Ms. Popularity

8 | Party

It's a few hours until the party and I'm a complete mess. I feel nervous and jittery, like I do before an exam. And that never ends well! I'm going through the clothes Chloe gave me, trying to decide what can make me look 'hot' but not so I push it to much. I really want to call Tori, Erin, or Jessica for help. But I told them that I'm hanging out with Chris, so I could have more time to think this over, but I regret this decision now. As I said before, I'm a complete mess. In about 2 hours, Isaac will be here to pick me up. I quickly go shower and wash my hair, lightly curling it. I manage to dig out some dark wash skinny jeans and I pair it with a white long sleeve shirt, that I make sure is tight enough. For shoes, I put on heels, requested by Chris himself. I hate heels just as much as I hate Harper so I make sure they aren't too high and painful.  Overall, i feel like I've done a good job on my outfit, but you can never be too sure. I shoot Erin and Jessica a quick text, who reply that I look damn good.
When Isaac knocks, I'm shaking with nerves. I grab my leather jacket, it's not too chilly for December just yet and I walk out - trying not to alert my mother.
"Hey, did I keep you waiting?" I ask, sliding into the passengers seat.
"Nah, you're here now." He says and turns onto the road. We sit in silence, but my thoughts are rushing a hundred miles per minute.
"Z, why are you so nervous?" Isaacs voice breaks me out of my daze and I turn my head at him, trying to comprehend what he just said.
"Hey, you finally made it. You look like a nervous wreck." Beaux's voice loudly interrupts.
"Gee, cause that what every girl wants to hear." I mutter, finding my voice.
"Let's go, Chris' already inside." He says, opening the car door and walking off.
"Don't worry, you look great." Isaac reassures and walks off after Beaux.
I take a deep breath, smile. And try to prepare myself.

It's late and I'm uncomfortable. So far, I've been offered 9 drinks and Chris has accepted them all. Downing a couple himself or just shoving it into the hands of some passerby. Harper is still shooting daggers, which turn into sickly sweet smiles when someone is looking.
"You need to loosen up, it looks like you don't wanna be here." Chris says as quietly as he can, which is pretty loud from the blasting music.
"I don't, actually." He chuckles and places a red plastic cup into my hands.
"I'll be back." And he's gone, and alone and uncomfortable again.
The music is blaring too loud, pounding at my skull and vibrating through my body. Everyone is either semi-sober or completely drunk. Numbers of objects have been shattered and broken, but no one seems to mind. It's dark out and the lights are occasionally shut off for stretches of time.
"Zoe!!" Jessica and Erin's voices surprise me.
"Hey, you having fun?" I say, giving them a huge smile. They're both giggling at a very attractive boy, attention completely averted from me.
"I've been looking for these idiots." Tori says, stalking up to join us - ignoring wolf whistles and calls from the drunk party guests.
"I thought they weren't gonna drink!" I exclaim, realising that two of my best friends are not in their right mind.
"Someone spiked the lemonade. Immature," she sighs and steadies Erin, "I'm gonna take them back to my place - Aria had a magic anti-hangover drink that'll help."
"Let me just find my coat and I'll come." I'm eager to have an excuse to get out.
"No, you should stay. Keep an eye on Lowe. You don't want you're boyfriend alone, and most likely drunk, at any of Blacks parties."
I promise to see them tomorrow and I'm without company again. It's late and I want to leave. I'm scavenging the house for Chris but Harper blocks my way.
"I didn't think you'd make it this far." She observes with her lips pursed and head tilted.
"What do you mean? I can handle a party." I smile back, trying incredibly hard to hide my frustration.
"You know what I meant, honey. It's time for you to leave."
"Is everything okay here?" Isaac asks, coming to my rescue - something he's been doing quite a lot.
"Hey, have you seen Chris?" I ask, not taking my eyes of Harper.
"He's looking for you, you okay?" He asks, completely ignoring Harpers glare.
"I just want to let him know I'm leaving."
"Yeah, sure. I can drive you."
"That'd be great, thanks." I turn my back and start to walk away.
"You know, with how you two act around each other. With this much it could be you two dating." Harper calls but we ignore it.
I find Chris talking, more like flirting, with a new girl on the cheerleading team. I roll my eyes, knowing I should've expected as much. But there's something inside me, this tugging feeling deep down that makes me want to scream at her. I don't know what it is but it gets stronger and stronger the longer I look. Am I jealous? No. No, that's impossible! I yell at myself in my mind This is Christopher Lowe we're talking about. He's an ass!
"Beaux was right, you do look like a nervous wreck. Only really, really, really angry." Isaac says.
But Isaac's nice. And he's cute. Really really cute.
I try to shake off my thoughts, remembering that I had also drunk some lemonade. This clears me up a bit, "Yeah, um, I'll just grab Chris and then can I meet you out front? Great, thanks."
Without an answer, I rush off towards by supposed boyfriend and the girl who is acting too friendly. She's very pretty, tan and blonde which makes me feel insecure.
"Babe!" They both jump at my voice, which turned out louder than I thought it would, "I've been looking everywhere for you. I want to go home."
Why am I doing this? I should just let him score this entire plan up and then I'd be free!
"Right, yeah, let's go," he puts an arm around my shoulders, steading himself without trying to show it.
When we're out the door, I push him off of me and give him a disapproving look.
"What?" He asks, I scoff and head towards Isaacs car.
When we've reached Chris' house, I want to get far away from him as possible. But instead I walk in after him, thanking Isaac and promising to see him tomorrow.