Richman High

Chapter 14: Part I - She Said Party

Mom's finally got the night off. Thank god.

I can't believe I'm back at this place. I look around for a doorbell but see nothing but fine sand lime bricks. How am I supposed to get in? I guess subconsciously agreeing to go and then physically saying that I am going dug my hole even deeper. How am I going to survive a five-hour birthday party without any one to talk to?

I get that Vince will be there but I don't want it to seem like I'm following him around because I have no one to talk to. I'm desperate. I'm desperate for a way out, for a party buddy and for a miracle. Yesterday's game is absolutely remarkable. Heath's team was vigilant and tenacious as ever but it seemed like the polo gods were watching both teams. A tie. I had hope for Spencer to meet me after the match was over but I was left with the caterers and set-up boys packing away the marquees and self-service bar. I don't know what has gotten into me. Whether it is an early mid life crisis or an epiphany of self-evolution but a part of me had a tinge of disappointment when Spencer and his team left the field.

"Kenna?"

Vince's voice calls from behind, "Vince!"

"What are you doing out here?" He eyes me with bewilderment.

"I couldn't find the doorbell so-"

"Just open the door and walk in." He reads off the invitation.

I search my clutch for my copy and read those exact words. Humiliation is all that I feel, to be standing outside a party that I'm already late to and wondering if I should go around from the back or just wait or someone to open the door.

"You look fabulous, by the way." Vince gives me a full body check.

A jumpsuit like this is too showy and too, how should I put this- young. I haven't dressed like this since the night Spencer and I got in the sack but even then, should I be wearing this to a party?

"Careful now, your gay-dar is showing." I remind him of his sexuality, "But from the looks of what you're wearing, I feel this is inappropriate."

He turns the handle in front of me, "Don't think about it. You look fine. If it's anything like yesterday, you'll be the only one standing out."

"That's nice-" I look away, not wanting the attention or the whispers of curiosity.

The first thing on my right is a place for our coats and personal belongings. I take in the strong scent of home lit candles and finger foods and wait for Vince to properly get his arm out of his blazer. This is no small gathering nor is it a birthday party. This surpasses business events. With slightly elder adults and the faculty congregating to one room on my left, the room on my right is filled with my English class and students I've seen here and there on school grounds.

"You actually bought the kid a present?" Vince nudges me.

"It's the thought that count, you ass." I poke his ribs.

"The kid is from a benevolent family. His life is lavish enough." He reasons with much emphasis.

Little does Vince know, that Spencer works extremely hard to get to where he is; to work for his place and to prove to his Dad that he is very serious about his future plans.

"How about we go network around the house and then we can get back to each other." I offer.

"Great idea, I need to look for a husband anyway." He sighs exaggeratingly.

I don't miss these types of parties. I don't reminisce about the atmosphere but I will admit to thinking back on how Luca and I would sneak off and have our own little fun. It was nice, just walking and taking in our surroundings. To have nothing to worry about but still have our minds on something. It was a familiar feeling that I haven't thought of in a while. To me, it's miracle that after everything I've done I'm still the same person with the same mindset when I was with Luca. I'm not sure if Luca is the same person that he is. He's gotten more desperate for what he once had but I don't think it can go back into place. It's long gone.