How To Love

Chapter One

Chapter One

I watched my best friend, Sarah, slide out of her sleek black BMW, already slightly tipsy. I straightened my skin tight black mini dress and tried to fix my already messy hair. Sarah threw her jingling keys into her small clutch and grabbed my sweaty hand. 

"C'mon!!" she singsonged, trying her best to run in her high, hot pink pumps. I groaned, not wanting to actually go through with this. Muffled music from the party blared out from the huge house as we weaved our way through the hundreds of cars in the drive way. It thumped through my chest, not helping my nerves one bit. Sarah looved to party. She attended a minimum of two parties per weekend. I, on the other hand, hadn't been to a party since last year. I was too shy for parties, and to be completely honest, I didn't know how to 'grind' if my life depended on it. I was too embarrassed to ever try. Not to mention how the furtherest I've ever gone with a guy was a hug. I rolled my eyes at how pathetic it all sounded. I was sixteen, going on seventeen, and never even kissed a guy before. 

We finally reached the door and I took a deep breath. Sarah opened the door as if it were her own home, and waltzed right in. A girl I recognized from a neighbouring school in the area shrieked and ran up to Sarah.  

"I haven't seen you in fuhever!" The girl slurred her words, spilling some of her drink onto my arm. Without saying goodbye, Sarah and the girl whisked off, leaving me by myself. I stood there awkwardly, looking around, desperately trying to find a familiar face. After realizing everyone was probably too drunk to even notice how much of a loner I looked like, I set off to find the kitchen. 

Sarah's words replayed in my mind, "It'll be fun!" She coaxed her voice with a tone that she knew would get me, "Don't worry about not knowing anyone! I'll stay with you all night!" 

I felt betrayed and hurt, and I suddenly hated how unexperienced I was at this whole party thing. I silently punished my younger self for not going to more parties as I finally found the kitchen. I wandered over to where all the drinks were, hoping I would recognize some of the labels. I didn't really know what was what so I just mixed a whole bunch of acid smelling alcohol into one red plastic cup and gave it a go. I cringed at the burning trail it left as it slid down my dry throat. 

"That's an interesting mixture you've got there..." 

I turned to see Alex with two red cups in his hands. He wore a Jack Daniels t-shirt and dark washed jeans from Hollister. Alex was a popular guy at school with good looks and a funny personality to match. We had gone to the same school since 7th grade, yet this was the first time we've spoken. 

I stiffled a laugh as I peered into my red cup. It had a weird dark green colour and its smell burned the insides of my nose. I set the cup down and eyed Alex suspiciously, who was still standing beside me for some reason. I wasn't a popular, overly gorgeous girl with a trail of guys behind me. I was nothing like those popular girls he hangs around with all the time. I was just a regular girl who attended West Pacific High School. Nothing special to offer. He nudged one of the red cups he was holding towards me and I took it with no question. I didn't even bother looking to see what was inside before I took a small sip. It tasted just as raw as my concoction and I nearly choked. 

Alex laughed and slung his arm around me. "You're new at this whole thing, aren't you?" 

I couldn't help but feel embarrassed as red rose to my cheeks. "It's that obvious?" 

"Juss a bit!" Alex slurred his words and pulled me towards a bunch of people who were crowded around a ping-pong table. "Yo Jarren, meet my new girl!" 

My eyes widened as I realized Jarren was part of the popular crowd and of course he would be here partying. Jarren Murphy had to be the most attractive guy at West Pacific. Every girl, younger and older, couldn't keep their hands off him.