Opposites Attract - Rhea Ripley

Chapter 9 - Another Party..

3 Weeks Later...

I had been invited to a party. While I usually hated them, I decided to go, to try and forget about Demi just for a few hours. It was hosted by one of my childhood friends, Zach. He, like Demi, was very outgoing, he just didn't have the same issues with socialising that I had, but he made me always feel welcome in his presence. The party was being held at his family's mansion, as he and his family were quite rich, and it was packed with people. The music was blaring, and the air was thick with the smell of sweat, alcohol, and vapes of all different flavours.

Zach was such a great friend of mine, so full of life, so bright. He helped me come out to my family a few years back, always supporting me along the way, with no judgement. He was there every time I cried over a girl, every single bit of drama. My sidekick, my partner in crime. It had been so long since I had seen him so I knew I had to go...

At the Party...

Zach came over and introduced me to some of his college friends, all of whom were very friendly and welcoming. I found myself in a nice conversation about a new movie that had just come out, and before I knew it, I had lost track of time. The music changed from pop to rap, and the energy in the room seemed to shift as more and more people joined the dance floor. I caught sight of Zach dancing with a group of his friends, laughing and moving effortlessly to the beat.

I poured a drink and I remembered meeting Demi for the first time, at a party just like this. While she and I were on good terms, it still felt as if a part of me was missing, in Australia with her. I took the drink and chugged it down, hoping to forget for a moment how much I truly missed her. As I put the glass down, I saw a girl looking my way. I just smiled and nodded my head. But she came over, shit.

She was clearly drunk, swaying from side to side as she walked over to me. Her lips were painted a bright shade of red, and her blonde hair was pulled back into a messy bun, several strands of it falling out and framing her face. Her dress hugged her curves in all the right places, revealing her long, toned legs. As she reached me, she extended her hand, her grip surprisingly firm despite being drunk.

"Hey, I'm Poppy." She shook my hand, then slowly patting my back.

I tried my hardest to give my social anxiety a back seat, but no, it was all out, front row, "Uhm, hi. The names Sasha."

Oh... why the fuck did I say it like that? I was so nervous, I just made it worse, "Nice name, Sash." She replied.

Sash, fuck. Everything was reminding me of Demi, even the silly nickname. I tried to shake it off.

"So, Poppy, what you doing at a party like this?" I asked, hoping to keep the conversation going. I didn't want her to think I was weird or anything.

"I could ask the same thing, you obviously look a little nervous and antisocial." She giggled, the sound of it surprisingly cute. It made me smile in spite of myself. "But seriously, I'm here with some friends. I'm not much of a party person, but I figured I'd come and try to loosen up a bit. You know, be social and all that." Poppy poured herself a drink.

"Yeah, I ain't a party person too. I guess I'm here to forget about someone in my life for a few hours.." I looked down, suddenly feeling uncomfortable talking about Demi, she wasn't here so it felt wrong of me.

Poppy chuckled, a bit too loudly. "Ah, the old 'forget about my ex.' Well, you're in luck, because I'm here to help you forget!"

She wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me into a tight hug. Her breath was warm against my ear, and for a moment, I felt a pang of guilt for being so open about Demi, while she was not here. I was not much of a hugger, only for certain people. So this Poppy girl was already making me feel a little uncomfortable. But she was friendly, I guess...