Shadows & Stars

Chapter 5: Mystery man.

***a few days later***

~Henry's POV

It's finally Friday and I got up early to finish an extra curricular activity for history. I don't need it but I enjoy getting extra marks to round up my grades. I checked the weather app to make sure I can dress as I wish to, since the universe clearly has it out for me when I dress in my slutty outfits. Even though the weather apps are unpredictable, I trust it this time. 

I put on tight short pants with a normal length t-shirt, and my favorite shoes to match the outfit. I finished by styling my hair and brushing my teeth. I've decided to walk everyday because it gives me time to think on my own without my father playing his fossil music and me pretending to enjoy it. All I do now is put in my air pods and walk at a good pace, thinking about everything.

I haven't seen that guy since the last time when he gave me his jacket. I do still think of him a lot though. I guess you can say I've developed a crush, but it seems odd since I've only seen him twice. Every time I walk back home I get a little hope when I walk past the area where he bumped into me...Twice. 

Me and Eloise have grown to like Zachary. He's a pretty cool guy. To this day I try to set him up with Lucas but he continues to decline. Eloise and I have helped him catch up on some work and he worked his way into our friend group. Him and Eloise's personality's are literally the same. They both hate people to say the least. He has gotten quite popular with the teachers because his grades are very good, and for some reason gay people just know how to communicate with teachers. That's a fact.

I got to school, and was met by Zachary and Eloise. We walked together and obviously eyes were following us. We soon split up to get to our lockers and I saw Lucas waiting at mine. "Hey Henry." Lucas spoke in my direction. "Hey!" I replied. "How's your day so far?" He asked. "Hmm, no one has groped my ass yet, so pretty good." I chuckled. "You're really not gonna let that go, are you?" He laughed. "Until it stops being fun...nope" I smiled. 

"C'mon please! I feel so bad." "Fine..." I replied with a smile. "So to what do I owe the pleasure?" I asked. "Oh yeah. I'm having a party at my house tomorrow and I would like for you to join." "I don't know Lucas...I don't want to be around your 'Jock' friends." "No you can bring Eloise and that new guy Zack as well. And it won't just be me and my friends, there will be other people from our grade. Oh and some of my friends from another school." He  looked at me with those puppy eyes again. "Please Henry I'd love it if you could join." "Fine..." I pushed my lips into a thin line.

My people pleaser ass could never say no, but this party might be fun. It'll take my mind off things. After school I messaged our group chat that consists of me, Eloise and Zachary. 

"Hey guys! Party at Lucas's house tmr. You in?"

Eloise was the first to reply. "Sure, It'll be nice to just take a break."

Then Zachary. "I'm down!"

"Great it starts at seven but we can go a little later, cuz I don't want to be early💀"

Eloise: "Ugh you trying to act all mysterious and nonchalant again?😑"

"You're to good at reading minds😂" I replied.

I slept in this morning because I don't want to be tired at tonight's party. The time came where we had to start getting ready. We all met at my house since I lived closer to Lucas. "Hmm I think I'm going to dress slutty." I grabbed a few clothes from my closet. "You know everyone is going to stare at you again?" Eloise spoke. "I think he likes the attention." Zachary lifted his shoulders. "Yep!" I continued to choose an outfit. 

I put on extremely short denim pants that ended just below my butt, paired with a white crop top and my favorite shoes. "Damn Henry, you look great!" Zachary exclaimed. "Thanks." I said. Eloise just rolled her eyes.

We got into Eloise's car and drove to the party. We arrived at about eight o'clock. There was loud music blasting through the windows and people were scattered everywhere. We got out and went inside. Everyone was already borderline drunk. We went to the kitchen and got something to drink. "Henry you made it!" Lucas shouted through the music. "Hi Lucas!" I tried speaking. 

The night continued and people were dancing and making out around every corner. I enjoyed myself dancing with Eloise but lost track of Zachary. All of a sudden my heart sank. It cant be. The guy that bumped into me. He just walked through the door. He was with two other people. I just stood there and stared at him. A few seconds later he saw me. I quickly looked away, hoping he didn't see me stare. 

I rushed to the kitchen as I could feel my face tint red. I poured myself another drink and felt my aura get smaller. "Hey there." A deep voice spoke in my direction. I looked up and it was him. The 'mystery man'. "Hey you." My stomach swirled. He stared at me with those same eyes as the other day. "You gonna say anything?" I spoke with a whirling voice. I'm trying to be mysterious, but he's better at it. "Hello?" I tried again. 

All of a sudden I heard Zachary shout. "Don't touch me!" Followed by him pouring his punch out on Lucas. I rushed after him when he ran out the door, completely forgetting about the 'mystery man'. When I got outside I saw Zachary sitting on the curb. "Hey Zach. You okay?" I asked in a soft voice. "Do I look okay?" He said in a bitch voice. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude." He followed. "Want to talk about it?" I asked trying to comfort him.

"Lucas came up behind me and grabbed my ass!" His words flew to my ear. I sat there in shock. "I mean, does he like touching people? He did it to you and now he did it to me. He's such a pervert!" I don't know how to reply. "Damn. I'm sorry Zach, I really thought he was a good person." "It's not your fault, he's just a dick." He replied. "Do you want me to get Eloise then we can take you home?" I asked. "No it's alright. My brother is on his way to pick me up but thanks." His brother pulled up in a black car and drove off when Zachary got in.

I stood up and went back into the house. Lucas's white shirt was now red stained with punch. "There you are." A recognized deep voice spoke. "Oh hi. Sorry for storming off I just needed to help my..." He put his finger on my lips. "Come." He demanded then took my hand.