A Neighbouring Romance

7 - the party

New, Edited Chapter - Oct '22

Some new things in this one, so I hope you enjoy <3 Please drop a comment and let me know!

"Cami, there is nothing you can say that will make me go to this stupid party."

I say to my best friends, as they sit in front of me, listing reasons we should go to Noah Anderson's party this weekend.

We're all sitting in the library, huddled around a table because Aaliyah had a "burning question about science" that could only be found in a book from the restricted section, and apparently not on the internet.

"It's the first party of the year, Alec will be there and asked me to be his date-"

Aaliyah squeals and asks her for more details.

"It's the first party of the year, we have to make an appearance." She says.

"My parents would actually let me go if I said I was staying at your house. You know they won't let me go to parties. I just want to experience one." She looks up wistfully. "Just one high school party, Hope? Will you please be our fairy godmother and let us go to the ball?"

I can't help but laugh at their faces, chipping away at my willpower.

"I also have work on Saturday, and I'll be tired by the time I'm home." I add, reaching into a bag of chips.

When mom was first diagnosed, she still worked for a while until the stress became too much. Working on cases all night and not taking a break is what make the chemo all the more tiring for her body. Eventually she left, and while her kind boss offered a larger bonus payment, she didn't accept it.

Dad became the sole provider at home, so I asked him to stop giving me pocket money and got a job over the summer working at a movie theater not too far out. While it's fairly easy job, my goal for this year is to save enough to buy my car back whilst sneaking money into my dad's wallet at home, hence the long shifts.

"Please Hope? I can give you a ride." My hijabi friend pouts at me, widening her eyes.

"C'mon, Hope. We can't let him ruin our social lives. Besides.. he did literally invite you."

"Yeah, what if this is him extending an olive branch?" Aaliyah adds.

I actually laugh at her comment while my two friends stare at me quizzically.

"I told you about the thing with Kara, right? And the fact that he was a dick to me the other day. And-"

"Okay! Okay!" Aaliyah raises her hands up in the air. "I just had a gut feeling."

Cami smiles at me in a way that can only mean one thing.

"So... we're going, right?"

I can't remember the last time I was at a party, it was months ago. It was at Tyler's, because his older brother held it, but almost everyone from our class ended up crashing there. It was epic.

I guess it won't be so bad. Mom isn't home so I won't have to worry about her as much and dad is working again all night.

I groan, "Fine."

***

The day of the party and mom's trip arrives, and my nerves would've completely shattered me had Aaliyah and Cami not kindly come over to spend time with me. They always know exactly how to make light of a situation, especially this last year of stress and anxiety.

As soon as the sun began to set, my best friends force me to get out of the old pajamas I don, and start getting ready.

"We should look hot when we say bye to your mom." Cami jokes.