If I hadn't promised Tyrone I'd attend his parents’ party, I wouldn't be there. Considering what happened yesterday, I felt that it wasn't a good idea to be at a party. Especially after discovering the worst part. I had to get out of bed, take a shower, and put on something casual tonight. I borrowed a few things from Laurel including what I'm wearing tonight. I went with a simple plain black dress, paired it with a maroon coat and black stiletto heels with a ribbon on top of it. I'm not into accessories so I chose to only wear this necklace I got with Laurel before. The one with a C pendant.
“You ready to go?” Laurel is waiting at the door, while I'm still pondering about tonight's events because I have this feeling that tonight won't go well for me. I can't ignore the fact that my thoughts are making me sick. I'm just really grateful that for the first time in my friendship with Laurel, she made me feel so much better. With Sam not really talking to me right now, I needed someone close to vent to. He didn't even say a word to me last night when he brought dinner to my room, he just knocked and forced a slight smile. I hate thinking about it now because he never pretended with me.
“If you're not talking to each other, please atleast pretend everything's fine. The last thing we want to show Tyrone's family right now is any tension between you two.” Laurel reminded us as soon as we got in the car. “And honestly, I dont want that. So just think of me, okay?” I intentionally sat in the backseat instead of my usual spot in the front with him.
“We're fine, Laurel. You're just really being dramatic.” Sam suddenly said when I didn't expect him to.
“Trust me, you wouldn't want to hear all the reasons on why you're both so awkward with each other right now. It's like when you first started hanging out, I wish I could erase that image in my head.” After what she said, the ride to the party was completely silent, except when Laurel decides to suddenly break the silence because I know how much she hates it.
After 20 minutes of listening to Laurel's nonstop comments about certain cosmetic brands and Sam not saying a word, my anxiety increased until we finally arrived at the location. It was clear that all the cars parked outside belonged to the party guests. When we got out of the car people greeted us with warm smiles. At first I thought they were only smiling at us, but it turns out these older folks are just simply genuinely nice. I wouldn't describe his parents' house as spacious, but judging by the number of people coming in they seem to have many friends. “I’m most excited about the food, I'm starving. I hope they didn't reduce the amount of food because of the grandmas and grandpas.”
“My head is already spinning.” I said and gave her a faint smile.
“We literally just got here!” She murmured in a high voice.
People are gathered with drinks, laughter echoing around and some kids sitting at the living room filled with pouts on their faces. I think their parents dragged them here. Two waiters served us drinks, including lemonade and wine. I picked up the lemonade and once I took a few sips from it, I never knew how thirsty I was that I'm already halfway done drinking it. It was clear that Laurel took the wine and suddenly vanished from my sight. I was left standing with Sam in the middle of guests when he swiftly consumed his drink and grabbed another glass. Now I couldn't bring myself to finish my drink after watching him drink so quickly. It's unexpected but I don't blame him for letting me see this other side of him. “Cari!” I quickly turned to see Tyrone waving at me.
“Finally.” I spoke softly to myself and headed towards him with his parents beaming when they saw me.
“Hey, you look nice.” Tyrone placed his hands on my back and gave me a brief hug. “Mom, Dad, you know Cari.”
“Look at you, I haven't seen you in such a long time. I've always known you would grow up beautifully.” Flor, Tyrone's Mom greeted me with a warm smile and kissed me on both cheeks. It's a sweet kiss she gave me and for someone her age, she has great taste in perfumes too.
“It’s good to see you, Cari.” Arthur also offered me a quick hug and there I realized how much Tyrone and his Dad look almost the same, if his father didn't have a mustache I bet people would start calling them twins.
“Uh, this is a lovely house. Happy Anniversary to you guys.” I said with a slightly awkward smile. Tyrone's family has always been genuine. Since childhood, I've never been able to figure out how to act around them. “I can't see Laurel around and I really need some air.” I quietly said to Tyrone while his parents were greeting other people.
“Come on, you'll love the view upstairs.” We went up to their second floor and stepped onto a spacious balcony overlooking the beautiful night sky. The wind brought a slight chill that made me shiver despite having my coat on. We can see from up here the pool they have downstairs, where guests are mingling and having drinks. On our way here I felt the peaceful atmosphere of this neighborhood and honestly, it's making me consider moving here permanently. “Where’s Sam?”
Tyrone asked, standing behind me, “I-I haven't seen him.”
“Didn't you arrive here together?”
“Yeah, but. . . we went our separate ways to get drinks and I haven't seen them after that.” I hope he doesn't sense that I'm lying because explaining my situation with Sam hurts too much.
“It's impossible that you lost each other. You guys don't just easily separate. Is everything okay?” I let out a deep sigh and finally turned to face him. This is when I noticed his black long-sleeve shirt, perfectly paired with a white tie and plain black bottoms matching his shoes. I just realized that we're both dressed in all black right now.
“I’ve said things that I regret saying. That's why we're not really talking right now, but we'll get there.” This is fine, I'm talking to someone and it may not be Sam but atleast it's a good friend. “I hurt him.”
“Did you apologize?”
“I-I did. Or atleast I tried—”
“You did say sorry. Whatever it was, it's not your fault.” Perhaps he's right because a bad memory triggered my anger and I had every reason to be mad, but he could also be wrong since I know Sam was just trying to help me. “Why don't you just relax? It's a party, after all.”
Tyrone walked over and rested his hands on my back to comfort me. “I hate it when we don't talk. It's like, there's a missing part of me. We've never argued, not even once.”
“Here’s what I think, you wanna get out of here?” I looked at him for a few seconds, unsure of what to say. I'd like to say yes considering I don't handle parties well especially after last night, and I'm not really okay right now. It's heartbreaking knowing there's a horrible memory of witnessing your loved one’s death inside your head. No matter where I am, it will always stay with me. “I’m here for you, Cari.”
The next thing I felt was Tyrone's lips meeting mine and I was startled by how his face drew near. I tried to move, but we were both rooted in place perfectly still. I wasn't feeling anything but shock and embarrassment. After that ten seconds it was interrupted when someone grab Tyrone from behind and landed a punch on his face. “I knew you came back for this! To help her so you could fool her!” After one punch Sam caught his shirt and was about to hit him again when Tyrone pushed him to the ground.
“Who do you think you are coming into my house and attack me as if you own her?!”
“Oh my god, stop! What's going on here?” We all turned to see Laurel covering his mouth with both hands and then rushed towards me. “You okay?” I couldn't move my head. I wanted to nod but I couldn't because I know everything that just happened is far from okay. The kiss, the fight, none of this is okay.
“Ask him! He's the one who started this.” Tyrone's lips were slightly bleeding from the punch as he pointed at Sam.
“We both know what happened, Cari knows it. Don't put on a good act now.”
“Cari, tell them. Nothing happened, right?” I'm now looking at Tyrone who's panting, expecting me to say something. The only thought in my mind right now is that if I say he kissed me without warning, things will only get worse. I want to put this behind me and focus on myself.
“I’m fine. Let's just forget about this, okay? Please, nothing happened.” Just like that, Sam turned his back on me and walked out. He's never been this furious before.
