Out Loud

Twenty Four

-Grayson-

Rex disappeared into a crowd of people in the backyard. The rest of us stood in the living room and scoped out the house, hoping that Elliot wasn't here. Miranda and Lexi deemed it safe for us, which meant we could finally cut loose and let out all of the frustrations of the past week.

"Lexi and I are going to talk to some boys," Miranda laughed, "we'll catch up with y'all later!"

The two of them weaved their way into the mob and evaporated from our sight. Levi and Jamie danced in the living room while Eli and I snuck off in search of drinks, or a quiet place. So many people were already wasted, I felt bad for all of the drunk girls who go tricked into sleeping with some creep. If I could do something about it I would, but that would mean shutting down the party and potentially being killed by all the perverts trying to score. Eli and I walked past a girl stumbling with some disgusting college guy. I felt sick to my stomach, but maybe she's his age and their dating? There's no way that's possible, she looked too young.

"Maybe they've got sodas in the garage?" Eli said as he dragged me through the waves of people. I clutched his hand tighter every time I saw some pervert eyeballing me.

The worst part about not being able to talk was going to parties like this. Miranda practically forces someone to stay with me, I can't scream for help after all.

Eli and I found our way to the garage and pushed our way inside. Several others were in there too either making out or searching for another drink. We stood there awkwardly as the people started to clear out, some were startled that they were caught and others just wanted to get back into the party. I rummaged through the fridge for a few moments before giving Eli a disappointed look.

"That's alright, we'll just go thirsty," Eli laughed. A familiar voice called out from the hallway and Eli snapped his head in it's direction.

We stood and listened for a moment, then it was there again.

"Did you hear that?" he asked, I nodded, "that sounds like Elliot."

I felt horror surge through my body, of course she'd be here. Why wouldn't she be here! We need to either avoid her, which will be impossible because she's probably looking for us, find Rex, which will be impossible without running into Elliot, or leave, which is also impossible because the limo won't be back until much later.

"I'm going to go and talk to her," Eli said as he ran out into the hallway.

Wait! I tried to yell, nothing but a squeak came out. Eli was too fast, I couldn't grab him before he was out the door. There were too many people around, I couldn't pick out Eli. Everything started spinning and I became nauseated by the overwhelming feeling of anxiety forming in my stomach. I backed up into the garage again and just paced back and forth. I quickly whipped out my phone and tried to text Miranda.

Grayson: help I don't know where Eli went...

There was no response. So I tried again.

Grayson: Miranda please help. People were eyeing me earlier. I'm scared.

Three guys I recognized from earlier stumbled their way into the garage. One had a slight limp, and the others walked like they were buzzed but not drunk.

Grayson: I'm in the garage. Some guys just walked in.

I let in a shaky breath and put my phone back into my pocket. The guys hadn't seemed to notice me yet, I'm probably just overreacting. Why would they want to hurt me anyways?

I suddenly felt very exposed, maybe I should've worn a real shirt. I started to make my way past the guys before one of them stopped me.

"Here by yourself are ya?" one of them said with a perverted smile, "don't worry sweet thang, I'll keep you company."