Becoming Kennedy

12- Into the Woods

I stand in front of my mirror, inspecting my outfit.  I hope it's appropriate, but my only instructions were a text from Abigail saying that there's a house party tonight at her house, and I was expected to attend because Luke was going to be there.

I know how you're supposed to dress for a house party, but I wouldn't consider Abigail's place of residence a 'house', it's more of a mansion.

"You look fine, let's go, we're going to be late."  I jump a little at the voice behind me, and turn around to see Stella.  "I'm taking you, let's go."  I grab my purse, and follow her out of my room, "I'm perfectly capable of driving myself, you know."  She laughs, "Yeah, I know, but I was coming this way anyway."

This is the first time any of the girls have done something for me without Abigail telling them to.  "Thanks, Stella."  She looks at me, a perfectly stenciled eyebrow raised, "I'm not doing it for you, I'm doing it so you're not late, Colorado."

Well, there go all of my feelings of gratitude.

As we pull up to the party, I can tell it's not very big.  It's probably one of those 'invite-only' things, but everyone knows about it so when they find out they're not invited, they get super jealous.

Stella leads the way as we walk up to Abigail's mansion.  Before we reach the door, Abigail swings it wide open as if she's been expecting us, "Welcome, welcome!"  She's using her super fake, super happy voice.  It's slightly annoying.  Not that I'd ever say anything about it, though.

I look around, and notice a few people hanging around, red cups in their hands.  Music fills the house, and my eyes automatically locate Luke across the room.  When I look at him, I notice he's already watching me.  When our eyes meet, I really notice how much lighter they are than Ethan's.

God, it's like I'm constantly comparing them.  It's a problem.

"Hey, Kennedy."  Luke walks up to me, and wraps an arm around my shoulders.  That simple act seems almost possessive, but I guess that's part of the game we're playing.  "Glad you could make it."  Luke's voice is somewhat distant, and cold.  It's nothing like the last time we met.

Yet, any awkwardness I thought would occur from our last little kiss isn't there, and I'm grateful.

I look up into his face, and smile, "Me too.  It's good to see you."  I really mean it.  I think I've missed him.  Ever since he left, I can't stop replaying the kiss in my mind.  It's stupid, because it was just a little kiss on the cheek, but when we were talking, he seemed to shed that bad-boy vibe.  He was actually nice, and dare I say, sensitive?  I like that Luke.

"Come on, lets go get you a drink."  Luke pulls me away from the girls, in search of some alcohol.  As soon as we're out of earshot, Luke leans close to my ear, "What's the plan, babe?"

I'm going to admit, I liked the way he called me babe.  I don't care whether it was real, or habit, or even still part of the facade, it still made my heart stutter.

"I guess we party.  We dance, laugh, get drunk, and hang all over eachother.  That's what happens, right?"  Luke shrugs, "Sure, but I mean, after the party, when everyone else finds a bedroom to have some privacy."  

The way he says 'privacy' makes my eyebrows raise, "Oh, right.  Then I guess we do the same?"  Luke laughs, "You really have no idea what you're doing, do you?"

I sigh, and lean against the nearest wall, "I'm totally out of my element."  I hold my breath as Luke begins to lean in, still standing quite a bit taller than me, "Thank you for that honest answer.  I'm gonna go get you a drink.  I'll be back."  I nod my head, and watch him leave, probably turning blue due to lack of oxygen.