Forsaking Lilly

Chapter Twenty-Nine

It was Cooper who decided that it was time for us to get over Marcus. I can't say that I wasn't shocked when he slid his arm around my waist and pulled me away with him back into the mob of dancing couples. He didn't say a word, just led me into step with him. I'll admit, I was nervous about dancing. It was a slow song now, a country one at that. Wouldn't it be awfully awkward to dance with him to this, especially since we were just friends? He danced with me all the same, however, but not once did he look down at me. His eyes were fixed over my shoulder, staring at everyone else but me.

I was hurt.

Don't get me wrong, I knew all to well that I was being pathetic but how I could I help it? I was beginning to like him, and , even though it's going to sound selfish, I thought that he'd never change his mind about liking me too. I mean, isn't that how it happened in the teen romances? The guy likes the girl and never changes his mind even when she chooses other guys over him? I bit my lip, suddenly very frustrated with the situation. It wasn't fair that everything had to be so complicated, couldn't I just have it easy for once?

I was distracted from my thoughts as Cooper began to twirl me around, it was sudden and strange but I wasn't really complaining. It didn't take long for the song to end, and when it did, Cooper just grabbed my hand and pulled me along with him. His fingers held mine tightly, causing swirls of heat to raise through my body from just this small touch. I squeezed my eyes tightly, suddenly becoming nervous once more.

The new feelings that his touch surged through me began to irritate me immensely. How is it that I could flip-flop feelings for him so fast? As Cooper brought me over with him towards some friends that he'd recognized, I took the time he spent talking to them as time for me to relax my mental state. I knew deep down that it wasn't a good idea for me to get too wrapped in emotions when it came to Cooper. There was no way that I could change his mind if he didn't like me, and there was no point in me stressing over it.

My preoccupied thoughts were distracted by a new, surging dry feeling in my throat. I knew this feeling,I experienced it almost twelve times a day. I was thirsty, really thirsty. Clearing my throat and sending an apologetic smile towards his friends, I placed my hand on Cooper's arm. Reluctantly, his eyes dragged over to me and a strained smile flashed on his face. I figured I'd caught him in the middle of an important conversation. " Where's the punch bowl?" My voice was quiet, and just a little solemn. I hoped he wouldn't pick upon on my mood, and, luckily, he didn't.

" Over there, towards the door, you'll see it," he said hurriedly. I nodded my head and smiled at his friends once more before I began to walk away from him. I had to press pass a few people, but they didn't seem to mind me so much.

I felt a little better when I got further away from Cooper. I wasn't upset with him or anything, I just had too many questions regarding to where we stood. Finally noticing that it was a little cold in the party (Despite the amount of body heat provided by the large mass of party-attenders), I wrapped my arm around myself and headed towards the front door. Much like Cooper had explained, as soon as I could clearly see the front door, I saw the punch bowl.

As I walked closer to the punch bowl, I threw a look over my shoulder. I noticed that Cooper was still talking to his friends, the biggest smile on his face. He didn't seem to even notice that I was gone, which caused a frown fall upon my lips. Just let it go, a part of me said. I sighed, wondering if maybe I shouldn't have been looking so deep into the situation. Maybe he was just enjoying the party, like I should be trying to do.

Finally reaching the punch bowl, I grabbed one of the red plastic cups that were provided ( Thank you Mark) and began to use the silver ladle that was left floating around the large punch bowl to pour myself some punch. Much to my surprise, the punch wasn't your typical red color, it was a deep black that glowed purple, thanks to the light that had been skillfully positioned beneath the glass table.