Run

Chapter Twenty-Three (part one)

RUN 

By Elissa Evenson

Chapter Twenty-Three: STACY

-three hours earlier-

I walked hand-in-hand with Mason. The party wasn't very far, and since Mason doesn't have his license yet, we just walked.

"You look very beautiful tonight." Mason complimented me. I could feel myself blush a little.

"Thanks." I muttered. I still didn't handle compliments very well. I mean, I just don't know what to say when someone compliments me.

He squeezed my hand lightly. "Anytime." I smiled. My leg was starting to hurt a bit, but I didn't let that dampen my mood. I was going to a party tonight, and I was going to have fun!

About five minutes later, we arrived at the party to find it was in full swing. People were milling outside with plastic cups in hand, there was a bit of litter on the ground, and music blasted from inside.

I found out that Mason's friend's, the one who was hosting the party, name was Jason. "Funny," I thought. "Their names rhyme!"

Mason walked me up the front stairs to the big house, and introduced me to a couple of his friends. I was still shy around people because it has been about three years since I've really talked to someone besides my sister.

"Hi." I said nervously in a small voice.

"Hey! How's it going?" A guy with sandy-blonde hair and blue eyes asked me. He was pretty cute, but I had Mason, so I shook these thoughts away.

"G-good." I stuttered stupidly. "Gosh darnit," I thought to myself. "I'm such an idiot. I act like such a dork sometimes."

"That's good." He said smiling. "I'm Andy by the way."

"Nice to meet you." I said politely. "I'm Stacy."

"Well it's nice to meet you too Stacy." He said nodding. "Say, I don't think I've seen you around before. Did you just move here?" Andy asked curiously.

"Yeah." I somewhat lied. "I just moved here."

"Ok, cool. Well I'm going to go inside, so I'll see you guys later."

"Bye Andy!" Mason said.

"Bye." I said.

"Bye!" Andy shouted as he turned to leave. "Maybe I'll see you around!"

"He seems nice." I commented.

"Yeah," Mason nodded. "He's pretty nice." He smiled at me and then took my hand. He led me inside, and the music grew louder. Mason led me to the kitchen where there was an assortment of food. I grabbed a handful of Lay's and munched on those. Mason grabbed some Cheetos.

I looked towards the living room, which was pretty big. There was a few colorful lights that flashed a variety of colors. There was two giant speakers in the corner of the living room, and there was a bunch of hot, sweaty teens dancing. Everyone looked like they were having fun.

"Do you want to dance?" Mason asked me, having to shout over the music. I nodded my head. He took my hand and led me to the "dance floor."

There was a pop song on that many people were dancing to. Suddenly I felt really nervous. I haven't danced in a while, so I'm worried that I'll look like a dork.

Mason still held my hand, obvilious to the fact that my stomach was flipping.

We were at the edge of the dancing teenagers. Mason started dancing and I reluctantly followed. By the end of the song, I was actually starting to enjoy myself.