Running On Empty.

Chapter Three: Stranger In The Kitchen.

As me and Paige dragged closer to Sam's party, I noticed how many people were actually here and my anxiety began to eat at me.

Me and my friends were pretty popular. And, that's me being modest. Everyone knew who we were, seniors included. Although people looked up to me, I still got nervous in front of mobs of people. You could never ever tell though. I do a good job at hiding things.

I checked the clock on my iPhone and it showed that it was nine thirty-eight.

I made a pact with myself to go easy on the food, as I had noticed while getting dressed that I had put on a few pounds these past weeks.

As we walked towards the door, I saw Paige's head flick to the side as a reflex of hearing movement from our left. I noticed her body tense as she quickened her pace, dragging me along.

"Hey! You two. Let us talk to you gir-uh.. girls," a voice slurred.

That's when I noticed them. A trio of familiar looking boys standing by a bush. I unconsciously pulled my mini skirt down and kept walking.

"Fucking idiots," Paige mumbled as we crossed over the threshold of Sam's house. Once inside, I let out a breath I hadn't been aware of holding in.

Ever since last spring break, i've been extremely paranoid of situations like that. Ever since Josh Sh-

"Rianne, hello? Are you listening to me?" Paige shrieked over the loud music, interrupting my thoughts.

I shivered as the remainder of the memories wound through my head, and was happy that Paige had stopped them. I didn't like thinking about that.

"Wha- what? I'm sorry," I apologized.

"I said I'm meeting up with Josh. Okay? I'll find you later," she threw over her shoulder as she weaved through the crowd.

I cringed at the name and turned my back walking into the direction of the main room.

Thankfully, the music drowned out my thoughts and I could rid myself of that problem.

But now, I was stranded admist strangers. People were dancing and making out everywhere. Typical teenage party scene. Beer cans were strewn everywhere and the loud music provided a foundation for bodies to rub against each other. Voices laughed and shouted. A few of them sounded familiar.

I dodged in-between bodies, feeling hopeless because I couldn't see over anyone. I stand at about arm pit level to average people. I blindly weaved in between dancers and people just standing around until I saw a streak of light and ran towards it.

Thankfully, I wound up in the kitchen, which was a lot less vacant. I took a seat in a bar stool that was placed at the kitchen's island and looked around for familiar faces. I reminded myself to harm Paige and the others for ditching me later.

My hands flew to my sides, where typically my pockets would be, when I heard my embarrassing ringtone go off. One Direction's 'What Makes You Beautiful' blasted through my speakers as a few heads turned my way I patted my upper leg again, when I mentally reminded myself that I was wearing a skirt and didn't have pockets. Flames licked at my cheeks when I remembered where I had placed it earlier. I subtly lowered my head as I reached into my bra and fished out my phone.

After I had retrieved my cellular device, I scanned the kitchen to see if anyone had saw. Right before I assured myself that no one had saw, I saw a new guy with short black hair and blue-gray eyes leaning against the wall. I knew he was new by just a glance. I knew practically everyone close to my age in my small town. I caught his eye and another blush crept to my face..

Dammit. He totally saw me checking him out.

Even then, I couldn't look away.

I took in his sharp features and toned body. I gave him the once over and noticed the thrown together outfit. It screamed 'I don't give a damn.' His jeans were dark washed and I strained my eyes and could make out a oil stain. He wore a fitted gray tank top under an unbuttoned navy green and white plaid shirt. Everything fit perfectly and I bit my lips while I took in his abs that were incredibly visible in his tight undershirt.

I knew he was watching me watch him. But, this stranger in the kitchen interested me.

I flicked my wandering eyes back up to his and my face turned the same color as my hair. He was grinning. A wide, cocky grin that he didn't even attempt to disguise.

I turned around to ask someone if they were aware of who he was. But when I had grabbed someone and pointed in his direction, he was gone. The stranger in the kitchen had vanished.

"Who's who?" A random brunette responded.

"Errr... never mind. He's gone," I called over my shoulder as I walked out of the kitchen.

I checked the text I had gotten a few minutes earlier and it was from Brandon. My ex

'u here yet? meet me by the stairs in 5.' - sent 9:57 pm

I quickly responded. What the heck? I was lonely.

'kay. see ya.' -sent 10:01 pm

I had a minute to make my way to the stairs.

Did Sam's house come with a map or what?