More Than A Game

Chapter 16

This chapter would have to be dedicated to the lovely and kindhearted QUEENAJLEE. The character of Rachelle is inspired by her I guess, for her kind and supportive words :)

Walking into the large house, I could feel a smile forming across my face. Everywhere I looked, strings of colourful lights danced across the floor, crowds of energetic human beings moved to the heavy beats and the atmosphere of the place was filled by the loud sounds of music.

"Welcome to party central of Adelaide or at least in my opinion, Jackson Bradstine's humble home. Since his family has annual business trips, he opens his house to local party goers like us." Ollie mentioned as he stood happily behind me. I turned to face him as he made his way next to me.

"Does this Jackson fella really throw parties as extravagant as this? This kinda feels like wandering through Gatsby's parties by mistake?"

"You really are a journalism student, aren't you Carmen? Anyway, you can ask him that yourself. He's just right over here." he added as he guided me over to a group of people who all looked the same age as me.

One of the members of the small gathering stood a young man with tousled black hair, wearing a black suit and was carelessly waving around a wine glass. He stepped forward towards us.

"Hey Ollie, my main boy. Looks like the all star footballer didn't forget his best bud after all, am I right Wines?"

"Shut up already Jackson, you know I could never forget you." Ollie replied as the young man made turned his attention to me.

"Well hello there sweetheart, you must be Carmen, right? I've heard so much about you from Ollie, looks like you've gained some high praises from everybody." He smiled at me as I extended my hand out for a handshake.

"Aw thank you. I've heard you know how to throw a party or two. Anyway, happy birthday Jackson. Must be great to finally be 21."

"What can I say, 21 is the age when your parties begin to peak. It was lovely to meet you Carmen and to see you aswell Ollie. If you'll excuse me, I need to go see a couple of the guests but we should meet up with each other later in the night."

Saying his goodbyes, I watched Jackson happily stroll around the other partygoers, probably boasting about his previous parties. The rest of the group moved closer towards Ollie and myself.

"Hey guys. Such a great a party so far yeah?" Spoke first was a girl with blonde hair wearing a loose fitting black dress who I later learnt was Poppy James, who currently attended university with an arts degree.

"Yeah, the party's awesome. You look great by the way." I anxiously said hoping to not make things awkward.

"Aw thank you. Carmen, right? Sorry, I overheard you talking with Jackson back there. Well I guess I should introduce you the gang since Mr Wines over there is too interested in other things, probably on his footy brothers" I noticed Poppy paused herself as she waited for a reaction from Ollie, who turned around and made a face at her before she continued.

"Like I was saying, over here is the talented Rachelle Williams is currently working as a cafe worker but we're working on convincing her to audition on a singing competition. Before you ask, yes she's an amazing vocalist with a super hot and buff boyfriend."

I looked over to Bella who was blushing out of embarrassment as she forced a smile. I smiled back, hoping she wouldn't find my presence intimidating.

"Shh, we're not all braggers like you Poppy. I don't like boasting about Taylor, you know that very well Poppy."

"Whatever. I bet he's here partying around somewhere, you and Carmen would find so many similarities between you two since you're both interested in the same types of guys."