glitch

chapter five - the call out

I managed to hang out in the bathroom for a good five minutes before boredom started to get to me.

That, and somebody knocked, effectively scaring the shit out of me. They startled me so badly that I never actually said "occupied!" or whatever you're supposed to say when they knock on your bathroom door.

Once the stranger walks away, I cautiously open the bathroom door and peek out. Thankfully, I don't see anybody, so I decide it's time to head back outside to my parents. I can only pray that nobody senses that anything's off...

Just to make sure, I smooth out my suit before finally stepping out into the hallway and out to the patio.

It's probably just me being paranoid, but I feel like everybody is staring at me the second I start to near my family's table. I keep my eyes forward, determined not to look at everyone around me. If I look paranoid, then I will start to attract stares.

Once I sit down, though, I risk a glance toward Lucas and the Alphas.

And all three of them are staring right back at me.

Lucas quickly ducks his head when our eyes meet, looking intensely at the tablecloth while the Alphas continue to watch on. I'm next to avert my gaze, shrinking back in my seat, and it's then that my parents catch on.

"Theo? Why are the Alphas suddenly so interested in you?" Ma asks slowly, her brows raised high. "What did you do?"

I sputter at that, all but pouting at her. "Ma! Why do you always assume I did something?" I grumble, crossing my arms.

Ma purses her lips. "I love you, darling, but usually you have done something."

"Well, I didn't this time!" I all but squawk, avoiding Ma's incredulous look, and Dad sighs as he pats Ma's shoulder.

"I think we can worry about this later. Dessert's coming soon," he mutters, leaning closer to her, and I mouth a silent "thank you" for trying to distract her. I fully believe that Ma would've kept arguing if the final course wasn't being brought out, just as Dad had said.

For as long as everyone has a plate in front of them, I'm spared from their scrutinizing curiosity. Though, I still feel the Alphas' stares, burning holes into me and sending an annoying tremor to my hands.

So much for not being noticed.

———

The closer the ball gets to wrapping up for the night, the more dread pools in my stomach. The Alphas' unwavering attention toward my family's table during the final course drew everyone else's eyes, as well. Before I knew it, it felt like every movement I made, however minuscule, was being dissected.

I'd been in the shadows so long that being under a metaphorical spotlight had me itching to run.

As the partygoers around me say their goodbyes and head off, I almost think I'm going to be able to get home without further incident. I busy myself with stacking the tableware as my parents mingle close by; I really don't feel up to any more socialization. All I want to do is get home and crash.

I hear Ma shuffling over to me, and I look up to give her a little smile. "Hey, Ma, are we about ready—"

"The Alphas," Ma whisper-shouts at me, patting my arm repeatedly in a sudden surge of excitement. "They're coming over!"

Sure enough, when my eyes shoot over to the Alphas' platform, I find all three of them walking over, their expressions stern.

And so, commence "panic mode."