The Boy Next Door

Chapter Twenty-Six

"Alex." I huffed. "You didn't need to be like that. Kyle wasn't doing anything wrong; you got the wrong impression."

"I was just looking out for you. Trust me. Kyle is bad news," she said, looking at Emily, Morgan and Sammy, "Isn't he girls?"

Emily glanced at me, Morgan looked to the floor, and Sammy did nothing but nod.

"Only from what I've heard Harley say," Emily spoke up. "But I don't know him to judge."

"Thank you, Emily," I said, shivering as my clothes tightly tied to my body shape.

"I'm sorry, Ashley, I think he's a bad influence," Alex continued. It was tense between us, the entire atmosphere was thick, and I hated it. Everyone around us was partying like we weren't there, whereas I suddenly felt sober and wanted to go home.

I crossed my arms tightly over my body. "Do you know him enough to say that?"

I didn't know him either, and I didn't understand why I was so defensive when what they were saying seemed so accurate.

Kyle was mean and intimidating with his rebellious ways, but there was something more to him. It wasn't only about his good looks, his fantastic kissing skills, or the way he smelt of tar and hot pavement on a summer's day with zesty orange. My gut was telling me there was more to him than he made out, and for some stupid reason, he had me hooked.

"I guess not," Alex muttered, shuffling her feet as she looked at them.

"Guys, what's going on here? It looks so tense; what's happened?" Harley cut in, rowdy, grabbing Emily and dancing as she sipped her drink. It made me laugh and relax.

I looked at Alex and stroked her arm, "I'm sorry, let's not argue," I said.

"No, let's not. It was horrible, never again." Alex smiled.

"Never. Especially over some boy." I hugged her. "I'm freezing. Can we go and change?"

"Erm, no, we're going back in. We're going to play some games now Mum and Dad's lot has moved inside. They have the karaoke on, and I would rather not listen to that," Harley slurred, giggling. "Come on. You guys need drinks. You're bumming me out."

"Your sister is a nutter," I laughed as we followed her into the kitchen, and she was right; all I could hear was screeching from the living room. No one could get as high as Frankie Valli, not even with a tonne of alcohol in their system, but they sure were trying hard.

"Right, jello shots for each of you," she said, handing us all one.

"Finally." I licked my lips, took a red one and shot it back; it slipped straight down and soothed me instantly. "You got another one?" I asked, and Harley raised her eyebrow at me, as did Alex.

"What?" I shrugged. "This is a party, isn't it?"

They giggled, and Harley pointed to the fridge. I went over and opened it, and the entire contents were alcohol and trays of jello shots.

"Jeez," I said, taking six more and handing them out.

"I told you my parents know how to throw a party," Alex replied, shooting her shot.

"Right, let's go, chicken fight it is. Who's first?" Harley shouted, pushing us all outside.

"Chicken fight?"

"Oh god, Ashley, don't tell me you don't know what that is either?" And my silence answered her question.

"Right, that's it, Ashley, you're up first. Jackson, get over here; you're taking Ashley; who's going against her?"