The connection - New beginnings

Chapter four - Let's party

Alex

"I don't even know how I let you talk me into this" I huffed stop Natalie as I observed my reflection in the mirror. I ran my hands down the silly material of the emerald green dress my best friend had come armed with and turned to the side to ensure my modesty was at least covered.

Natalie eyed my reflection in the mirror "you look hot girl" she beamed at me

"It's a little short don't you think?" I frowned in return

"Alex you have a smoking body, it's about time you realised that and showed it off a bit" she got off the bed and stood next to me in her baby pink sparkly mini skirt and white cami. She looked like a pristine barbie doll and I couldn't help but feel a bit ridiculous stood next to her. 

"I just don't know if it's me" I mumbled whilst fiddling with the hemline.

"Well then maybe that means you get to be someone else for the night. Escape any drama and reinvent yourself" she chuckled as she turned to the bed to retrieve our bags whilst I rolled my eyes at her. 

"Al you look incredible, stop overthinking it and pull your shit together....besides Lucas is outside, it's time to head to the party" 

"Fine, let's get this over with" I huffed as we left my room and headed down to meet Lucas.

**********

The house was absolutely heaving as we entered. Music boomed so loud I could hardly hear myself think. I followed Natalie and Lucas towards the kitchen where she passed me a vodka and coke.

"Babe I'm gonna go catch up with the guys, I'll be in the games room if you wanna come find me" Lucas smiled down at Natalie before planting a peck on her cheek and disappearing through the crowd. I watched her watch him leave with a slight look of disappointment in her eyes.

"You guys come here for parties often then? You seem to know your way around?" I questioned 

"Uh yeah I guess we've been to a few parties here over the past year. Jules has a pretty big house and her parents are always off on some sunny beach somewhere so she pretty much gets free rein on the place most weekends"

"Jules? Please tell me that you don't mean Jules as in Nate's Julie!?" I looked at her open mouthed.

"Relax Alex it's fine. Jules is really cool. I actually think the two of you would get along"

"Really, you think it's a good idea for you to bring me to the house of the girlfriend of the guy I was in love with, the one who used to fuck me so good I'd see fucking stars" I snapped at her completely oblivious to anyone who was listening.

"Well as long as you don't plan on fucking him again I don't think we'll have a problem" 

I turned to see Jules stood behind me, a look of amusement on her face. Shit shit shit, this wasn't happening.

"Julie, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean" I began to ramble

"It's fine Alex. I get it, I don't have a problem with you being here either. I told Natalie to invite you"

"You did? Why?"

"Curious I guess, plus me and Nate are pretty strong. I don't intend to let him go without a fight and I thought I'd make that clear....oh and call me Jules" she smiled so sweetly as she spoke before retrieving a drink from the counter and making her way back through the crowd leaving me dumbfounded. I had wanted to slap that pretty little smile off her face but willed myself to calm down as I turned back to a sheepish looking Natalie. I was furious, how could she bring me here with no warning. She was supposed to be my best friend.

"Alex I'm so sorry, I didn't me for her to ambush you like that. I just knew you wouldn't come if you knew who's party this was and I really wanted to spend some time with you"

"Save it Nat I don't want to hear it. I'm going for some fresh air why don't you go and find Lucas, I'll see you later" 

I pushed passed her and exited through the kitchen door onto the large outside patio. A small group of people were sat at a nearby table. I didn't feel like being in company right now so I headed down the path and onto the grass feeling my heels sink as I walked. I paused to slip them off and carried them in my hand as I enjoyed the feel of the cool grass on my bare feet. This garden was huge. Jules's place was almost like a mansion. I rounded a corner and spotted a bench nestled in amongst some rose bushes. I sat down and let the heels fall to the ground as I rubbed my temples out of frustration. Why did I let Natalie talk me into this. I shouldn't be here. I opened my eyes and reviewed my surroundings, this garden was beyond beautiful.

"I'm pretty sure it's the girl in the garden that makes it look beautiful"

His words caught me off guard, hearing his voice again. Was I imaging it.

"You're not imaging it" he spoke again as he stepped forward out of the shadows and locked eyes with me. I watched as those piercing green eyes peered into mine like they were looking into my soul. The air shifted and it was like it suddenly heated up. I wanted to run to him, to have him hold me in his arms but I knew we couldn't do that. I'd moved on. I was with Zac, I was better now. I couldn't go down that road again. He took a tentative step closer to me and I felt myself stiffen slightly in fear of what this might mean. He froze clearly sensing my discomfort and we just stared at each other in silence.

Lex.