𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐒

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟗

I knocked on the door, hearing loud music blasting. It took a few moments, but the door swung open and a random guy opened the door, analyzing us, and then letting us in.

"Hey! Welcome!" He yelled out, and we stumbled in. There were LED lights going on a rainbow setting, loud music blasting, and red solo cups littered every surface. I pulled out my phone, and texted 'Party Guy' that I was here. I watched as the text changed from delivered to read, and he texted back he was coming to the door and to stay put. Suddenly, Party Guy ran up to me, grabbing my hand, and waving to my friends.

"Hey! Do you want to get some drinks and then dance?" He asked. Although he asked if I wanted to, he was already leading me towards the kitchen and pouring me a drink.

Before I could even decline the drink, he shoved it in my hand and waited for me to drink it. I quickly threw the cup back, gulping down the drink. I winced, and he poured more into my cup. I looked up at him, and smiled.

"I'll just carry this around, drink it little by little." I said, and we both nodded. Grabbing my hand again, he led me towards the living room, and started dancing with me. I was laughing as we danced, as I was genuinely having fun with him.

Eventually, Lila and Amara joined us on the dance floor, and we were all having a great time. I kept drinking from my cup as we partied. Eventually, all 4 of us decided to take a break. I began chatting with Lila and Amara, as he left to grab us all drinks.

"Sooo.. how's it going?" Lila asked, giving me a look. I smiled, rolling my eyes.

"Yeah, pretty good! I'm genuinely having fun with him. It's kind of crazy that if we hadn't gotten hungry, I wouldn't have met him." I joked.

"Yeah! Thanks to me getting hungry." Lila responded with a smile.

"Anyways... What about you guys? Have you guys met anybody yet?" I asked, looking at both of them. They both shook their heads.

"No, we kind of just came here for the vibes, honestly. I'm not really looking for anybody right now." Amara said, "I've got my eyes on somebody else!" She laughed.

"Yeah, me too!" Lila added. I felt my heart drop as I watched Amara side eye her, and roll her eyes. I tried not to make a face though, and smiled.

"That's good for you guys! I really hope this ends well, with this guy. I kind of like him a lot, he's been really energetic and sweet so far." I grinned, and Lila and Amara both nodded their heads in agreement.

Party Guy suddenly appeared behind us, holding 4 cups. He handed them out to us, and we all clinked cups and gulped down our drinks. Suddenly, we all began coughing.

"What the hell is in this?!" Amara exclaimed.

"Yeah! My throat is burning!" Lila yelled, coughing.

"It's just stronger! You're not used to it!" Party Guy explained between coughs. "Not even I am yet!" He added. I began laughing, and we all did.

While Amara and Lila were distracted laughing, I felt him tap my wrist, and whisper in my ear.

"Do you wanna get out of here?" He asked, with pleading eyes. I felt anxious suddenly, but there was no way I was going to say no to him. I was starting to really like him. I nodded, and he grabbed my hand.

We slipped away quickly, and he led me outside. I felt a cool breeze as we exited. It was so silent I could hear our feet crunching in the grass, and the crickets chirping.

He led me to his car, and my stomach dropped. In my head, I was really hoping this wasn't what I thought it was. I had been with guys before, but I didn't feel comfortable in this situation. As I paused, he looked back at me.