UNMASKED.

chapter 3.

things started to look a bit better for him as the night went on. as the party continued, carter became more comfortable. he even took a drink or two, allowing himself to relax a bit. all sorts of activities unfolded, from drinking games to dare-devilish challenges. people were making out, dancing and having fun. while he was more reserved than some, he did his best to be a little adventurous.

the night grew increasingly crazier as people started to become more inebriated. some of the more daring folks jumped into the nearby pool, while others did some pretty reckless tricks inside the house. by the time the clock struck midnight, the night had become a full-blown halloween party. the music blared loudly as people danced around, wearing costumes ranging from the ridiculous to the frightening. with a beer in hand, carter looked around at all the different costumes, feeling a little out of place with my homemade costume.

wearing a cardboard knight costume, carter felt a little bit ridiculous amongst all the elaborate outfits. everyone else had put so much effort into their costumes, making his look like a kid's project. however, he didn't let that stop him from enjoying the party because he was still having a good time, enjoying the music and the overall atmosphere.

with a slight buzz from the alcohol, carter began to relax and loosen up. before long, his inhibitions were starting to slip away and he was becoming more open to doing things that would normally scare him.

as he moved through the crowd, carter began to catch glimpses of chad with various girls, seeming to flirt and joke with them. meanwhile, he remained on his own, enjoying the music and the atmosphere of the party. however, as he took a sip from his beer, a familiar sense of loneliness crept up on him.