The party was everything I'd planned and more-an extravagant celebration of my success. The Jones mansion was alive with energy, music thumping through the air, and almost everyone from school was there. It was a night to remember, a night where I was the center of attention.
As I moved through the crowd, accepting compliments and laughing with my friends, I felt a familiar thrill. This was my world, and everyone in it adored me. Well, almost everyone.
Sam wasn't here, of course. Why would she be? She was safe where she belonged-chained to my bed, out of sight and away from the people who despised her. Bringing her here would have been a disaster. They would have mocked her, belittled her, and she didn't deserve that. No, it was better this way. Besides, this was my night.
Maya found me near the refreshments table, handing me a glass of punch with a sly grin. "Hell of a party, Scarlett," she said, raising her glass in a mock toast. "You've really outdone yourself."
I smirked, taking a sip. "Of course I have. Would you expect anything less?"
Maya laughed, leaning in closer. "Speaking of outdoing yourself, can we talk about how no one clapped for St. Onge at graduation? That was brutal."
I couldn't help but chuckle at the memory. "I know, right? Poor little Sammi, standing there all alone. It was almost... sad." My smirk widened. "But, honestly, what did she expect? She's a nobody."
Maya burst out laughing, the sound loud and carefree. "God, Scarlett, you're terrible."
I shrugged, pretending to look innocent. "Just telling the truth."
The night carried on, the party reaching its peak as more people arrived. I caught sight of Jake weaving through the crowd, his eyes lighting up when he spotted me. He looked good-too good, honestly. But as he approached, I felt nothing. No excitement, no butterflies. All I could think about was Sam, waiting for me upstairs.
"Scarlett!" Jake called, grinning as he reached for my hand. "Come dance with me."
Before I could respond, he pulled me onto the makeshift dance floor. The music was loud, the crowd buzzing with energy, but I felt a dull ache of irritation as Jake spun me around. His hands lingered on my waist, his grip too familiar, too possessive.
As we danced, my eyes wandered to my parents. They were in their usual spot, dancing together in their own little world. Daddy held Mom tightly, his hand resting possessively on her lower back as they swayed to the music. Mom looked as nervous as ever, her body stiff in his arms, but she didn't resist. When Daddy leaned down to kiss her cheek, I saw her flinch slightly before offering a weak smile.
It was almost funny-watching them, knowing how similar we were. Daddy had Mom wrapped around his finger, just as I had Sam wrapped around mine. The thought made me smile.
Jake pulled me closer, interrupting my thoughts. "Scarlett," he said softly, his voice filled with an annoying kind of sincerity. "I'm so proud of you. You're incredible, you know that?"
I forced a smile, nodding politely. "Thanks, Jake."
He leaned in, his lips brushing my ear. "I love you, Scarlett."
The words sent a shiver down my spine-not the good kind. I couldn't do this anymore. Not with him.
Pulling away, I grabbed his arm and led him off the dance floor, away from the noise and the crowd. His brow furrowed in confusion as I stopped in a quiet corner of the garden.
"Jake," I began, crossing my arms. "We need to talk."
His face fell, and I could see the realization dawn on him. "Scarlett... what's wrong?"
I sighed, keeping my tone steady. "This isn't working anymore. You and me-it's just... not right."
"What?" His voice cracked, and he took a step closer, his hands reaching for mine. "Scarlett, don't do this. I love you."
I shook my head, pulling my hands away. "I'm sorry, Jake. But I don't feel the same way."
He stared at me, heartbreak written all over his face. "Is it someone else?" he asked quietly. "Is there another guy?"
I almost laughed at the absurdity of the question. "No, Jake," I lied smoothly. "It's just... I need to focus on myself right now."
For a moment, he looked like he might argue, but then he sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I don't understand, Scarlett. But... okay."
I placed a hand on his arm, offering him a small, pitying smile. "You'll be fine, Jake. You're a great guy."
He nodded, his jaw clenched, and turned to leave. As I watched him walk away, I felt nothing but relief. He was out of the picture, and now, everything could go back to how it should be.
Returning to the party, I found Maya waiting for me, a knowing look in her eyes. "So... that looked intense," she said, raising an eyebrow.
I shrugged, grabbing another glass of punch. "It's done."
Maya smirked. "About time."
The rest of the night passed in a blur of laughter, dancing, and congratulations. But through it all, my mind stayed on Sam. When the party finally wound down and the guests began to leave, I couldn't get upstairs fast enough.
As I entered my room, the sight of her waiting for me-small, vulnerable, and undeniably mine-made my heart race. Locking the door behind me, I crossed the room and sat beside her, brushing a hand through her hair.
"Did you miss me, Sammi?" I whispered.
She didn't answer, but the way she curled into my side was answer enough.
This was my world, and she was at the center of it. Forever.
