Beneath His Mask

Chapter 1- The Dreaded Party

I attempt to gracefully plop down on the raft in the bay, but I dramatically fail and end up flailing my arms and splashing water everywhere. 

I grew up in Virginia around an overground pool, and that's really it. I have seen the ocean and bay a few times years back, but thats as good as it got.

As I settle down on my raft, I look up at my aunt who has just retrieved drinks from her mansion of a house. Gosh, I should have come here way sooner.

I study the shape of the house that has been "risen", as they call it down here, to prevent flooding and all that. It's a pretty grey color with black features here and there. The second floor balcony leads to my room, which is so big I may have gotten lost in it, truthfully.

"Here you go, missy," Aunt Vicky says, handing me the alcoholic beverage. My mom would actually have a stroke if she knew what I was up to right now. I can hear her voice echoing in my head; put sunblock on! What the hell are you doing with that beverage? Why are you wearing such a revealing two piece swimsuit? Mind your manners, Reagan! Help your aunt for God's sake!

"Thanks," I say, flashing a smile in the process. "Ahhh, you are so lucky to live here year round; so are all of the other people on this gorgeous block," I note aloud.

"Have you met the neighbors?" Aunt Vicky asks me, swirling her straw around in her drink. She has a mischievous look on her face that makes me stare at her a little longer.

I glance over the small white fence to the neighboring houses. I haven't seen anyone outside yet- that's odd. It's such a nice day here, and if I was here all year I would be outside every day.

"I haven't met anyone yet, why?"

And just like that, like it was on command, a sliding glass door opens in the distance and I see a cluster of people skip down the stairs of the house. Curse near-sightiness, I think to myself. If there was a time I would wish for perfect vision it would be now.

Among the figures I strain to see a few guys and girls who appear to be my age, maybe older. I crane my neck to observe further.

"Oh, it's so on. I'm corn-hole champion. That is a huge mistake of yours to challenge me," I hear a masculine voice say among the others.

"Aw, how cute of you to think that you can actually win," I hear a feminine voice reply.

I see a few coolers on the deck, which I assume holds alcohol... and by craning my neck around the fence, I can see the rest of the backyard is littered in empty bottles and broken objects, probably from the night before.

I glance back at my aunt who is studying me intently. Did she not tell me that there was practically a frat house next door?

"Tonight's agenda- you're going to the party," she says to me, probably preparing for my reaction.

"Tonight? Woah, I like, just showed up to town and I don't know anyone... so that's probably not a good idea. I'm not a good drunk either, did I mention that? Let alone being in front of a whole bunch of hot guys to embarrass myself... not uh..." I say, mumbling to myself, now in fear.

I stare back at my aunt and see her burst into laughter. "God, kid, your mom's got you on a tight leash. You're going."

And just like that, she holds her argument, because four hours later we're all dressed up and ready to head over.

"These kids really know how to party," my Aunt Vicky explains to me through straightening her hair. "It makes me feel like I'm young again.

"I supply the booze for them sometimes so they give me a free pass in, but I've never really showed up to the bangers. But don't think I'm there to embarrass you, missy; I'm dropping your little ass there to party, getting you buzzed, then leave."

Damn, I really do have the most fun aunt in the world.

Scowling, I pick up my clutch and observe my outfit in the mirror. I really am being dragged into this party, but I still need to dress nice.

 I am wearing a black maxi-skirt with a white crop top and black sandals. I feel so beachy right now... like I can fit right into this place.

I touch up my hair, which has been thrown up in a messy bun.

"Alright," my aunt says to me as she unplugs her straightener. "Let's get this show on the road!" She grabs my arm and leads me outside through the laundry room door as we enter the neighbor's property.