The Ripple Effect

2

It was a short walk to the party that we had been so graciously invited to by some of the exclusively popular senior boys.

Of course Maisy and I weren't stupid, we both knew the only reason we were invited was because we looked like easy targets to them. Although we were only one year behind them in school, being a 'senior' at Lake Heights High seemed to come with a compulsory cocky attitude and a reign of supremacy upon the rest of the school.
"So what's our escape plan tonight A?"
I looked to Maisy, and started processing possible scenarios.

"Well, Simon Peters invited us so he's obviously number one suspect to try with us first."
Maisy's eyes lit up at his name and I rolled mine in retaliation.
"No Maise, I get that you think he's drop dead gorgeous or whatever but please not him, he's been with half our year and I don't want you to join that list, he's nothing but trouble."
"But I like trouble"
Maisy looked at me, almost all of her hope for Simon gone as a glared my silent response to her.
I know I was harsh but I had nursed Maisy back from heartbreak for months to get her to this stage and I wasn't going to let someone like Simon Peters destroy that. 

"I'm joking A, I'm not looking for anything right now, that's why I asked you our escape plan."

I breathed a sigh of relief, although I wasn't entirely sure I believed her, I saw the flashes of hurt spark through her eyes.

"Well if something goes wrong call me and we'll meet out the front, I'll keep my phone on me and do not loose yours again Maise, you scared the crap out of me last time when I couldn't find you."
As Maisy was agreeing with me we arrived on the steps of a house of what could only belong to one of the obnoxious, over privileged boys at our school. Excitement rose as I heard the music.

Let the fun begin.

We smiled excitedly at each other as the music blasted through the house and voices carried from out the back into the night sky.

Maisey pushed through the double front doors, almost unable to contain her excitement and I followed suit, grabbing the door. The music surrounded me and a song by the Chainsmokers consumed my ears as I looked around at all the people drinking, talking and dancing.

 There were a group of people on the couch, who had taken it upon themselves to roll up and smoke. A crowd spilled over the dance floor and into the pristine green backyard, complete with a pool and deck entertainment area illuminated by lanterns.

I had to admit, it was nice.

Some people were sitting in the open dining area, chatting and drinking, while anther group were trying to help a boy who had clearly had way to much to drink.

White staircases led to a second level in a spiral around the circumference of the round room, I continued walking around for a while, sipping vodka and talking with Maisy, taking in the scene.
We walked around into another entertainment area to find it full with people who all seemed to be having a good time.

A gang of lean looking seniors crowded over and around a table, I recognized some from the school's basketball team. Curiosity took over and I started towards them when one half of the table suddenly roared and cheered in obvious triumph, jumping back into each other with congratulatory gestures and high fives.

Ah. Mystery solved, beer pong.

Maisy was behind me and a plan had started hatching in my mind.

We needed more alcohol before we could really party.

I turned my head to the side enough so I could see Maisy but still keep an eye on the game of beer pong at hand.
"Maise, how much vodka do we have left?"

Maisy smiled sheepishly and pulled out an almost empty bottle.
"I had to share plus I may or may not have drank a lot at your house."