Wrong Number

11

Lismery's POV

I got out of the shower and started getting ready. I was so nervous about this damn party. I don't do parties; I barely even go out. Oh god, is it too late to cancel?

"Don't even think about canceling," Gracie said, turning me around. My best friend was already giving me that look.

"Why not? You know I hate parties. I don't do crowds or loud places. I hate everything about them," I whined. I really couldn't do this.

"Dude, you're meeting Aaron. You've had a crush on her since middle school. Besides, if you cancel now, it's way too last minute." She was right. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

"But I don't want to," I kept whining. Gracie rolled her eyes like she always does whenever I back out of plans. She knows I hate meeting new people.

"Come on, you don't even need to talk to anyone. You just have to find Aaron," she reminded me.

That was true. I just needed to find Aaron.

"You're right. I don't need to talk to anyone. Just find Aaron." Yes, that's it. I can do this. Once I find Aaron, I'll be okay.

"Your Uber's here, Lis," Gracie said, glancing out the window.

I took a deep breath. I got this.

"Okay, wish me luck," I said, stepping out the door.

"Good luck," she smiled.

20 minutes later

I just arrived. I thanked the Uber driver and stepped out. I stood frozen outside the house, scared to go in. Fuck, is it too late to turn back? No, it's definitely too late.

Why did I agree to this? I can't back out now. Fuck it — I'm going in.

I walked up to the door and stepped inside.

The place was packed. So many people. Holy shit.

I wanted to run, but instead, I pushed through the crowd, searching for Aaron.

No sign of her in the living room.

I made my way to the kitchen — just people drinking and making out. Gross.

I took a deep breath and pushed through the crowd again, desperate to find Aaron. Then I saw her—by the big window, laughing and talking close with someone else.

My heart stopped.

It wasn't just anyone. It was Alexis.

They looked so comfortable together, like they belonged.

A sudden wave of jealousy and hurt crashed over me. I froze for a moment, unsure if I should say something or just run.

Before I could think it through, I turned on my heel and pushed back through the crowd.

My chest felt tight. My mind was spinning.

I didn't belong here.

Not with them.

I burst out the front door, gulping in fresh air, trying to steady myself.

I needed to get out. Fast.

I leaned against the cold brick wall outside, heart hammering so loud I thought everyone inside could hear it. The night air was sharp against my skin, but it didn't calm the storm inside me.

Why did it hurt so much? I told myself I was over Aaron. That I didn't care anymore. But seeing her with Alexis—laughing, touching—like I was nothing... it shattered something inside me.

I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans, trying to breathe. I felt like a fool for thinking this party could change anything. Like maybe, just maybe, Aaron was different.

But no. This was real life, messy and cruel.

I had to get out of here. I didn't want to watch them anymore. Didn't want to pretend I was okay.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. Probably a text from Gracie checking in.

I ignored it.

I wasn't ready to explain this. Not yet.

Maybe never.