Teaching | Eddie Munson

The Party

"Green or blue?" Max's voice rang out as she held up two tops, one in each hand. The soft lighting of the room caught the fabric, making the green one shimmer slightly.

Victoria glanced up from her reflection in the mirror, her fingers deftly applying the final strokes of makeup. She considered the options, her brow furrowing ever so slightly before she nodded decisively.

"Green, definitely." she replied with a confident smile, watching as Max's eyes lit up in satisfaction. "Although" she added, tilting her head, "I wasn't expecting you to get all dressed up. What's the occasion?" The teasing in her tone was evident.

Max shrugged, a casual gesture that seemed almost too nonchalant for the way she was biting her lip, a subtle hint of nervousness creeping into her tone. "Well, it is a party. Plus..." She hesitated, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret she hadn't quite admitted to herself yet. "I think Lucas might be there too."

Victoria's reaction was instant and filled with excitement. "Oooh!" she exclaimed, eyes widening with mischievous delight. "Lucas, huh?" Her voice was echoing with curiosity. "Wait... why would he be there? Did Steve turn the thing into a playground party? I mean, sure, Robin said we both had to come, but kindergartners at a party?" She snickered at her own joke, shaking her head incredulously.

Max rolled her eyes, a hint of a smile at her lips. "No, I don't think that was his intention. I think he just wanted Dustin to come and then, well, you know how it goes..."

"Of course." Victoria groaned dramatically. "If Steve wants Dustin, naturally, Dustin invites the entire party along with him." She tossed her hands in the air, chuckling. "Classic Henderson move."

A few hours later, Victoria found herself deep into the party. The living room was bathed in warm, golden light, and the air hummed with music, laughter, and many conversations.

Someone had suggested a round of karaoke, and the idea was met with an enthusiastic, slightly tipsy cheer from Steve, much to Victoria's amusement. His reaction, she noted with a wry smile, likely had less to do with the actual activity and more with impressing the girl perched beside him. Victoria could see the sparkle in the girl's eyes as Steve jumped up, his hand reaching for the mic.

He started belting out the first lines of a song, his voice surprisingly decent, much to Victoria's surprise. As his voice carried through the room, only a few heads turned. Most were too wrapped up in their own little worlds — couples whispering in darkened corners, or the clink of glasses signaling another drink poured.

Victoria, however, found herself nestled comfortably between Max and Dustin, like the designated chaperone at a wild high school dance. She didn't mind though. There was something endearing about the chaos, and it was a far cry from the darker days they had all been through. This chaos was harmless — familiar, even. The kind she could smile at.

Max nudged Dustin with a grin. "Your turn, Dusty-bun." she teased, her voice dripping with mischief.

Dustin shot her a withering glare. "Shut up." His voice was indignant as he swatted her arm playfully, though his cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment.

"Hey, hey!" Victoria intervened. "Don't hit my sister." She looked at the redhead, holding back laughter. "Turn around..." She started singing, quickly joined by the younger girl. Dustin shot them a look of disbelief.

Dustin groaned, throwing his hands up. "Will you two ever let that go?"

Victoria chuckled, her voice full of amusement. "Oh come on, we're just big fans of your talent, Dusty."

Dustin crossed his arms, a challenge sparking in his eyes. "Yeah? If you're so confident, why don't you sing?"

Victoria raised an eyebrow. There was a beat of hesitation as the words hung in the air. She felt a flicker of something, maybe the drinks or maybe just the thrill of being challenged. Whatever it was, it spurred her to her feet. "I just might," she quipped back, throwing him a cheeky smile before striding towards the screen.