ShapeShifter

2

We stepped out, greeted by sleeping bodies littering the lawn. Already? It's not even that late.

"Your first parties are always the best. You're going to have so much fun Ash!" Claire gushed, linking my arm in hers. We stepped onto the porch & opened the door. Everything intensified. The bass flooded out the door, the thumping notes lost to the air. I gasped, shocked at how many people were piled on the dance floor.

"Let's have some fun!" Claire yelled, dragging me through the sweaty bodies. "You wait here, I'm going to get us some drinks." And she disappeared into the sea of bodies.

I took this opportunity to take in my surroundings. It was a beautiful house. Very big and spacious, colorful too. The bass notes intensified and a loud scream went through the house. I shook my head. Vegas people know how to blow things way out of proportion. The music was starting to make my head throb, so I turned to find an exit of some sort. I glanced around, looking for my escape when I spotted a rather large entry way. Maybe it's the kitchen?

I made my way over there, pushing through the people, occasionally saying sorry as I elbowed some people.

Finally I broke through the crowd & into a huge dining area. I looked around, snorting as people occupied the table with beer pong.

"Chug it! Chug it! Chug it!" Some voice urged. I turned, walking away from their game. I sighed in content as I came across a stunning pair of French doors that led outside. I pushed open the door taking in a breath of fresh air. I walked down the steps and gasped in envy of these people. Their house led right into thick, dense, bright green trees. A forest of some sort. I looked up letting out another gasp. The stars were so bright out here. I reached my hand up, almost swearing that I could touch the stars. I grabbed my hair, tossing it onto my back. It was a bit cold, so I tightened my jacket around me.

I made a move to sit down, when I heard a strange noise. I tilted my head, hoping I would hear it again and silence answered me. I started walking towards the trees, clutching my jacket tighter, when a large whoosh of some sort came from above me. I quickly glanced up, hoping to see something, but came up empty handed. Great. I'm probably going crazy. I shook my head, cast another longing glance at the stars and turned around to head inside when I ran into something, or better yet someone.

I let out an audible 'ooof' as I hit the ground. I turned to meet the hard gaze of a very attractive man, with no shirt on. He had slightly tousled brown hair and eyes that seemed to change colors. Wait, his eyes changed colors! From a beautiful violet, to an ocean blue, to a bright forest green. He seemed frustrated. I dusted myself off and stood up. I opened my mouth to speak, but he beat me to it.

"You shouldn't be out here alone. Especially at this time of night." His voice was deep, and very throaty. I cleared my throat before speaking,

"You're not my mom, so I can do what I want." I crossed my arms. I could've swore he growled slightly, causing the faintest of shivers to race down my spine. He smirked.

"This is my house." Oh. Way to be friendly Ash, I scolded myself.

"Well in this case, I'm sorry." I chuckled hoping to lighten the mood, and it worked. He cracked a bit of a smile.

"Here, let me show you back inside." And he placed his hand on the small of my back, and led me back to the house. We walked silently through his yard, till we reached the porch. "Here you are dear. Your party awaits." I didn't notice that he had some sort of accent until now.

"Thank-" I turned around and he was gone, like he never was there in the first place.