The Exchange

Chapter 23

I check myself out in the mirror one last time, making sure my light wash skinny jeans and purple tank top work perfectly with the burgundy cardigan I threw on top. Brianna promised she would meet me at Brandon's house at 7:30 and I'm really running late since it's already 7:15.

I grab my small black purse and run out of my room to go out the door.

"Where are you going?" Louis asks as I pass the living room. I've been putting off telling them about Brandon's party and I'm trying to act like it's no big deal but really, the butterflies in my stomach are flying like crazy about going to my first high school house party.

"My friend just invited me to a party." I say nervously, hoping Louis will let me go.

"A party?" He asks, getting up and walking towards me. "Where is it?"

"It's across the street from the school." I state, remembering when Brianna stealthily took me by his house at lunch this week so I would know where it is for tonight.

"Who's hosting it?" Louis questiones.

"His name is Brandon."

"He?"

"Yeah." I shrug like it is nothing, but realizing the same thing Louis had, the butterflies in the pit of my stomach present themselves again.

"What time will you be home?"

"Before eleven." I decide, knowing I don't want to stay any later.

"Will there be drinks?" he asks slyly. I knew this was coming and I'm dreading the answer.

"I heard there usually isn't but I would't drink anyways." I say firmly.

"Mira?" he smiles.

"I swear!" I say. Louis sighs and turns around. The boys huddle into a circle the American football way. After a minute or two of their consultation they all break and stand in a line together.

"Okay, you can go." Louis announces. I squeal a little bit but I didn't really think they were going to say no. What do they even care what I'm doing really? Well, I know they care but still.

"Thank-you!" I say clutching my purse.

"But," Louis continues and I feel a catch coming on. "Harry will walk you there so he knows where the house is, no drinking, no smoking and be home by ten. If you need anything you call or text one of us and don't let anyone get you a drink." Louis warns.

Alright, thanks for those words of wisdom...

"Okay!" I cheer. I'm not totally excited for this party since I'm not really one for crowds but I'm a litle nervous knowing the majority of the people that will be there I don't know.

I slip on my black ballet flats like always and Harry puts on his high tops. I grab my jacket and slide my arms through the holes carefully, remembering to breath so the butterflies will calm down.

"Bye guys." I wave, opening the doors and walking outside. Harry stays in for a minute before joining me and we head out. I feel a little weird having to have an escort to go across the street from the school but whatever. I just hope Brianna is already there.

***

Harry drops me off a few houses down. He claims it was so no one would see him but I think it was to save me from everyone knowing I have to have an escort.

"Call me for anything." Were his final words before letting me go. We were having a nice walk under the setting sun and darkening sky. It was beautiful and no one can take away that beauty.