The Virginia Threat

13. The Party

Stephanie's POV

"Okay, we seriously need to go shopping." I say. "I mean, who the hell still wears turtlenecks?!"

"Uh, me."

I turn to face Marsden, my eyes being drawn to the outfit that I picked out for her. The girl has the worst taste in fabrics and colors known to man. Aside from that, I was somehow able to put a decent looking outfit together—I dressed the brunette in a plain black tank top, the soft fabric hugging her curves perfectly. A pair of baggy denim jeans hang low on on her waist, exposing the waistband of her boxers. Staying on the safe side, I picked out a pair of black sneakers for her.

The outfit is simple as fuck. Believe me, I know. However, this outfit took me thirty fucking minutes to find and put together.

Thankfully, she had accessories that I could work with. I picked out a silver chain with a cross pendant on it, a few chain-linked bracelets, a pair of silver hoop earrings, and numerous rings for her to wear as well. When I finished styling her she looked ten times better.

"And that's the problem." I roll my eyes at the girl.

I turn to make my way into the party when I feel a hand grasp ahold of my exposed wrist. Confused and slightly frightened by the sudden action, I stop and turn to face the brunette. I immediately notice how her eyebrows are pulled together with worry, her teeth nervously biting at her bottom lip—making the body part turn red from the abuse.

I take a mental note of her unusual skittishness—Wait, is she nervous?

"Wha—What about my hair?" She stutters.

I raise an eyebrow, "What about it?" I ask.

"It doesn't look weird with the outfit?"

My eyes move away from her worried emerald ones to connect with her long brunette hair. Her long hair is currently clipped up with a black claw clip, appearing much more formal than her outfit does. A tight hum falls from my lips at the sight.

Realizing that Marsden may have a point, I take a step closer towards the girl. I ignore the sharp breath that she inhales the second that I move to stand even closer to her. I reach both of my hands up to remove the claw clip from her hair, watching as her long brown hair tumbles down her back in soft waves. My fingers move to tousle her hair. I do this a handful of times before quickly removing my hands from her now messy hair. I take a step back when I am satisfied with the way that it looks.

"There," I smile and toss her the clip. "Now just act like it's intentional and no one will notice."

I turn on my heels, purposefully flipping my hair as I make my way towards the overcrowded house. My steps are filled with immense confidence and borderline excitement. It has been so long since I have been to a party—Well, technically, it's been six days. You get the point though.

The moment that I enter the house I feel as if I am back home in California. From the blasting music, to the smell of sweat and alcohol, to the flashing lights—It all reminds me of home.

Quite a few people greet me as I make my way through the house, practically strutting through it. I greet them back with a large smile. I feel a million times happier just being here. I knew that I made the right decision by choosing to attend this party.

"Slow down." I hear Marsden's voice from behind.

I scoff, entering the dimly lit kitchen, "I'm in six inch heels and I'm walking faster than you." I point out.

I maneuver around the mediocrely-sized kitchen. Both Marsden and I's kitchens are significantly larger than hers, but I digress. I grab two disposable cups and fill the both of them with vodka and cranberry juice, filling them with more alcohol than juice.