Natalie isn't usually the type of girl to go to a "team gathering" party, or whatever this is. The thing is, she's not the type of girl to do anything including Charlotte Matthews.
Charlotte Matthews, rich girl extraordinaire, is yet again, throwing another party. This time, it's Van Palmer who asks her to go, not the usual Jackie Taylor. (Little did she know, Jackie was just busy, and got Van to do the dirty work for her)
The minuscule chance of going disappeared as soon as she found out the party was going to be at the Matthews household.
She pondered the invitation, her mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. The Matthews mansion was synonymous with opulence and extravagance, a world so distant from her own. She couldn't fathom why Van, of all people, would want her to attend.
Of course, she went, for Van.
van palmer
shit really? 7:02 PM
nat
yeah it's whatever 7:03 PM
van palmer
damn, natalie scatorccio going to a lottie matthews party? anyways, picking u up at 8 7:06 PM
b ready 7:06 PM
nat
oh fuck off 7:08 PM
Van wasn't lying, of course she wasn't.
"God fucking damnit Turner, why is your horn so loud?"
"Dunno, came this way. Get in."
Tai and Van, who would've thought. I mean almost the whole team figured it out weeks ago, but still.
"We have arrived!!"
Van has a horrible British accent.
"Get out, c'mon."
"Holy shit? I never knew her house was this big, what the hell?"
I take a minute, looking at the huge manor in front of me, and recognize the tall figure that opens the door,
Charlotte Matthews.
She grinned,
teeth showing and everything,
I never knew she had such sharp canines.
"Am I seeing things or is Natalie fucking Scatorccio actually here?"
Her grin got even bigger.
I don't understand how she's so,
happy,
all the time.
It's confusing,
"Come on, come on, it's cold out."
I don't like things I don't understand.
In the midst of it all, Jackie Taylor approached Natalie, a sly grin on her face.
"You made it, huh?"
Jackie remarked, clearly amused by the sight.
"Whatever, I'm here now, what are we doing. Is there alcohol?"
As she navigated the lavish surroundings of the Matthews mansion, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being out of place.
The opulent decorations and grandeur of the place contrasted sharply with her own modest background. She wondered if she was the only one there who felt this way, amidst the sea of affluent partygoers.
Charlotte's vibrant personality and seemingly boundless enthusiasm were on full display as she ushered the group inside. Natalie observed her interactions with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment, unable to comprehend how someone could maintain such an exuberant facade. As they moved further into the mansion, Natalie's skepticism only deepened.
Jackie's sly grin and casual demeanor caught Natalie off guard, but she was determined not to let it bother her. She responded with a nonchalant shrug, masking the uncertainty that still lingered within her. The question about alcohol was a stark reminder of Natalie's initial apprehension, she needed a drink.
The grandeur of the party was a spectacle in itself, from the elegant decor to the extravagant refreshments. Amidst the laughter, music, and conversations, Natalie noticed fleeting moments of genuine connection and camaraderie, reminding her that human experiences could transcend the boundaries of social class.
Van's presence continued to anchor Natalie, providing a sense of familiarity amidst the strangers from her school. Their shared interactions and inside jokes served as a lifeline, helping Natalie navigate the sea of unfamiliar faces. At times, she caught Van stealing glances her way, a reassuring reminder that she wasn't entirely alone in this foreign territory.
Natalie's encounter with Charlotte marked a turning point in the evening. The two engaged in a surprisingly candid conversation, discussing topics that transcended the superficiality of the party.
"I still can't believe you came, like you're actually here right now"
I lose my cool when she steps in the room-
"Not like it's, weird, or anything, just a little surprising."
and I get so excited, just from her perfume-
"Yeah whatever, do you have any alcohol?"
electric eyes that you can't ignore
"Oh! Yeah, in the kitchen, help yourself."
and passion burns you like never before-
i was in search of a good time,
just running my game, yeah.
love was the furthest,
furthest thing from my mind.
