Rancorous

Chapter 14

A/N: This following scene is purely fictional. So please do not attempt any of the following actions at home.

Stay safe <3

And take care :)

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PRESENT

Herlina

I pull up to Brevin's packed driveway. I had to park quite far from the house.

Even as I sit in my car, I can still hear the pulsating music blasting from the party. I wince, dreading how ear-piercing it will sound the closer I'll get.

Despite being in costumes, I pick out familiar faces from Elk Grove High littering the front of the house, the porch, and the balconies of the massive mansion. I send my dad a quick text letting him now I got here safe.

Breathing in, I gather the courage to step out and walk inside.

It's freezing, the air nipping at my cheeks and nose. The cold air seems to calm my senses as I inhale, almost like a refresher.

Some recognize me as I climb the front stairs. Warm smiles, nonchalant head tips, and small hand waves greet me. I reciprocate them all with gratitude, hoping that on the outside I exhibit a welcoming vibrancy despite my inner dull misery.

As soon as I enter, my senses are unpleasantly bombarded. The stench of alcohol burns my nose. The vibrating music makes my eardrums throb. People dancing suggestively make me avert my eyes.

As I continue venturing further in the house, I keep on the lookout for Presley.

"Foxy?" A male voice shouts through the awfully loud music.

I turn to look at Reth approaching me. I sigh, not exactly the person I want to see but maybe he can help me.

I almost didn't recognized him for the fake mustache and beard he has on. His light blue button down shirt is neatly tucked into his jeans with a black belt. A large paint brush is simply shoved in his front pocket and a couple small acrylic paint bottles in the other.

It's quite obvious who he's dressed as.

But as I glance back up, I furrow my brows, some paint marks his nose and fake beard.

"Oh sorry," Reth peels his fake facial hair off. "It's me." He grins wide.

I raise my eyebrows at the paint smudged all over his lips and parts of his cheeks. I open my mouth to ask why when he beats me to it.

"I'm Bob Ross."

I tilt my head to the side, taking in his eccentric state.

His grin curves into a frown as he looks down at me. I'm about to say something, but he gives me barely two seconds to speak.

"Please," he groans, "please tell me you know the man, the myth, the legend?"

I blink. Reth's impatience for conversation is making it hard for me to keep up. Admittedly so, he does talk a lot, but at least in our class he let me answer.

I eye his cup, it's no secret what he was sipping, well, more accurately gulping because the stench of it is so potent all around me.

It makes me worry about Brevin. He definitely wouldn't want to be anywhere near this smell. I don't understand why he approved of this party. It doesn't align with who I knew him to be.

"If you don't know who Bobby Rossy is, I have to stop talking to you for a week Foxy. I just need to get over this massive betrayal. It's unforgivable for now." Reth wipes a fake tear, sighs dramatically, but then beams as he steps away.