Save Us From Their Long Run

I've Always Hated Parties (Part 1/2)

Looking in the mirror, I couldn't even recognize myself. Now I wasn't having some deep moment in front of a bathroom mirror or anything, it's just that Lydia had a team disguise me, and I literally could not see myself correctly. My hair went from a bold shade of brown to a bleached shade of blonde thanks to the wig I was provided with. I was wearing an intricately designed red dress with extremely high pumps to match. The heavily applied eyeliner and mascara made my crystal eyes pop. I actually looked like a grown woman, and I didn't really mind, but the bold red lipstick made me want to throw myself against a wall.

The dress was tight fitting and I could barely move and the heels were not helping me at all. I walked out of the bathroom and into the living room where we waited for everyone to suit up. I sat on the edge of the couch, completely aware of everyone's eyes set on me. A throat cleared and I glanced up just in time to see Tyler's look of panic as we nearly met eyes. Everything he wore was black, black, and more black. His short sleeve shirt was fitted to him and so were his jeans. Even his hat was black. The only different color on him was his dark gray belt that had a gun holster, ammunition pockets, and multiple king snaps.

Breanna finally appeared in the living room with the same outfit as Tyler, except a bit more snug and flexible. We were all silent as Lydia led us to the van that would deliver us to our rides to the party. Lydia kept droning on about the plan and where everyone is meant to be if something went wrong, but I already had it all committed to memory. I almost didn't hear when she told me to get out the car.

We had arrived at Toby, Caylen, and mine's stop. She motioned to me to move and I did as told, directly after Caylen. I had trouble stepping over Rose and Zach in the cramped car so Tyler grabbed my hand and helped me out. As soon as I stepped out the door his hand slipped from mine, and the last thing I saw and heard as the door shut was him telling me frantically to be careful.

The car drove off after that and I slowly walked to where Caylen and Toby were standing. A sleek black limousine was parked and ready to leave as soon as we entered. When I caught up to them Caylen put her arm around me and tried to reassure me that everyone would be fine, but I wouldn't be able to believe her until I saw my team at the end of the night.

I stepped into the limo and as soon as we were all buckled up it sped off towards the city building we were meant to make an appearance at. It would take an hour to get to the designated city where the party would be held, and the entire ride all I would do is think. I thought up every possible scenario I could conjure up, I made a way out of each situation in my head, and then I would voice them to Caylen and Toby. They didn't pay attention to me, but they thankfully let me ramble on to ease my nervousness.

The hour finished, and I swallowed loudly as I looked up at the tall building in front of us. Caylen had gone around back in her waitress uniform while Toby and I hooked arms and walked straight into the lobby. Lydia had gone over the secrecy of this party, so I slipped our invites over the counter to the person waiting there.

He looked at the invitations, then at us, then he nodded toward the elevator. He slid a keycard across the counter and I quickly swiped it. We entered the elevator hastily and I used the keycard to send us up to the 'secret' floor. As we ascended my hand tapped against my thigh, making a louder sound at every floor that passed. We had gotten to the last floor, Level 52, and Toby gripped my trembling hand tightly, asking me to calm down. I breathed out and watched the elevator doors slide open.

The noise level increased drastically as we walked in. I straightened my back and held a sly smile on my face as everyone observed who had just arrived. The entire floor was just open space, with the tables, chairs, and décor as well. Imagine a building's normal floor, with all the separate rooms and doors leading down the hallway. Now picture every one of those walls knocked down and thrown out. That was basically the room we stood in now, which didn't help my search, and neither did the stares from the wealthy people all crowded in here.They seemed to accept us as they shrugged and continued to sip their fancy drinks. I searched the room for the dozens of faces imprinted into my brain, but could not see a single one.