Back to You

A New Experience

The moment had finally arrived. I was going to my very first party ever.

Jasmine and I spent the last two hours deciding very carefully on a nice 'night out' attire, which turned out to be a lovely ensemble of a gorgeous sequined Burgundy bandana top and some black pleather pants from her closet. Jasmine did my hair using every butterfly clip she could find. 

In this era, a few was simply never enough.

Counting down the moments left before, I was more nervous than excited. I had no idea what to expect. And having so many unknowns just made my blood pressure spiral out of control the more Jasmine had driven miles closer to our destination, all glammed up herself.

Soon enough though, we had sought out a blue bricked building through the evening cool breeze skies of San Diego. I could already see the number of cool kids from school here crowding the entrance, hanging out or talking to the security guard granting them some a way inside.

"Are you ready for the first among many other social nights of your life?" I heard Jasmine speak out excitedly.

"Is going back home watching endless episodes of 'The Real World' with you still an option?" I timidly inquired.

She giggled and shook her head playfully. "Tempting, but nope. Trust me, you look hot! Laney Boggs would be shaking in her boots right now, hon! You can do this."

She was right. It was worth a try.

Nodding in agreement, I continued rubbing my sweaty and shaky hands all over the pants. I could also admit there was a reason wearing any type of leather out anywhere—especially in California, might've not been a good idea either. Y2K had a lot of great fashion trends. But some things were just meant to stay behind.

As I felt the car come to an abrupt halt, Jasmine hopped out casually being the confident head cheerleader she was. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. I had my two best friends here...well, kinda.

Stepping out of the car next, following closely behind her through the booming rowdy crowd with my head down and my anxiety jumping through hoops every move I took. I was stunned I had pressed on this far.

But once I entered, it only got more intimidating.

"Whoo! I am home, girl! Don't worry, I'll be with you through the whole night if you want. Scouts honor." Jasmine promised, looking around.

I knew she must've wanted to venture off, and check in with her other friends to get her mind off of her and Devin's issues that were visibly clear from her eyes. She was being a good friend and helping me out. She didn't have to though. I wanted her to have some fun too.

"Hey Jaz, I'm gonna go get us something to drink. Wanna go...scope the place out to see what we're working with tonight?" I wondered kindly.

She stared to me a little surprised and unsure. "Really?"

I confidently nodded. "Yeah. I'm sure. Go and let loose, hon!"

Grinning, she jumped up and down excitedly lunging to hug me tightly—soon pulling away. I laughed and she raced off. I would be fine on my own for a few minutes. It wasn't a big deal.

With that, I began moving forward shyly to the bar area. Others began smiling and checking me out and my new 'look' for the night, nodding in approval and impressed.

The second I become close to approaching, I saw Ryder handing out drinks to the guests, greeting to all the people who kept coming up to him or passing while admiring his presence.