Youth Group Popularity

Chapter 12 - A Party and a New Girl

Though Amanda was mad at me, I still went to the party. I didn't really want to go, but I didn't want Preston going alone. I didn't tell him about me and Amanda's argument but I'm planning to. I sat on the back porch of the house who I didn't even know belonged to. I was out here alone after I lost Preston and Lucas when they decided to wander away from me. Gee, thanks guys. Oh well, I didn't want to have fun when I felt guilty for even coming here.

Suddenly, I flinched slightly whenever I felt two hands on my shoulders. I looked up to see Lucas smiling down on me. He took a seat beside me with his legs indian style while mine were up to my chest. "Why the grim look?" Lucas asked me.

I shrugged and contiued to stare off into space. I really didn't feel like talking to him right now...

He gave me a nudge by leaning himself into my side and said, "Cheer up. What's wrong?"

I shook my head and said, "It's nothing... I'm just... I don't know anymore."

We looked to some teenagers, who were hooting and hollering loudly for some reason. We both tried to ignore them but they were so obnoxious.

"Do you want to talk?" He asked.

The crowd was growing significantly bigger and I was slightly annoyed that the somewhat 'peacefulness' of the party was tainted.

"Let's go somewhere else," He said, aggravation definite in his tone. He helped me off the ground and we went out the side gate of the backyard.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"For a walk," He answered simply.

He led me down the driveway that seemed a mile long. The house we were at was huge and the driveway was an attribute. I was kind of worried about leaving Preston there at the party alone, but I figured he'd probably hang out with Parker.

"Do you want to talk?" He asked again.

I stayed silent, hoping he would get the idea that I really didn't want to. "You know you can come to me about anything."

No, I can't.

"I know," I lied. "But you wouldn't understand because I can't tell you everything."

He stopped and grabbed me by the upper arms and turned me to face him. "Yes, you can. I'm not the same person I used to be. If you have something to say, I'll understand."

"But I can't tell you. It's not just about Amanda..."

"What happened between you and Amanda?"

"Just stuff. It's really not important. Well, it is. But insignificant to you."

"Is it boyfriend trouble?" He asked, ignoring my other statement.

"No, everything's fine," I answered honestly.

His raised eyebrows told me he was dubious of that statement. "You expect me to believe that?"

"What? It's the truth!"

"It doesn't sound like it," He snapped back as he crossed his arms.

I furrowed my brows at him then started walking away down the driveway.

"Elaine..." He said in a tone that told me he was frustrated with me. I ignored him and continued my way but he followed my footsteps which caused me to mentally groan. He was a few feet behind me when he asked, "What's wrong?"

"If you really wanted to help me then you would at least listen to me," I spat and continued walking.

"Okay, okay. You're right. I'm sorry."