Keepsake

Chapter 18

Alysia Evers

I flip through pages of a magazine I got in the mail and try to decide of some flowers to get. The season was noticeably changing which meant that I was going to have to plant something new in my garden. Fall was almost here. I needed some seeds that could thrive through the winter

Meanwhile, Marcus is in the driver seat changing the radio station and taking us to Joanne's house. He was wearing his irresistible black and blue shirt with baggy jeans. It was only slightly formal and mostly casual. His smooth face was freshly shaved and had a scent of aftershave.

I made sure to get my casual, yet sensual black and red shirt and pants that hugged the curves of my body. My hair hugged loose behind and in front of my shoulders.

We arrive at the party right in the middle of all the action. The music is pounding in the backyard and we can hear it from the front yard. Marcus opens my door for me and helps me out of the car. We approach the front door, but know that no one is going to hear a knock. We walk in through the thick solid wooden door and find a few of our friends from college. We're greeted by a large crowd of people holding drinks in their hands and joking among themselves. It's better than the uncomfortable feeling I thought everyone would show.

In the house, the walls are painted off-white and the door frames are a maroon color. The floor is tiled and the living room is slightly decorated with family photos. One that catches my eyes is a family portrait. It has Joanne plus an older woman who could be her mother, and a younger man that looked older than her. Maybe a brother.

We go out the glass backdoor and find more people on the dance floor. In the failing light of day that is soon to be nightfall, some of the decorative lights had been turned on and were creating several shapes of red, orange, and blue on each person. We say hi to more people as they'll passing by us.

The back porch is wooden and has a pool table where the guys have taken over and are playing against each other. The occasional joke travels through them and they laugh in sync. The ladies are spending their time dancing together while still talking.

"Alysia," I hear Joanne's voice call out to me. She nearly skips over to Marcus and I in full excitement. I give her a hug and she points all around at the decorations in the backyard. "How do you like the party?"

"Holy cow, it's great," I shout over the music.

"Hey, Marcus," she greets him. "Do you two want something to drink?"

"Sure," we answer.

Joanne helps us through the dancing ladies and past the guys playing and takes us to an area of coolers. They're full of sodas, water bottles, and juices. It was just like Joanne to throw a party and keep any alcohol out and away. If this were Linda's party, then that would be different. We take a can of soda each and are happy with them.

Mike shows up with a pool stick in hand and convinces Marcus to go with him to shoot pool. Marcus agrees, but makes it important to kiss me before he leaves.

"How are you and Marcus doing?" Joanne asks nearly blushing for me.

I choke on my drink. "Fine."

Joanne smiles. "I just want to say that I think it's so cool that you and Marcus are together. It's so weird how it worked out, but in a good way."

I try to not feel offended. Joanne was too nice to criticize people. There was no reason for me to take it the wrong way.

She continues, "How do your mom and dad feel about it?"