𝐓𝐨 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭

2

It was a little past 11 when we finally arrived at Davantes house. Cars clung to the sides of the streets, all leading a path to the main attraction. I heard the music before we could actually reach the house; If Devante had neighbors closeby they would definitely hate all of us. After Janelle parked her car along the long line of cars we followed the path to the house that was emphasized by the vibrations of the soca music. We stopped in front of a huge home that would usually be closed off by a tall white gate but today that gate hung open, for the hundreds of people who have been piling in. Devantes parents had done extremely well for themselves; they basically lived at work most of the time which is probably the reason this party could even happen, seeing as Devante doesn't live at home during the school year. I never thought that I'd be here again, but here I stood, as uneasy as ever. The light bursting out of each window from each room in the house was very visible from outside it seemed as if every room in the house was lit, as Janelle and I inched closer to the door it flew open with a group of 4 stumbling out, their laughter filling the cool air. The door hung open allowing me to see how many people were really here right now "I don't think this is a good idea J" I cautioned, before I could even utter another word of concern someone called out to Janelle, "J, you made it!" I quickly matched the voice to the face Levi Wayne, Janelles boyfriend. He wrapped his arms around her waist in response to her wrapping her arms around his neck as she pulled him in for a passionate embrace. I guess it's really fuck you if you single then, damn.. They detangled themselves from one another, Janelle took a step back looking embarrassed, Levi also took a step back, he stood around 6'2, slim but athletic build, brown skinned, caramel eyes, he just started growing his hair out. "Saija, I haven't seen you in weeks, what's going on?" Levi asked with his usual warm smile, "Just trying to get all my stuff handed in before break starts, you know how it is", he nodded in agreement, he quickly glanced beside him I followed his glance and to my surprise landed on Easton Johnson, alright now the universe is trying to be funny. His eyes locked onto mine instantly, he looked just as surprised to see me as I did. I must have looked at him longer than I meant to because I heard Levi laugh under his breath, "Saija, this is my boy, Easton", I nodded my head, "We've met" I said before looking away,

"Well great since you guys are acquainted we will you leave you to it, J, they're playing beer pong, lets go!" he said before shooting Easton a knowing smile, "Varsity" Easton called out as a warning, "Saija we'll meet up later, have fun" she said before following in Levi's path. Left by our two friends, silence washed over us in a wave, aint no way she ditched me for that nigga.

"If you haven't totally written me off by now, which if you have I wouldn't be surprised or offended, but if you haven't, maybe we can go get something to drink, chill or something outside, since we're both here?" Easton said, scratching the back of his head, breaking the silence, my eyes searched his, sincerity greeted me back. "Lead the way", he smiled in response

We made our way through the halls leading to the backyard, familiar faces slumped along the walls and others raged, moved together, almost in ecstasy, there was an unspoken rhythm amongst them, they moved to the consistent beating music like in this moment this was everything that mattered. In a way, I suppose I longed for that.