. Probably trying to win that hundred bucks.
Dylan: I'm trying not to go to the same bed with you.

She grins and starts approaching me even closer. I can feel her breath on my ear,

Theresa: We'll see about that.

Then she walks behind me,

Theresa: Joyce! You came! Oh, and Martha's here!

They start walking toward couches and I'm just standing there. Joyce and Martha are in front of Theresa.
I grab her arm,

Dylan: What...
Theresa: You know what they say... Keep your friends close and enemies even closer.

She grins and frees of my grip. This is going to be a long night.