London calls me a stranger

Chapter 5

Sam's POV

Applying a delicate touch to my upper lash line with the eyeliner brush and slightly winging it out, I finished off my costume with the last few touches. I was dresses in a blue and white starred skater skirt, strapless red top, cape and matching boots, and a golden head piece around my forehead, to portray the character of Wonder Woman. Golden and red accents complimented the homemade costume. For I didn't have time nor the money to go in to town and buy or hire a costume, I made do with some handy work and a bit if inspiration.

April got arty and decided to go as a fairy to Ruby's fancy dress party tonight. It'll be fun to be able to socialise and make new friends, but there is one thing I'm worrying about... Matt! He'll be there tonight, and if any indication of the last few days is to go by he will be keeping a watchful eye over me.

"Are you ready to go?!" April said applying her pink rosy lipgloss.

"Almost," I say grabbing my red cross-body and checking my costume out for the last time in a long mirror. "Ready!" I said to my flirty fairy friend. And we headed off for Ruby's flat.

When we arrived, the door was wide open and the flat was heaving. I recognised a few people from campus and lessons but most were complete strangers to me. The flat was modern and contemporary, obviously decorated by Ruby because it represented her style and character completely. White walls and bright coloured accents complimented the interior. As we squeezed through the crowd to the kitchen we were greeted with warm hugs by Ruby. "Hey guys! I'm so glad you could make it!" She shouted over the noise of the music and mingling.

"We couldn't miss it!" I shouted back.

"Well that's a good thing you came" I heard from behind me. I turned to see a tall boy with blue sparkly eyes that were covered by a Zoro mask. His blonde hair hidden by the costume hat.

"CONOR!" I shouted, giving him a hug. His strong arms wrapped around my waist and he elevated me slightly. My eyes squeezed shut and when I was returned to the ground, I opened them again and turned again to my peers. "This is Conor" I introduced him to my friends who were quite baffled by the size and demeanour of my friend.

As the night went on, I was dancing with April and some girls from her English literature class. Slightly intoxicated, the music boomed around me and the world went into a blur of bodies. My eye was caught by a dark brown gaze from the corner of the room. The figure in question didn't seem to be in costume, but a white shirt, metallic blue blazer and maroon dress trousers that hugged his muscular legs perfectly. He tilted his head up so I could see his dark brown eyes clearly from the sweep of brown hair shielding them. The look in his eyes as he turned and walked into the hall indicated for me to follow him. I hesitated because the last time I was alone with him I was pinned to his body, but I did stumble after the dark angel into the empty hall.

The music still pounding in my ears, I meet him at the far end of the hall. I make sure to stand on the opposite side of the hall, for I didn't feel too comfortable being so close to him after last time we were alone.

"So first Conor, now Jamain?! Wow you're becoming quite the player Sam!" He said, teasingly.

I huffed in exasperation. "Jamain's my dancing partner and Conor's a friend, don't be so naive Matt!" I fought back.

Something between a huff and a laugh escaped his lips. "I love it when you fight back," he says moving closer. He presses the span of his hand on the wall above him, trapping me in a cell of his body. The other hand fiddles with a curl of my brown hair. "It's very... Endearing" he whispers, pressing his body closer to mine.

I duck under his outstretched arm. "Okay okay, Matt I know what you're doing," I say trying to create some space between us. "I'm not like every other girl. I'm not going to drool over you and allow you to do anything you want to me!"

He thinks about this for a moment, his brows furrowed. Then he steps forward and takes my wrists in his large warm hands. "It looks like I'm going to have to fight for you" he says trying to seduce me. I pull away once again and head to the door. "It seems I have competition"

I turned always from him in disgust. My jaw tightens at the thought that bubbles anger over the top. "Conor is only a friend and I hardly know Jamain!" I shout down the corridor.

"I love it when you're angry" he spoke only a little louder than a mutter, but I hear.

I walked back into the main room of the party (the sitting room/kitchen/dining room), I saw Conor, April and a few others dancing around. They were obviously very drunk. I could tell by they're very off centre of gravity when they danced. I laughed at the ridiculous dance moves they were trying to pull off. I completely forgot about the last few moments, but I was quickly reminded by a warm palm spread across my backside, followed by a body and a head finding my way to my ear. I jumped a little at the husky voice, but I recognised it from only moments ago. "By the way, you look hot in that costume." The statement sent shivers down my spine. The warmth of Matt was realised from me as he walked away. I let out my breath that I had held for the last few moments in a sigh of relief.

Just then Conor staggered over. "Sam" he said in a slurred voice, obviously largely effected by the alcohol. He swings one arm around me. "Just look at you!" Then to my surprise he turned and holds me into his body, and whispers "so beautiful" in my ear then his plump pink lips were pressed against mine. For a moment, I indulged in the soft warm lips, but then I jumped and realised what I was doing, pushed Conor back from me and reflexively struck him across the cheek. A silence fell across the room. All eyes were penetrated on me and Conor. My eyes trained on his swollen red cheek, from the impact my hand had caused. I could only feel sorry for him as he stumbles back startled.

"Come on let's get you home." I said as I led him out of the room.

Just before we reached the door, my pathway was blocked by a tall figure that I'd seen many times this evening. "Just a friend, eh?" Said a husky voice. My eyes trail up to see Matt smirking down at me. I give him a harsh gaze before pushing past him, out of the room.