An Exchange

Chapter Twenty-Seven - NYE Party Pt 2

Penny

The crowd inside had greatly increased, and now the room was close to full. Soon they would have to go out to the yard to make space for everyone. Jonas stood off to the side with a large group of sophomore and junior boys. He talked animatedly as they watched and laughed, reveling in the attention.

By the table Maria still stood with Zoe, who also had her sister with her, and not too far off was Marty, Ray, Giles, and Seth. Marty kept glancing over at Maria, and I grinned. He had to still be interested in her.

I headed over to the girls. Deep in conversation, Zoe quickly filled me in. "This guy wants to date me. He's been back from his mission for a few months now, but I told him I didn't want to go on a date until I was eighteen, which is only a few weeks away."

"What's he like?" I asked.

"He's okay, I guess. My mom knows his mom, so she's really pushing me to go out with him. But I'm just not sure."

"Why not?"

She gently grasped my shoulder. "Penny, you know how they are when they get back from their missions. I just don't know how I feel about that yet."

I did know, perfectly well. They were either terrified of girls and would avoid being near them at all costs for several months, or they were intent on getting married as quickly as possible to a girl who was as young as was legal.

"Just say no then." Maria frowned.

"I don't know if I can. My mom really wants me to go out with him at least once."

"Once doesn't mean you're going to marry him," I said reassuringly. "And if once will get her off your back, then go ahead. You don't have to agree to a second date."

She glanced down and touched her chin. "Yes, I know you're right, but he's kinda awkward. Would you and Giles double with us, please?"

"Why not Ryan?"

She gave me an odd look, raising her eyebrow. "Really? You have to ask? I just told you how weird this guy is and you want to bring your non-member boyfriend along with a guy who will reinforce his idea that we're all strange?"

"You have a good point," I muttered.

"Please do this for me? It's just Giles." She looked up at me with large, pleading eyes.

I laughed. "Fine. But you're the one arranging the details." I looked over at Giles. "Ryan's not gonna like it, but he'll just have to deal with it."

Jonas plucked up the microphone for the karaoke game and silenced everyone so he could speak. "Hey guys! Welcome one and all to our sweet party. Eat food over there," he pointed to the table, "And sing here, out the back we have a fire going, and the bathroom is the first door on the left." He pointed to the hallway. "My dad wants me to do a prayer, but I think that's kinda stupid—"

"Jonas!" Alma snapped. A spattering of laughs filled the room.

"Fine, fine. I'll do it."

The room fell into silence. Jonas said a rushed prayer, then glanced around the room. His gaze caught on me and he gestured for me to approach.

As I walked over, he said, "We all know my Penny, who's also hosting this party." He gestured for Giles to come over as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "And Giles provided us with this great source of embarrassment. So I'm going to sing to Penny with his assistance."

Everyone laughed. Jonas couldn't sing to save his life.

"Hey, hey! I'm for real! Don't laugh at me!" He grinned. "It's going to be awesome."