𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳 - 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵

09

After throwing clothes on top of clothes to the floor, I finally agree on a white long sleeve, black sweater vest with white outlines, jeans, and my classic Reeboks with some stains and doodles. My mom would always say not to wear them out in public, but I think they have character. I would always argue that the sketches and random splotches tell a story.

I smile at the thought, walking across my lawn to Kate's car.

"Look who finally agreed. Knew you'd come around." Simon says happily from the back row, already looking buzzed.

I didn't tell them the real reason I decided to go, some things are better left unsaid. Though I doubt they would really care, as they're both insanely happy I'm going.

"What the hell is that smell?" I ask as soon as I open the passenger side door.

"Simon's been chugging some shitty - ass vodka." Kate replies, wrinkling her nose up in disgust.

I shake my head and sit down, strapping down the seatbelt. Kate turns on to the main road and soon we're cruising towards the party. I have a feeling of dread in my stomach that I just can't shake, but I try to think about seeing Sam there. I remembered to pack my Walkman and the mix I made her. I really, really hope she'll like it.

We park down the road from Kody's house and file out, making our way up to the front door. I take a deep breath and open it, my nose instantly clogging with the smell of beer and sweat. Music rumbles underneath conversation, silence nowhere to be found.

I remain close to the front door, trying to look for Sam. As soon as I spot her, I realize how out of place I look. Like a random Monopoly card accidentally mixed with the Uno deck. She looks hella fine, wearing a pleated skirt and sweater.

My heart skips a beat as Sam makes her way over, easily finding me in a sea of people. I gulp down my nerves.

"Hi." I say, willing myself not to look down at her skirt.

"Hi." She replies calmly, sharing my eye contact and gripping a red Dixie cup.

A smile finds its way across my lips. How could Sam Fraser actually want to talk to me? Why would she, in a room filled with people, walk over to me? I didn't know, but I didn't care.

"Did you bring your walkboy?" She asks, eyeing my pocket.

"Walkman." I correct with a smile. "But yeah, I have it."

Sam grins, making my heart flutter. She keeps doing that to me and soon my heart is going to leap out of my chest!

"Where are your friends?" I ask, just realizing I don't see Kennedy or anyone else she hangs around.

"I, um, told them I was sick. Not going. They're arriving a little bit later."

Sam lied to her friends? To hang out with me?

"Oh. Cool." Is all my measly little brain can come up with.

"Wanna listen to your music thingy?" She asks, eyeing the staircase.

"Sure! I have your mix!" I reply, smiling.

"Great. Let's go upstairs." Sam says, grabbing my wrist and pulling me away from the crowds. She sets down her beer as I let her lead me up the steps, her hand still tightly wrapped around my wrist. Here, even though parties aren't necessarily my thing, was everything I wanted it to be and more. There was nowhere else where I would want to be, especially with Sam so close to me, and us having an actual conversation. I grinned to myself, because for the first time in a while, I was content and not just throwing on a fake smile trying to make the best of it. I felt real, just like I had so many nights ago in the street.