Struck

~ Chapter 7 ~

The heavy bass of the speakers could be felt before we even stepped foot outside of the car. People loitered all over the front lawn, empty red solo cups and beer cans covering the well manicured grass. The mansion that we stood before was absolutely packed with people. Silhouettes moved in front of the windows on all three levels of the house, indicating that somehow this giant house was already near max capacity. 

And that was saying something. 

"You're trying to tell me that all of these people are here for us?" Ryker asked incredulously as he stared up at the house.

"Well," Jasper paused, "I wouldn't say they are all here for you. . .but technically this is supposed to be a welcoming party for you guys."

"I'm sure half of these people don't even know our names." Ashton snorted.

"They probably can't even remember their own names at this point." I laughed as a guy stumbled out of the front door, tripping over the steps and landing in a heap on the grass below. "Everyone looks fuuuucked."

"Well, then lets make sure that everyone knows your names by the end of the night." Jasper tossed his arms around Ashton and Ryker's shoulders, leading them up to the door while talking about how fucked up they were getting tonight. 

Jasper had sprung the news about this party on us only 45 minutes ago, leaving us all with minimal time to get ready. I had somehow managed to throw myself together in time, wearing a pair of ripped black jeans, a skin tight black crop top that flaunted my chest, and my combat boots. My typical party outfit. 

Jasper had somehow convinced his friend to throw us a huge welcoming party, but I knew none of these people would be coming for us. They merely couldn't pass up the opportunity to get drunk.

Of course neither could I, which was exactly why I was skipping up the front steps with Asher by my side.

The inside of the house was packed, people dancing, talking, kissing, and of course, drinking. A makeshift dance floor was to my left, in what appeared to once be a living room. The kitchen and dining room to my right were chalk full of people talking and playing games. It was a good thing this house was massive, because if I had to guess I would say there was at least 500 people here. 

Jasper waved to somebody at the dance floor and the music cut out, a chorus of groans filling the silence after. Everybody turned to look as a guy stepped up onto one of the speakers along the wall. 

"Attention everybody," The guy yelled, "The guests of honour have arrived." He gestured to where we stood in by the door. I felt myself stand up a little straighter as everyones attention shifted our way. For the first time this evening, I felt the electricity come to life within me, not liking all of the eyes cast my direction.

"You all know what that means." He continued, his voice carrying over the silent house, "It's time to fucking party!"

I snorted, as if they weren't partying before.

They crowd cheered, their cups raised in the air as the music started back up full force. I felt the heavy bass in my chest, replicating the feeling of my heartbeat. My head nodded along the music before I could stop it.  

The guy on the speaker jumped down and stopped in front of us, a huge smirk plastered on his handsome face. He was attractive, in a boyish sort of way, with tousled brown hair, brown eyes and a toned body. His dimpled smile was charming, so much so that I found myself smiling along with him. 

"So I finally get to meet the people Jasper has talked so much about." He clapped Jasper on the back, who grinned in return.

"Only bad things I hope." I smirked.