Forever

Chapter Fourteen

Dana sat at her desk, twirling a pencil between her fingers, when her phone buzzed. It took her mind off the mental rough drafts of how she would write out the interview assignment good enough to get an A. Then glancing over, she saw Chandler's name light up her screen.

Her heart did its usual flip, the one that still felt strange no matter how many times they'd texted in the last week. She unlocked her phone, already bracing for the jolt of adrenaline his messages always seemed to deliver.

Chandler Beckett
There's a party Friday night at Ethan's place. You should come.

For a moment, the words didn't register. She read them twice, then a third time, her pulse quickening.

Me? she texted back before immediately cringing. Of course, he meant her. Why else would he send the invite? She quickly typed a follow-up.

Dana Carter
I'm not really a "party" person.

Her phone buzzed again almost immediately.

Chandler Beckett
I know. That's why you should come. You're way more fun than you think.

Dana stared at her phone, biting her lip. Fun? She didn't think of herself as fun. She wasn't like Jessica, who could turn any room into her stage, or Lana, whose laugh was contagious enough to make strangers want to join in. Dana was quieter, more comfortable blending into the background. Staying put.

The thought of going to a party where she didn't know anyone made her stomach churn. But it was Chandler. He wanted her there. Wasn't that worth stepping out of her comfort zone?

She sighed, typing out her reply.

Dana Carter
Okay. I'll come.

His response came back instantly.

Chandler Beckett
Good choice. See you there. :)

Dana regretted saying yes almost immediately. By the time Friday rolled around, she had spent the entire day stressing over what to wear, what to say, and how to act. Her new wardrobe felt bland and prayed, especially compared to the kinds of parties Chandler's friends threw.

Jessica and Lana had come over to "help" her get ready, but their advice mostly consisted of throwing her closet onto the bed and telling her everything she owned was too boring. Ever since she started talking to Chandler on a consistent level, her trips to the mall slowed down.

"You need something that says, 'I'm cool, but I'm not trying too hard,'" Jessica said, holding up a green sweater that Dana knew she wasn't bold enough to wear.

"And maybe a little something that says, 'I might be here for Chandler, but I don't need Chandler,'" Lana added with a wink.

Dana groaned, flopping down onto the bed. "You two are not helping."

"Relax." Jessica tossed a sleek black skirt at her. "Trust us. By the time we're done, Chandler won't know what hit him."

The music hit Dana like a wave the moment she stepped inside Ethan's house. The bass thrummed in her chest, loud enough to make her ears ring, and the warm air smelled like a mix of cologne, pizza, and something sharper she couldn't quite place.

Jessica and Lana flanked her on either side, chattering excitedly, but Dana could barely focus on their words. All she could think about was how out of place she felt.

The living room was packed with people. Some danced in the center of the room, others lounged on couches, cups in hand, laughing loudly. She recognized a few faces from school, but most were strangers.