Second Chance

Parties

Can I be fair here and say that high school parties are different in the movies? Nobody crowds around a table playing spin the bottle, nobody sits down making out on couches, and girls don't go around in slutty outfits looking for their next 'victim'. Everybody has someone their with, if not you find somebody and talk to them with alcohol until you're tipsy enough to be like "hey, let's make out." The whole party is based around getting laid.

And there are 5 stages in this strategy:

1. Show up

2. Drink a few

3. Find someone

4. Flirt and make out

5. Get laid.

I was determined to do 1 and 3 only. I would find someone and talk to them, nothing more. Other people here, well I think they thought it was time to get to step 5 tonight, even if they had to skip a stage or two....

Annalise was talking with some guys from the language club (they all had very hot accents which explains why she was giggling and playfully slapping them in the shoulders telling them how great they were.

Ella was working on making her way around with some beverage in her hand visiting with everyone and asking for a drink refill every time she got around to the designated drink area.

And Peyton was all over some guy on the dance floor which was something Id figure she'd be doing soon. she always knows how to get what she wanted.

Ever since Jenna came to school the next day with her 'makeover' she'd become a big hit with everyone, and was even running for class president. I looked across the room to find her chatting with Logan Richards, one of the jocks on the varsity football team. Huh, looks like she could be following steps 1-4 tonight.

"Hey Kaitlyn." a voice rose up from behind me and startled me. It was Jake.

"Geez Jake, give me a heart attack why don't yah!" I replied with a playful smile.

"What are you doing here?" He asked me slurring his speech a little.

I noticed the red solo cup in his hand.

"Having a good time. Whatcha got in that cup there?" I asked him with an eyebrow raised.

"I dunno", he spoke "but it sure does make me feel alive!" He added throwing his arms out and giving me a great big grin. I laughed.

"I think you've had a little too much of whatever this is." I took the cup from his hand and tossed it in the trash can behind me. He gave me a look of confusion but eventually said "you're such a good friend, always looking after me." And wrapped me in a great big bear hug.

As soon as he did, I met Peyton's eyes across the room, and she did not look too happy.

"Will you dance with me?" He whispered a little too loudly in my ear. Before I could even reply along came Peyton replying "of course I will!" Grabbing his arm and leading him on the dance floor to seductively climb all over him, which he seemed to enjoy. Suddenly, a feeling rose over me. My heart pounded against my chest, and anger towards Peyton came over me. Was I jealous...? No, I couldn't be, Jake and I were just friends. Right?

Then I feel someone covering my eyes. I turn around to see who it is. Oh man my favorite person! Ryan Haney! The savage who called me babe and wanted my tater tots. Nice.

Ryan grinned at me. "So what's up Kaitlyn?" He had a drink in his hand.

"Oh. It's you." I smirked.

"Yeah, it is." he winked at me putting his hands in his pockets. "I got a favor to ask."

"What do you want Ryan?" I eyed him suspiciously

"Ella. I want Ella." He raised his eyebrows with the most serious face.

"Ella has a boyfriend if you haven't noticed lately."

"She could have two..."

"Get lost Ryan." I pushed him backwards, a little too hard, an he fell backwards his cup flying in the air and spilling the liquid right onto Peyton James head. Just what I needed.

"UGH!" She screamed as she ran her hands through her damp hair.

"I... I.. I uh..." Ryan spoke losing all of the swag he had.

"GET OUT!" She yelled at him.

"Peyton, it was just an accident, I pushed him and he accidentally fell backwards... And..." I explained.

"YOU pushed him into me?" Peyton looked at me with rage "you need to leave Kaitlyn. Now." She raged as she made her way to the bathroom giving me no time to apologize. I didn't know what to do, so I walked outside into the summer night air feeling guilty about what I had done.

I heard something.... Crying?

From the side of the house?

I walked over to see what it was and I recognized the model worthy face even in the dark.

"Jenna?! What's wrong??" I questioned her with worry written all over my face.

"Kaitlyn? I... I." And she balled right into my shoulder.