This Year is My Year

I Don't Dance

I changed out of the same black t-shirt for the third time, putting on a different black t-shirt. My hair was still damp from the shower, and I was attempting to flatten it to prevent as much frizz as possible.

"God damn it," I muttered as I stared at the other t-shirts on my bed. I didn't want to wear a band shirt – that would feed into the music snob bit. Definitely couldn't wear Hellfire things. I sighed, deciding to stick with my current choice.

"Delivery," I turned to my Uncle Wayne, holding the twelve pack as I asked him to pick up for me. I smiled and took it from his hand, and he watched me turn back to the mirror and fidget with my chains. "So, I guess the excuse worked?"

I smirked, shaking my head at the memory of Y/N catching me.

"Sort of?" I replied. "She at least invited me to a party tonight."

I turned to Wayne, who was smiling. I could sense he wanted to say something.

"Alright – go ahead. Impart your ancient wisdom." He chuckled at me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Nothing to impart. You're a good boy. Just be yourself – she'll love you for it."

I smiled, my heart picking up at the thought of seeing her. Wayne handed me my jacket and I slipped it on. He smiled again and patted me on the back.

"Alright – hand those keys over. You can walk."

---

The walk to Steve's was good for me – the cold air kept my nerves at bay and gave me time to plan my prepared quips. I felt silly, but I knew that preparing myself would be the only way I could actually have a conversation with her. I was approaching sounds of a crowd, watching other people walk up towards the house; mostly the popular kids who had graduated in years past. I couldn't hold back a face.

What was with Harrington and his need to keep trying to win high school?

I stood outside the house, the nerves finally catching up. People streamed by, not even noticing me. Why would they notice the freak? I took a deep breath and walked into the house.

The house was crowded – full of people dancing and drinking, yelling at each other over the music. Music that I didn't care for. But probably music that Y/N and Steve enjoyed. I rolled my eyes at the thought of him as I started through the crowd. Some people looked at me, confused by my presence at a Harrington Party.

I scanned the room, looking for Y/N. I saw her, back to me, talking to Steve. I watched, perplexed, as he seemed angry with her. I watched her gesture at him, and he rolled his eyes. He suddenly saw me, and I looked away as quickly as I could. I glanced around nervously, uncomfortable with what I had seen.

I finally looked back to where she had been, and she was looking at me, her eyes crinkled with how big she was smiling. My chest caught and I returned her grin. I started making my way to her, attempting to get around the dancing bodies. I grew frustrated when they wouldn't move and continued to slow me down from getting to her.

I finally made it across the room and stopped in front of her. Her hair was cute, framing her face and bobbing whenever she moved. She looked comfortable in her flannel and jeans – I was secretly thrilled that we somewhat matched.

"Well, hello, Ms. Henderson!" I stopped in front of her. I cringed at how excited I sounded.

"Hello, Eddie," she smirked, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol. All the sudden, her arms were around my neck, and she was pulling me into a hug. My heart stopped, and my whole body felt like it was on fire. I couldn't move – she was hugging me. She leaned close to my ear, her scent overwhelming me. "You're late!"