Eating For Two

Chapter Three - Party

It was Friday and school went by in the blink of an eye.

Reece drove Hailey and I home.

‘You don’t have to wait for me, Reece. Seth’s picking me up.’ I smiled as I walked up the porch.

‘Oh.’ Reece called from her car.

She gave one last wave and then she drove off.

I first ate a beef sandwich and then hurried upstairs to get done.

I had a quick shower.

After my body was clean, I straightened my hair and looked for a dress that would match the theme.

I couldn’t find anything, so I just sided with ripped denim shorts and an off the shoulder grey jersey. For shoes, I wore black wedges.

‘You look nice.’ Hailey said as I walked out of my room.

‘Thanks.’ I smiled. I think I actually blushed.

I heard Seth’s hooter and I smiled.

I hurried down the steps.

As I stood on the porch, I turned around.

‘Are you sure you’ll be okay, alone?’ I asked uncertainly.

‘Yes, Tia. I’ll be fine. I’m not a baby.’ Hailey laughed.

‘Keep the doors and windows locked. And I think there’s enough food in the fridge and wait until Lissa’s mom picks you up, okay?’ I said panicking.

Seth had apparently climbed out of his car and began whisking me away.

‘Hailey isn’t a baby anymore, Tia. She’ll be fine.’ Seth said in his husky, reassuring voice.

‘Seth knows what he’s talking about, Tia.’ Hailey smiled at Seth.

‘Okay, whatever. Hailey be home by ten!’ I called.

Seth was already pulling me towards the car.

‘Don’t party too hard, kids!’ Hailey yelled from the porch.

She smiled and waved from the porch.

‘Maybe we should wait until Lissa’s mom comes.’ I said uneasily.

The thought of my little, fragile sister alone in that broken-down house… it was too much.

‘She’ll be fine Tia.’ Seth patted my hand, keeping his eyes on the road.

My heart started to beat unevenly in my chest.

Seth’s warm hand on mine felt good.

Usually I wouldn’t even realize that it was there, but I did now. And I liked it.

I slapped myself mentally.

What was I thinking?

This was Seth for god sake. My childhood best friend. Why was I thinking that I had feelings for him, when I clearly did not.

All too soon we ended up at the party.

Loud music was bursting through the doors and windows.

Seth only removed his hand now, I noticed.

We climbed out of the car and headed towards the front door.

Inside, it was dark and warm.

The only light was coming from the glow-in-the-dark products that people were wearing.

One girl’s lips were painted a bright blue.

I was looking for my friends amongst the dancing bodies.