𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐃𝐄 , ᵒᵇˣ

ii. chapter two ⭑

𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐃𝐄
𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 1,2,3,4
𝘫𝘫 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘹 𝘧𝘦𝘮! 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳
— @𝐟𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 | 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

The atmosphere of the party was lively, and the bass of the music pulsed through Eleanora's chest—syncing perfectly with her excitement. She felt completely at home. A smirk spread across her face as her gaze landed on Jackson across the room, surrounded by cheers as he shotgunned a beer.

Sarah slipped away in search of Topper, leaving Eleanora alone. Beginning to weave around the partygoers, she made her way to Jackson as he crushed the empty can and tossed it onto the table.

The crowd near him erupted with cheers and laughter, but his focus shifted towards her. "Hey," he said softly with a demeanor change. As his voice cut through the noises, his eyes remained locked on hers.

"Had a drink yet?" Jackson asked, his voice was calm but laced with a soothing charm. He steadied himself with both of his hands resting lightly on her arms, eyes still locked on her.

"Have you?" she teased, her tone dripping with amusement. Without waiting for an answer from him, her eyes flicked around the room before back to him, "The party's nice, though. I don't think Rose Cameron could top this for Midsummers, even if she tried."

Her sarcasm was clear as day, but Jackson, who was ever oblivious, didn't catch on. "Atta girl!" he called out enthusiastically, giving Eleanora a rough pat on her arm.

Eleanora nodded slowly, humoring him for a moment before watching his hands drop from her arms. Jackson's attention quickly shifted to someone else whom he planned to bother—leaving her relieved, but with a faint smile.

Scanning the crowd briefly, Eleanora didn't spot any of her close friends. Sighing, she made her way to the drink table, which was overfilled to the brim with red Solo cups. They each were packed with some mystery liquor.

Grabbing a cup, she tilted it towards her lips, expecting something light. Instead, the beer was sharp and bitter, catching her off guard and making her cough loudly.

"You good? Shit, sounding like you've never had a drink before," Rafe said, appearing in front of Eleanora. His expression had undertones of teasing, but he spoke with edge—like he was already annoyed to be talking to her, or being at the party.

Rolling her eyes, Eleanora took another sip; swallowing it smoothly and without a cough. "Didn't think I'd see you socializing. The coke corner not working for you anymore?"

Rafe's smirk faded for a moment, narrowing his eyes at her. "I don't do that shit at Jack's parties. He'd give me hell for it." His comment raised confusion out of her.

Furrowing her eyebrows, Eleanora placed her cup down on the table beside her. "Oh, because hustling is actually a problem now, Rafe?"

His expression hardened and jaw tensed, obviously annoyed by her comment. Crushing the empty cup in his hand and tossing it recklessly to the ground, he gave her a smirk.

"You're an animal," she muttered, gathering her cup and beginning to walk away.

"Takes one to know one," Rafe yelled out behind her, watching Eleanora disappear into the crowd—rubbing his hand through his hair out of frustration.