Coyotes and Wolves, Milo Manheim Original Story

Truth or Dare

POV: Milo

The party was at the house of one of the backup dancers in the musical. I think her name was Kayla, or Kendra...I don't know, but the entire cast and a bunch of people from school were going. I'm always a little worried about things like this with Estella, I don't want her anxiety to spike when we're there. But, at least her theater geek friends will be there too--so maybe that'll help her to feel more comfortable.

I've sworn off drinking for a while after that last party disaster. I don't need a repeat of that night. So, I'm good about being DD. 

We walked into whatever her name's house was, and it looked like it was already bumping with a weird assortment of Canterbury Hall seniors. I was surprised how many different cliques were there, but there's not much to do in this town, so it makes sense that it'd be crowded.

The house wasn't as full of swag as Chrissy's was, but it was still a pretty sweet set up. Lots of places to chill and hangout, food and drinks everywhere, random kids hooking up in every corner, you know--pretty standard. I kept an eye on Estella, mostly because I couldn't help it, she looked so damn cute in her white dress, with her hair and make-up all done up for the show. My little fairy Princess. She kept catching me staring, and she'd scrunch her face and giggle under her breath, but pretended not to notice. 

"Do you want a drink?" I asked, leaning closer so she could hear me above the music.

"Sure." She replied with a nod.

"What do you want, baby?" I continued, walking towards the kitchen island and picking up a plastic red cup.

"It...it doesn't matter. Whatever is fine." She uttered, indecisively.

I searched her face and she bit her lip.

"Baby, you can have a drink if you want." I sighed, with an eye roll and a knowing smile. "You don't have to feel weird about it." 

"I know." She voiced, with a hint of insecurity. 

"I only got mad that one time because you lied about it and hid it. But, it's all good if you want one now." I explained, encouragingly.

"Rum and Coke." She requested, dropping pretenses with a pointed look. "Please."

"You got it, Princess." I replied, with a wink.

We walked around a little and settled on a couch. In the room there were three couches all set up in kind of a circle, and some of her friends were hanging out in there. I hadn't seen Eric and Delilah yet, but I figured they'd be here eventually. Miguel, Jordan, and Cassidy were wandering around somewhere. 

Estella waved awkwardly to some people and sat down next to me sipping her drink.

Damn, she looked beautiful. 

"Oh, sorry. Guys? This is Milo." She gestured towards me, before pointing out two girls and a guy on the other couch. "Milo, this is Kat, Andrea, and Quentin."

Oh! That's Quentin. I suddenly put it together that this was the guy whose house she was at that time.

He was Asian, and he had kind of punkish-- spikey black hair, with blue tips. He was wearing a black shirt with a bunch of weird neon colored shapes on it and black cargo shorts. 

Definitely emo and a theater nerd. I didn't see any real threat, which made me feel a little better about her hanging out with him. 

The two hippie chic girls waved and said hello. He gave me a nod, but his face didn't move. 

Estella leaned over and muttered, "He's a man of few words."

I nodded in acknowledgement, and waved casually to them.