A Tall, Dark, and Gorgeous Mystery

Chapter Two

Last night was weird. Tyler turned his music off for me right when I went to sleep, then I got a text from my mom.

Mom: Staying out with Brent for the night. Be back tomorrow night.

She never stays out for the night. She always comes back. Weird.

"So," Ryan says, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"What?" I ask. I didn't hear any of his words.

"Are you going to Aiden's party tonight?"

Shit! I completely forgot about that. "Um..." I bite my lip.

"You forgot," he smiles. "It's okay. I'll take you shopping for a dress."

I smile. "Thanks, buddy."

I've always been friends with Ryan. He's like one of my girl-friends. He also has a great sense of style and I love it.

"After school. We only have five minutes."

Five minutes. School minutes go by so slow though. Ugh, I hate it.

I set my head on the desk and the bell rings.

Really? Right when I set my head down?

I get up and Ryan and I walk to my car. We get in and I drive to the mall.

**********

I walk down the driveway of Aiden's house. He and I used to be really good friends, up until he reunited with his brother and now goes to the school on the other side of the city.

I pull my dress down so it's passed my fingertips, but then the top goes down. I don't want a boob slip, so I pull it back up. Should've gotten the halter dress.

Ryan grabs my hand. "Not your first party," he whispers in my ear.

"I know," I smile.

We make our way to the house and walk inside. It reeks of sweaty bodies, alcohol, and pot.

I wrinkle my nose and find a seat. I remember coming to his house all the time in elementary school. I really miss him. We were best friends.

I look around. A large, hulking guy, walks over to me and sits down. He smells of alcohol and sweat.

Maybe he's like a Tyrannosaurus rex, I think. Maybe he can only see movement.

I sit still and keep myself from moving.

"Hey, babe," he smirks.

Damn! I really thought I was right.

I look out the window. I don't know this guy. Maybe he's from Waress High instead of my school, Watford High.

"Don't ignore me!" he shouts, grabbing my arm harshly.

"Don't be an abusive drunk," I spit.

He doesn't take notice of my smart remark. He just grins crookedly and looks at my face.

He could be good looking, if he sobered up.

"Please, let me go," I whisper.

"Is this guy bothering you?" I hear a deep voice from behind me. "James, I thought I said this girl was off limits."

James rolls his eyes. "I didn't know it was her."

Aiden flashes a smile. "Hey, Antoinette," he says. "It's been a while."

I grin wide. "I've missed you!" I tell him, hugging him tight.

"Me too," he says, hugging me back.