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FINNEY MADE HIS WAY THROUGH THE DRIVEWAY!
He felt his heart point against his chest. He'd been to Cherry's house a billion times, but not when there were other people there.
He could see the flashing lights, and the blaring music spilled from the lavish building.
With a new outfit selected by Cherry and refined social skills, all that was left was to redefine his existence. What better way to do that than with a party?
Hopefully, drinking would be easier on him than smoking.
The curly-haired boy lifted his fist, gently knocking on the door.
Cherry pulled the door open, her eyes narrowed. "Why'd you knock?"
"To be polite?" Finney said as she pulled the door open.
"Don't do it again." She said. "Dead giveaway you've never been to a party."
He nodded, following her into the kitchen. A couple of people almost spit out their shots at the sight of him, especially next to her.
What sort of elaborate joke was this supposed to be?
Their immediate thoughts were, how was Cherry about to humiliate him?
Vance and Mia, who were doing rounds and making sure nobody was throwing up, paused at the sight of the pair together.
They immediately ducked into the nearest room like they were spies out of a movie.
"Why the fuck is he here?" Vance questioned, immediately.
"I dunno." Mia peeked out of the hallway. "Maybe she's trying to be nice?"
"Bullshit. No way in hell."
"Good on you for being so optimistic."
"I'm serious. She's probably gonna make him drink so much that he throws up. Something evil."
"I don't think she'd do that."
A boy stared at them with a blank expression. Sure, Mia and Vance looked a little odd watching their friend from a corner, but he was just as odd for watching them watch her.
Inside the kitchen, Cherry and Finney were receiving the same glances.
"Talk to at least a couple of people, then you can go off and hide." Cherry demanded.
"Great. I'll get this over with now and go find a dark corner." Finney decided.
He was about to call out to her as she walked away, but thought against it.
The music was turned up so loud he couldn't hear his thoughts. He didn't recognize the song, either. He hadn't brought his headphones with him, according to the redhead's advice.
