Lies In The Dark

Pro Tip: Don't Find Your Missing Best Friend... Dead

Poppy:

The bass of the music vibrated through my bones, and the energy in the room was electric. Everywhere I turned, someone was either laughing, dancing, or shouting above the blaring music, and I was all for it. The mansion was packed with familiar faces from school, but it still felt like our space, our night. I couldn't remember the last time I had this much fun.

"Come on, Poppy!" Emma yelled over the music, dragging me toward the kitchen. She was still rocking her bikini top and butt shorts, a linen shirt hanging open and fluttering with her every step. I laughed at her carefree energy and let myself be pulled along, my eyes scanning the room for Mel. "Mel!" Emma called out when she spotted her, standing near the counter, drink in hand and chatting up some guy I didn't recognize.

Mel waved her hand, beckoning us over, her sleek black dress clinging to her figure like a second skin. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back as she raised her glass with a grin. "You bitches finally made it!" she shouted.

"Not a chance we'd leave you alone with him," I teased, nodding toward the guy she was talking to, who quickly disappeared when he realised he was outnumbered. "Poor guy."

Mel shrugged, throwing her arm around my shoulders as she leaned in close. "He was boring anyway. So, who's ready to get trashed?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "I think Emma's halfway there," I said, gesturing to her with a grin. She was already fixing herself a drink, mixing what I could only guess was vodka with the bright red punch that had been spiked the moment we arrived.

"Oh, I am way beyond halfway, babes." Emma smirked, stirring her drink with a straw before handing it to me. "But don't worry, there's plenty left for you!"

I took a sip and almost gagged. "Holy shit, Emma! How much vodka did you put in this?"2

"Enough to make sure you have a good time." She winked before grabbing another cup for herself, downing the punch like it was water.

I shook my head, a grin tugging at my lips. Classic Emma. Always making sure everyone had a drink in hand and no one's cup was ever empty. But that's why I loved her. She brought the energy and the chaos in equal measure, and nights like this wouldn't be the same without her.

We grabbed our drinks and headed back to the party, weaving through the crowd of dancing bodies. The mansion was huge, but it felt packed. I could barely hear myself think over the music and the excited chatter of everyone around us.

In the middle of the living room, Tessa was showing off her surprisingly impressive dance moves, her brunette hair bouncing around her face as she twirled and laughed. She spotted us and waved us over. "Come dance with me!" she called, her cheeks flushed from either excitement or the alcohol—probably both.

Emma, Mel, and I joined her, moving to the beat of the music. I let the punch fuel my movements, my body swaying to the rhythm as I danced with my best friends. We were a mess of limbs, laughter, and carefree joy. For a moment, everything felt perfect.

"You girls are killing it!" Jake's voice boomed as he approached with Liam and Colton in tow, each holding their own red Solo cups. Jake threw his arms around Emma and me, squeezing us in a drunken hug. "Best. Party. Ever!" he shouted.

"I aim to please!" Emma grinned, raising her cup to Jake in a mock toast.

Colton leaned against the wall, his eyes on Mel, and I could tell she noticed. The way her smile faltered just a bit and how her eyes darted over to him before quickly looking away—it was subtle, but I caught it. I nudged her with my elbow, raising an eyebrow.

"What?" she whispered, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Oh, nothing," I said innocently, taking a sip from my cup. "Just noticing how Colton keeps staring at you."