American Runaways

Chapter 1. Can you try and be cool

I slammed my locker shut and headed out to the front. School let out early today for Parent/Teacher Conferences, so I was heading to my car.

As I arrived, Peter was already waiting for me, "Lift home?"

"Yes," he said sliding into the passenger seat, "Also I wanted to ask you a question."

"Okay."

"Would you be down to go to Meg's party tonight?"

"Ew why?" I asked, curious on why he wanted to go. We usually made fun of people who go to those parties. Everyone gets drunk, at least one girl cries, and someone hooks up in a bedroom. Why would I want to be a part of that?

"I just think that if we are going to be meeting with these people once a week, we should get to know them."

I do agree with him, "Fine, but you have to find us a ride because if I'm going to be surrounded by all those rich kids drinking, I'm going to need a drink myself."

He laughed, "Deal."

*****

The clock struck 10 as I looked in the mirror at myself ready to go. I never really cared about what I looked like, but for some reason tonight I did.

Mel said that she would drive Peter and I, because she doesn't like to drink anyway, so I was waiting on her.

And just like she read my mind, I heard her honk out front. I grabbed my leather jacket and ran down the stairs.

Peter was already in the car, reserving the front seat. I hopped in the back, "So like, who's totes excite to be going to this rager tonight?"

They laughed, "Maybe we should be like the cheerleaders and drink wine coolers by the pool while our boyfriends go make out with other chicks," Mel joked.

"You guys don't have boyfriends," Peter added.

"No shit," I said, "It was a joke. "

"Can you try and be cool tonight, please."

"Whoa, what's your deal?"

"I just want these people to not think of me as the little dorky orphan boy anymore, ok?"

"Alright, got it." I said slumping back in my seat. What was Peter's deal tonight. After he asked me to go, he started acting weird. Why is he trying to impress these people. Those don't care what we think of them.

About 10 minutes and an awkward, silent car ride later, we arrived at Meg's house, which looked like Gatsby's house, only bigger. Growing up, we always called the populars kids Pops, it was short for popular. I know, we have a creative bunch here in Civic County.

 We walked into the party and was struck with the smell of alcohol. Maybe because everyone there had at least one cup in their hand, some had two. We walked around until we found the keg in the kitchen and poured ourselves a drink. Peter started walking off towards the back without saying anything and it was too loud for me to call after him to see where he was going. I turned to see if Mel was still with me but she was over talking to her soccer teammates. So I was left all alone to fend for myself.