The Chemistry of Us

Chapter 6: A Halloween Night to Remember

Evelyn stood at the edge of the party, adjusting the black witch's hat perched on her head, her arms crossed as she glanced around the crowded living room. The thumping bass of the music vibrated through the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of everyone around her. Jason's Halloween party was in full swing, and it seemed like half the school had shown up. The house was dimly lit, illuminated by string lights shaped like pumpkins, with fake cobwebs hanging in the corners and an inflatable ghost swaying in the breeze by the open door.

Britney was already in the middle of the action, dancing with a group of their friends, her own witch costume glimmering with sequins as she twirled around. She had been right—matching costumes had been a good idea. They'd even gotten a few compliments when they first arrived, though Evelyn felt more out of place than ever.

She hadn't wanted to come. Not really. The tension from home still weighed heavy on her, the echoes of her parents' latest argument ringing in her ears. But Britney had insisted, and Evelyn had caved, hoping maybe a night out would help her forget everything for a while.

But it hadn't. Not really. She'd spent the last hour lingering at the edges of conversations, sipping from a red plastic cup and trying to avoid thinking about how awkward it would be to see Derek.

She hadn't even noticed him yet, though she knew he was here. Britney had pointed him out when they'd arrived—leaning against the far wall with his friends, dressed as a pirate, complete with an eye patch and a plastic sword hanging from his belt. She hadn't had the nerve to say hello, though. After all, he probably hadn't thought much about her outside of their tutoring sessions. He was nice, sure, but he wasn't exactly known for being close to girls like Evelyn.

Still, she couldn't deny the little flutter in her stomach when she thought about him. There was something about Derek—his quiet confidence, the way he smiled at her when he didn't think anyone else was watching—that made her feel a little off-balance.

"Ev!" Britney's voice cut through her thoughts, and Evelyn blinked, turning to see her best friend bounding over. "Why are you standing over here all by yourself? Come dance with us!"

"I don't know..." Evelyn hesitated, glancing at the packed dance floor. "I'm not really in the mood."

Britney pouted, tugging at her arm. "Come on! You can't spend the whole night hiding in the corner. You look amazing in that dress. Derek is totally gonna notice."

Evelyn flushed, shooting Britney a look. "Brit, stop."

"Okay, okay, I'm just saying," Britney said with a smirk, but before she could pull Evelyn any farther, someone bumped into them from behind.

Evelyn stumbled forward, catching herself against the wall as a tall guy in a vampire costume grabbed her arm.

"Hey, sorry about that," he said, his breath smelling faintly of alcohol. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Evelyn said, pulling her arm free as politely as she could, but the guy didn't seem to take the hint.

"You wanna dance?" he asked, leaning in a little too close with one of his hands grabing her hipp.

Evelyn stiffened, trying to take a step back. "No, thanks."

"Aw, come on," he insisted, moving even closer, his grin too wide, too forced. "It'll be fun. Just one dance."

"I said no," Evelyn repeated, her voice firm, but the guy only laughed, his other hand grabed her arm a little too tightly this time.

"Hey!" Britney stepped forward, trying to intervene, but the guy barely glanced at her.