On the Run

1- The Party

"Come onnnn Rory, for me." my bestfriend Kendra pleaded. She had been begging me to go to Jake Summer's 18th birthday party tonight. I sighed, "Fine." She grinned. "Hi Aurora, Kendra" That was Vincenzo, the guy who I had been friends with since forever, we always had some kind of spark, flirting here and there, but we never made anything official. I said hi back and Kendra walked away to her class. "So are you going tonight?"
"Yes Kendra finally convinced me."
"Great, I'll drive." He gave a kind smile at me.
"Alright, see you then." He nodded in acknowledgement and walked to his class, and I walked into mine.
*
"Happy birthday" I slid 20 bucks on Jake Summers desk.
"Thank you, finally an adult." Jake grinned.
His best friend, Andrew Goodmen, winked at me. I gave a slight smile and went to my desk. I hate that kid, gives me the creeps.
*
I sat through 40 painful minutes of english, and the school day ended. Vinnie texted me to go into the parking lot.
"Get in!" He hollered.
"Stop at Starbucks on the way home please."
Did I mention he was my neighbor? And basically my personal chauffeur because I hate driving.
*
I got home and went upstairs to text Kendra to come over. 10 minutes go by and there she was on my door step.
We began to get ready for this party she begged me to go to. Next thing ya know we hear Vinnie's car pulling into the driveway. Kendra's boyfriend, Owen, was waiting for her in the back seat. I got in the passenger next to Vin.
I analyzed him. I couldn't get enough of him. He drove me crazy. His dark brown hair, deep-set blue eyes, and chiseled jawline, I adored him. He caught me staring.
"What are you lookin' at weirdo?"
I laughed, "Nothing, you just look dumb singing."
He scoffed, "Alright let's hear you sing."
I rolled my eyes, I wondered if he could tell how the slightest things he said made my heart flip.
Vinnie smiled, "Exxxxactly"
**
We arrived at the party, I walked in and was welcomed with warm air, the smell of booze and girls saying hi to me. The group spilt up, Vinnie went one way, Kendra and Owen went another. After, I made my way to the giant drink table and sat down. I grabbed a cup of a watered down fruit punch/ alcohol concoction, I chugged it and grabbed another. I sat down and observed everyone. To my surprise, Jake sat next to me.
"Birthday boy! How is it"
He sighed, "It could definitely be better."
I could sense a rant coming.
"Well what's up"
He vented about his whole life. I could tell he was drunk, his breath reeked of beer. I felt bad for him, he had a lot on his plate, it was clear he didn't have anyone to truly talk to.
"You know Rory, you are a great girl"
"Thanks but I think that's the liquor talking"
"Maybe, but sober or not, I mean it"
He put his hand on my thigh, I knew he didn't mean the things he was doing but he could tell I didn't like it by the way my body tensed. He pulled away quickly.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to overstep but I did truly mean the things I said."
"No your good, but I have to go pee I'll be right back." The awkward tension was like a thickly knitted blanket on top of us.
"Okay, it's upstairs, sorry again, I'll probably be by the pool if you need me."
**
Off to find the bathroom I went, the situation couldn't get any more awkward than it was. It felt like an eternity to find the correct door, his house was like a giant maze. Finally opening the correct door.. just kidding! I opened the door to Vinnie and a random girl making out, she shot me a look and I quickly shut the door. I stood there in shock for a few seconds, I gathered myself and restarted my bathroom mission. Vinnie yelled down the hall.
"Come on Rory, comere'"
I felt shattered. I looked at him tussling with his wrinkly shirt.
"What?"
"Rory I'm sorry come on. I just saw you with Jake and I don't know.."
Was he jealous? I decided to play dumb.
I looked at my feet, "Why are you apologizing?"
He was still twisting his shirt to get it the right way, "Are you not mad?"
Of course I am.
I scoffed sounding offended, "No? Why would I be?"
"Well because you know.."
"I know what? We aren't dating? We're just friends. You're good. Go continue."
He stared at me. Frustrated that he couldn't read me. He couldn't tell if I meant what I said or if I was actually upset.
He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Alright"
I whipped my body around, I felt my throat swelling and tears getting ready to come out. I took a deep breath and walked away. Wiping my eyes, I ran into what felt like a brick wall but of course it just had to be Andrew Goodmen.
"Woah watch out."
"Sorry, somethings in my eye, where's the bathroom in this place?"
He pointed me to a door, "Over there"
"Thanks."
Finally I slammed the door and slid to the floor. I felt like sobbing, I heard a soft knock.
"Hey, I brought us drinks if you wanna talk."
What in the world, I stood up, and opened the door to Andrew standing there, he was like a giant. He was tall and husky, making the two cups look like shot glasses. I let him in and locked the door. And I spewed my feelings, I didn't care what I said I was drunk at this point. Another knock.
"Hey can you hurry up, I've got to pee there's a line out here."
I rolled my eyes.
"Let's go, we can go in Jakes room, no one's allowed in there," He held up the key. "But me."
**
We walked into Jakes room and I started fiddling with the decorations.
"What were you crying for anyways?" Andrew asked softly.
I responded quietly, "Boys."
"Well they suck anyways, don't waste your time, you deserve better than fucking Vinnie."
His words stung but he wasn't wrong.
"Yeah, thanks for the pep talk." I glided to the door and he grabbed my shoulder.
"Hey Aurora you know like.."He awkwardly scratched his neck, "Like if you need anything I got you, a hug or a kiss or even a rant."
I giggled at him, "Yeah yeah, I know."
He lifted my chin with his index finger to make me look at him, then planted a soft kiss on my lips.
"You don't need him. You can find better."
And with that, I left the room. I wasn't sure what I was feeling. I used to be repulsed with the thought of Andrew, but now I wasn't sure how I felt. I decided to head downstairs to find Jake so I can rant about Vinnie, I felt a heavy hand grab my arm.
"Aurora how are you gonna get mad at me for kissing someone when you fucked Andrew three seconds ago." Vinnie's voice boomed so loud, practically the whole world could hear him.
I felt myself weaken.
"Come on man, we-" Before Andrew could finish his sentence Vinnie landed a blow on his face, knocking Andrew unconscious.
"Are you kidding me? You do realize I was talking to Andrew about YOU right? Are you insane? You can't just punch anyone who talks to me." I glared at him and crouched to Andrews aid.
"Whore." Vinnie spat before drunkly walking down the stairs.
**
After the whole ordeal, Jake checked in on me, and offered to uber me home, I declined and walked home. I climbed into my bed, and fell asleep.

a/n-If you find anywhere throughout the book, the name Bryce, just know its Vinnie. I had changed the name half way through, Auroras name used to be Lauren so if find any of that, it's Aurora