Law and Order- complete

XXI

Going out was a good idea in theory. I'd been so excited to be in between sweaty bodies as I drank away and swayed to the beat of the music until I realized that had never been my experience. I'd always hid behind Ryder. And this was my first party without him.

Cars were littered for at least a block, leaving us to walk in the warm, late May night. Dark clouds danced in front of the full moon, something that felt like a sinister sign that tonight was a complete mistake, but I'd already gotten Ramon and China hyped up.

For China, this was her first party. She'd gone as far as doing her make-up and braiding her hair back into two braids. She wore a pair of khaki cargo shorts that looked beautiful on her brown skin, and a white crop top. On my legs were denim shorts that rode pretty much up my ass, and a baby blue graphic tee. My makeup was sloppily done as well, by a high China. Messy blue, glittery, eye shadow, and highlighter. I thought I looked a mess, but I forgot how little people give a shit at college parties. Everyone is high or drunk.

"Oh my god, do they do coke?" Like in the movies?" China asks with red-rimmed eyes as we walk up the driveway. The pavement seems to shake underneath our feet as heavy rap booms through the speaker, waking up the entire block. I can hear the familiar buzz of laughter and screams, and I convince myself to have a good time.

"They actually do, in the basement, so don't go down there unless you got a itchy nose," Ramon scratches at his nose knowingly. China is on his back, arms over his neck, so she doesn't see. Her eyes are trained on the opened front door, where the stench of weed and alcohol is smelt from out here.

I roll my eyes at him, knowing full well that's a lie, and Mya's house doesn't even own a basement.

China takes another drag of her joint, blowing out smoke as we enter the house. Ramon sets her down on her feet and I watch her look around, taking in her surroundings. The living space and kitchen were all dark, Led lights lazily taped around the walls that blended through colors. The music was even louder, so I barely hear China when she yells, "Wow!"

There are red cups in everyone's hand, cigarettes or blunts in others. Some people lean against walls, others practically humping one another in the middle of the dining room. Everyone is pressed against each other, at least seventy people in the living room alone. Chants are heard as they cheer on the girls who dance in the middle.

I head toward the kitchen, Ramon behind me as China begins to sway back and forth to Saweetie.

I ignore the occasional looks I get, knowing they're from people who knew Ryder on some level and have heard about everything. I'm gonna need a drink.

"Logan!"

I spin around at the loud voice over the music, China and Ramon as well.

The girl looks at me with a wide, toothy grin, her arms outstretched and revealing her black halter top. Her breast moved around as she ran to me, wrapping her arms around me. She smells like cinnamon and cocoa butter.

She pulls away, her hands toying with my hair, "You cut it!"

I hate that I have no idea who she is, or where I know her from, and she notices, her face falling into a fake pout and brows furrowing, "Girl, don't- Oh! I had my hair different! It's Zavi!" She yells in my face. I can smell the alcohol on her breath and it tempts me to grab some for myself.

I realize she was here the last time I'd gone to one of Mya's party, a friend of Ryders. If I'm not mistaken, she was also at Ramon's party.

She leans forward and hugs Ramon, holding her hand out to China as she shouts greetings and compliments. Her hair is different, I remember her having a large afro ponytail with blonde tips, but now, they're in long, singular braids down her back, similar to the ones Mrs. Baker had. I wonder if she knows what Ryder has done.