Its crazy what you do when your in love

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CHAPTER 2: REGRET

Malikai observed the four friends engaged in a conversation from a distance. He deliberately refrained from getting involved. Once Derek and Jayden left, Malikai approached the girls and watched as the boys wandered away.

"What was that about?" he inquired.

Maria suddenly became animated, jumping with excitement. "He invited us to a party he's having at his house tonight!" she cheered. Rihanna glared at her and giggled.

Malikai's face displayed a concerned look. "Rihanna, you're not going to go, are you?" he asked. Before Rihanna had a chance to respond, Maria interjected, "Of course she's coming!" which made Malikai appear slightly distressed.

"It's Derek's party. Are you sure it's safe? He'll probably have drugs and alcohol there," Malikai argued.

"That's the best part about going to Derek's party!" Maria exclaimed.

Rihanna could tell from Malikai's expressions that he felt uncomfortable with them going, so she placed a comforting hand on his back. "You think Maria and I aren't fine on our own?" she reassured.

"Not if Derek's there... I don't trust him," Malikai mumbled.

"We will be fine," Maria concluded. The bell rang, signaling that they had to go to separate classes for this period. As Malikai walked to his class, he overheard Derek and Jayden's voices from behind him. Derek nudged him on the shoulder, turning him to face them. Derek softly handed an invitation to Malikai.

"Be there," he demanded, walking away with Jayden following closely. Malikai walked into his class and read the invitation. The time, 7:00 pm to 12:00 am, stood out to him. He knew he could attend without his parents finding out. He wasn't fully committed to going, but he thought he'd feel more comfortable with Maria and Rihanna there.

During the first break, he joined the girls at their table. Maria hadn't stopped talking about the party. He overheard the girls planning how to get there without getting into trouble, and they settled on an idea Maria had come up with in her class with her friend Ellie.

Later on, Rihanna and Maria followed Maria's friend, Ellie, into Ellie's twin brother's car, Elliot. They had all planned to go to the party at the time it began. Elliot stopped by Malikai and offered him a lift home and a ride to the party later. Malikai kindly declined the offer, assuring them that he would see them at the party.

When Malikai got home, he quickly packed his parents' meals for work and waited for them to leave shortly after. He then went up to his room and messaged Rihanna, "Can you wait out the front for me when you get there? Unless I show up before you," he messaged. She responded quickly, "Sure thing." Her message was marked as read.

Malikai set his phone down on the table and stood up, stretching. He rummaged through his wardrobe, looking for a warm jumper to wear, knowing that this party was nothing fancy.

Malikai left for the party, his unease growing as he approached Derek's house. Upon his arrival, he spotted the girls waiting outside, From a distance, he observed Maria's lively excitement, her jumping and dancing around catching his eye. He approached the two, offering friendly greetings before they all ventured inside.

Inside, the house was charged with music and energy. Maria wasted no time in scanning the room for the alcohol and drugs, and when her eyes locked onto them, she seized Rihanna's arm, pulling her through the crowd to the table. Malikai tried to follow them, but the sea of dancing bodies obstructed his way. Maria filled cups for herself and Rihanna at the table. Initially, Rihanna had declined the offer, but Maria insisted, saying, "Come on, Rihanna, just have one!" Rihanna rolled her eyes but giggled nervously, "Alright, maybe one won't hurt," she relented. They sipped their drinks leisurely, and soon, Maria joined the lively dancers on the floor. Rihanna chose to remain behind, finding a comfortable couch to relax on.